Issue 1217 7th July 2026

Pauline’s Piece

You’ve got a story

BY PAULINE STEWART

Whether it’s an opinion piece, an editorial, an event, or a news happening, or an advertisement in the paper – it’s a story. Our life revolves round stories – our own and other people’s stories. The sum of this newspaper is stories. We never get the complete story – just part. We share the stories on behalf of others and sometimes I tell some of my story with you.

Some people create a lot of stories not because of their position or title, but because of what they make possible and the way they value and involve people. Recently the Coromandel Peninsula lost James Gilbert and Warren Male, two leaders in their fields whose lives told a great story. The Informer has shared a tribute to Warren Male and The Profile published a tribute to James Gilbert and his great achievements for Coromandel. CFM covered both of these men with radio tributes.

Just this last week, Warren Sly from Thames and Noel Hewlett from Whitianga have died and our communities are poorer without them. The peninsula community offers our love and sympathy to their families. I knew of Warren through the Thames music events

Noel – a real stalwart

BY RON MORGAN

in which he was involved. He corresponded with The Informer for publication of these fine events. Warren’s life was a great story of community contribution which we will share with readers next week.

With Noel Hewlett, the loss is much closer. Noel introduced himself to Stan and me in our first week in Whitianga, now four years ago. Soon after, we met Nicola, his wife. We became friends. Noel always had a story to tell or a project idea for the future. He was very involved in his community and wanted to keep making a valid contribution. He loved people and cared about their sense of belonging.

Noel was confident that the future could be better than the present and he always found good things to say about the present. He was easy to love and value and

did a great deal for Whitianga. We honour Noel’s life in this issue through tributes from his daughter Sally, his old friend, Ron Morgan, and through Trevor Ammundsen with whom Noel shared the projects he believed Mercury Bay needed for its future. I personally believe in the wide scope of his projects – they should come to fruition.

WIN A MEAL WITH THE GREAT WINTER DINE OUT

In this issue of The informer, we are offering an invitation to dine out at least once a week this winter and by putting your receipt of that meal in a box on the counter of the restaurant where you had your meal, you are in the draw to win one of two $100 vouchers at the end of July, or August or September to eat out at the restaurant of your choice. You can choose from those listed on page 5. The Great Winter Dine Out as they are the restaurants who have agreed to be part of this. I apologise that it is only covering Mercury Bay for this time.

It’s worth eating a cheese sandwich at home a few times to then be able to dine out. Nothing will help hospitality more than people sitting down and enjoying food at one of the local restaurants.

The community has lost a real stalwart who has given all for the benefit of others.

He has been involved with numerous community groups offering a wide variety of services involving an incredible amount of personal and family sacrifice.

Being so personable made visits to the Whitianga Grocery shop in the early years a pleasurable experience and his support of the school was certainly appreciated.

His contribution to the Council was immense always taking a leading role and offering knowledgeable insights and thought to the many issues discussed. He was focussed on positive outcomes for the community and the residents of Mercury Bay. It was a sad loss for the local Council when he completed his tenure.

Noel and his brother were instrumental in setting up the Whitianga Bike Park requiring countless hours of voluntary labour and the raising of finance. Many folk today benefit from this fine facility which has continued to develop. And attract increasing visitors.

This outcome would have been so rewarding for Noel to witness.

Noel made a most immense contribution over many years to the Museum Trust Board. His input was valued by all and the museum benefited in many ways from his foresight and ideas.

While I was teaching at MBAS, the Hewlett family were always active assisting in a variety of ways determined to see the best for both their fine family and the school in general. The many fine attributes and values Noel exhibited were also evident in the family members both in school and later years. It was so noticeable how proud Noel was of his family’s achievements and how proud they were of their dad.

Noel’s contribution in the service organisations is well known and respected and appreciated by not only members but the wider community. What stands out in all my dealings is how compassionate Noel was for family, the town and its future.

You will be missed ‘bigtime’ Noel. Condolences to the family. Such a sad loss RIP

Astronomy Tours and B&B Phone (07) 866 5343

www.stargazersbb.com

STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2026 – your guide to the night sky

Tuesday, 7 July – Wednesday, 15 July

This is Matariki week with Kuaotunu having its annual Matariki Dark Sky telescope viewing at 5.00am Friday morning at the Kuaotunu tennis courts and soccer field. Complimentary hot drinks and sausages are provided for all and attendees who can, then move on to Kuaotunu Village for ongoing early morning activities.

Venus is getting steadily brighter and higher in the western dusk sky and Mars glows with a reddish hue in the early morning just to the left of the similarly hued red giant star Aldebaran in Taurus. Matariki is a similar distance to the left of Mars and slightly higher up. Friday, 10 July: Matariki morning has the

crescent Moon sitting well above and to the left of Matariki or the Pleiades with reddish Mars and Aldebaran on the right. The western dusk sky features Venus now lying just beside Regulus. Saturday, 11 July: The Moon now sits right next to the Pleiades/Matariki at dawn with Mars and then Aldebaran on their right while at dusk Venus sits just above Regulus. Sunday, 12 July: The Moon now sits directly below Mars and Aldebaran at dawn with Venus slightly above Regulus at dusk. Monday, 13 July: From 6:26am we have an ISS pass from the NW. Tuesday, 14 July: There will be an early ISS pass in the north from 5:39am. Wednesday, 15 July: There will be a good ISS pass from 6:27am in the west.

28 Albert Street, Whitianga Phone 07 866 4532 Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm, Sun closed Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides

8 July

Rise 7:29am Set 5:14pm Moon: Rise 12:16am Set 11:41am

Tides:

Noel Hewlett – A life well lived

BY SALLY HEWLETT

If you spent more than five minutes with Noel Hewlett, chances are he had a story for you. Every tale began the same way: “Have you heard…?” Whether you had or not rarely mat-tered. Noel simply loved people, loved conversation, and loved sharing the stories that con-nected a community. Born in Otorohonga on 16 November 1939 to Amy and Stanley Hewlett, Noel was the youngest of six children. He grew up on the family farm, where rugby, tennis, singalongs around the piano and trips to the movies filled a happy childhood. Music stayed with him throughout his life. Whether it was Elvis, dancing in the street to a guitarist in Arrowtown, or enthusiastically breaking into Purple People Eater, Noel found joy wherever there was a tune.

Leaving school at 15, he soon discovered retail was his calling. A sign promising the oppor-tunity to become a Woolworths manager captured his imagination, and he never looked back. It was through a church youth group exchange that he met the love of his life, Nicky, in New Plymouth. They were engaged within six weeks and married in January 1967, begin-ning a partnership that would last almost six decades.

Their early years saw them

move around New Zealand as Noel built his career in retail. One family story perfectly sums up those times. When their first child, Kim, was born in Blen-heim on New Year’s Day 1968 - becoming the first South Island baby of the year and second in New Zealand - Noel’s mother insisted there was no point in both parents losing sleep. While Nicky welcomed their daugh ter into the world, Noel enjoyed a full night’s rest and a hot bacon-and-eggs breakfast before heading to the hospital to meet his first child. It be-came one of those stories that was retold for decades, usually accompanied by plenty of laughter.

hub where people gathered for events, films, performances and Noel’s much-loved “Welcome to Our World” evenings, introducing newcomers to the community of which he was so proud.

strangers feel welcome, and was endlessly proud of his family. In his final weeks he was telling people around town how proud he was of his children and all they had achieved.

Eventually the family settled in Whitianga after Noel saw potential in a local supermarket and decided to take the leap into business ownership. It proved to be far more than a busi-ness decision. Whitianga became home, and Noel devoted himself to helping shape the town he loved.

After running the local grocery store, Noel and Nicky took on new ventures, including estab-lishing the Health Factory, which became much more than a business. It evolved into a community

Community service was never something Noel fitted around his life; it was simply how he lived. Over 48 years with the Lions Club, 12 years as a Thames-Coromandel District coun-cillor, service on local community boards and countless other organisations, he believed everyone had a responsibility to make their community a better place. He advocated pas-sionately for local causes, supported the arts, welcomed newcomers, championed young people and delighted in sharing ideas for what Whitianga could become.

Together with his brother Ray and many other volunteers, Noel also helped develop the Whitianga Bike Park, another project he proudly showed to every visitor who came to town. He never tired of pointing out the trees, the tracks and the people who had made it possible.

Above all, Noel loved people. He remembered people, made

Noel never wanted to leave Whitianga, and in many ways he never really did. There is comfort in knowing that one of his last

remembered moments was sitting beside his beloved Nicky with a cup of tea, about to watch New Zealand in the World Cup. The stories he told will continue to be retold by the people who loved him. And somewhere, you suspect, every one of them will still begin the same way: “Have you heard…?”

Sonic Boom

Two shows at Monkey House – Saturday, 11 July

The show is a covers concert for kids, playing their favourite songs. We have a 10 year old drummer playing in the band and local dancers from ADC joining us on stage for a special performance as well. This is a an excellent community event.

Phone 021 569 865 | www.themonroes.co.nz

Noel Hewlett was a hugh supporter of the Monkey House

Hooray for red, white and blue

BY VERNA CARR

It’s your semi-quincentennial!

2026 marks 250 years since the United States declared its independence.

On 4 July, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing that the thirteen American colonies no longer considered themselves subjects of King George III and the British Crown.

Drafted largely by Thomas Jefferson, the document laid out the colonists’ grievances and put forward the now-universal idea that “all men are created equal,” entitled to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Two and a half centuries later, the fourth of July has become a cultural celebration of national pride, exported wherever Americans (and American enthusiasts) happen to gather – apparently including a small-town Irish pub eight thousand miles away.

Which brings us to our own corner of the world. Grace O’Malley’s Fourth of July celebration had all things USA: food, live music from Celine Toner and Doc Jefferies, and the local members of the American Muscle Street & Custom Cars club, who turned out in force –big-block V8s wrapped in chrome and attitude (the cars, that is, not the people). Members arrived in full American regalia, decked out

in a colourful array of stars and stripes. Red, white, and blue were the order of the day, with a pint of Guinness on the side.

Parked outside was a collection of classic cars from the last century, back when cars were built to last, drive fast, and impress. It was a car lover’s dream – Camaros, Mustangs, Oldsmobiles, Corvettes, Cadillacs, Bel Airs, coupes of various brands – oh, be still my

beating heart. These cars deserve respect, not just for the owners’ devotion to restoring them to original condition, but for the sheer cardio workout of polishing required to get them show-ready.

Four years ago, Reg Smith – local organiser of the American Muscle Street Custom Club, Whitianga – bought a 1957 Oldsmobile that had been written off. A keen enthusiast and handyman,

Dine out this winter and be in to win $100 meal voucher each month

Dine out at participating local cafés, pubs and restaurants in July, August and September, put the receipt for your meal in the marked box on the counter with you name and phone number, and be in to win one of two $100 vouchers each month.

Participants include – The Coroglen Tavern, Smitty’s Sports Bar, Marina Bay Eatery, Cooked, The Lost Spring, Clove Indian Restaurant, The Blue Lagoon, Blue Ginger, Grace O’Malleys Irish Inn, Basker and Luke’s Kitchen (September only).

Winners will be contacted and announced in the first issue of the month of The Coromandel Informer.

Reg restored it back to its original condition. He says the club meets on the first Sunday of every month at Buffalo Beach, then members drive to a selected destination for lunch. Anyone with an interest in muscle cars, street/ custom builds, or unusual vehicles is welcome to come along and meet like-minded people.

The Whiti Beach Meet for 2027 is on 9 January at Buffalo Beach

Reserve, with vehicles of all types, live music, entertainment, and food vendors, says Reg.

The Buffalo Beach Club was also festive with the USA red, white and blue for 4th July with American flags, Texas Pete BBQ, live music from Gabe of Hula Café, Leo Magri of Coromind, and local musician/songwriter, Stu Pedley getting people up to dance and enjoy.

Resilience Expo a feast of information and friendship

BY PAULINE STEWART

It was advertised as a Road Show – people could encounter the different aspects of Civil Defense and Emergency Management, meet the people involved, enjoy some fun quizzes and competition related to civil defense and understand more about how it all connected locally.

It was that and more – like a fair or Saturday markets except you didn’t need to buy things. You could meet people directly involved in Emergency Management, share your vision or dream for the future of your community and have it illustrated on a community board.

At each station, a person was available to answer questions, explain their work and their own journey of becoming involved. It was a revelation of the many layers of organizational involvement when an emergency strikes, Andrea Williams Co-Ordinator of the Resilience team and Brian Carter, Civil Defense and Emergency Manager, TCDC and played key roles in the setting up of this Expo. Shane Bromley, Director of FENZ for the Coromandel had a strong team of volunteers present. Their stories as to how they

became passionate and involved in FENZ and emergency support were inspiring.

Rob of CFM hosted the event which commenced at 10.00am concluding at 1.00pm. He conducted an interview with Hannah of Rural Support who explained her role in emergencies and with Dirk Sieling, local owner and

farmer who related how he dealt with the emergency caused by two large slips on his land during the recent extreme storm events.

Grey Power was there fulfilling a different role. Linda Cholmondeley-Smith’s team are connecting the large number of senior citizens in our area as to who and what and is available for them

Birthday Celebration

when there is a storm event or emergency. Linda believes that there needs to be an allocated community building for people to go to in times of emergency. The event provided food for everyone - the perfect burger from Loaded Fries and out at the Crossroads Church entrance, a sausage sizzle served by our elected local repre-

sentatives stood aside the large local fire brigade unit.

The event was well organised, with a range of creative attractions and competitions for children and young people. Well done to Andrea of TCDC. However, public attendance was low, suggesting that broader and more varied promotion was needed.

Skate School joins Charitable Trust

BY SEAN REILLY

Over the past few years, many local families may have seen Whitianga Skate School delivering skateboarding programmes in schools and communities across the Coromandel. What some may not know is that the skate school has recently transitioned into a community-focused charitable initiative under the newly established Guided Journey Charitable Trust.

This change means that future growth, sponsorship, and community support can be directed back into creating opportunities for local young people and their families – focusing less on profit and more on purpose.

The purpose of The Guided Journey Charitable Trust is to support the wellbeing and development of young people through positive experiences, mentoring, outdoor activity, and meaningful community connections.

While skateboarding is currently our primary programme, it is simply one way we help young people grow, connect, and thrive.

In a world where many young people are spending increasing amounts of time indoors and behind screens, we see real value in getting outside, being active, connecting with others, and experiencing the wellbeing that comes from movement, friendship, and community.

By operating under The Guided Journey Charitable Trust, our focus is not simply on running lessons but on creating opportunities that are accessible to as many young people as possible. Through community support, sponsorship and fundraising,

we currently provide free skateboarding programmes in local schools, free lessons during school holidays, and keep our after-school lesson costs as low as possible.

We also sponsor six local children to participate in regular lessons and regularly provide skateboards, helmets, and safety equipment to families who need support.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

We are running a free skate lesson at Whitianga skatepark on the Saturday 18 July from 9.30am till 12.30pm with all gear available for use. Come and enjoy a free morning of skateboarding.

The response from local families has been incredibly encouraging, with more than 90 children

currently participating in our weekly programmes. We are also seeing growing interest from families in Tairua and other parts of the Coromandel, highlighting the demand for positive, accessible activities that get young people active, outdoors, and connected with their communities. None of this would be possible without the support of our community.

Thank you to the Mercury Bay Lions Club for their ongoing fundraising efforts, St Andrew’s Church for sponsoring a child’s participation fees, and Woolworths for their generous food support.

Thank you to our valued sponsors. Their support plays a vital role in helping us continue creating opportunities for young people throughout the Coromandel.

• PJ Builders

• The Lost Spring

• Coastline Excavation

• Cathedral Cove Water Taxi

• Gardenscapes

• Chops Landscaping

• FBC Ltd for Accounting

Thank you to our Board of Trustees for their dedication and commitment to the trust’s vision and to the many volunteers who generously give their time and energy to support our programmes. Without their support, much of what we do would not be possible.

As our programmes continue to grow, we will be looking for additional instructors and mentors to join our team. If you enjoy working with young people, have a positive attitude, and like the idea of helping children build confidence while staying active and keeping fit yourself, we would love to hear from you.

This is only the beginning of the journey. Our vision is to continue creating opportunities that help young people lead active, healthy, and connected lives while strengthening the communities we all call home.

If you would like to learn more about the trust, register your child for lessons, enquire about sponsorship support or volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

„ Sean works with The Guided Journey Charitable Trust 0221640015

A Lifestyle Village in Thames on the Coromandel

1

Phone us to view by appointment! Come and experience the difference!

Living the lifestyle, loving the choice... ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME, VIEW OUR VILLA AND APARTMENT OPTIONS TODAY! 82 Richmond St, Thames Phone 0800 868 5484 richmondvillas.co.nz

All villas and apartments are within walking distance to Thames’ shops, cafes, and walkways. The perfect location to enjoy your fun-filled retirement. Our open plan, single level apartments feature covered balconies with fantastic views of the sea, Kauaeranga River and mountains. Each unit’s elegantly finished kitchen, lounge, bedroom and bathroom offer stylish warmth and light. All residents enjoy scenic views from each level’s shared lounges, use of the Village Community Lodge and participation in all activities and amenities at your leisure

MATARIKI EVENTS

PAUANUI’S MATARIKI BONFIRE FRIDAY 10 JULY

All are welcome to The annual Pauanui Volunteer Fire Brigade Matariki Bonfire held at the South End Reserve. This event kicks off in the early evening around 5.00-5.30pm, bringing the local community together for a fun evening of fire, food, and celestial celebration.

PAUANUI PINES CELESTIAL GLOW

Pauanui Pines Golf Course is hosting a celestial glow event Saturday, 11 July. Tickets at the club, $45pp. Saturday 11 July from 7.00pm.

TAIRUA LIBRARY DISCO

Tairua Library has planned a Matariki disco on Thursday 9 July with dancing under the stars. Entry is free and all ages are welcome. There is also a Matariki Share Kai event on Saturday July 11 and people are invited to bring something along for sharing.

DARK SKY ANNUAL MATARIKI EVENT

The Kuaotunu Dark Sky Trust is running the annual 5.00am Matariki event the Kuaotunu in the grounds of the Kuaotunu Library again. However, this year it is on Friday, 10 July , so people can move along from our Dark Sky event to the community event Roimata’s event at Kuaotunu on the Kuaotunu Reserve which starts at 6.00am.

Our telescopes will be there and people should be able to get a view of Saturn, the Moon and Matariki this year through our telescopes. See you at 5.00am. Our breakfast sausages will be ready and I am confident there will be adequate supplies of Mars Bars.

KUAOTUNU CELEBRATES MATARIKI ON 10 JULY

Make sure you mark 10 July in your calendar for the Matariki Festival happening in Kūaotunu. An opportunity for the community to come together

to celebrate the Māori new year – Te Toi o Matariki.

6am Hautapu ceremony community celebration at dawn Gather at 5:45am for 6am start on Kūaotunu Reserve (opp. Luke’s Kitchen).

To finish when the sun has risen (7.29am sunrise).

9am - Exhibition opening at Kūaotunu Hall, all welcome Nine local artists have created artwork around each of the Matariki stars. Art show running through the weekend, 10 to 12 July.

10.-00am-4.00pm Wānanga running in the garden of the hall

Demonstrations of harakeke, uku (clay), korero around kaitiakitanga.

6pm (time TBC) - Bonfire Kūaotunu boat ramp BYO guitar and marshmellows.

Supported by: Creative Coromandel – He Mana Toi Moehau Trust and Coromind.

MATARIKI STARGAZING TIME

View Matariki rising and other planets and stars. Commentary from experienced guides. Large astronomical telescopes and binoculars. Shedding light on the Dark Sky Community project. Meterorites on view and Mars bars provided! 5am-7am, Friday 10 July,

Kuaotunu Domain by the tennis courts.

NORTH OF COROMANDEL TOWN

Family train rides – Driving Creek and an evening Stargazer Train Ride with guided stargazing. Two exclusive train departments, Friday 10 July – 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Please book.

GOLDFIELDS NIGHT MARKET – THAMES

A special Matariki Night Market with local stalls, entertainment and live performances.

WHANGAMATĀ MATARIKI WEEKEND

„ Hāngī, market stalls, games, activities and a full weekend of celebrations. Williamson Park, Friday 11 July, 9am onwards. Please see page 18.

„ Monster Book Sale – Whangamata Lions. Saturday 11 July – 9am-2pm at the Whangamata Fire Station.

SATURDAY 11 JULY

Paeroa Community Matariki Dinner. Bring your own kai and enjoy an evening of community, connection and celebration.

Opoutere Community Matariki Celebration. Annual community hāngī celebrating Matariki with food, friendship and whanaungatanga.

END OF SEASON WINTER CLEARANCE

‘Worth Watching Online’

WORTH WATCHING ONLINE

1. David Attenborough Presents Hummingbirds: Jewelled Messengers New Zealand certainly has an amazing number of species of birds, however one we do not have and is truly spectacular, is the hummingbird.

2. Richard Feynman Explains The Big Misconception About Electricity

We all use it and can’t do without it. To light and heat our homes and to do our cooking and we know it can be dangerous. However few people know and understand what electricity really is. Feynman’s tutorial is to discover by those amongst us interested in science and physics (and the curious).

Enjoy viewing Mike

Inspiration Alley

By Ananda Laberge

It’s about the art of listening

My daughters have taught me so many lessons in life. One such occasion was when my older daughter, Annika (now 24), was in high school. She was filled with angst about a certain thing that happened and she was sharing about it. There was something in her story that I could relate to, and that was the problem.

I blurted out, “Oh, I can totally relate. Let me tell you about…” That was the last thing she needed. She looked down and her body language completely changed. I was oblivious. As I finished my story, she calmly said, “You know Mom, I just wanted you to listen.”

That moment has stayed with me forever. I felt like I failed as a loving Mom and was too wrapped up in myself to give my daughter the attention she deserved. It’s so easy to want to relate to people. But when does relating turn into a selfish motivation? Give and take in relationships is natural, but in this instance, and in many since, I have realized when I just need to shut up!

In looking honestly at it for several days afterwards, I realized my motivations were coming from the right place; I was just trying

to show her an example of a different approach that might have helped her. But at that moment, it was not what she was looking for. All she wanted was compassion and a highly attuned listener, and maybe a hug and reinforcement that she was going to be okay. Conversations with friends, or truly anyone, is the same. If we did more listening and less talking, this world would be a better place. After that experience, I

started paying more attention to not just my conversations with friends and family, but also with my work colleagues. I felt like at work (as a Negotiation Consultant) I did a lot of good listening; it was imperative so that I could suggest alternate strategies that fit the outcome they were looking for. Why was I not doing that with those closest to me?

It was all about the role I was playing. As women, especially

in our 30’s and 40’s when life is moving fast with multiple responsibilities: work, kids, husband, mother…paying attention is not easy! I felt like by the time I got home from a work trip, my capacity to truly listen was on empty. But I had to do better, especially for my kids; they were the starting point. I started honing the skill by visualizing situations. I would see myself in the car with one of my daughters with me driving them to a dance workout or a soccer game and just see myself only listening intently. Then I started applying one of the skills from my consulting work—summarizing what I was hearing when a break in the conversation happened. This lets the other person know you are listening. Because I was already doing this at work, it was rather easy to transition to. Plus, the summarizing also ensured that my daughter could correct me if I had misinterpreted something.

After a while, I started applying it to friends and other family members. It started to become a part of me. It taught me that change will not happen on its own. We must want it. That little lesson has paid off wonders. I have deeper relation-

ships because of it, and I find that we are better friends when we can just pay attention to the other person without interruption. Having moved to New Zealand, I had to learn all the nuances that Kiwis throw around—summarizing has been my lifeline to better understanding; I’m still struggling with remembering the names of all your little towns and cities.

Anthony Bourdain, the famous Chef, was the absolute master of stepping back and letting others take the spotlight. His show, Parts Unknown, fascinated me. He was able to be charismatic and a good listener at the same time. Here was a man that was famous, had travelled the world, been an accomplished chef, who could walk the streets of Bangkok and relate to a complete stranger like they were the best of friends; and he did it by listening. Wow! What a skill.

Although Mr. Bourdain is no longer with us on this planet, his lessons live on. Next time you have the opportunity to listen to a friend, let’s try harder to do just that…listen.

„ Feel like commenting or getting in touch? You can reach me at: ananda.laberge@gmail. com.

Coromandel Our

News from Thames-Coromandel District Council

Tough Choices for Lower Rates adopted: balancing costs, fairness and service delivery

Our Council has confirmed a package of changes aimed at balancing rising costs while keeping rates affordable. Rates have been set at an average increase of 3.97%, significantly lower than originally forecast.

WHICH WAY SHOULD TCDC GO?

We consulted on four proposals as part of our Tough Choices campaign. Following feedback, we decided to increase fees and charges and decrease some rates discounts, withdraw our proposal to reduce mowing and gardening services, and amend proposed changes to rubbish and refuse transfer station opening hours to be more convenient.

You will notice some changes including higher fees for most Council services from 1 July 2026 – from rubbish tags to boat ramp parking. Users of transfer stations at Coromandel, Matarangi and Pāuanui transfer stations can expect to see opening hours reduce in the coming months. The first rates notice will be sent

New online boat ramp launch system

We’re making it easier and more convenient to get out on the water. Our Council has introduced a new online boat ramp launch system, delivered in partnership with Stellar - a trusted provider of parking and boat ramp solutions across New Zealand.

The new system is designed to provide a smooth transition, minimal disruption and an easier experience for everyone. Find out more at www.tcdc.govt.nz/boatramps

PUBLIC MEETING

Tairua Coastal Protection

Come along and share your experiences of weather events around Tairua. Help shape thinking on Tairua’s future.

By now you've heard of the Government's plans to simplify local government. Councils have been requested to submit a proposal to the Government by 9 August.

out in September and will include other rating changes made last year, including the shift from land value to capital value rating. While this shift does not change total rates collected by our Council, it does change how rates are distributed across properties.

The final plan reflects careful trade-offs. We have focused on keeping costs down while protecting services people value and reducing internal costs to limit impact on households.

Our Annual Plan is a yearly update to our Long Term Plan, setting out the budget and key work programme for the coming year.

Find our Annual Plan, fees and charges and other details at www.tcdc.govt.nz/AP2627

WHITIANGA WHARF PONTOON REPLACEMENT –CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

A construction contract has been awarded to replace the Whitianga Wharf pontoon. Offsite construction has begun and the pontoon will be delivered by sea, reducing disruption at the wharf. Installation is scheduled for August 2026 and is expected to take two to three weeks, subject to weather and marine life. An alternate ferry berth will be provided during the construction works so minimal disruption to ferry operations is anticipated. Smaller charter boat operators will use the boat ramp pontoon during the construction works. For more details and updates, visit www.tcdc.govt.nz/whitiangapontoon

We have shortlisted three amalgamation options that would meet the Government’s requirements and we want to narrow this down to one.

You can help by ranking the three options in order of your preference. The options are: the Greater Waikato, Northern Bay of Plenty, or Eastern Waikato.

But time is short.

Head to

www.tcdc.govt.nz/localgovernmentreforms before 15 July to find out more and have your say. Not online? Paper forms can be accessed at your local Council service centre or you can call us on 07 868 0200 and our team will record your views. Make sure your voice is heard.

Council services over Matariki weekend

KERBSIDE COLLECTIONS AND TRANSFER STATIONS

There are no scheduled rubbish and food waste collections on Matariki public holiday, Friday 10 July. Collections in affected areas are one day later. For year-round kerbside collection calendars, check your local schedule at www.tcdc.govt.nz/bindays

Our seven refuse and recycling transfer stations are open daily from 8.30am–4.30pm. www.tcdc.govt.nz/rts

OFFICES | DISTRICT LIBRARIES

Our offices (including AA services) will be closed on Matariki public holiday on Friday 10 July, resuming normal hours on Monday 13 July. Our district libraries will also be closed on the public holiday, resuming normal hours on Saturday 11 July. You can still reach us 24/7 at 07 868 0200 or customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz

ALCOHOL BANS

Alcohol bans are in place over the Matariki long weekend from 4pm on Thursday 9 July to 4pm on Sunday 12 July. Check out www.tcdc.govt.nz/alcoholcontrol

Give it a go this coming Tuesday

These are just two of the mobility scooter models on display and for demonstration next Tuesday, 14 July at the Community Services Centre, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga, from 10.00am–12noon.

These two models are great for putting in the car for trips to Thames, Hamilton -anywhere and are fine for taking on flights. The weight is only 17kg.

Meet Mr Mobility, Gary Darkes to learn all about them and many other mobility vehicles available to residents requiring independence with mobility.

It’s an opportunity to see and try out the different models and to discuss with Gary ongoing maintenance and care of mobility vehicle.

The Independent Living Trust has organised this meeting and

service for residents on the Coromandel Peninsula.

„ Contact Gary 021 450862 but no need to book; just come along. Email for enquiries: gary@ilsnz.org.

Morgan and the Thames Home Guard

Le Lunch -Tres Bon!

BY JULIE BUBB

Join Morgan as he discusses the 4th Thames Home Guard Battalion which had responsibility for defending the 125 miles of coastline around the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula. The unit did so from 1941 through to 1943 working in co-operation with other local Home Guard units such as the No 3 Hauraki Independent Mounted Rifles. The 4th Thames Home Guard Battalion was formed on the 4/3/1941, its first company totalling130 enrolments, by the beginning of May the Roll of the Battalion had reached 738 men. The talk comes with a twist and is not to be missed.

Mercury Bay Lions

warmly invites you to Le Lunch - a three course French style lunch to be held at Mercury Bay Bowling Club on Saturday, 8 August.

The lunch will have tasting platters placed on long tables - stunning French style starters, delicious main courses and delectable desserts. There may not be any escargot (snails) or frog legs in sight, but there will be music, spot prizes and some wonderful raffles.

It’s a chance to escape the winter blues and make up a group of

Stephen De Pledge - Thames concert

The Thames Music Group Sunday concert for July features New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge playing a programme of music that certain to delight fans of Beethoven and Liszt and introduce many listeners to a new work by New Zealand composer Jeroen

Speak.

This concert features Beethoven’s first sonata, written when he was just 12 years old, and his last, written at the end of his eventful life. Widely regarded as one of the pinnacles of the repertoire, the Sonata Op.111 is a profound and

moving work. The programme concludes with two characterful pieces of Liszt, and a quirky new work from London-based NZ composer Jeroen Speak.

DETAILS: Thames Music Group’s Sunday Concert series presents Stephen De Pledge, Sun-

day 12 July 2026 at 2.00 pm, St George’s Church, Mackay Street, Thames.

Tickets: $20/Adult, $15/TMG Member, Free entry/Under 18 yrs old.

Contact: thamesmusicgroup@ yahoo.co.nz

friends to enjoy a lunch of fun and frivolity. (If your group wishes to be seated together, their tickets will need to be purchased as a group).

Tickets go on sale at the Whitianga Information Centre from 13 July and will cost $60 per person. The lunch will be from 11.00am-2.00pm with a cash bar available. All proceeds will be used to fund local projects. Mercury Bay Lions have supported many projects over the last two years such as Bellyful, the Toy Library, Playcentre, the Guided Journey Charitable Trust and Te Tiihi Nui Trust.

Stephen De Pledge

Sally’s flax weaving a big hit

BY PAM FERLA

There’s a sense of focus and aroha at Tairua Library as a small group of weavers sit around a table spread with flax and learn to create Maori kete koha (gift baskets).

The teacher is mahtoi artist, Sally Bell of Tainui, Maniapoto and it’s obvious she loves sharing her knowledge. She has been teaching weaving for a couple of years and studying Rongoa (Maori medicine) for a year.

“My mum is a weaver and so I grew up with this and my grandparents practised Maori medicine. I love living off the land and like to use natural resources instead of contemporary resources. And I believe while people are weaving they may find it is also a way of healing.”

As Sally deftly handles the flax, she explains the lore.

Each side of the leaf is seen as a parent who looks after the middle part of the plant (rito). In harvesting, you cut on a 90 degrees angle away from the rito, so that the water

runs away from the plant. You take the middle part out and this is the part used in weaving. Sally plans to take her students harvesting flax when the time is right.

As she explains, her students are absorbed in making their kite koha. April Delbeth reckons she is likely to “get hooked” on this weaving and Chrissy Van de Looveren tells me that Sally is “an awesome teacher”.

As well as her workshops in libraries, she visits schools and kindergartens.

INCREDIBLE FEEDBACK

Tairua librarian, Kayla McCallum, is delighted to have Sally’s workshops in the library.

“We love our community and really appreciate Sally being able to offer her knowledge and skills to everyone. She has opened Tairua Library to new knowledge, people and connections! The feedback so far has been incredible and I can’t wait for future workshops and ideas.”

Sally’s Rongoa workshops will be held in Tairua after the school

holidays, on Mondays from 10am to 12pm or 5.30pm to 7.30pm, with bookings required for the five-week course. There is a maximum of ten people per session.

Workshops at Mercury Bay and Tairua on and a Matariki Flax Weaving Workshop with Sally in Thames are fully booked. Sally invites people attending these workshops to bring their ambitions and goals for the new year. A plate of kai to share is also welcome.

Sally is also part of a women’s free diving group and is currently taking a certificate to teach this.

“I dedicate my time to protecting our oceans and revitalising ancestral knowledge. Through my journey as a free diver and kaitiaiki a te moana, I connect directly with the physical and spiritual realms of Tangaroa. My ultimate goal is to weave these elements together to promote holistic wellbeing and environmental awareness within our communities.”

There is currently a display of Maori flax weaving on show at Tairua Library.

Mammogram Project update from the Mercury Bay Medical Equipment Trust

BY MIKE BROWN

Over the last 9 months, we have been in discussion with Breast Screen Aotearoa (BSA), Breast Screen Midlands (BSM), and Health NZ Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) regarding the structure of a fixed mammogram unit based in Whitianga and serving the Eastern Coromandel.

These discussions have been frustrating and in vain. As a result, we wrote to the Minister of Health on June 2, 2026, expressing our disappointment and requesting his assistance and intervention. The letter was copied to our local Member of Parliament, The Right Honourable Scott Simpson.

Yes, we have proposed a slightly different model for how breast screening services are presently delivered in our rural

setting. HOWEVER, our model saves lives by making breast screening available to all women on the Eastern Coromandel, eliminating +6-hour journeys for our women to get a mammogram, and reducing operational costs within a health budget under significant strain.

As stated in our letter to the Minister, a fixed 3D Mammogram site for breast screening in Whitianga is not just a service. It is a vital, life-saving initiative that could protect the health of all rural (provincial) women in the Eastern Coromandel.

It has the power to significantly increase the number of women having screening mammograms, thereby reducing the cost of providing the service to BSA and HNZ. The impact of this project cannot be overstated. Further, we covered Public and

3D digital mammography machine.

BSA/HNZ Benefits such as:

A. Earlier Detection: Saving lives, enhancing life quality and duration, reducing anxiety and trauma, early deaths leading to reduced capaci-

ty-load on the public health system (fewer invasive procedures – e.g. surgery and in-hospital bedtimes), and the treatment of breast cancers at outpatient clinics in tertiary hospitals.

B. No CAPEX: No initial 3D mammogram machine capital expenditure (NPV $350,000) – a replacement machine in perpetuity.

C. Cost Efficiency: No required staff accommodation and mobile service to Eastern Coromandel required.

D. Additional Income: Contract screening mammograms for a private operator.

COMMUNITY HELP REQUIRED

As a result of our discussions being "stonewalled" by BSM and BSA, we are asking you, our communities, for help to sign

a petition. The petition will be available for signing from Port Charles to Pauanui for women who wish to have 3D screening mammography at a fixed site in Whitianga, which can be booked throughout the year, thus increasing the accessibility of screening to Eastern Coromandel women of all ages.

The petition will be submitted to the Minister of Health and Scott Simpson, our local MP, before the central government elections on November 7, 2026, to demonstrate strong community support for the project.

We will share more details about where and how to sign the petition in next week's issue of The Informer. Please stay tuned in, to help us make a difference. „ Mike Brown is Secretary and trustee Mercury Bay Medical Equipment Trust

Native

Open Thurs-Sun 8.30am-4.30pm; others days by phone appointment

WAITAIA NURSERY

Waitaia Road, Kuaotunu

Phone Colin or Cam 07 869 5910 www.waitaianursery.co.nz

Time to pass on the baton

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

Whitianga lost a great resident recently with the passing of Noel Hewlett on 1st July, aged 86. Arriving in Whitianga well over 40 years ago, initially owning the IGA store which was operated from the location that now supports the local Subway, Noel has been a consistent contributor and advocate for our community.

The love of his community lead Noel to contribute much towards its improvement and betterment. This involved periods serving as Chairman of the Business Association, membership of the Community Board and for a number of years as a TCDC Councillor. Noels contribution was not limited to committee work though as he also was involved with community work to do with the Cyclone Bola recovery, purchasing the old Fish Factory (now the Monkey

House Theatre) for community use, working with the local committee tasked with Waterways liaison and in later years extensive involvement with developing the Bike Park. This is a unique hidden gem of Whitianga, located down the end of Moewai Road and used for family picnics and recreation. I remember meeting Noel for the first time when my wife and I visited the park after her father’s funeral in 2012. Noel met us there and showed us the tree Jim (my father-in-law) had donated and planted in the Bike Park, a lovely memorial. Noel worked at the Bike Park until his recent passing, always willing to show and discuss the park with visitors of all types.

Noel’s advocacy in recent years was centred on the Moewai Park Sports Ground. Opened in 2014, this sports ground is a great facility that has not been properly utilised by the community and could

provide us with much more. Using the Informer as a vehicle for his advocacy, Noel has presented the case for developments at the Park such as a soundshell and lounge / convention facilities, concert venue. In one letter on the subject Noel wrote;

With all the doom and gloom in the world, and especially our own country, we must as individuals stay positive and look for opportu-

nities in the future. One opportunity I would like to promote is to do with the wonderful facility built at the Whitianga Sports Park off Moewai Road. This complex developed by Hopper Bros. and TCDC would have to be the most professional project in the district.

Whilst the construction of the site is well done, it needs much more work to complete the project and make it financially viable. My practical solution is to provide an area to hold events and concerts, to bring in the people and provide revenue.

Imagine, if you will, a permanent soundshell site built to accommodate up to 5000 people. The benefits of this proposal could be huge, both for Whitianga and the whole district.

He also argued against development of an Arts and Conference Centre in the town centre, once again pointing out the benefits of using the Sports Park.

There is no question that Whitianga needs a dedicated site for the arts but what about other groups and organisations who use the Town Hall on a regular basis? The venue at present is full to capacity. The hall site would not only be expensive to develop but lacks the necessary parking. During the past few months, I have contributed Letters to the Editor in the informer on the need to have a building to cater for all sectors. The site I keep proposing is on the Whitianga Sports Ground off Moewai Road that is owned by the Thames Coromandel District Council. It is unfinished and there is room and capacity for more development and usage. This position would be ideal to build a Conference and Performing Arts Centre and be used by art and creative and performing groups, concerts, music events etc. All this would be in addition to sports events – a wonderful facility for our region.

Non-negotiables with Reform Options

Important for Local Government Reform

BY DIRK SIELING

Having been approached by a number of people asking for my preferred of the 3 options, I had to start thinking as I didn’t have one. I started with my non negotiables:

1. Ringfence the debt of any amalgamating entities. In other words, ensure that outstanding debt, including its interest is paid by those entities that have incurred the debt. The corollary being that any assets owned by any amalgamating entity are also ringfenced or a compromise is calculated whereby assets and their income offset debt

2. Community Boards must have meaningful responsibility, budget and autonomy. Local Boards as suggested by Trevor Amundsen with budgets proportional to their rating base. The voice of these new boards needs to be strong at Unitary Authority level.

3. The rural voice needs to be protected. This means meaningful

representation at UA level based on rural zoning. Environmental science and compliance need to move from regional councils to a central government agency.

4. Commonality of social, economic and cultural interests.

5. Any reorganisation must result in a meaningful reduction in bureaucracy costs and subsequent staffing levels. There is not much point in amalgamation unless worthwhile savings are achieved.

I WEIGHED MY CONDITIONS AGAINST THE OPTIONS:

Option 1: A big powerful Waikato super council is not seriously considered by any of the Districts involved and likely to be rejected by the public, so it was discarded.

Option 2: A Northwestern Bay

of Plenty entity could meet conditions 1 to 4 especially for the Coromandel East Coast, but condition 5 only if the Thames bureaucracy was significantly reduced.

Option 3: Eastern Waikato matches Hauraki’s preferred option but 4 districts, a long way apart, would scrap to maintain their power and staff. The status quo loomed.

UNCONVINCED I CONSIDERED ALTERNATIVES:

Going it alone

TCDC going it alone and assuming the WRC responsibilities, as promoted by Geoffery Robinson, would add a layer of bureaucracy and bringing no real change. With government rejection almost certain we would weaken our negotiating hand and end up with Option 3 promoted by Hauraki.

OPTION 4

Unexpectedly, I arrived at another option that was considered by the TCDC working group but not chosen to be presented to the public. That’s a shame because it should have been.

It is an amended form of Option 2 amalgamating with WBOP but with a carve out for the greater Thames area. Only two Districts would have to amalgamate into a manageable moderately sized unit (including Tauranga with its debts and assets ringfenced or equitably dealt with). Thames would amalgamate with Hauraki. This option would meet all my bottom lines including commonality of interests such as agriculture, horticulture, coastal and marine activities, a considerable retirement community as well as biodiversity and catchment issues.

Thames has long been part of the Hauraki economy as a service centre and including Thames just might persuade Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams to drop his stated

opposition to surrendering Whiritoa. It will certainly give Hauraki something to consider as, what I call Option 4, will probably make sense to the government. It would also address the longstanding East vs West parochialism in our district that resulted following the amalgamation of the Coromandel and Thames Counties and Borough years ago. Arguments over rating income disappearing ‘over the hill’ would cease. The drastic surgery of Option 4 perhaps frightened some elected members as too radical, but for effective change drastic surgery may be just the ticket. I believe it would also strengthen our hand in the many convoluted negotiations that are still to come. I plan to go to The Lost Spring on Thursday to find answers from our representatives why Option 4, which in my view puts TCDC in a stronger bargaining position, is not on the table. Hope to see you there. For the other meetings on the Coromandel Peninsula please see Page 21.

When it matters most, nothing has changed

New name. Same crew. Same care. Same commitment to Coromandel.

Since 1970, the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust has served communities across Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel with trusted emergency care when it matters most.

From 1 July, we’ll be known as the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters, a proudly charitable, communitysupported service, operated by Northern Rescue.

Formed in 2019 through a partnership between the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, and Northland Emergency Services Trust, Northern Rescue brings together more than 90 years of combined rescue helicopter experience.

So while our name may look different, what matters most has not changed. The same highly trained pilots. The same critical care paramedics. The same trusted air crew. The same 24/7 commitment to saving lives 365 days a year.

We honour the legacy of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, which has been serving our community for decades. That same commitment to life-saving air ambulance service for our community continues under Northern Rescue today.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters proudly owned and operated by Northern Rescue.

Ready when you need us most.

Travel with Sarah Jane

The problem with travel bucket lists

Why Modern Travel Sometimes Feels More Like Collecting Proof Than Actually Experiencing A Place

Travel bucket lists promise unforgettable experiences, but often create rushed, crowded, emotionally shallow travel. Discover why slower, more impulsive journeys create stronger memories.

Social media travel culture is part and parcel of modern travel.

Increasing the pace of contemporary travel feels like collecting proof rather than experiencing places properly.

Somewhere along the way travel became strangely exhausting.

PEOPLE NOW CROSS CONTINENTS TO:

• stand in lines

• recreate social media photos

• tick landmarks off lists

• and leave destinations almost immediately afterward.

We rush toward “must-see” locations often without asking:

“DO WE ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THIS PLACE?”

Many travellers secretly do not feel emotionally connected to the next cathedral, fortress, famous

staircase, or ancient ruin.

But they still go. Why?

Because modern tourism has quietly convinced us that missing famous places equals failing at travel.

So people keep moving. Keep photographing. Keep rushing.

THE GUILT OF MISSING OUT

Travel guilt has become one of modern tourism’s strangest side effects.

PEOPLE FEEL GUILTY:

• skipping famous landmarks

• staying longer in one place

• sitting on a beach all afternoon

• wandering side streets

• reading books at cafés

• doing “nothing”

There is enormous pressure to maximise every travel day.

We often miss the actual fun parts

Scenic detours, weather shifts, empty beaches, and unplanned roadside stops often become the emotional highlights of a journey rather than the destinations people originally circled on a map.

THE STRONGEST MEMORIES CAN INVOLVE:

• getting slightly lost

• finding an empty beach

• random roadside bakeries

• conversations with locals

• scenic detours

• unexpected waterfalls

• a café nobody planned to stop at

THE SELFIE-CLICK-FORGET PROBLEM

Modern tourism increasingly encourages: proof-of-presence travel; person arrives, takes the photo, uploads it, leaves.

But do they actually know the place?

Beverley The Bee

BOOK REVIEW

The most important insect in our world is the bee. Responsible for so much of our food, the bee just gets on with it every single day. Beverley

The Bee is a book and a song put together by Whangamata locals to honour this legend of our food chain. The book and the song were inspired one day while walking along Whangamata Beach where the author – Shaun Fay discovered on the tideline some dead bees. Bee-ing the bee nut that he was he wondered

why. He learnt that strong offshore winds often push bees out to sea. In fact, ‘one big puff can be more than enough’. But while all looks lost at sea for Beverley The Bee, she spots the local charter boat Te Ra and is saved. And that was the Bee-ginning of the idea. The song is a labour of love by well known, Whangamata muso Mike Frogley. Once the music and words were finalised, they booked an Auckland Studio where Simon Dallow’s brilliant 15-yearold niece, Katie Dallow sang

it. Once they were happy with the song, it was time to get the book happening. Shaun contacted famous Danish Illustrator-Emma Perrin, whom he met in Copenhagen and now lives in Akaroa. ‘Yes, love too’, she said. They then called Thames Printer, The Printworks who give them a great price for the book and the rest is history.

Here’s how it works. You can watch the video on You Tube. Beverley the Bee and if you have the book you can also read it with your young ones as you both singalong.

DID THEY:

• wander the side streets?

• talk to anyone?

• sit quietly long enough?

If bucket lists turn travel into a checklist, the obsession with hidden gems creates a different problem.

Every hidden gem eventually gets found, photographed and shared with the world.

RUNNING WITH THE CROWD

- NOT SUCH A GOOD HOLIDAY

When hundreds of people move in one direction, everyone assumes: “this must be where I should go too.”

SO TRAVELLERS:

• follow identical itineraries

• visit identical landmarks

• photograph identical angles

• eat at identical places

• rush through identical experiences

And then wonder why travel increasingly feels generic.

Quieter coastal villages like Onemana and Kūaotunu show how much more rewarding travel can feel once travellers drift slightly away from the main tourism flow.

LIKE TO WIN A BOOK?

Here at The Informer, we have two copies of the book to give away just answer this question on our Beverley The Bee Facebook Page. What colour is the man’s surfboard?

Books also available at Discover Whangamata- The Info Centre or from Shaun. Email: shaun@besidetheseaside. co.nz

SOME PLACES ARE BETTER WHEN YOU DO LESS

A lot of destinations are not actually designed for speed.

Some landscapes reveal themselves slowly.

Many of New Zealand’s strongest slow-travel regions, including the Coromandel, Fiordland, and the Forgotten Highway, reveal themselves properly only once travellers stop rushing between attractions.

A destination that deeply affects one traveller may mean almost nothing to another.

Meanwhile, a random roadside beach or quiet café might become the emotional highlight of an entire trip.

CONCLUSION

Travel bucket lists are not entirely bad. They inspire people to explore the world.

The best journeys often happen:

• slightly off schedule

• away from the crowds

• during unplanned detours

• or in places nobody originally intended to stop.

Sometimes the strongest travel memories come from the moments that never made the itinerary at all.

I had a wonderful day in Whangamata

Whangamata nestles into the hills at the southeastern end of the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s very much a beach place with a forestry and farming area surrounding the town. The town draws its name from the Maori for ‘hard stone bay’ a reference to the amount of obsidian washed up on the beach – the byproduct of ancient volcanic eruptions It has two magnificent ocean beaches and one of my favourite islands, Whenuakura Island a.k.a Doughnut Island, just offshore, A short kayak trip out from the beach and inside the island itself is a must. During the summer the 4,000 population swells by around 25,000 holiday makers.

Just outside the town are the wonderful forest mountain bike trails with tracks built for all skill and fitness levels. It’s a true community partnership between the locals, the forestry owners and mountain bike clubs.

Whitianga, a slightly larger town to the north of Whangamata, is also blessed with wonderful bush and forest but sadly there is no ability for mountain bikers to

ride the forest trails.

The town is largely known for the Repco Beach Hop celebrating the lifestyles of the latter half of the 20th century with a focus on period automobiles. It is not unusual to hear the rumble of V8 engines in town. During the festival some 40,000 to 100,000 people pour some 10 million dollars into the local economy.

A slow and easy wonder along Port Rd, the main shopping precinct, reveals dozens of beach clothing shops, household goods, general clothing stores and more food outlets than you could poke a stick at.

The three Opportunity Shops, St Johns, the SPCA and the Anglican Church Op shop all provide a great selection and support their

various charities with aplomb.

A couple of favourites are the Highline Cycle shop where Trae and his family supply anything a cyclist could desire and their repair work is highly recommended. Just along the road is Steiner Atelier a manufacturing jeweller with some stunning creations. The shop was once run by the superb watch repairer Rod Styles who still plies his craft from his home address. He is contactable through Nathan at the jewellery shop.

Whanga Books is one of the Peninsula’s best book shops outside Thames.

No visit is complete without dropping into Olivers Bakery for one of their pies, ficelles or their famous apple squares.

Matariki Whangamata

BY SHAUN FAY

Whangamata is gearing up for a wonderful Matariki. It all starts Thursday Night 9 July with prepping for the Hangi. Take along a peeler and help with the veges, making stuffing, cooking fry bread and having fun working together! That happens in the Memorial Hall from 5pm to 7pm.

On Friday Morn ing pop along to Williamson Park and watch the process of a hāngī being set and cooked and take part in activities, games and stalls in the park. Then from 1.30pm the hangi is lifted and concert starts. It’s a special time where all Whangamata celebrates Matariki as a community with Kai Moana and performances on the outdoor stage.

„ Where: Williamson Park (wet weather backup Memorial Hall)

„ When: Friday 10 July, 1:30pm

„ What: BYO chair or picnic rug to eat in the park

Tickets for this are available at the Discovery Centre (Info Centre) and at the Eastern Coromandel Services Office. $15 hāngī ticket & $10 vegan curry ticket

There are workshops on the Saturday, in the hall, you can have a go at the Waka Saturday Afternoon from 3pm to 5pm down by the marina and on the Sunday at 6.30am. Everyone gathers at Onemana Beach to await the sunrise.

Letters to the Editor

Noel’s last Letter to the Editor – written just hours before he was flown to Waikato Hospital.

TWO ISSUES NEED RESOLUTION

Two major issues for Whitianga have dominated the agenda for the past 10 years.

First issue is the Mercury Bay Boating Club that had to reduce it’s operation due to the Clubhouse being flooded by coastal erosion. The Clubhouse has been unused and has to be lifted on blocks for the last few years.

The second issue is the Whitianga Sports Ground complex off Moewai Road. The 10 hectare block of land was developed by Hoppers, and they handed over to Council to complete the project. Unfortunately, whilst Council have built part of the structures, the usability of the complex is almost nil and unaffordable.

I have a scenario to put forward that could solve the dilemma and bring two factors together.

I believe that in their term of office, the elected members of Council for the Mercury Bay ward should be able to solve these issues.

Boating Club – I would recommend that the building be moved

to a vacant site near the entrance to the Sports Ground. The advantage is that it contains a kitchen, an office, an expired liquor license and sufficient space to hold meetings.

Whilst this is a boating club well away from the water, Hoppers are developing an extended canal system with a marina and boat storage. In addition, there is sufficient space for boats and trailers in the large car park on site.

The second part of my proposal may have to be pushed back, and that was to supply a venue for Arts and Crafts, Concerts and Musical Events etc.

The first stage would be for Council to employ a manager and secretary to promote the complex and work with all parties to achieve their goal.

Finally, I would like to suggest that to finance part of the programme, a Sound Shell is put in for outdoor concerts, fetes, music events etc.

Noel S. Hewlett, Whitianga

NOEL HEWLETT’S PASSING

It was a surprise to learn of Noel Hewlett’s death, I’d just been reading his latest “letter to the editor” and as usual, he was promoting the Mercury Bay community.

He and I became acquainted many years ago when we were

I want to start this column by shouting out the roading contractors who are working up and down the Peninsula to improve and maintain our state highways.

It’s particularly exciting to see the progress being made on the Pepe Stream Bridge in Tairua, with construction due to get underway this week. No doubt there will be disruptions along the way, but it will all be worth it when the new two-lane bridge is open in time for Christmas 2027.

There’s also the $85 million that was allocated from this year’s Budget to improve the resilience of eleven high-risk sites on SH25 and replace the Kirikiri Stream Bridge on SH26 at Kopu. The timeframe for these projects is still being determined, but the funding represents real investment in our region to keep roads open and communities connected.

In other news, National has announced plans to improve KiwiSaver and support New Zealanders to

build a bigger financial nest egg for their retirement. We’ll make it compulsory for everyone in work to contribute to their KiwiSaver from 2028, we’ll automatically enrol every baby born in New Zealand into KiwiSaver at birth and provide a Baby Boost payment to kick-start their savings with a $1500 government contribution, and we’ll provide a government contribution to KiwiSaver for parents on paid parental leave from 2027, even if the parent isn’t contributing themselves.

Moreover, we’ll require employers to keep matching KiwiSaver contributions for any employees

Letters to the Editor enable members of the public to express an opinion, about an article or a topic of interest/concern. Please keep them to 200 words or less. They do not reflect the view of the Editor who reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.

both councillors at the TCDC. Noel was an unfailing advocate for Mercury Bay’s share of the rates and he continued this with two favourite projects.

Firstly, improvement to the bike park, and secondly better use of the Moewai Sports Park. His view that putting up a grandstand and stage to promote more events was a no-brainer.

Noel was a regular attendee at The Lost Spring discussion group and his input will be missed. Including his ‘table-slapping’ humour.

My commiserations to Noel’s extended family for their loss.

Peter H. Wood

COUNCIL AMALGAMATION: STREET TALK

With more words being written in local papers by notables than War and Peace about this- we asked locals what they want.

Is it the super city with Hamilton, in the middle with Hauraki who don’t seem to want us, or the North-East option with Tauranga. We asked some people on the streets of Whangamata what they thought.

The Northeast option, a wellknown local politician declared“…..they have similar ocean problems we have, we can work together to find solutions.”

Diana said, “Why do we have to

over 65. This is big news for the Coromandel electorate where we have a very large number of plus 65-year-old people, many of whom are still working. It means that they’ll be able to continue building up their retirement savings, just like any other employee.

Plenty of New Zealanders are serious about saving for their retirement, with recent data showing that 99.5 percent of people contributing to KiwiSaver through their wages or salaries are making use of the increased contribution rates, with only about 9000 people opting out of the increase that took effect on 1 April 2026.

These changes, coupled with our commitment to gradually increase KiwiSaver contributions to match the 12 percent that Australians enjoy across the ditch, will ensure Kiwis can get ahead and retire with greater financial security. It’s part of our wider plan to fix the basics and build the future for all New Zealanders.

change – we’re just the minnows and we will be forgotten, wherever we are.”

“I like the Super City option”, said Gerard - “economies of scale”. It’s diverse and complicated. One thing is for sure if you don’t fill out the survey on the TCDC’s survey site ‘Local Government Reforms’, you wont be allowed to grizzle.

“What’s the point? Do they really take any notice of those things?” said mother of two- Jenny.

Shaun Fay, Whangamata

TURNING THE REFORM UPSIDE DOWN

51 councils in NZ are well past their use-by date. Why not have the 11 Regional Councils replace the role of local councils?

1. NZ has a population 5.3m (similar to Sydney and Melbourne).

2. Councils in NZ at present have to borrow money, hence our rates continue to rise: small populations and their councils do not cover council outgoings: and cannot have personnel with experience to cover all functions that are required.

3. We have 11 regional councils, so many of the 51 councils could be amalgamated into these regional councils, a Ward in each region could remain. Government and all NZers rate payers of the day would financially be better off.

4. Regional councils would have the experience personnel to cover all functions: RMA, etc. without bias

5. The RMA could be simplified for small business (1 to 5 personnel). Medium size business (6 to 10 personnel). One document describes the nature of the business, local neighbours that may be impacted, each sign off (witnessed by a JP). All this would cost very little to administer and allow small businesses to be established and thrive.

6. This draft amalgamated with the struggle with RMA, in a small council: has many extremely good and valid points on the struggle to establish a small business.

Summary: This government is into innovation, employment, business. Therefore in regards to the RMA when fully drafted (see above) it should be sent to: Ministry of Business, innovation: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis, and the NZ Herald (a feature in the business section with headline; “Councils and the RMA spell decline of small business in NZ.” and see reference contact below.

A Hahei resident „ Reference Local Regional Government (LRG) Radio NZ 23 Sept 24 by: Nona Pelletier: Senior Busi-

Community Security and Local Government Highlighted

BY LINDA CHOLMONDELYSMITH

Grey Power Mercury Bay members enjoyed an informative and engaging Coffee Morning in July, with two guest speakers covering topics that are highly relevant to our community.

Our first speaker, Barry Flynn from Whitianga Security, shared practical advice on keeping our homes safe. Barry has worked in the Security industry for over 20 years and spoke about current security issues in Mercury Bay. A new personal alarm was also demonstrated – something few were aware of and would be of great value especially to those living alone. Members appreciated his practical tips and local knowledge.

Our second speaker

was Councillor Tony Brljevich, joined during questions by Councillor Flemming Rasmussen. Tony, who has extensive experience in local government, explained the three options currently being considered as part of the Government’s proposal to simplify local government. He carefully outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each option, while Flemming provided valuable insight into the financial implications and practical realities involved.

The presentations prompted plenty of discussion and gave members a much clearer understanding of the issues facing our district.

The key message from both councillors was sim-

ple: Have your say. These proposals could shape local representation and decision-making for many years to come, so take the opportunity to complete the Thames-Coromandel District Council consultation before 15 July. If you need assistance completing the survey, staff at the Council offices are available to help.

Grey Power Mercury Bay sincerely thanks Barry Flynn, Tony Brljevich and Flemming Rasmussen for generously sharing their time and expertise. Also, thank everyone who attended and contributed to another successful Coffee Morning. We look forward to welcoming members back for our next gathering – “Mad Hatters Luncheon” Thursday, 6 August at Mercury Bay Club

Your Grey Power Mercury Bay committee

Games & Puzzles

Issue 1217

Crossword Puzzle

Proudly sponsored by

Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver, mail, scan/photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@ theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World checkout manager directly.

ACROSS

1. Six-sided figure (7)

4. Huge (5)

7. Sheep barber (7)

8. Hang in folds (5)

9. Actress, Joanna ... (6)

12. Off guard (8)

15. Deceived (lover) (3-5)

17. Baghdad citizens (6)

18. Perceived sound (5)

21. Driver’s chart (4,3)

DOWN

1. Meekest (8) 2. For some time (6) 3. Legendary ‘fiddling’ emperor (4) 4. Earl (4) 5. Mends (7) 6. One of the Great Lakes (4) 10. Delicious (5) 11. Fete, ... Gras (5) 13. Wurst & salami (8)

14. East African country (7) 16. Curved fruit (6) 18. From ... to toe (4) 19. Blast! (4) 20. Mexican food shell (4)

Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Gillian Jamieson

For last week’s solutions see page 25

22. Preliminary version (5)

23. Forwards (7)

Sudoku Puzzle

Name: Phone no: Issue 1217 – Grid 185

Sudoku instructions

Win a fish and chips for one from Snapper Jacks in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail, scan/photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@theinformer. co.nz to reach us by 12.00 noon on Monday each week. The winner must claim their prize from Snapper Jacks directly with ID with their published name.

Peter Mathias

Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of 9 boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.

Surely our country only needs one name Musings from the Village

BY GT

The Gardener came up for a beer the other day. He hadn’t done much, just looked at the lawn and decided it didn’t need cutting. I get charged an hour callout fee for such intensive work. No wonder he was smiling when he handed me a beer, asking me “You look unhappy, what’s wrong?”

“I’m not unhappy” I replied, “Just puzzled. I’m trying to work out if our country can get by with just one name”. The Gardener looked startled “You try getting that one past the Maori” he gushed. I shook my head and explained “No. I was meaning Aotearoa is all we really need. There are big advantages in having this as the only name for the country”. Once again, the gardener looked puzzled. “No way, New Zealand has always been our country’s name, the English wouldn’t let it go”.

I shook my head and decided to give the gardener a history lesson. “The country was first named Staten Landt by Abel Tasman in 1642. Three years later

Dutch map makers back in Holland renamed it Nova Zeelandia.

James Cook translated this to New Zealand in 1769. So, you see that the New Zealand name was really started by some Dutchmen who hadn’t even set foot in the country. Why should we worry about their opinion?” The gardener nodded, gaining some confidence in my discourse on history. Then he said, “Well, the Maori name would have been in place longer than that I suppose”.

I shook my head saying, “No,

Maori had no concept of a nation. They were several tribes spread over a group of islands. They had names for the individual islands but not the country. Aotearoa was a name that George Grey came up with in 1835 because the English needed a Maori word for New Zealand to write into contracts. However, it is probably the best option.”. The gardener still looked unconvinced saying, “I still think this would be a hard sell. Why do you think this is a good idea?” I took a deep breath and too k

a sip of beer before explaining. “I was booking a trip for me and my wife the other day and everything I booked demanded that I enter my address. The problem is when you enter the country you must select from a list of names and New Zealand is miles from the front of the list. Because my hand is a bit shaky, I often ended up saying I was from somewhere strange such as Mozambique or North Macedonia, and the computer would have a hissy fit. So, I worked out if we were known as Aotearoa, we would be seventh in the list and much less likely to make an error. It would save hours when booking a trip”. The gardener started slowly nodding his head. “That makes sense I suppose.” I interrupted him with, “Why I was really puzzled was that I was trying to work out if we could get people to accept ‘Aaotearoa” as the spelling for the country’s name. The double Aa start would place us at the top of the list, much easier for us older folk.”

The gardener went back to shaking his head stating “No. That

is a step too far. Can’t see that getting past anyone. Even old people like you should be able to count to seven”. I had to agree with his sentiment so paused for another sip of my beer and after a few minutes my companion asked, “Are there any other benefits in getting rid of the New Zealand name?”

“Well,” I replied, “As Scott Simpson said once, it would mean we get into the Olympic march past of the teams right at the front. Much earlier than anyone else, even Australia. We could watch our team come in then switch channels before the Aussies show up with their annoying Oy, Oy, Oy rubbish”. The gardener was now back to nodding enthusiastically. “That is a real benefit” he announced before carrying on “and of course Maori people should be happy to have this name as the only name for the country. A government who did that could almost get a smile and positive comment out of Willie Jackson.” It was now my turn to shake my head. “Can’t see that happening,” I muttered and then went back to my beer.

Community Boards to host public briefings on local government reform

Six public briefings will be held across the Coromandel Peninsula next week, giving the community the chance to have their say on the local government reform options being considered by the Council.

The sessions will be hosted by Community Board members and attended by a member of the Council’s Simplifying Local Government Working Group.

Local government reform is the most significant change to the way New Zealand’s councils operate in a generation, and the decisions made now will shape how the district is governed for decades.

Find out more about Simplifying Local Government, and fill

out our online survey on the three options. “These are essentially listening sessions,” said

Acting Mayor John Grant.

“The elected members present will be inviting you to give your views on the different options.

The countdown is on to have your say about which way TCDC should go, because if we don’t, the Government will decide for us,” Grant added.

Each session will begin with a short presentation on where

Peter’s quiz

Issue 1217 – Quiz 10

1) How many black squares on a Draught Board?

2) What is the best source of Omega 3 fatty acids?

3) How do we know when it’s a Leap Year?

4) How many chess pieces for one play can move diagonally?

5) Do horses need a podiatrist/ farrier?

the process is at, followed by an opportunity for people to share their views.

Grant says holding the briefings through the Community Boards is deliberate.

“Our Community Boards are the local voice of their communities, and keeping that local voice strong is one of the tests the Government has set for this reform,” he said.

The 9 August proposal is the first step in the process.

MEETINGS

Tuesday 7 July, 5.30pm Thames

Hosted by Chair Adrian Catran and Cr John Freer at 100 Kirkwood Street, Thames

Wednesday 8 July, 5.30pm Coromandel Colville

Hosted by Chair Gavin Jeffcoat and Cr Flemming Rasmussen at Peppertree Restaurant, Coromandel

Wednesday 8 July, 5.30pm Tairua

Hosted by Chair Warwick Brooks and Cr John Freer at Tairua Rugby & Sports Club

Wednesday 8 July, 7pm Pauanui

Hosted by Deputy Chair Georgina Bond and Cr John Freer at Pauanui Club

Thursday 9 July, 5.30pm Whitianga for Mercury Bay

Hosted by Chair Richard Shelford-Woodcock and Acting Mayor John Grant at The Lost Spring

Thursday 9 July, 5.30pm Whangamata

Hosted by Chair Mark Drury and Cr John Freer at Whangamata Golf Club (Titoki)

What’s On

OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop – Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Mon-Sat 10am-2pm.

DUE TO RENOVATIONS AND MAINTENANCE AT THE WHITIANGA TOWN HALL

Please contact the group’s highlighted in GREEN for their changes in venue.

From a small town to packed theatres across Australia

Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre ReUse Store 239 South Highway, Whitianga Open Tues-Sat 9:30am-3:30pm

FROM INTERVIEW WITH KOLBIE AND HER DAD, BLAIR

St John Opportunity Shop – 29 Albert St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm and Sat 9.30am-2pm.

Hall. Phone Sue 021 274 7899. Email suzyed@ outlook.com

Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016.

Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information.

1701 please email mbenvironmentaltrust@ gmail.com or go to www.mbet.co.nz.

Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club. Every Thursday evening, Whitianga Town Hall 6.45pm. New members, beginners and visitors very welcome. Phone/txt Cheryl 027 452 7887 or Sandie 021 825 666 for more information

Whitianga. Members and non-members welcome. Contact librarian@whititoylibrary. co.nz for more information

Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss

Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information.

KWEEKLY OR MORE

St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Whitianga. NEW HOURS - 9.30am-1pm Tue-Sat.

Social Services Op-shop – 15 Coghill St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-2pm. Donations welcome.

SPCA Op-shop – 2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sun 9am-5pm.

olbie Fraser is seventeen and until the beginning of 2025 she was in Cooks Beach preparing to go to Wellington for her post-MBAS college studies at the New Zealand School of Dance.

MONTHLY

Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.

Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for more info.

AA Driver Licensing – NEW LOCATION.

Monday 13 and 27 July, Whitianga Community Service Trust Centre, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. American Muscle Street and Custom Club Whitianga – Club meetings first Sunday of the month, 11am at Buffalo Beach Reserve for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822.

She is quietly proving that talent backed by grit goes far. Late last year almost at the end of her first year at the dance school, Kolbie earned the invitation to a fiveweek paid professional contract with Rising Ballet Company BIG Live, performing Nutcracker productions across Australia.

Badminton – Whitianga Badminton Club –Thurs 5-7pm, MBAS school gym. Four courts. Now open to new members wanting to play competitive Badminton. Coaching provided for those wanting to improve their skills. Phone Steve for more details 027 211 3568.

Mercury Bay Pickleball Club - At the Mercury Bay Area School Gymnasium, Tuesdays Members Only 5.30-7.30pm; Saturdays Social & New Players 9-11am; Sundays All Players 4-6pm. Members/ Guests/Visitors $5, a complimentary session is available to new players wanting to trial pickleball. Current membership only $10 to 30/09/2026 www.mercurybaypickleball.co.nz Contact Tony 021426150. Moewai Sportspark sessions are weather dependant & advised on our facebook page Mercury Bay Pickleball. Matarangi (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5-7pm (Summer) Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 0223836351. Hahei Tennis & Pickleball Club - Thursday & Sunday Contact Tim 0278432683 or refer their facebook page.

Yoga for Everyone - Whitianga - beginners, retirees, inflexibles welcome. Mon 2.30pm, Tues 5.15pm, Thurs 4.20pm, Fri 8.45am, Sat 8.15am. Gentle Simple. $25 for a 90 minute session. Text Rosemary 0274 489326 for info.

DANCING

Kolbie’s success is inspiring others back home. Eight-year-old Harlow Macaw from Tairua also joined the Adelaide and Sydney legs of BIG Live’s Nutcracker tour, a remarkable achievement for someone so young. Performing in the Party scene’ in front of thousands each day, Harlow thrived on stage and says she loved every minute of it. She has since returned home full of inspiration and will continue training under Sarah Fitzsimons at Thames Hauraki Dance Theatre where all the girls have come from, united by their love of dance.

Under directors Joel Burke and Khalid Tarabay, part of one of the highest-selling ballet companies in the Southern Hemisphere, she completed 45 performances, dancing five ballet roles, some lasting nearly seven minutes, performing to around 80,000 people. She was also trusted with partner work, which was an honour and embraced wholeheartedly.

Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New members welcome. Ph Anne on 021 0247 7460 for more information.

Craft Group – Meets first Saturday of the month 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph Alison 021 0508 772 or Sally 027 3962 383. Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed of the month. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com.

Kolbie could hardly believe the experience she was getting and being chosen to be part of the elite ballerinas in the country.

Hauraki U3A (University of the Third Age) has interesting speakers every 3rd Tuesday of the month. All are welcome. Paeroa Baptist Church, 2 Wood St, Paeroa. $10 at door. To book email event_registration@u3ahauraki.nz

She knows her achievements to this point are not just about hours in the studio. There were

Hei Mara Garden Club Hahei - We meet on the first Monday of each month at members’ homes, 11am - 2.30pm. New members from Hahei and surrounding areas are welcome. Phone Liz on 0210649232 for more information.

Boys Brigade – An adventure, activity, and values based ministry for boys. For boys aged 5-13 years old. Tues 5.30-7pm For information contact Robyn 020 409 39674. Chess Club – Mondays 6.30-9.30pm, MB Bowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost $2. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or brettsoanes16@hotmail.com

Coffee and Korero – Every Wednesday from 10.30am-12.30pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag.

Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from 9am-1pm.

Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Wood.

nights walking 30 minutes uphill after training, soaked by Wellington rain and buffeted by wind, legs burning and body exhausted. Shared houses, different cul-

Cooks Beach Care Group – Meet new friends, learn about coastal conservation and make a difference. Hands-on weeding and planting, Thursday mornings. Register at: www.cooksbeachcaregroup.org.nz; www.facebook.com/ CooksBeachCareGroup

Cooks Beach Pickleball – Community Tennis Courts, 9am Saturday morning. Weather permitting. Nets and bats provided. $5 each, first time free. Contact Kevin 021 396 062. Mercury Bay Squash Club – New members/ enquiries to Dawn Thurgood mercbaysquash@ gmail.com

Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tues, 9-11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Ph Anne on 07 869 5162 or 027 565 5575 for more info.

Mercury Bay Tennis Club – Social tennis at Lyon Park on Thursdays at 5.30pm. All welcome. Ph Jason 022 186 7992 or Carl 027 680 5570.

Oneness Meditation Centre – The centre focuses on the meditative art of going deeper within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Every Monday, 9.30-11.00am. Further info. text Linda 027 650 4881 or email linda_c@orcon. net.nz

tures, and strict dancer nutrition became unexpected hurdles, and Kolbie made the tough call to move, prioritising her health and training.

Self-defence classes – Town Hall, Tues/Wed 6-7.30pm. Ph Tony 027 333 5146.

Hon Scott Simpson

COROMANDEL-COLVILLE

BETTER HEALTH CARE

Hospice Waikato’s Bereavement Support Group – Lost a loved one? Join Hospice Waikato’s monthly bereavement support group. Connect over morning tea with others who understand. Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 10.30am to 12.00pm at Whitianga Social Services. Registration required. Contact Hospice Waikato to register at 07 859 1260. Mercury Bay Model Railway Club – Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650 Mercury Bay Shooting Federation – Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email mbsfsecretary@gmail.com

Access to healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for people in rural and remote areas and our government is committed to ensuring New Zealanders can get the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they live.

Ohuka Garden Club meets 2nd Wednesday of the month. New members welcome. Contact Beverley Sheppard Ph 02109028855 or email beverley@annabells.co.nz

Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling Club Wednesday at 1.45pm. Come and join us at the Community Centre (Hall). New members are most welcome, please contact Coral ph. 0212303944. Coromandel ‘Growers & Artisans Market’ – Every Saturday from 9am - 1pm at The Anglican Church Hall, Coromandel Town. Dog walking group – Every Thurs, 2pm, Lovers Rock, Robinson Road. All breeds and sizes welcome to a very sociable group. Ph Jenny on 021 186 5797.

MP For Coromandel

Spiritual Conversation Mornings – Every Tues and Wed, 10.30am-12pm, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in some great conversation where we talk about topics and subjects that have meaning. $5 donation. Contact Verna 027 320 0079.

Argentine Tango Dance Class – Fridays, Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prior experience or partner necessary. Text Sergio for questions 027 410 2454. Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran. com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm. Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Held in the Whitianga Town Hall. Tuesdays beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.45-2.30pm; Thursdays Seniors 10.15-11.15am, Absolute Beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Improvers 12.45-1.45pm. Night class held at Whitianga Town Hall for Absolute Beginners 5.25-6.25pm. Contact Margaret 027 463 8850, Glynis 021 1099 155, Kathleen 022 154 1702. Silver Swans Adult Ballet Class – Tuesday’s weekly 10am to 11.10am $20, Whitianga Town Hall supper room. All ages welcome. Marilyn Swan, experienced professional teacher of Dance.M: 0273365263 E; swanebbs@gmail. com

That resilience and decision to change her situation, soon turned into opportunity as it was after that she earned the invitation to dance in Australia

The Coromandel Peninsula’s presence in national dance continues to grow, with Kolbie training in ballet and Liarah Anderson – 2nd year, Izzy Fitzsimons and Neka Woolf - now accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance, first year contemporary programs.

Proudly carrying her Coromandel roots into every lesson, Kolbie’s journey is proof that big dreams are being built right here at home. Kolbie has just now begun her second year – carrying with her the lessons of life away from home and the experience of professional dancing for several weeks and there will be more to come!

Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes –Town Hall, Monk St, $7 per session. Beginner/ Improver classes Monday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes Wed, 12-1.30pm; . Contact Kathy 027 4321 353 or Cecily 027 294 1750 Zumba – Wednesdays at 5.30pm at gym for Zumba and Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk St.

Well done!

GROUP INFO

Grey Power Mercury Bay – our next gathering will be on Thursday 6 August “Mad Hatters Luncheon at The Mercury Bay Club Further info please phone Grey Power Mercury Bay 07 8665516 or e: greypower.mercurybay@gmail. com. Come and join us for our next get together. Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact mercurybayathletics@gmail.com

In terms of the Coromandel pilot programme, it began in mid2025 and is being delivered at the Coromandel Family Medical Centre and Colville Health Clinic practice. They’ve been benefiting from extra support, better access to information and working more closely with an Emergency Care Paramedic which can treat urgent care patients in the clinic, while also available to respond to local 111 calls.

Tai Chi for all levels – Town Hall, Mondays 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 5146 for more info.

Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Jo on 021 264 3753.

Tairua Market takes place on the 1st Saturday of the month all year at Tairua Community Hall, 9am till 1pm. Food, fruit and veges, crafts, clothing, home decor, plants, furniture, books and much more.

FORTNIGHTLY

Last year’s Budget invested $164 million to strengthen urgent and after-hours care nationwide, meaning 98 per cent of New Zealanders will be able to access these services within one hour’s drive of their home. One of the initiatives funded was a pilot programme to enhance urgent and after-hours healthcare in six rural communities, including Coromandel and Colville.

Hahei Contract Bridge Club – Every Tuesday 12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Learners and casual welcome. Contact Don Barry 021 741 959 or Robyn Hogg 021543015. Meditation Classes – Thursday evening. Spiritual, heart, soul development. Sacred energy, chakra activations, working with spiritual guides. Open forum conversation, Thursdays, 6.30pm at Flat 1, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga. Cost $10. Contact Verna 027 320 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com.

Mercury Bay Badminton – Every Wednesday 9-11am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Social badminton. Casual players and visitors are welcome. Players of all levels, ages 16+. Phone Carol 027 474 7493 for more information.

Tairua Contract Bridge Club – Every Monday at 12.30pm at the Tairua Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726. Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30am12.30pm every Wednesday morning at the Hahei Community Centre. Ages newborn-5years. We invite all parents, carers, visitors and grandparents. Contact whenuakiteareaplaygroup@gmail.com

Whitianga Art Group – Every Thurs/Fri 10am-3pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for more information.

Whitianga Menz Shed – 18 Abrahamson Drive, Open Tues/Thurs, 9am-12 noon. Phone Glenn 0274-952-015. All welcome.

Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. Phone Cecily 027 253 3088 or Chrissy 021 177 4226.

“Major events are critical for our hospitality and tourism sectors, especially here in the Coromandel. Accommodations fill up, restaurants and cafés thrive, and local businesses see more customers, creating jobs and lifting incomes.”

SeniorNet Whitianga, Inc. – Learn, update your skills using smart phones, etc. in a friendly setting. Call Carol Wood on 021 022 62504 or email Carol on seniornet.whitianga.admin@ gmail.com.

Greeting Card Making – The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up.

I’m hoping that there will be even more support for similar projects around our region and the rest of the country in the coming year. People in rural areas can often travel long distances for care and rely on small teams supporting large regions, that’s why this investment is so important.

Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports Club – 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday & Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772.

Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9am12 noon, 1F White St. Contact whitianga@ playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947.

couple of weeks ago alongside the Associate Minister of Emergency Management and Recovery Chris Penk.

Mercury Bay Bridge Club – Every Wednesday at 1.00pm and every Thursday at 7.00pm at the MB Bowling and Sports Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. For more information contact Gavin 021 146 9203.

Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up.

Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town

I was thrilled to hear the announcement from Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey that these pilots have been rolled out and have shown the positive impact that locally led approaches can make, with faster care, better access to treatment, and stronger links between rural health services.

In other news, our region is still recovering from January’s heavy weather event, but it’s encouraging to see communities rebound so quickly and contractors working to stabilise our roads. There are parts of the Peninsula which are still affected by storm damage, and I visited these areas a

Mercury Bay Community Choir – Meets Monday 5.45-7.15pm at the Mercury Bay Area School music room. Friendly non auditioned choir. All comers welcome. Phone Kate 0272709058 for details.

Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised prior. For more information, phone 022 104

We received a briefing from the Thames-Coromandel District Council, which outlined the impact of the storm and the work ahead. It was stressed throughout these visits that support is available, such as Civil Defence payments through the Ministry of Social Development.

Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor bowls and card games. Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk St, 1pm-4pm. Join us for a fun time and afternoon tea, 55+ age group. Phone Lionel Lawrence (president) on 027 274 6964 for more info.

Whitianga Bike Park – 144 Moewai Rd, Whitianga. Open 24/7. Many bike tracks available, picnic areas, BBQs and walking trails. Donations welcome on entry. If you wish to volunteer or for programme enquiries, contact Jon Maud 027 366 4606.

Whitianga Gun Club – For information, phone Mike Deverell 0274 959 477 or Neville Crawford 021 276 2169.

Addition to Scott’s column Excerpt from his Press release Wed 11 Feb.

“Across New Zealand, Tourism directly contributes $17 billion to national GDP and just under 200,000 jobs. Tourism makes up almost 12% of Coromandel’s GDP. The economic ripple effect of major events is huge, supporting our local businesses and growing our economy.”

Whitianga Community Patrol – Monitors the township and neighbourhood. If interested in volunteering, ph Gary 027 391 3043.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR OCEANS FESTIVAL

Independent Living Charitable Trust

Whiti Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every Tues 9am start. For more information phone Margaret on 027 7802 744. All levels welcome.

Whitianga Toy Library - Tummy Time sessions for parents/caregivers and babies under 12m. Every Wednesday 9:30am at the toy library - Shop 4, Blacksmith Lane,

“I’m excited that the Coromandel will once again host the Whitianga Oceans Festival in September 2026, attracting visitors from around New Zealand and overseas, as part of the national $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. “

“Events such as the Whitianga Oceans Festival don’t just bring visitors; they bring life and energy to our region and to our towns which helps to create vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences.”

Meeting with Gary Darkes –Mr Mobility

For information, Q+A and viewing Tues, 14 July 10am-12 noon. Whitianga Community Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Contact Gary on: 021 450 862

“This funding is a significant boost to Whitianga and the wider Coromandel, and I’m looking forward to our region hosting another great event which encourages locals and visitors to celebrate all that we have offer.”

Digital Decoder

By Agent EJ

Crypto users are now in debt to IRD

For many New Zealanders, crypto wasn’t reckless speculation. With wages stuck and houses out of reach, some saw it as an innovative way to get ahead when nothing else seemed to work. That’s not foolish. It’s regular folks trying to solve real financial problems.

Unfortunately that plan has backfired. IRD treats crypto as property. Every time you sell or swap it, that counts as taxable income, even if you never converted into NZ dollars. So someone can make a profit on one coin, trade it into another that crashes, and still owe tax on the first gain.

IRD has identified

roughly 355,000 unique crypto users in our country, transacting some $36 billion, and is now actively writing to people about their undeclared gains. It becomes a real trap. Interest and penalties add up, so a bill that starts at $20,000 can quickly balloon and take years to pay off, right when everyday costs are already tight. To make it worse, turning crypto back into cash isn’t easy either. NZ banks have spent years de-risking away from crypto, and local exchanges have collapsed as a result, leaving people unable to get their own money out. So even those trying to do the right thing can find their funds stuck.

Some blame sits with the influencers and “crypto bros” who promised easy money online. It’s also hard to make judgement calls on trading rules that are inconsistent across borders.

There’s a newer worry too: IRD is already using data-matching to track every trade. As AI takes on more of this work, there’s less chance a real human checks the context before a notice letter gets sent. Job loss, rising fuel costs, unexpected medical bills — a computer doesn’t pause to ask if you’re okay.

It’s a familiar pattern: tech promises a fix, then creates a new problem, because the law hasn’t

caught up. New Zealand still has no crypto-specific law, so old tax rules get recycled to cover new systems, leaving real power with exchanges, banks and algorithms, instead of clear rules voted on by elected people. If this is you, contact IRD early. Payment plans and honest disclosure are treated far better than silence. Citizens Advice Bureau is available for anyone, and a crypto-literate accountant can often find legitimate loss offsets you didn’t know existed. Informed decisions start with informed people, and right now, that means knowing exactly where you stand before IRD tells you.

DONALD, Beverly Joy

Passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home on 26 June 2026; 81 years old.

Dearly loved wife of Robert for 61 years. Sadly missed mum of Joanne and Craig Wooldridge and the late Grant Donald. Much loved Granny of Kurt, Brad, Emma, Jaden, Baylee and Jacob. Great Gran to Noah, Phoebe and Reuben. A private cremation has taken place as per Joy’s wishes.

Office: 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Phone: (07) 866 2090 Office hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-3:00pm We are online www.theinformer.co.nz Facebook, Instagram @theinformernz

Trish’s Bible Gems

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us. God decided in advance to adopt us for his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:$&5

HEWLETT, Noel Selwyn (J.P. Rtd)

Peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday 1 July 2026; aged 86 years. Beloved husband and soulmate of Nicola (Nicky) for nearly 60 years. Much treasured father of Kim, Nicholas and Sally, father-in-law,

CLEANER

We are looking for another cleaner for our busy motel. 2-4 hours, mornings only. Please phone 027 222 8311 viv@bluemarlinapartments.co.nz

Quiz 10 on page

Editorial/News: Contact Pauline Stewart, Editor/owner ph 027 271 6182 info@theinformer.co.nz Advertising/advertorial in The Informer: Phone (07)

contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication is at the discretion of the Editor.

Sports

MERCURY BAY FOOTBALL

U7’s Saturday 4 July

Mercury Bay hosted Tairua for the final match before the break, and it was a fantastic display of the progress the team has made this season. It is incredible to see how much the players have developed since the opening weeks, they are truly coming on in leaps and bounds.

A real highlight of our gameplay lately has been the players’ ability to move into space and actively look for passing options. It’s been great to see these concepts start to become a natural feature of their weekly performances.

A huge congratulations to our Players of the Day: Callum: for his excellent dribbling ability and his composure under pressure to consistently find a teammate with a pass.; Louie: Awarded for his high work rate across the pitch and his selfless attitude in always being there to support his teammates.

U9 - Saturday 4 July

U9 played Whenuakite away at Whenuakite School. The team held structure and the passes into space were really impressive. Player of the day awarded by our coaches to Oak for his significant improvement in involvement and solid tackling, and the opposition awarded it to Anabela (again!) for her footwork and goal.

U13 Sharks

Saturday 4 July

The Mercury Bay Sharks went over the hill to Kuaotunu on Saturday morning to take on Te Rerenga on a crisp winter’s day. The Sharks warmed up really well, and Te Rerenga dominated the opening five minutes and were rewarded with an absolute cracker of a goal. It seemed as though they had poked the sleeping bear, because from that moment the Sharks came to life taking a deserved lead into half-time and stepping up another level in the second half.

Coach Carl had set the team some new challenges to try and implement throughout the game. Seth Wilmshurst received the Player of the Day award from our sponsor Umino Hoshi capping off his performance with a fantastic goal. Captain Leo Skelton marshalled the defence superbly in the first half, directing traffic from centre-back with a cool, calm head. The rock of the Sharks’ defence, as always, was the ever-reliable Harry Sharman. Our very own Piata Morgan-Joyce was a constant weapon in both attack and defence.

At this level, football is all about teamwork, encouragement, and supporting each other when mistakes happen - because they always do.

A fantastic team performance, Sharks.

The Mercury Bay Golf Club’s Duxfield Trophy was contested between the reigning Champions, Sam Murphy & Kevin Smith against Richard Steel & Trevour Hayde. This match was all square after the regular 18 holes so the match went to extra holes, with Richard (left) and Trevor (right) prevailing to win the Duxfield Trophy.

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

9 Hole Men

Shootout Qualifying Haggle 6-Overall round 1

Monday 29 June 1, Richard Cummins 23; 2, Lance Croawell 22; 3, Alex Fox 18

9 hole Ladies

Stableford Day-Overall round 1

Tuesday 30 June

1, Ruth Fisken 19; 2, Glenda Philpott 19; 3, Leanne Evans 18; 4, Maureen Moss 15 18 Hole Men

Monthly Medal & Tony Cotton - Overall round 1 Nett

Wednesday 1 July

1, Mike Purchase 67; 2, Tracey Mulligan 68; 3, Steve Moss 69

Best Gross: Wally Hayes 77

Twos: Bob Walker #5, Mike Purchase #7, Tony De Coek #7, Barry Bowen #14, Darryn Pritchard #18, Tracey Mulligan #18

NTP: Tracey Mulligan

18 Hole Ladies Gross, Nett, & PuttingNett

Thursday 2 July

1, Polly Lambert 72; 2, Sandra Bown 76; 3, Kayleen Smith 78; 4, Margaret Stevens 79; 5, Cathy Drake-Wells 80

Twos: Polly Lambert on the 18th

9 Hole men’s Stableford

1, Lance Croawell 20; 2, Alex Fox 18; 3, Rey Bertling 18; 4, Kevin Walmsley 17; 5, Paul Anderson 17

NTP: Paul Anderson

Saturday Haggle Four Square

Stableford 1, Tony De Coek 38; 2, Kevin Mills 36;

3, Mary Coughlan-Mason 36; 4, Brendon Main 35; 5, Max Gaskell 35

Two’s: Nick Lambert #7, Kayleen Smith #14, Max Gaskell #14, Jade Kennedy #14, Allison Drake-Wells #18, Kerry Mason #18

NTP: Margret O’Driscoll

THE DUNES GOLF CLUB

Shootout Qualifying Haggle 6-Overall round 1

1, Richard Cummins 23; 2, Lance Croawell 22; 3, Alex Fox 18

Stableford Day

Overall round 1

1, Ruth Fisken 19; 2, Glenda Philpott 19; 3, Leanne Evans 18; 4, Maureen Moss 15

Monthly Medal & Tony Cotton

Overall round 1 Nett

1, Mike Purchase 67; 2, Tracey Mulligan 68; 3, Steve Moss 69

Best Gross: Wally Hayes 77

Two’s: Bob Walker #5, Mike Purchase #7, Tony De Coek #7, Barry Bowen #14, Darryn Pritchard #18, Tracey Mulligan #18

NTP: Tracey Mulligan

18 Hole Ladies Gross, Nett, & PuttingNett

1, Polly Lambert 72; 2, Sandra Bown 76; 3, Kayleen Smith 78; 4, Margaret Stevens 79; 5, Cathy Drake-Wells 80 9 Hole Men’s Stableford

1, Lance Croawell 20; 2, Alex Fox 18; 3, Rey Bertling 18; 4, Kevin Walmsley 17; 5, Paul Anderson 17

NTP: Paul Anderson

Saturday Haggle Four Square

Stableford

1, Tony De Coek 38; 2, Kevin Mills 36; 3, Mary Coughlan-Mason 36; 4, Brendon

Main 35; 5, Max Gaskell 35

Two’s: Nick Lambert #7, Kayleen Smith #14, Max Gaskell #14, Jade Kennedy #14, Allison Drake-Wells #18, Kerry Mason #18

NTP: Margret O’Driscoll

TAIRUA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

18 hole Net Medal

Saturday 13 June

1, Tony Anderson 71; 2, Mark CoryWright 72; 3, Gary Nisbet 75; 4, Nat Hoskin, 75.

9 hole Putting

Tuesday 16 June

1, Brian Fellow 15; 2, Anna McGuire 15; 3, Jean McCann 17; 4, Carolyn Williams 17. 18 hole Net Medal

Thursday 18 June

1, Kath Hale 68; 2, Glen Farrell 77; 3, Norman Hammond 79; 4, Ray Russell 82. 9 hole Stableford

1, Anna McGuire 16; 2, Carolyn Williams 15; 3, Annette Eltringham 14; 4, Joyce Birdsall 14.

18 hole Net Medal

Saturday 20 June

1, Ken Edwards 70; 2, Rick Tawa 74; 3,

Norman Hammond 77; 4, Geoff Cambie 77. 18 hole Stableford

Saturday 27 June 1, Rick Tawa 42; 2, Nat Hoskin 36; 3, Jenny Tawa 33; 4, Glen Farrell 32.

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

Final round Coromandel Pairs

Monday 29 June.

North/South: 1, Robyn Waters & Tony White 62.08; 2, Johanna Bonnar & Jenny Prince 53.75; 3=, Chris Death & Peter McNeil, Celia Young & David Wilkinson 48.75.

East/West: 1, Jenny Hemmings & Jocelyn Taylor 64.58; 2, Carol & Ron Baker 60.83. 3; Kim van Diepen & Peter Clark 50.83.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Week 5 of the Bright Pairs

Tuesday 30 June 2026

North/South: 1, Robyn and Peter Hogg 57.92%; 2, Peter Clark and Robyn Waters 53.33%; 3, Val Dwight and Johanna Bonnar 52.08%

East/West: 1, Lee Hughes and Sue Gill 64.17%; 2, Alison Tichbon and Dave Dylla 60.42%; 3, Maggie Beattie and Denise Knutson 54.17%

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS

Tuesday 30 June

20 players this week, so 501 singles were played. Three players went through unbeaten in all four sets, they were Selwyn Whatarangi, Beau Hamilton and John Munro. Selwyn Whatarangi came away with the win in the one game final. Highest finish for the Ladies was 73, scored by Fran Montogue and 112 for the men, scored by Richie Neighbours. Three players scored 180’s this week and they were John Munro, Mike Gillett and Beau Hamilton

THE MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday 1 July

An excellent turnout saw some close matches in section play and it was the evergreen Peter Schultz who prevailed with 3 wins from 3 matches to take out the top honours for the day. Those with 2 wins each were Ian Baumgren, Dave Colman, Ken Gibson, Greg Murphy and Denis Rush who also scored the highest break of the day with 20.

Saturday 4 July

Another excellent turnout was whittled down to just two players with 3 wins each in section play. Our Auckland visitor Denis Rush and the in-form Peter Schultz met in an absorbing play-off final with some excellent potting, laying of snookers and great escapes by both players. Peter displayed all his skill and experience to take the top prize over Denis. Those with 2 wins each included Bob Haase and Steve Jessup.

Sports results continued

MERCURY BAY INDOOR

BOWLING CLUB

Thursday 2 July

Winners: Ian Pudney and Colleen Holmes

Runners Up: Merle Ward and Sue Webb

Good Sports: Maureen Lack, Sandie Morris and David Campbell

NORTH ISLAND REPS

„ VOLLEYBALL: Brooklyn Jade

Mark

„ FOOTBALL: Ella Simpson, Malia Herbert, Arlo Hert, Tom Lamason, Elijah Bianchi, Noah Palmer, Ben Collins.

„ BASKETBALL: Angel Scobie, Holly Simpson, Taingarunui Hinds, Xavier Sarich-Dunn.

„ NETBALL: Dearna Hull, Angel Scobie, Millie Gold.

„ RUGBY: Mackenzie Boyd, Tyron Cummings, Liam Clothier, Taingarunui Hinds, Taj Lorimer, Kyson Mansell, Ty Willigers, Reo McQueen, Oscar William.

The competition was tight but North teams proved their talent by winning North v South and Central

MERCURY BAY CLUB INDOOR BOWLS

Monday 29 June

1, Ray Rout and Doreen Davis; 2, Maureen Lack, Wayne Fisher and Betty Simpson

Good sorts - last but by no means least!! Ian Pudney, Colleen Holmes and Ta Da Sandie Morris

North Island region won the overall cup for 2026.

NEW ZEALAND TOURNAMENT TEAM REPS SELECTED

Congratulations to the following athletes selected for NZ Tournament Teams -

„ Barbarians Rugby: Ty Willigers, Kyson Mansell, Taingarunui Hinds, Taj Lorimer.

„ Football: Ella Simpson, Malia Herbert, Elijah Biachi, Noah Palmer, Ben Collins.

„ Girls Rugby: Mackenzie Boyd.

„ Basketball: Taingarunui Hinds.

THANK YOU

Massive thanks to Mark Collins, Sandi Lowe & Leisa McCleery for

AREA SCHOOL NORTH ISLAND COMPETITION

BY LEISA MCCLEERY

As the largest Area school in New Zealand, we were well represented with 24 students who

were selected for Central North Island and attended New Zealand Area School Nationals in Whangarei for a week of Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Football,

Volleyball and Ki-O-rahi. Of our group of 24, the following were selected to play for North Island in their respective codes.

their support on tournament doing all the behind-the-scenes jobs and preparing the athletes to be ready and their best and also big thanks goes to Mark Collins for coaching Football and Gary HindsRugby.

A huge thanks also goes out to Aotearoa Gaming Trust for funding to assist with our accommodation for the week.

MERCURY BAY SQUASH BUSINESS HOUSE

Round One

After an exciting opening round of 2026 Business House Squash, Glass Bottom Boats has claimed top honours with a convincing win over The Glass House.

SPM Builders secured third place, followed by Guthrie Bowron in fourth, while DiveZone rounded out the standings. It’s been fantastic to see new players

getting involved, improving each week, and enjoying squash both on and off the court.

Round Two kicks off on 23 July, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back. Keen to become a member? Email mercbaysquash@gmail.com and one of our friendly club members will be in touch

Everyone’s home is different, and your shade should match. With Archgola, you can customise your canopy and outdoor blinds to fit your style and space just right.

We’re about making your space, yours.

Daniel for your

Amy Balme (CA)

Geoff Balme (FCA)

Adele Scobie

Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Solutions office@accountingbydesign.co.nz 07 866 5891 28 Lee Street, Whitianga 3510

Trevor & Raewyn Hildreth

P. 07 866 5799 M. 027 677 4930 M. 027 487 1978

Please phone us to arrange an appointment 