Issue 1222 11th August 2026 by theinformernz

Te Kai Whakarongo Issue 1222 | 11 August 2026 | Proudly locally owned and operated

theinformer.co.nz

@theinformernz

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA

BASKER ROAST NIGHT

3A Reweti Drive (opposite Mobil) www.basker.co.nz info@basker.co.nz Phone: 07 866 0645 Hours 8.00am to late

Every Wednesday night from 5pm Pork, lamb, chicken or beef Buffet salad and sauce bar Bookings recommended

Local Democracy Sold Down the Line:

MBAS First 15 Coulter Cup Winners See page 28

TCDC Opts for Minority Voice in Merged Council. BY GEOFFREY ROBINSON

The three Mayors signing the MOU – Toby Adams – Hauraki, Peter Revell – Thames-Coromandel, Ash Tanner – Matamata-Piako.

n a staggering display of political naiveté, lack of business acumen, fear, wishful thinking, and failure to heed flashing warning signs brightly, a divided TCDC Council sold out its communities last week by signing on to a half-baked and defective – but binding – amalgamation deal with two other districts coming away as grinning winners. Just like the hapless oysters of Walrus and the Carpenter renown, a halting and submissive Mayor Peter Revell and six Council adherents walked headlong into a longterm democratic disaster of their own making, willingly consigning their district to a minority position in an expanded subregional council, surrendering its political autonomy, and gifting away control over

local peninsula government for decades to come. Only four counsellors stood up for strong local democracy.

NO GUARANTEED BENEFITS: A LOSING PROPOSITION By identical 7-4 votes, the Council first agreed to submit a Head Start amalgamation proposal to the government. Then, it rubber-stamped the terms of a threeway agreement with Hauraki and Matamata-Piako districts that had been negotiated in secret during July, strictly withheld from public scrutiny or comment, and unveiled at the last minute as a done-deal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be signed and sealed by the three mayors just hours later. Continued on page 7

A remarkable true story - two screenings left

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Pauline’s Piece

One upset older couple with their ridiculous water bill close to $2,000

his older couple living in a small home in the township of Whitianga have a water meter. So it is not the same issue which is set out on page 13 where TCDC is yet to unbundle water meters or change the way they calculate and hence cease overcharging. Readers need to remind themselves of this by reading page 13. The couple have mobility issues – both use walkers so visiting the Council means a lot of physical effort. I am not using their names. They genuinely feel troubled but don’t want to cause trouble. They have lived in their home for many years. Their home is beautifully kept. When they received a water bill for over $1,900, they went into shock. They questioned it and asked their neighbours about their water bills. They asked for help as they knew they did not use that amount of water under any circumstances. The council asked them to check for a water leak. The plumber came twice to their home – did not do any repairs as stated in the letter from the

council. There was nothing to repair. He had checked and double checked if there was a water leak. There was no leak and the plumber went to the council to report that. The response was to give the plumber a brochure on how to test if there is a leak. The plumber has assured the home owners and TCDC he has done a thorough job. Everyone is doing their job. I can see from correspondence, the council office is doing their job. But the couple are distressed as compared to past water bills and to their neighbours’ bills, it is a ridiculous amount and something is wrong. They are in their eighties and believe they have done everything possible. The husband is a retired engineer. He checks his water meter every day. If there is no movement of any numbers on the meter, there is no water being used. He is also very clear that no one from the Council has been to their property. When was the meter read and by whom? There would be a system for checking this and that has not been mentioned in correspondence.

The problem is in this following phrase used by the Council in their response to this couple. “…in relation to an excess water remission claim, we are unable to approve your claim on this occasion, as it falls outside of TCDC Remission Policy Conditions.” Whatever happened to the water meter person who would come and read the meter? The couple have already spent money on two plumber’s visits. If there is no leak, could it be that there is a mistake somewhere in the accounting system? This customer does not leave bills unpaid – they are responsible citizens and pay them on time. This matter is obviously worrying these two older residents - there has been mention of penalties if they do not pay this enormous amount. However, they are not inclined to pay something that seems to be very inaccurate. Would it not be fairer to have the couple pay the same amount as they did the previous year and send someone for the council to do their own checking? That water bill, undeserved, is enough to cause health issues and

TCDC can do something about it. The Policy Conditions can be set aside to enable another solution to be found. After all, the community has tried to be very understanding about the fact that there is an

issue with overcharging when it comes to bundled meters – that has been public knowledge. Everyone is waiting for that to be sorted. Let’s sort this couple’s bill so that is it close to every other years account.

He is a farmer of immense experience; an environmental warrior; an adversary of too much artificial fertiliser and chemical sprays. He has written many wonderful invigorating and well researched article for The informer. He is the author of many books on environmental subjects and sustainable he is 94. Recently he had a stroke and he is weak in his body. Next week we will share his final article, which his son helped him prepare. When I visited him he could still recite the phone number of his son and tell me in whispers that the first big local government reforms began in 1946-7 when they formed Catchment

Boards. He believed that was a good move but had less compliments about all the mergers since. Malcolm Campbell is a legend.

A THOUGHT & PRAYER FOR MALCOLM CAMPBELL

Mike’s Minutes

‘Worth Watching Online’

JUST KEY IN THE TITLE TO FIND THE VIDEO IN YOUTUBE (AND IT’S BEST ON A BIG FLAT SCREEN SMART TV) 1) UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Will Blow Your Mind| Wonders of the World Man made marvels that continue to captivate travellers, historians and dreamers alike 2) Why Chinese EVs Are Banned In the US| AB Explained A deep dive into why Chinese EVs haven’t yet gone globally 3) Australia’s $30 Trillion Oil Discovery In the Outback

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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

CONGRATULATIONS – last month’s winners of The Great Winter Dine Out was Nicole Payne & Tyler Relph

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, BBC and Luke’s Kitchen (September only). Winners will be contacted and announced in the first issue of the month of The Coromandel Informer. 2 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

In 2013 a massive oil discovery beneath the Australian outback triggered headlines claiming the Arckaringa Basin near Coober Pedy could contain up to 233 Billion barrels of oil. But what actually happened to Australia’s biggest oil discovery. Enjoy watching, Mike

AEROVIEW GARDEN CENTRE

New season fruit trees

have arrived instore

Seed potatoes

We have 14 varieties available including Maori seed potatoes

Open 7 days a week Monday - Sunday 8.30am - 5.00pm

The Dag Man powdered sheep manure back in stock 382 Ngati Maru Highway, Thames

Phone 07 - 868 7960

www.theinformer.co.nz

Congratulations local Master Builders House of the Year Award winners

Percival Construction’s Gold award home – “You have arrived” Resene New Home $2 million - $4 million; Ohlsen and Whitelaw’s Gold award home – “Life on the water” New Home over $4 million.

t was another successful night for Coromandel Master Builders at the Auckland, Northland and Coromandel House of the year awards on Saturday night, held at the new Sky City International convention centre. Homes from built by Coromandel builds were entered in this years Competition. Percival Construction won a gold award in the $2-4 million dollar Category for their home on the Waterways in Whitianga, Ohlson and Whitelaw won Gold in the over $4 million dollar category

and Jennain Homes Haruraki/Coromandel won Gold for in the $1.5-2 million dollar category for their home in Whangamata. Jennian also won a Bronze award for a home in Matarangi in the $500-750,000 dollar category. It’s fantastic to see our local Master Builders up on stage receiving these prestigious awards, setting a standard of excellence in the industry. A huge congratulations to our Coromandel Peninsula Builders. Well done everyone!

PEDICARE SERVICES Professional Foot Care

Jennian Homes – Hauraki/ Coromandel Gold award home – “Made for gathering” APL New Home $1.5 million - $2 million; Jennian Homes – Whangamata. Bronze award home in Matarangi.

ER STILO DESIGN SUP

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Open Mon - Fri (10am to 4pm), Sat (10am - 2pm), Sun (closed)

Home visits by appointment Phone

027 663 2320

THAMES

MATAMATA

2pm, Saturday, 15 August Thames War Memorial Civic Centre Auditorium 200 Mary Street

2pm, Sunday, 16 August Matamata-Piako Civic and Memorial Centre 11 Tainui Street

PUBLIC MEETING

Authorised by H Howard, www.nzfirst.nz

www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 3

WHERE

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Thursday

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THE BEST BURGER deal in town IS ON! BUY 1 GET 1 FREE ! on all our JUG SESH!! FREE - LESSONS WITH burger CEEANN. Beginners wel1.8L Jugs from $22 come, Good tunes, Great & fries meals. Sharing is Caring crew, Get amognst it ! All Day, Dine in only

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Sports on all day, TAB, SUNDAY FUNDAY! delicious menu, BINGO WITH BRENT beersies flowing IS BACK! 1.30PM Good times!

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Winter Hiatus! Luke's Kitchen will be CLOSED from Monday 20th July, reopens Thursday 3rd September. A big thank you to our locals, visitors, musicians & team for another epic season. We truly appreciate your r support and look forward to kicking the doors back open in September! omeness) 20 Black Jack Rd, Kuaotunu PH: 07 866 4480 0 www.lukeskitchen.co.nz Fantastic food, Crack the Scallop Burger FUSH ‘N CHUP DARTS NIGHT MATES RATES (Add Bacon for Cold beers, Amazing Best Gosh Darn board Stick it MEAL DEAL Night of the week... Extra Garden Bar, PLUS the Because Food & to win it Awesomeness) 2 for 1 Courtesy Tav’n Wag’n BEST banter around! Drinks taste better alo Wings Meat Raffles Buff ALL DAY LONG will pick you up and (Warning Spicy at 20% OFF. Free Pool drop you off inWhiti. Tav made sauce) Complimentary 4pm till close All day Fish & Chips nibbles QUIZ NIGHT Must book though… From 4.30 - 6.30pm Fresh is Best! Sunday Just give us a call Only on a Monday Tonight 6.30pm Opening Hours .... Monday to Thursday 12pm; Friday to Sunday 11am

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Phone 07 866 0456

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 4:30pm until late clovewhitianga@gmail.com

13/1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga Ph 07 867 1983

ALA CARTE BRUNCH

From 9am + add a swim for $25 We Do Great Breakfasts!

TICKETS AVAILABLE

Tender Tuesdays At the Tav 200g Sirloin Steak, Eggs and Chips! $20 Available All Day!

EVENTS IN OUR NEW TIKI LOUNGE Mid Winter Xmas, Work-Do’s, Birthday’s Call Events @ 07 866 0456 Tell us What you Need

Order on line, book a table, take away menu and gift cards available too.

Check out ‘Clove to go’ food truck in the main street of Tairua...

O P E N 7 D AY S E F T P O S AVA I L A B L E

Private Hire Charters • Auckland Airport Transfers 4 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

T O TA L M O B I L I T Y AC C P R OV I D E R www.theinformer.co.nz

New Zealand First’s man in our electorate BY PAULINE STEWART

eet Vincent Andersen, the New Zealand First candidate standing in the Coromandel Electorate. Vincent dropped into The Coromandel Informer’s office last week and we were pleased to meet him. Vincent grew up in Matamata, where his parents farmed. By the time he was ten, the family had moved into Matamata township, where his father started a wheelie bin company. After Matamata College, he studied Computer Science and History at the University of Otago, then moved into Information Technology (IT) work, including several years at Vodafone. IT alone wasn’t quite enough for him – while living and working in Auckland, he also joined a band as its drummer, enjoying it alongside his day job. In 2012 the whole band relocated to the United Kingdom to follow the dream, gigging around London for five years and recording quite a lot of music together as Lunar Pupil. Through it all, Vincent kept his day job, working as Global Technology Procurement Manager for a company called Belron. While in the UK, Vincent met his future wife, Fiona, and the two married. They moved back to New Zealand together in 2021, during Covid, wanting to be closer to family, and Vincent took over running the wheelie bin company his father had started.

Alan Hopping with Vincent Andersen when he visited The Lost Spring.

Politics has interested him since childhood. He recalls, around age ten, reading the history section of the encyclopaedia and wondering whether history was “over,” and says he has always wanted to be part of making it, rather than just reading about it. Looking back on what the country lived through from 2020 onward, he felt he needed to stand up and help be part of the solution, pushing back where needed, against what he saw as unjust and not right. He describes it as a civic duty to know what’s happening and to care about people first. It was the values and principles of NZ First – Nationalist, Patriotic, Socially Conservative, and Common Sense – that drew him to the party specifically. He outlines the party’s five pillars, sitting atop its 15 founding

principles: • Fair democracy and equal citizenship • Building a prosperous nation • Protecting community and country • Sovereignty and responsible government • Self-sufficiency and pragmatic environmentalism Vincent says NZ First is driven by principles and values, putting New Zealanders’ wellbeing first and using common sense to shape policy accordingly. He’s proud that the party is willing to call itself nationalist, insisting nationalism isn’t a dirty word but simply pride in the country paired with a commitment to look after it. He points back to a time when New Zealand ranked among the very top OECD countries, with a population of only a million, argu-

ing that hard work and common sense got the country there – and that bold policy is now needed to climb back out of the current doldrums. On the party’s change agenda to restore New Zealand, Vincent covered several areas: Energy and regulation: Oil and gas reserves mapped and opened for investment to build a self-sufficient industry, insulated from global shocks. Power prices: The combination of generation and retail under the same companies (the ‘Gentailers’) since privatisation is the problem. NZ First would break up the monopolies so generation and retail are separated. Banking: He advocates buying back the BNZ, arguing foreign ownership of the major banks, drains financial control and capital from New Zealand, and that a locally owned bank would allow more domestic investment. Mining: He describes NZ First as a strong supporter of mining, wanting the industry expanded to produce needed materials and create jobs, with a policy that half of all royalties stay in the region where the mining occurs. He acknowledges opposition to mining exists but argues responsible mining can coexist with environmental care and prosperity, and that unnecessary regulation – while everyone has a personal duty to protect the environment – has instead contributed to economic hardship.

Paris Accord: NZ First is calling for withdrawal from the Paris Accord, arguing it would save New Zealand roughly $20 billion in carbon credits and is an important step toward keeping the country competitive. He notes that China, the US and India together account for over half of global emissions and sit outside Paris, while New Zealand contributes only around 0.17% of human emissions – arguing continued participation in the Paris Accord amounts to costly virtue signalling at the country’s economic expense. Immigration: Asked about NZ First’s apparent lack of empathy toward migrants, Vincent says the party’s policy is to bring in the people New Zealand needs, rather than people who simply need New Zealand. He points to cases where a student visa eventually leads to permanent residency, followed by the rest of the family, and argues there needs to be much tighter targeting of who the country actually lets in. Vincent says NZ First is asking for the Party Vote in Coromandel, and that he’d be very happy to also receive the Candidate Vote. NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones Meeting, Thames this Saturday, 15 August, at 2pm, at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre, 200 Mary Street, Thames. Contact: vincent.andersen@ nzfirst.nz See NZ First advert re Shane Jones visit to Thames on page 3.

28 Albert Street, Whitianga Phone 07 866 4532 Fax 07 866 4538

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E: whitianga@flooringxtra.co.nz The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 5

Seventeen Years in the Making

ADVERTORIAL

Carly is the owner of Infinite Fitness. The Infinite brand has been a true labour of love, growing alongside the Whitianga community for more than a decade.

arly’s vision has always been simple: “To help as many people as possible experience the magic of exercise.” Established in September 2013, what began as a small outdoor boot camp has evolved into Infinite Health Club – a thriving community that has helped thousands of people move their bodies, improve their health, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships. Carly looks back at where it all began. There were the infamous tyre sessions up Centennial Drive, freezing winter morning runs through town, beach workouts, and classes held wherever there was space. The Infinite brand was created from the belief that health and fitness is not a short-term goal, but a lifelong journey. The name "Infinite" represents the idea that there is always another step forward, another goal to achieve, and another opportunity to become stronger – physically, mentally, and emotionally. After nearly two decades in the fitness industry, Carly has experienced almost every corner of the profession – working in commercial gyms and on cruise ships, running outdoor boot camps, becoming self-employed, and eventually creating Infinite Health Club. Every chapter has helped shape the business into what it is today. Infinite Fitness officially began in September 2013 as a humble outdoor boot camp. Classes were held on local beaches, in parks, church halls, the town hall, and even, at one stage, the Moewai funeral home. Carly also welcomed clients into her own garage for personal training sessions and travelled to Cooks Beach twice a

The current team of Emma, Kev, Deb, Nicky, and Caz, Carly in the centre.

week to run boot camps. She even made regular trips to Matarangi to train clients in their homes who felt too nervous to walk into a gym. As the community grew, so did the vision. The next step was a large shed on Monk Street, affectionately known as the "Boot Camp Shed." From there, Infinite moved into the rugby club gym, where Carly began bringing other passionate trainers into the business. This was a turning point in Infinite's journey – the realisation that the impact could become so much greater when shared with an

The vision remains exactly the same as it was on day one: “To help as many people as possible experience the magic of exercise.”

incredible team of people who believed in the same vision. Together, they created something much bigger than a gym. Today, Infinite Health Club is a community hub for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. While Carly may have started the

journey, the growth and success of Infinite has always been a team effort. The trainers and staff who have been part of Infinite over the years have played a huge role in creating the welcoming, supportive environment members experience every day. Their passion, knowledge, energy, and commitment have helped shape the culture of the club and built the trust and loyalty of the community. The current team of Emma, Kev, Deb, Nicky, and Caz bring their own unique strengths, personalities, and expertise to Infinite. Together, they deliver more than 20 group fitness classes every week, including Spin, Pilates, Boxing, HIIT, Stretch, Circuits, Endurance, and Seniors Circuits. Beyond the timetable, the team are often the people who welcome a nervous new member through the doors, support someone returning after injury, or simply make someone’s day a little better. Infinite Health Club is not built on classes alone – it is built on relationships. Today, members have access to a fully equipped 24/7 gym featuring premium equipment, a dedicated recovery room complete with infrared saunas and an ice bath, personal training, free gym inductions, and specialised programmes designed to support people throughout different stages of their health and fitness journey. The true value of Infinite has

Carly and the team welcome you to join on a free 7 day trial! Sign up today at www.infinitehealthclub.nz or contact Carly on 020 4154 5066.

Seniornet

WHAT'S SENIORNET? We are a volunteer organisation and our aim is to make technology accessible to seniors in our community. Our tutors are patient and friendly. They will answer your questions and show you which buttons to press on your phone or other device. No problem is too small or too difficult.

6 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

always been the people. The community has always been, and will always be, the heart of Infinite. "Building this business has been one of the most rewarding, purposeful, and challenging experiences of my life - second only to becoming Mum to my daughter, Malia. She has been my greatest motivation and the reason I continue striving to build a life I'm proud of. “I feel incredibly grateful for every trainer, staff member, contractor, and member who has contributed to creating what Infinite is today. My entire adult life has been dedicated to helping people become healthier, happier versions of themselves, and I feel privileged to have shared that journey with such an amazing team and community." Whitianga has changed enormously over the past 17 years. Today we are spoilt for choice with incredible gyms, fitness professionals, sports clubs, and health services. It is inspiring to see so many people embracing active lifestyles. Carly often laughs when she remembers arriving in Whitianga nearly 20 years ago, when seeing someone out for a morning run was a rare sight. To see how many people now prioritise their health is something she feels incredibly proud to have played a small part in. And while Infinite has grown and evolved over the years, one thing has never changed: The vision remains exactly the same as it was on day one.

WHAT'S ON AT SENIORNET THIS MONTH Maybe you're new to Whitianga and keen to connect to other seniors or you have recently bought a new laptop or phone, check us out. On 19 August we're holding a "Drop In" session where you can meet us and find out what we can do to help you navigate the complex world of

tech.

"DROP IN" SESSION: When: Wednesday, 19 August. 11:15 - 12 Noon Where: 2 Cook Drive, Room 9 (parking available) Cost: Free

OUR REGULAR SCHEDULE: If you would like an individual consultation with a tutor during our regular class times, you can book a 45 minute session. These are held every Wednesday during the school term. Times available are every 45 minutes from 10:15 a.m until 1:15 pm. Cost: $8. If you have a iPhone or iPad, we have groups that meet every other Wednesday from 2:15-4:15pm. These groups give you the opportunity to interact with other SeniorNet

members whilst learning about all the wonderful features of your Apple device. There is plenty of time during the session to get the opportunity to practice your newly-acquired skills. To make a booking contact our Admin, Carol by phone: 021 0226 2504 or by email: seniornet. whitianga.admin@gmail. com

A SENIOR MOMENT... How many times a day do we say, "Where the heck did I leave my phone...?" "On the 8th day God created seniors... Most seniors don't get enough exercise so God decreed that seniors should become forgetful so they would have to search for their phones, glasses, keys and other things, thus doing more walking." www.theinformer.co.nz

Different and remarkable mix of harmony and movement

BY PAULINE STEWART

unday afternoon at the heritage St Georges Anglican Church in Thames was the scene of an outstanding quality concert this past weekend. The full concert featured Manu Matatahi, a youth-driven contemporary barbershop choir combining a unique blend of Te Ao Maori and barbershop harmony. They gave magnificent renditions of songs such as Bridge Over Troubled Waters to four-part harmonies whilst doing vigorous poi dancing. The voice quality was excellent but natural and the obvious love of singing and performing shines in each of them. This group placed well in the recent international competitions in USA where there were 38 competitors. Manu Matatahi always welcomes new members – you ca find them in the Marian School |Hall, Hamilton, on Thursdays from 7.15pm. They will be coming back to Thames next year for the 50th anniversary of the Thames Music Group who is responsible for all of these wonderful Sunday afternoon concerts. One concert goer who came to their first Thames Concert last year was so moved by their talent and their presentation she offered to use her skills as a weaver to provide a very special part of their unique style of presentation.

INSPIRED TO WEAVE FOR THEM BY SUSAN GRIFFITHS

By total chance I was passing through Thames at Matariki last year, saw the ad in The Informer and went to see them perform. I was impressed by their singing and in particular,r the blend of Maori and barbershop. I spoke to them afterwards and, being a weaver, was interested in the cloaks they were wearing. The young people told

me they were borrowed. Tha tgot me thinking and I later made contact and offered to make them cloaks of their own with their name in Taniko. The rest is history. I’ve become part of their whanau and they of mine. I’ve had some of them come to stay with me here in Whitianga and spent a weekend with them at Hokonui marae near Hamilton. Last year they won the New Zealand championships and

Cloak Susan has made.

they are recently back from the world competitions in USA . They are Hamilton/Waikato based, very diverse ethnically

and in so many other ways. They are a truly wonderful group of young people- some of them still at school.

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www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 7

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Time to relax and chill out at Hula Café

Above: Lana Garland, Tara, Fabian and Bonnie Roberts with Jan Schaeufele; Rachel Johnston doing her professional DJ role. Below: Leo Magri of Coromind; Gabe Johnston.

o chill however – everyone was warm. HULA Café knows how to put on a celebration. They have done it many times – all ages gather including young adults, good food and many different tastes, a relaxed and conversational atmosphere, their own music – either Gabe plays with his band or Rachel does a DJ gig. These two, Rachel and Gabe, who own Hula Café always leave enough room for people to talk and no one is uptight, not even the people cooking the food, serving the drinks and responding to people’s menu orders.

Last Saturday night Hula celebrated their 8th Birthday. The day was the eighth day of the eighth month – a very good rea-

son to have a celebration and well done to Hula Café and their large number of community supporters.

Rock the Night Away with The Shakers!

Get ready for a thrilling journey back in time as The Shakers, New Zealand's freshest Rock 'n' Roll Band, take over Mercury Bay Club on August 15th! Prepare for an extravaganza filled with dance-floor classics and iconic hits from both sides of the Atlantic. The Shakers, led by Ian Smith, guitarist and lead singer from Liverpool, will bring you the gritty grooves of early American rock, the chart-topping anthems of the British Invasion, and everything in between! Expect to hear timeless tunes from legends like Elvis Presley,

Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Little Richard, The Beach Boys, The Stray Cats, Del Shannon, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, The Hollies, Elton John, Cliff Richard, Chubby Checker, Bill Haley & the Comets, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and the Everley Brothers. Join us at Mercury Bay Club, 69 Cook Drive, Whitianga 3510, from 7:30pm till 10:30pm on Saturday, 15 August. Book your tickets now! This Friday, night 14 August – Steve and Bong will be entertaining guests at The Mercury Bay Club 7:30pm.

The Mercury Bay Club presents

See Seniornet column on page 6

Saturday 15 August 7.30pm

Tickets $25 Club Members $20 Be quick – Entries close Friday 14 August @ 3pm

WIN 2 TICKETS

Email: ofﬁce@theinformer.co.nz with the subject ‘Tickets to The Shakers’ along with your name and phone number, or drop your entry into the Crossword/Sudoku box outside The Informer ofﬁce, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga. Draw will be made on Friday 14 August. Winner will be contacted by phone or email. www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 9

In awe of the humble Kahawai

BY DAVE FOWELL

reated as a poor cousin to the mighty kingfish and thought of as only good for bait, the humble kahawai, is a wonderful local resource that can be caught by virtually anybody with a hook and line. From the boat, the wharf or off the beach it's a magnificent fighting fish for its weight. Leaping high in the air in the effort to shake loose the hook. But that's not all! It is a perfect nose to tail fish (using every piece). The innards cut up are a great ground bait and big snapper can't refuse it on the hook. Now let us get them home where they really start to shine! Filleted, skin on (scaled) or off with the pin bones to Brian (our ginger cat). First it's marinated fish 'cooked in lemon juice', Ika Mata from Rarotonga or Ceviche from South America then because you are hungry it's into the hot pan, macadamia crumbed, with a slab of butter (I don't cook for hospitals!), adding lemon juice and

salt and pepper when turned over before adding a good dollop of cream (I don't cook for hospitals!) and reducing it to make a sauce. If you don't mind eating around the bones you can cook the wings the same way. Smoke some for fish pies and there are endless ways to honour the flesh for dinner. It's not good for freezing but if you enjoy a good fish curry it's fine for that. Wash the frames and put in a large pot with cold water to cover and cook for 30 minutes. Strain the fish out and add vegetables to the pot and simmer to reduce. This is the base stock for a delicious chowder. Pick the bones clean of the cooked fish to go in the chowder later and then throw the bones to the chooks or put them around the orchard trees. So don't tell me about the price of fish or that you are hungry, go 'get em'. Dave Fowell is well known for his community work; is a local accomplished artist, a mural designer and painter.

More than a licence: 200 locals gain mobility, confidence, and opportunity

BY KIT WILSON

The JumpStart Driver Training programme has reached a major milestone, helping its 200th local person gain their restricted licence since launching in 2022. The free programme supports Waihi residents and Waihi College students working towards their restricted licence by providing supervised on-road driving sessions, with support from community volunteers, local Police, and OceanaGold. JumpStart volunteers, Police, Waihi College staff and students, and OceanaGold employees recently gathered at Waihi College to celebrate the achievement and recognise the community effort behind the programme. The idea for JumpStart grew from conversations between OceanaGold and Waihi College in late 2021 about how best to support local young people. In a semi-rural community like Waihi, access to a driver's licence was recognised as critical to provide participants with employment opportunities, increase safety on our roads, and assist their personal growth and development. “We’re very proud of what the JumpStart programme has grown into today.” Michael van Anen, Asset President at OceanaGold Waihi, said. “I take my hat off to the volunteers. I’ve had two teenage boys myself, so I know it’s a special skill and patience to be able to teach others how to drive!” At the heart of the programme are Volunteer Driver Navigators, local people who generously give their time to help others gain the skills, experience and confidence

Whitianga Coastguard

needed to become safe, licensed drivers. After completing training and Police vetting, Navigators work alongside learner drivers, providing practical coaching and encouragement throughout their licensing journey. For JumpStart Navigator and OceanaGold employee Andrew Bellamy, volunteering is an opportunity to share his passion for driving while helping others unlock new opportunities. “One of the things I enjoy most about being a Navigator is the coaching aspect,” says Andrew, “The people who come into the programme are usually really motivated and it’s rewarding to support them as they work towards their goals.” An experienced driver with licences across multiple vehicle classes, Andrew draws on years of driving experience to help learners build confidence behind the wheel. “I really enjoy being a navigator because you’re helping someone achieve their goals and broaden their horizons,” he says, For Waihi College student Ruby Wilhelmi, gaining her driver licence

RESCUES

TRAINING Using the early evenings, on-water training has taken the lead, enabling us to undertake good use of our FLIR camera and night vision/ low light binoculars (using containers filled with hot water attached to dummies and floats to simulate people in the water). A very cheap and effective

Kit Wilson, Manager - Communication (NZ) Email: kit.wilson@ oceanagold.com

REPLACEMENT VESSEL

BY STUART BROWN

Only two callouts in July – both non urgent; one was to assist a vessel off Otama and the other to a vessel off the Twins. Both resulted in tows back to their respective ramps. Another eight reports from vessels covering missing and located overturned tenders, vessels requiring assistance helped by other vessels of opportunity, a report of overdue vessel on a bar crossing watch and a couple of jobs handled by the local teams of harbourmasters.

through the JumpStart programme has opened the door to new opportunities and greater independence. Now in Year 13, Ruby gained her restricted Licence earlier this year and in 2027 she plans to study Marine Biology at Victoria University in Wellington. “JumpStart has given me lots of opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have had.” says Ruby. “To all the Navigators, I imagine it can be nerve-wracking sometimes, but the patience, time and effort you’ve invested in all of us is inspirational.” The JumpStart programme is also available free of charge to members of the wider Waihi community. Among them is community graduate Nikita Anderson. “Having my licence has allowed me to go back to work after maternity leave, be independent, do things around town, go out of town – just daily life,” says Nikita. “If you’re thinking about JumpStart, just do it.”

Coastguard cadets participating in the In Water Survivability practical programme – this photo was taken a week ago, early morning – well done! The second photo is to assure readers that the coastguard vessel is close by.

way of using of these great tools to search for ‘items’ up to circa 500 metres away, Other on water training has revolved around CQM (Close Quarter Manoeuvring) and restricted visibility navigation. RADIO OPERATIONS We welcome four new radio oper-

10 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

ators to the unit. They are currently undertaking training on our processes and systems. I look forward to hearing them on the radio taking your calls. During our quieter times our current radio operators are also training on their existing tools such as mobile locate and trac

plus. We are looking at a new digital VHF platform that is also used by our Auckland radio room and Maritime Radio (vhf channel #16) based in Wellington. This will be a great enhancement for the unit providing a service to our local boaties.

The construction of the replacement vessel for Te Morehu has commenced. The Fantom 10m alloy vessel has foam D cells rather than air filled pontoons. This gives the crew a larger deck working area within the vessel for activities such as patient care alongside the ability to carry multiple stretchers, de-watering pumps etc. Given the larger internal cabin area, another feature will be the three working stations. Thus, we will have the usual helm and navigation stations along with a new Search and Rescue station.

CADETS IN TRAINING The Alan Jackson Memorial Cadet attendees are well into their course after completing their VHF and Day-skipper theory courses and on water practical work. Upcoming courses will be a First Aid course and the In Water Survivability practical programme. Safe Boating! www.theinformer.co.nz

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Find your perfect match with Sleepmap, our free, in-store bed matching system. National Birthday Sale ends 11.08.26. Discount offers apply to selected beds and bedding only, prices as marked. Offers exclude Everyday Dream prices, run outs, clearance stock (unless otherwise stated) and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. See in- store for details. 30-Day Comfort Guarantee available for in-store purchases only. We reserve the right to correct errors and misprints and to change product speciﬁcations. All products are advertised in good faith and will be available, except in circumstances beyond our control. Product ranges vary between stores and some products are available in selected stores only. *36 months interest free is available on Long Term Finance (LTF) for in-store purchases only until 11.08.26. Min spend $1,499. Offer excludes Everyday Dream Prices, run outs, clearance, layby and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Lending criteria, $50 annual Account Fee, fees, Ts&Cs apply. $55 Establishment Fee applies to your ﬁrst LTF transaction, $35 Advance Fee applies to subsequent LTF transactions. Min payments of 3% of the monthly closing balance or $10 (whichever is greater) are required throughout interest free period. Paying only the minimum monthly payments will not fully repay the loan before the end of the interest free period. Standard Interest Rate of 28.95% p.a. applies to outstanding balance at the end of LTF Interest Free Period. Other interest rates and fees may apply. Rates and fees subject to change. New customers need to apply and be approved for a Q Mastercard credit card. Columbus Financial Services Limited and Consumer Finance Limited reserve the right to amend, suspend or terminate the offer and these Ts&Cs at any time without notice.

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The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 11

3-in-1 hub brings practical skills to Moewai Road

ADVERTORIAL

A Sunday Night in Whangamata

new collaboration at 143 Moewai Road has brought together three skilled tradespeople all side by sideat one site creating a convenient repair and fabrication hub for the Mercury Bay community. Dan Misen of Autoworx could see how the three different businesses all at one address but in different industrial sheds could together promote together their businesses. Together, the three offer a one-stop repair hub serving the wider community – cars, boats and anything iron or steel inbetween. We talked to all three business owners and today will feature Tony Jump of Iron Works. Tony is a mechanical engineer and fitter by trade. Although he officially set up his business in Moewai Road, on 2 June, 2026, he is backed by 18 years of industry experience. “I go to people’s sites such

Tony of Iron Works.

as Hoppers Developments, SUNZ or concrete plants, quarries, processing plants and I can repair or provide what is required and I specialises in fabrication, and on-site engineering solutions. I can fit and fabricate whatever is needed.” One of the major services Tony provides is trailer repairs and vehicle exhausts repairs. We can assist each other and help customers get a complete service. If Dan gets a car

in and it fails its WOF on exhaust, or if a trailer fails on rust etc, Dan can send it across to me. This all helps to keep local vehicles on the road, A family man with wife Anita and four adult kids, he believes the area is “a good place to live”. Completing the trio is John Bethell of JB Boat Repairs, who set up his Boat Repair business in the third shed in February 2026 – more next week.

BY SHAUN FAY We have been having some very cold nights. one is tempted to stay at home and rug up. But on the last Sunday of the month you just can’t do that when Trace and Mark set up at Craft Haus for their monthly show. It’s always a great session from these two Whanga music legends, and throw in Craft Haus’s Sunday Special, ‘The Give A Schnit Sunday’ for just $22 and there’s a reasonable turn out. Not packed by any means but those that are there are loving it. It is never easy in the middle of winter for entertainment venues to commit to

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COROMANDEL IRON WORKS Mechanical engineer and fitter Fit and fabricate whatever is needed All general engineering Tony Jump (aka Jumpy) 027 251 1410 ironworks2112@gmail.com 12 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

Fisheries New Zealand Tini a Tangaroa

TWO-YEAR SHELLFISH CLOSURE Two-year shellfish closures of Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, and Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf

John - Tony - Dan ANYTHING FIBREGLASS FIXED RIGHT

live music but Craft Haus have always supported our local musos and it can make a significant difference to their bottom line. Mark and Trace have been working together for a while now each featuring on their own or harmonising with each other. It works. Remarkably Mark has memorised over 300 songs. Think about that, 300 songs committed to memory and each one gets its own special treatment. Trace and Mark will be back August 30, well worth the effort and I guarantee you’ll know a few of the songs to sing along with.

Under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996, notification is given of Fisheries (Umupuia Beach Temporary Closure) Notice 2026; Fisheries (Te Mātā and Waipatukahu Temporary Closure) Notice 2026; and Fisheries (Waiheke Island Temporary Closure) Notice 2026. The notices close Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, and Waiheke Island coastlines to the take of specific shellfish species from 7 August 2026 until 6 August 2028. The closures were requested by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust and Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust. Closures apply as follows: • Umupuia Beach is closed to the take of cockles. The temporary closure includes all that area of New Zealand fisheries waters from Te Puea at the western end of the beach to Whakakaiwhara Point at the eastern end of the beach. • Te Mātā and Waipatukahu is closed to the take of cockles, mussels, oysters, and pipi. The temporary closure includes all that area of New Zealand fisheries waters from Ōtaki Creek to Diehard Stream (also known as Onepoto Steam), and offshore one nautical mile. • Waiheke Island is closed to the take of mussels, pāua, and packhorse rock lobster. The temporary closure includes all that area of New Zealand fisheries waters within 1 nautical mile of Waiheke Island, but excludes Te Matuku Marine Reserve. Further information about temporary closures, including maps of these temporary closures, are available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website (www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/maoricustomary-fishing).

New Zealand Government Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa

www.theinformer.co.nz

The setting of TCDC water rates – not discretionary, not complex, but extortionate BY IAN STEWART, WHITIANGA Foreword: On the lips of every budding elected councillor in 2025 was the intention to address the fact that the way the water rates were charged for unmetered properties was unfair and needed addressing. At the same time, the awareness that there were several thousand water meters sitting in a garage since Mayor Sandra Goudie authorised their purchase in her mayoral reign came to light and residents want fairness and if there is unfairness then it needs to be fixed up and council needs to recompense in a fair way. This following letter highlights and reminds us all that the calculation of water rates and water meters or lack of) issue are unresolved. This is a resident’s reply to a legal representative for TCDC . This resident is trying to get some justice in terms of water rates. R= resident, L= legal view R: It is frustrating to have you say, L: "To provide an explanation as to why Council has not installed a boundary/bulk meter for this complex, we have asked the Water Services manager to engage with you directly." R: Several other council staff have said the same thing over the last 18 months. I have yet to hear from the Water Services Manager.

Following the information you sent through, L: ”The process for setting rates is prescribed by the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 and is not discretionary." R: I have reviewed the two acts, and of course they are not discretionary. However they also have nothing to do with the actual rates charges as set by the TCDC. The rates charges themselves, for the currently 9,500 people on non-metered water connections in the district, were set by the council to fulfil a requirement specified in the two Acts. The charges themselves were NOT set by the Government. Just prior to the last local body election, the TCDC team wrote in a letter to the editor of the Coromandel Informer on 16 September 2025, in response to the overwhelming complaints from the public regarding overcharg-

ing, "The way we set our (water) rates is complex and involves a significant process. The setting of our rates was legally reviewed prior to adoption on 24 June and adheres to all aspects set out under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002. We don’t expect people to necessarily understand the intricacies of this process …” – from TCDC. Where is the "complexity", or "intricacy", in setting a massive uniform charge for unmetered water by simply taking the infrastructure fixed cost and doubling it to cover the supplied water? How is this in ANY WAY a complex calculation? “TCDC is well aware that your charge of 925.6 litres per day is, for any household of less than 5 people, an overcharge.”

The TCDC is well aware that your charge of 925.6 litres per day is, for any household housing less than 5 people, an overcharge. For a household of two people, with an average water consumption of 300 to 400 litres per day, TCDC is charging more than double the actual use. For someone with a weekend batch, who's occupancy is maybe one weekend a month, it's outright theft.

So once again, given that the TCDC is very aware that they are overcharging for an essential commodity, I am asking you as their legal representative for the legislation that allows the TCDC to KNOWINGLY overcharge rate-payers for their water, based on the current metered water charges. Because to me, and the bulk of ratepayers, these charges are extortionate, and I can see no legal way that TCDC can justify this. To simply say that a rate is set (apparently by just finding the nearest convenient number and doubling it) and that it was legally reviewed (no doubt by your own department) means nothing. In order to comply with the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 you simply have to set a rate. That doesn't justify setting it to an extortionate level. I offer a simple solution:Take a representative cross section of the community who are on metered connections. Poll the sample to get data on occupancy rates, ranging from full time occupants with varying family sizes, down to holiday homes with occasional occupancy. Cross reference these with their metered water consumption to give you an average use for number of occupants and frequency of occupancy. You

can then determine the occupancy of un-metered properties, and charge them based on the data accrued. In actual fact this data is already readily available, but I know the Council will want to gather their own information rather than work efficiently. Please be aware that I will once again be bringing this matter to the public's attention. P.S. The following was also part of the legal defence argument. However when so many communities have had unbundling and have working water meters across this country. TCDC is describing this as difficult to manage. From TCDC: “Councils face a number of practical and legal challenges installing water meters on private property where there are multiple owners and occupiers. This would require agreement from all property owners and legal arrangements (such as easements), both of which add cost and complexity. There are also issues around maintenance – while the internal pipes remain privately owned, the meters would be Council assets. In practice, this could result in Council becoming responsible for maintaining or responding to issues within private pipework to ensure meters function properly, which would be costly and difficult to manage.”

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS

A significant week for our district

BY PETER REVELL, MAYOR, THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT COUNCIL

returned last week from four weeks overseas to find our Council at the pointy end of one of the most important decisions of this term. On Tuesday we resolved to join with Hauraki and Matamata-Piako District Councils in a Head Start proposal to Government for a new unitary authority covering our three districts. The jointly signed proposal was submitted to Ministers by the end of the week. The decision was carried seven votes to four. On an issue this big, total consensus was never realistic, and healthy debate around the

Mayor Peter Revell.

council table is exactly what our communities elect us for. Every councillor tested the case hard and made their call on the best

Democratic Accountability in Local Government

information we could gather, and that rigour gives me confidence in the decision we reached. That included what you told us. From the initial survey with over 500 responses, through information evenings across Coromandel, Thames, Whitianga, Tairua, Pāuanui, and Whangamata, to the final survey, more than 1600 people engaged directly, alongside our residents and ratepayers associations. So why did we vote to join with our neighbours? The heart of it is financial strength. On our own, each council faces ageing infrastructure, rising costs and a limited ratepayer base. Together, the three districts would serve around 93,500 people with com-

Who Really Runs Our Councils? BY ADY COLE-EWEN Every three years New Zealanders vote for mayors and councillors because we believe those elected representatives will make the important decisions affecting our communities. BUT is that what actually happens? A recent NZ Herald opinion article by Jonathan Ayling asks a question that deserves serious public discussion: Who Really Governs Local Government? This raises an important question for local government throughout New Zealand. Ayling argues that while communities elect mayors and councillors to make decisions on their behalf, the practical exercise of power in many councils has increasingly shifted towards chief executives and senior staff. The Local Government Act 2002 clearly distinguishes between governance and administration. Elected members are responsible for setting policy, making decisions, representing the community and holding the organisation accountable. The chief executive is responsible for implementing those decisions, managing staff and ensuring the efficient operation of the council organisation. No one doubts the need for professional council staff. Running a modern council requires engineers, planners, finance specialists and other experts. However, this can also be open to question. Results in many areas across the Coromandel Peninsula would suggest our “experts” capabilities should be open to revue. Their advice should be essential. In reality, we have the ongoing issues of the “Shark Bite” (engineering fiasco) Grass Carp at Cooks Beach (not rocket science), and a

lack of basic infrastructure (can’t compete with the nice-to-haves). Regardless of those anomalies – advice is not the same as decision-making. In practice however, the reality appears to be something quite different, with concerns being expressed that: • information available to councillors is largely controlled through the CE’s office. • reports and recommendations are prepared by staff before reaching elected members. • access to independent advice can be limited • operational priorities can significantly influence policy outcomes. This can create a perception that elected representatives are reacting to administrative advice rather than directing the strategic direction of their councils. WHY THIS MATTERS Public confidence in local democracy depends upon citizens knowing that the people they elect are genuinely making the important decisions and that they are being empowered and supported. Professional staff should provide essential expertise and continuity, but democratic accountability requires that elected representatives retain authority over policy and strategic direction. If communities begin to believe that significant decisions are effectively controlled by unelected officials, confidence in local government is undermined. (This article was prompted by a recent NZ Herald opinion piece by Jonathan Ayling titled “Who Governs Local Government”, combined with TCDC’s abysmal performance with communications on Water and Waste Water at Wharekaho). Ady Cole-Ewen is a Simpsons Beach, Ratepayer

14 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

bined revenue of over $320 million and net assets of $3.7 billion. That scale means far greater capacity to renew and build the assets our communities rely on, and a credible pathway to resolving our water services challenge. Just as important is what we keep. The new authority would have a single mayor and governing council for the combined area, making the big region wide decisions. But local voice is built in through directly elected local boards, with powers protected in legislation, deciding on local facilities, priorities and services for their own communities. Decisions stay close to the people they affect. It would also create a unitary

council, combining the roles of district and regional councils, as Auckland, Marlborough, Nelson and Gisborne have done successfully for years. One council, one plan, one point of accountability, with rates raised here spent here. Tuesday's decision commits us to the next stage, not the final destination. Extensive planning, engagement and due diligence will follow to confirm this is the best pathway, and if serious concerns emerge, protections for our ratepayers can be negotiated. We chose to shape our own future rather than have one shaped for us. I'm confident it is the right direction, and you will be kept updated as we take the next steps.

Ray’s Report #32 Ode to the Haggis

BY RAY VAN BEYNEN Over the weekend Mrs VB and I attended a 70th birthday party for a young and dear friend. Being of Scottish descent, and is their family tradition, the party was in the form of a Ceilidh (kaylee). The Ceilidh is a traditional Scottish social occasion where there is live music, singing and dancing and goes way back to Celtic times. On the tables were sprigs of heather, the men were resplendent in their kilts, the women with a tartan shawl and the whisky bottle and the ‘wee dram’ glasses strategically placed. Even the children had been dressed up in their family tartan. Wild venison shot in the Hakataramea valley, beef from the family high country station, Table Top, and South Island salmon featured

Photo from BBC archives.

strongly on the menu. As is the custom, the Haggis was piped in, and we were treated to the Robbie Burn’s poem ‘Ode to the Haggis’ and all that goes with the ceremony. Appropriately the party was held at the Auckland Scottish Masonic centre. There were some great speeches and our friend and host, Donald, who is a great family man, a business coach, a high-country farmer, a Māori wood carver and general all round good bastard, spoke beautifully. What struck me most was the great variety of ethnic groups and nationalities there. Apart from the Scots there were guests of Croation, Māori, English, Welsh, Irish, Jewish, Dutch, Chinese, Thai, Pacifica, Iranian, Indian and even a couple of people of North American descent.

What also struck me was that this is the real New Zealand. A vibrant multicultural society. On this occasion and in a culture as deep and as strong as the Scots, everybody ate, drank, talked, danced and sang to their hearts content. And no fights. With the racist, sexist bile that we are being subjected to from all parts of the political spectrum, it occurred to me that this party was a shining example of what contributions each and every ethnic and national group has made to our country and that our great strength is our unity and dare I say it, diversity. Like most New Zealand families we are a great melting pot with my own family having Dutch, Scots, Irish, Polish and Māori roots. And yes, the party was a great event, and a great time was had by all. Sláinte mbath!

Haggis is the national dish of Scotland. It is a savory pudding made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs (called pluck), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, stock, and spices.

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Democratic disaster about to happen Continued for front page As clearly outlined by Cr Rasmussen, a practising lawyer arguing against adoption, the amalgamation MOU is simply a non-binding list of aspirations, completely devoid of detail regarding the new council’s structure, representation, treatment of assets and debt, and a long list of other critical issues yet to be hammered out. It does, however, lock TCDC into negotiations exclusively with Hauraki and Matamata-Piako, thereby eliminating any possibility of exploring other merger options should the hastily arranged council marriage falter at the outset. Contrary to public assurances given to councillors last month while Head Start options were being explored, the signed-off Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is legally binding with no off-ramps. There is a reason that both Hauraki and Matamata-Piako councils voted unanimously for the three-way amalgamation within hours of the TCDC vote. For those councils, the capture of minority partner Thames-Coromandel District will be a rates bonanza. With thousands of non-resident holiday home ratepayers swelling the revenue stream, the Coromandel promises to be a financial milking shed for decades. The TCDC decision to lock itself into an ill-defined amalgamation agreement – one that puts the district at a permanent control disadvantage with no guaranteed benefits – is unlike the actions of virtually every other local council across New Zealand. A review of reports on Head Start decisions by councils from Southland to Northland, Wellington to Hamilton, and Canterbury to the Bay of Plenty turns up no other example of a local authority voluntarily entering into a disadvantageous merger proposal. Other district and city mayors have been vocal about putting their residents’ interests above all other concerns, and they have acted accordingly. For councils requiring a financial lifeline and for those within naturally defined urban catchments, amalgamation is obviously a good choice. But a sizeable list of local authorities have decided against

submitting any Head Start merger proposal. Several locally minded councils have voted in favour of a standalone unitary council structure to firmly entrench local control and decision-making for the future.

DAZED AND CONFUSED: SPOOKED BY THE GOVERNMENT With hindsight, how and why Thames-Coromandel District Council came to sign away its fundamental autonomy is clear, and it began with a timid, defensive response to the government’s 5 May ministerial directive on simplifying local government. As the ministers made clear, the Head Start pathway was entirely voluntary and offered specifically to councils ready to act quickly. TCDC is not one of those councils and was certainly not ready for or in need of any merger. Amalgamation was not on the public agenda. The council enjoys a strong financial position, and common interests with neighbouring councils are very limited. But the language of the Head Start announcement spooked a timid TCDC Mayor Revell. Unitary councils, large or small, would be mandatory after 2028, the directive said, and the government would have the last word on any new council arrangement. But the mayor and his Council fol-

lowers mistakenly took this to mean that, if it did not advance a Head Start merger proposal this month, TCDC would eventually be “forced against its will” by the government to accept a bad, if not catastrophic, structure. They repeatedly expressed concern that the council “would lose control” if it did not submit a merger plan, and the frightful prospect of an as-yet-undefined alternative process for councils opting out of Head Start drove the council’s initial response.

TOTALLY BACK TO FRONT: THE MAYOR GETS IT WRONG As is often the case when fear and uncertainty drive decisions, Mayor Peter Revell got the Head Start pathway completely back to front and the cart before the horse from the start. Instead of first exploring and evaluating all options for council simplification, and then, after investigation and analysis of all options, making an informed decision on whether or not to submit a proposal, the mayor committed first to submitting a merger plan, and only then to go out and bargain with neighbouring councils to identify the “best deal” on offer. As a result, any leverage of just walking away was forfeited. Revell pushed through his fateful commitment to Head Start amalgamation just three weeks later, on 26 May, thereby

painting the council into an amalgamation corner. Running scared, he had exchanged the uncertainty of achieving the best outcome for the certainty of accepting a bad outcome. For a master class on non-strategic political leadership, look no further. For the next two months, until its official surrender on 4 August, the council’s Head Start process was a charade of narrowly circumscribed “public engagement” on a short list of severely limited options – a parody of open and transparent local government. Meeting notes of a five-member working group were kept secret. When updated on “progress”, councillors were warned to keep everything confidential. In contrast to many NZ councils, the mayor rejected attempts to gauge support for a standalone Coromandel Council – the one reform option that would be sure to come out on top in TCDC’s informal online survey if it were included. The mayor embarrassed himself by groveling for acceptance at a Bay of Plenty Mayoral Forum meeting, introduced himself down the road as “The Last Mayor of Thames-Coromandel District”, and then departed for a perfectly timed four-week overseas holiday, leaving his deputy, John Granrt, as amalgamation bag man. The process was tightly stage-managed, and the outcome, for the most part, predetermined. A VERY BAD OUTCOME: WHAT’S IN STORE While Revell last week painted the merger as a marvellous achievement, anyone who can add and divide can see that Mayor Revell and Deputy Mayor Grant, the TCDC “leadership”, have been played for fools. Instead of listing the guaranteed benefits that will accrue to his district – of which there are none – an obsequious mayor proudly pointed to how many boxes he had ticked in meeting the government’s amalgamation guidelines. Cringe… Coromandel residents currently elect all 11 Council members. Starting in 2028, they will elect four or five members out of 12 to 16. The district represents best case only 33.3% of the newly

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merged area, and the government will only accept representation based on population – one person, one vote. Community boards and public forums at meetings will be out – Hauraki doesn’t have them now, and neither will the new council. One or two Coromandel “local boards” (east and west) will likely handle reserves, libraries, road names, Christmas decorations, and a modest basket of grant ‘lollies’ for local groups and events. As in Hauraki now, each town will host an annual “meet-and-greet” with the mayor and staff answering pre-submitted questions on footpaths and street lighting and offering assurances that the council will “look into it”. And local observers do not need a crystal ball to see how ambition will likely play out. At the next local body elections, expect a polished and politically savvy Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams to take the new council helm at expanded Paeroa headquarters. Revell, who has been over his head as mayor, and those current councillors who want to stick around and pick up the pieces, will be happy to stand for local board positions. No say on rates or policy or hiring or service levels, but ‘a finger in the pie’. As for regular Coromandel residents and ratepayers paying the bills, it will be “long-distance calling”. BOUQUETS AND BRICKBATS: HERE’S WHO TO THANK Voting to relegate Thames-Coromandel District to a minority position in the new Hauraki Plains amalgamated council were Mayor Peter Revell, Deputy Mayor and Mercury Bay Cr John Grant, Thames Crs Greg Hampton, Martin Rodley, and Robyn Sinclair, Whangamatā Cr John Freer, and Te Tarao Te Ika Cr Michael Barlow. Voting against a Head Start amalgamation proposal and the binding MOU agreement with Hauraki and Matamata-Piako councils were Mercury Bay Crs Tony Brljevich and Flemming Rasmussen, Tairua-Pāuanui Cr Alison Smith, and Coromandel-Colville Cr Rob Ashman. Good Luck!.

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The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 15

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS

What now with Option Three? Some reality about catchments

The reorganisation of Local Government to achieve significant amalgamations of our 78 local Councils has begun. BY DAL MINOGUE

his amalgamation as part of local government reform is being done to provide a better, more efficient delivery of Council services to ratepayers. Fair enough, no-one can deny that there is plenty of scope for improvement. The Government Coalition indicating that new Councils should be unitary Councils, which might sound great but important consequences do follow. For example, how can a Unitary ex District Council justifiably apply to itself for a consent to build a wastewater plant (currently issued by a Regional Council) that seeks to discharge polluted water into a sensitive coastal environment? To avoid coming across as heavy handed by pre-deciding Council amalgamations, Central Government asked the Mayors of local Councils, acting within their existing over-arching Regional Council structures, to come up with whatever proposals they like, subject to Central Government consultation whereby unsatisfactory proposals would presumably be tidied up or thrown out.. There are three major considerations for any amalgamation even after options have been signed off

with an MOU. 1) Unitary authorities may not be a smart choice when environmental consents and consent monitoring end up in the hands of the very organisations that apply for the most environmentally damaging consents; 2) Any Unitary Council reorganisation, to ensure effective, overall environmental management, must be based on whole river catchment systems and not on local politicking / empire-building; and 3) Local Mayors and Regional Council Chairpersons cannot be relied on to fully consider the previous two points. The Thames Valley catchment includes the Council areas of Matamata-Piako, Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel. It discharges into the firth of Thames and then into the larger Hauraki Gulf. Environmental management of the Hauraki Gulf, is by Government law, widely captured through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act, which includes the entire Coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula 12 km out to sea. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Forum, the governing body of the Marine Park, is seeking far greater powers over the environmental management not only of

the marine aspects of the Marine Park, but of all the catchments that flow into it, including the Thames Valley and all other Coromandel Peninsula rivers and catchments. This reality has not been explained by Central Government to anybody - including the Waikato Regional Council Chairman apparently. Instead they have simply pontificated about creating a pretence about consultation and choice in this matter, which is highly misleading The Waikato River Catchment, which discharges into the West Coast of the North Island, includes all the other 8 Waikato Councils. Like the Thames Valley catchment system, the Waikato river catchment system is also subject to Acts of Parliament that ensure that environmental management over it must be considered in the context of its whole – ie. it cannot be divvied up into parts as proposed by the KIng Country and Central Waikato Authorities. So, two Amalgamated Unitary Authorities, one based on the Waikato River Catchment and the other on the Thames Valley / Coromandel catchment systems, must be realistically put on the table by the Waikato Regional Council and our Mayoral advo-

cates - who are supposed to be working to improve all Council services, including environmental management, as eschewed within the nature of a Unitary Council In my opinion, the Thames Valley Catchment Councils of Matamata-Piako, Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel, as far as the management of the Waihou and Piako river catchments are concerned, would be far, far better off separated from the other Waikato Councils anyway. Why? Because despite the Waihou and Piako Rivers being the most polluted rivers in the Waikato region and in the whole country, they have never been prioritised for rehabilitation over the much cleaner Waikato River, simply because the majority of votes lies with the Waikato River Catchment Councils who consistently work for their own benefit first. Does anyone think this will change if we are forced to join a single Unitary Waikato Council? I have also read commentary that Thames-Coromandel would be better served by creating its own Unitary Authority and backing out of the amalgamation potential with the other Thames Valley Councils. That is a nonsense approach, because it would not satisfy the intent of the

Central Government reforms to amalgamate Councils to provide better, more efficient services to Ratepayers. Consider, for example, the huge cost benefits of one Thames Valley Building Control system with combined planning, consenting and building inspection staff. Consider also that protection of the entire west coast of the Coromandel Peninsula from sediment and nutrient overload from the Thames Valley rivers, which is so important for the sustainability of aquaculture and fishing. These things would be out of the control of a solo Unified Thames-Coromandel Council and placed instead in the hands of upstream Councils who would be unlikely to prioritise those issues. In conclusion, Central Government has been remiss in the way they have pitched this amalgamation process. Hence many crazy ideas will now be cooked up by our local politicians and commentators and we will all waste a huge amount of time commenting or submitting about them before the dust finally settles on what is sensible and logical. Dal Minogue previously served as an elected TCDC Councillor

Eastern Coromandel Mammography Petition up date

PREPARED BY THE MERCURY BAY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TRUST Our community rallied behind the 3D Mammogram Machine project and raised $350,000 in taxpayer funds for a 3D mammogram machine in a record 2.5 years. This alone should show that the community’s need is evident. As a trust, we have not received evidence-based reasons from BSA or BSM for why they cannot support our proposal. We wish to document the community’s support for this cause through a petition. Hence, there is no doubt in the Minister of Health’s mind that our community are serious about wanting this life-saving, more accurate, accessible service for all of our women at a fixed site located in Whitianga. Thank you to everyone that has signed the Petition to date. Many thanks to all the volunteers and businesses that have made it easy for people to sign the petition. The trustees have received lots of supportive feedback from all the areas we have visited. The completed forms have been collated into the three

3D digital mammography machine.

areas the mobile unit visits: Coromandel town serving as far away as Port Charles and Colville. Whitianga serving the wider Mercury Bay area and Tairua and its surrounding area including Pauanui. Note: Anyone living on the Coromandel Peninsula will be able to access this facility to have a screening Mammogram and can therefore sign this Petition. The current numbers reflect signatures on completed forms collected to date only.

16 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

PETITION RESULTS BY AREA 07/08/2026 Tairua Pauanui 342 Mercury Bay 564 Coromandel town 102 Other Peninsula 15

PLACES WHERE YOU CAN SIGN THE PETITION Tairua /Pauanui: • Get it On • Pauanui Information Centre Whitianga • Mercury Bay Pharmacy

• Unichem Stephenson’s pharmacy • The Cut Hutt hair dressers • Infinite Fitness Gym • Whitianga Grey Power Colville • Colville Junction • Colville Store • Colville Post Centre Hahei • Cathedral Cove Macadamias • Hahei General Store Cooks beach • Cooks Beach General Store

• Hot Water Beach Garden Centre Matarangi • 4 Square Matarangi Whangapoua • Whangapoua Beach Store Coromandel • Te Korowai Medical Centre • Coromandel Four Square • Tara's Beads, • James and Turner Hardware • Coromandel Library • Coromandel Grey Power • Weta Cafe A reminder to everyone that you do not have to be within the Breast screen Aotearoa age group 45 to 74 to sign this Petition as our proposal is for the fixed mammogram site is to serve all women from 18 years old onwards that may need a 3D screening mammogram on the Coromandel Peninsula. Note: Those outside of the publicly funded age range will need to pay a fee for a mammogram but won’t have to pay for travel to Auckland or Hamilton to have one. In order to present this Petition to our Members of Parliament prior to the election, the petition will be closed at the end of August, so we encourage you to sign it at one of the above locations as soon as possible.

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MB Lions Le Lunch – fundraising success & fun for everyone

Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel

Reforming the RMA Pretty much everyone I talk with has a story to tell about the RMA. It’s been in place for about 30 years and it simply hasn’t ever been able to do the job originally hoped for it. It hasn’t worked for either our natural or built environments. Over the course of this parliamentary term, the Government has been working on replacing the Resource Management Act with a new planning system that will make it easier to build, remove barriers to growth, build a stronger economy and provide for the kind of environmental goals we as New Zealanders aspire to. This work took another important step with both the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill being reported back from the Environment Select Committee, and they’re due to have their second readings in our Parliament this week. These Bills will form the basis of a new planning system which is projected to boost GDP by $3.1 billion annually, while delivering $13.3 billion in savings over 30 years through reduced administrative and compliance costs. On a practical level, it’s esti-

Scott Simpson with TCDC Councillor Flemming Rasmussen and Deputy Mayor, John Grant during their visit to Wellington.

mated that 45 percent of consent and permit applications currently required under the RMA could be removed under the new system. That’s between 15,000 and 22,000 consents which will no longer be needed. These reforms will replace one of New Zealand's most complicated pieces of legislation with a planning system that is more predictable, more consistent and far better at enabling New Zealand to grow. On another note and in further example of us fixing the basics and building for the future, as the Minister of Statistics, I was pleased to confirm that New Zealanders will have access to monthly inflation data from July 2027 as

part of a major upgrade to the country’s economic statistics. This is about giving families, businesses and government more frequent inflation data, which will allow them to make better-informed decisions. The change to monthly Consumer Price Index reporting will be phased in to ensure quality remains at the highest standard. And when this transition is complete, it will represent one of the biggest improvements to New Zealand’s economic statistics in decades, and one that will have widespread benefits. This is about fixing the basics and building a more modern and responsive economic statistics system for New Zealand.

BY JULIE BUBB There was much fun and laughter at the Mercury Bay Lions Le Lunch held at the Bowling Club on Saturday. 70 people came with many dressed up in berets and stripes to celebrate the French theme. They were serenaded by music from Dave Kennedy. There were many compliments on the 3 course meal which began with large tasting platters loaded with cheese and olives. The buffet mains table was bursting with quiches, ham and salads. The delectable desserts followed. Many people were lucky to

receive spot prizes and exciting raffle prizes were drawn by MB Lions President, Megan Henson. Many thanks to the generosity of the businesses who donated these. Last financial year Mercury Bay Lions donated over $7,000 towards local projects. The profits from Le Lunch are earmarked to replenish funds and will be spent locally. Congratulations to Past President Cecily Dower, as organiser, and her hardworking colleagues from MB Lions, on a very successful event. Contact 027 600 3967

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14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510 www.renniecox.co.nz whitianga@renniecox.co.nz 0800RENNIECOX (0800 736 643) The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 17

WIN! Games & Puzzles Issue 1222

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Issue 1222 – Grid 1189

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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.

THANK YOU, TCDC !! Well last week the infamous bund in Whitianga, that residents have been requesting TCDC to install for the past three and a half years, finally came to fruition. The bund was needed to protect about 10 residential properties’, from being flooded by Mother Browns Creek during major weather events such as Cyclone Gabriel in 2023 and again in January this year, where residents suffered severe flooding due to the low banks of the creek overflowing. Thank you to Deputy Mayor John Grant who has been championing this project for us for the entire time, and putting up with my hounding him. Thanks also to his fellow Councillors that supported it as well; without all of them this would not have got done. To Richard Shelford Woodcock and his team from the Mercury Bay Community Board for all their help and support in getting this over the line during times of frustration and despair. Finally, to Trevor Ammundsen and The Informer who pushed the cause for us, and kept it to the front of minds, I’m sure that was instrumental as well, in getting this across the line. On behalf of the affected neighbours and property owners, we sincerely thank you all. Kevin Shaw, Whitianga DISMAY OVER ‘NO CHANGE’ SOOTHSAYERS I have been reading with dismay the ongoing articles by certain people regarding the proposed council Amalgamations with other councils. As rate payers we have bemoaned the outrageous increases in rates. the lack of com-

munication and accountability of TCDC Especially unelected staff and managers, who have power to promote their Agendas, without recourse to the ratepayers. Articles of pending doom if we dare pursue an alternative to our flawed existing council structure; these soothsayers of doom haven't given any hard evidence of what the apocalyptic outcome will be if we chose the Amalgamation options. Amalgamation has been proven to expand the knowledge base, give savings through economies of scale and opportunities and a positive change to the Status Quo. I for one want change. Option 4 just entrenches the existing system that is not working. There is vested interest at work here not to embrace change, that many ratepayers want, and to 1500 respondents out of the total population of the Coromandel is not by any stretch of the imagination, a majority. Steve Clay LOCAL REPRESENTATION – LATERAL THINKING NEEDED! As a long-time rate payer, I am increasingly concerned about the direction local government appears to be heading. It seems the current Government wants greater influence over local government while also forcing councils to amalgamate and become larger, all in the name of “efficiency”. I’m yet to see convincing evidence that bigger councils automatically deliver better outcomes. What is lost in such a process is any genuine local representation. I live in the small seaside town of Whitianga. So, let me suggest a different future. Imagine we have a truly local Mayor supported by a small team – perhaps even a dog at the front door. Someone you can talk to without navigating layers of bureaucracy. Someone who knows the community, understands local issues, and has earned the trust of the people they represent. Someone who is accountable first and foremost to their community, not to Hamilton and/or Wellington. Critics will immediately ask about infrastructure and how major projects would be funded

Letters to the Editor and managed. My answer is simple: Keep and strengthen, not abolish, the existing Regional Councils to oversee the larger strategic issues. Local councils should focus on local representation and local decision making, while regional or national bodies manage major infrastructure where it makes sense. This approach could deliver the best of both worlds: strong local representation combined with efficient management of largescale projects. As we head towards another election, I hope the other political parties, and their local representatives, are prepared to think differently about local government. Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes the best solutions are those that bring decision-making closer to the people it affects. Richard Todd, Whitianga

FROM THE BAILYS - THANK YOU, OFF TO TONGA We are very grateful for the generous donations received and would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed. It is truly humbling to see the kind words of support that people have written. We have also received some amazing donations of testing equipment and hearing aids that will be so useful in providing improved hearing services to the Tongan community. The winner of the double geothermal pool pass, kindly donated by The Lost Spring in Whitianga, has been notified by email. Thanks also to The Coromandel Informer for the great article. Again thank you very much on behalf of VSA and ourselves for all of your generous donations, it is greatly appreciated and will be used to support our work with the people of Tonga. h t t p s : / / vo l u n te e r - s e r v i c e -abroad.raiselysite.com/melissa -and-chris-baily Melissa and Chris Baily From Whitianga to Toga TURN-AROUND THINKING AFTER ELECTION Councillors get elected on the assumption that they will tell the government what we want as ratepayers and immediately after being sworn into office, they turn

around and start telling us what the government wants from us. 2,800 submissions. Council only counted 1,300 and concluded that 54% of them had voted for Option 3. So they went ahead with no idea where it would lead them. In fact a further 1,500 submissions had voted for an option 4 which means that 54% of the rate-payers had voted for a specific option 4 ... the status quo, TCDC as it is now. A number of Option 4’s raised their heads prior to the council’s vote. Some kind of option 4 became of great interest and now becomes of vital importance to us all. We must devise a new way of looking after ourselves and our local environment according to local means and will. We can deal directly with central government from our home wards – no interference from a regional or district authority. Independence must be sought, it cannot be left to others ever again. The council as it stands serves no useful purpose for the community, thus all discussion around a possible Option 4 or way forward will have to exclude all direction from the present system. Very few of the current council staff will have the skills we are looking for. The Informer, is already installed as the hub of this discussion. I suggest a website is set up into which all residents and rate-payers in the Mercury Bay Ward can promote their ideas, see others’ ideas and make judgements as to the best way forward – The Informer website. John Veysey, Thames Coast

AMALGAMATION LOST MY VOTE The government will not be getting my vote in November’s election. It has imposed an illthought-out council amalgamation without proper stakeholder consultation or a mandate. Somewhere up the food-chain has come a vested interest initiative to do this top-down imposition. ‘Do it or we will do it for you’ is definitely bullying behaviour. Is this ‘protesting in the streets’ way to go? Nope, NZers are docile when following government direc-

Employment Law & Advocacy

Issue 1222 – Quiz 15

For solutions see page 24

www.theinformer.co.nz

TOO LONG A LIST OF LIST MPS In 1993 I voted against MMP. I am now in favour of MMP but with some concerns. So when the Prime Minister said he intends to have a referendum on constitutional matters including MMP, I felt it was time. Many matters are governed by a 50% vote. Constitutional matters generally are governed by the 75% rule. What is Protected by the 75% Rule? • The voting age (18 years). • The continuous maximum term of Parliament (3 years). • The method of voting (secret ballot). • How the country is divided into general and Māori electorates. • The composition and role of the Representation Commission Any of these potential changes require 75% of NZers to approve. That is a high threshold. The worst aspect of MMP is we have a system of 60 elected MPs, and 60 list MPs. The general public has no input in who the 60 list MPs are, and they get no opportunity to question or debate with these potential list MPs. If they did, the number of potential list MPs available would be very large. The reality is that there would be very little achieved by any such scrutiny. However, having 60 MPs in the House of representatives who are all not elected seems to me to be less that truly demographic. My uneducated guess would be that a number nearer to 30 of list MPs would achieve the aims of the original MMP designs. Pete Bould, Whitianga

Coromandel

Peter’s quiz

1) What does UNESCO stand for? 2) China’s second-largest city? 3) Square root of 2? 4) How many sixpences in a half-a-crown? 5) Which is the main street into Whitianga?

tion because we believe in stable governance and democracy. The previous amalgamation has not been beneficial, or cheaper, so why pursue this failed path? In its public options the TCDC did not offer the ‘Stand alone’ Option yet the Coromandel is unique in coast length and DOC estate, suitable for a unitary authority. Did our Councillors listen to us the public before voting on this issue? The survey results d not reflect the true picture. With the government leaning on them, they needed backbone to resist the pressure. Peter Wood, Whitianga

Phone to discuss:We visit homes and businesses anywhere in the Coromandel Peninsula at no extra charge.

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• Personal grievances • Unfair/unjust dismissals • Disciplinary meetings • Unpaid wages or leave • Work place harassment • Health and Safety at work • Work stress

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021 942 213

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www.coromandellaw.co.nz The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 19

What’s On OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop – Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every MonSat 10am-2pm. Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre ReUse Store 239 South Highway, Whitianga Open Tues-Sat 9:30am-3:30pm St John Opportunity Shop – 29 Albert St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm and Sat 9.30am-2pm. 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.

MONTHLY

AA Driver Licensing – NEW LOCATION. Friday 14 and Monday 24 August, 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. 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. 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 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. 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 Ohuka Garden Club meets 2nd Wednesday of the month. New members welcome. Contact Beverley Sheppard Ph 02109028855 or emailbeverley@annabells.co.nz 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 Bowling Club, 9am till 1pm Starting 1st Sunday in October until June 2027 (closed for winter). Food, fruit and veges, crafts, clothing, home decor, plants, furniture, books and much more.

FORTNIGHTLY

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. 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 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.

WEEKLY OR MORE

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. 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. 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 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. 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 Indoor Bowling ClubWednesday at 1.45pm. Come and join us at the Community Centre (Hall). New members are most welcome, please contact Coral ph. 0212303944. 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. Cooks Beach Table Tennis – Every Thursday night 6.00-8.00pm, $5pp each night. Cooks Beach Community Centre. All welcome. Contact Stu 0274 572 243 or Kevin 021 396 062. 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. 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. Hahei Tennis & Pickleball Club - Thursday & Sunday Contact Tim 0278432683 or refer their facebook page. 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. Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports Club – 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday & Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772. 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. Mercury Bay Community Choir – All welcome to this friendly non auditioned choir. Mondays 6pm to 8pm Mercury Bay Area School Music

20 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Coromandel Informer know. Call 07 866 2090, email info@theinformer.co.nz. Our What’s On page is not guaranteed to run every week as often space is restricted. Consider paying for a classified advert if you want to guarantee your activity runs every week. Room. Start date 10th August. Phone Kate 027 2709058 for more information. Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised prior. For more information, phone 022 104 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. 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.nzContact Tony 021426150. Moewai Sportspark sessions are weather dependant & advised on our facebook page Mercury Bay Pickleball. Matarangi Pickleball Club (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5-7pm (Summer) Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 0223836351. Mercury Bay Squash Club – Lyon Park, Albert Street - New members/enquires please email 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 Self-defence classes – Town Hall, Tues/Wed 6-7.30pm. Ph Tony 027 333 5146. 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. Tai Chi for all levels – Town Hall, Mondays 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 5146 for more info. 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. Tairua Markets – Held at the Tairua Bowling Club, starting first Sunday in October 2026 until June 2027. Closed winter. 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 10am3pm, 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. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9am12 noon, 1F White St. Contact whitianga@ playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947. 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. 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, 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. 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

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 12.451.45pm. 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 Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes – Town Hall, Monk St. Absolute Beginners Wed 2.00-3.00pm ($5); Beginner/Improver classes Monday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes Wed, 12-1.30pm. $7 per session. 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.m at the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk St.

GROUP INFO

Grey Power Mercury Bay – International Day of the Older Person, 1st October. All welcome and morning tea provided at The Mercury Bay Club. Doors open 10am. Further info please phone Grey Power Mercury Bay 07 866 5516 or email:greypower.mercurybay@gmail.com. Come and join us for our next get together. Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact mercurybayathletics@gmail.com Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. Phone Cecily 027 253 3088 or Chrissy 021 177 4226. 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. 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. Whitianga Community Patrol – Monitors the township and neighbourhood. If interested in volunteering, ph Gary 027 391 3043. Whitianga Lions Club – We welcome new members. Dinners first Thursday of every month, 6.00pm at The Mercury Bay Club. Contact John 0272 480 779. Email whitianga@lionsclub. org.nz

COURTESY VEHICLE DRIVERS

The Mercury Bay Club is looking for a new volunteer to drive our courtesy vehicle on Tuesday & Friday evenings. This is a volunteer role, but each night the driver is given a $40 food & beverage voucher to reimburse reasonable expenses considering the driver can’t go home for dinner etc. This is a valuable service for our members. If you have a full, valid drivers licence, and would like to support the Club in this way, please leave your contact details with the staff. The courtesy vehicle drivers are entered into a roster system and you might typically be rostered on once every 4 weeks or so.

www.theinformer.co.nz

NEWS IN BRIEF

Daytime closures planned for SH2 Karangahake Gorge Daytime closures are planned on State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Karangahake Gorge, between Waihī and Paeroa. Rock-scaling is needed on cliffs above a section of the highway. A full closure is required because loose material may fall onto the road while crews are working. SH2 will be closed from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day during 2 work periods: • Monday 24 to Friday 28 August • Monday 12 to Friday 16 October. The closure will cover a 500metre section of SH2, beginning near the historic rail tunnel bridge and extending north. The work is weather dependent. Road users should plan to travel through the gorge outside the closure times, while inter-regional traffic should consider using SH29 over the Kaimai Range. “SH2 through Karangahake Gorge carries around 7,900 vehicles each day and is a key connection between Waikato, Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel,” says NZTA Waikato Area Manager, Asset and Operations, Andy Oakley. Rock scaling involves trained rope-access technicians inspecting cliff faces and removing loose or unstable material using hand tools and specialist equipment, before it can fall on the road. The August closure will focus mainly on inspections and identifying areas that need treatment, with

Rock scaling example.

some rock removal. The October closure will allow crews to remove unstable rock and complete any further work identified during the inspections. Any rock armouring work completed in October would involve a 50-tonne crane operating from the highway and divers guiding rocks into place in the river. Emergency services and first responders will continue to have access through the closure area. The road-side section of the Hauraki Rail Trail’s Rail Tunnel Loop will be closed during the work. The walkway on the other side of the river will remain open. People are encouraged to check the latest highway conditions before travelling. Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) Website: nzta.govt.nz

The Mercury Bay Boating Club really appreciates the help and support The Marina Society gives to their Regatta Weekend.

New Name - Whangamata Business Association

In the shadow of an announced amalgamation of TCDC, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako, Enterprise Whangamata held their AGM at Smoky Pallet on Tuesday, 4 August. To align themselves with other business associations on The Coromandel a name

declined. However, the association is in good hands and the future looks bright and the call went out for new energy on the committee and that it’s times like this that the town needs to work together as we battle through to Summer.

think of them first have responded. Smoky Pallet is buying their steaks for Tuesday Night, The Lunch Ladies in the Industrial area are now buying their burgers there and the store is packed. Owners, Janene and Steve. “It’s been amazing, queues in the shop, the town’s support has been incredible. People just apologising to us...the secret now is for us to keep it”

This is a Great lesson for local business. People are busy; they don’t know what you’re going through. Whether you use the power of local papers or social media or radio, it might make a huge difference to simply let people know. Meat At The Beach, 601 Port Road, Whangamata. Shaun does a recorded piece to Rob at CFM every week with Rob 3.00pm – 7.00pm

A boost for Meat at the Beach

Janene and Steve.

BY SHAUN FAY

Thumbs up to staff and the five member Working Group for their exhaustive report to TCDC on Simplifying Local Government Reform. Their nine recomendations in the report will need individual consideration by the elected representatives who will be aware of the public movement to stand alone as a Unitary Authority. A NZ-wide stance.

change was passed. It will now be called The Whangamata Business Association. The night was full of several well-known locals and while the associations finances are in good stead they are not as healthy as they once were and membership has

Whangamata’s award winning local butcher Meat At The Beach has been doing it tough lately. Special Monday’sdiscount days lots of things to boost trade but like many business’s it just wasn’t cutting through. So, they posted on Facebook indicating that they may struggle to keep going. Suddenly places that didn’t

• COMPANY AND COMMERCIAL ADVICE • PROPERTY AND BUSINESS SALES AND PURCHASES Flemming Rasmussen LLB, MBA, B.Com.

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• PROPERTY LEASES • RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY • DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) Phone 021 594 705 FRasmussen@coromandelchambers.co.nz The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 21

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Ph 07 866 2090

MIKE & LEANNE

Whitianga Contact Stu Macfarlane Mobile: 021 914 226 Email: stu@drainagesystems.co.nz web: www.drainagesystems.co.nz

To North side of Tairua Hill

• Industrial SHORT & LONG • Commercial TERM • Households HIRE • Building Sites

CALL CLEANIT SKIPS TO CLEANIT UP cleanitskips@gmail.com

What’s that Number? Emergency 24 hours (Ambulance, Fire, Police).............................111 Police (Whitianga) ................................866 4000 Police (Tairua) ........................................864 8888 Police (Coromandel Town)................866 1190 Dog and Noise Control.........................868 0200

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

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Fight crime anonymously – Call Crime Stoppers................ 0800 555 111 Civil Defence ............................................868 0200 Coromandel Town Medical Centre.866 8500 Mercury Bay Medical Centre.............866 5911 Tairua Medical Centre..........................864 8737

Thames Medical Centre.......................868 9444 Need to talk? Call/text anytime for support from a trained counsellor....................... 1737 Harbourmaster (WRC).............. 0800 800 402 Coastguard Radio Operators.............866 2883 Whitianga Social Services..................866 4476

Whitianga Locksmith Services ....................................... 027 446 6921 Whiti City Cabs.................................07 866 4777 Whitianga Car Hire.........................07 866 2226 Go Kiwi Shuttles........................... 0800 446 549 Barrier Air....................................... 0800 900 600

Editorial/News: Contact Pauline Stewart, Editor/owner ph 027 271 6182 info@theinformer.co.nz Advertising/advertorial in The Informer: Phone (07) 866 2090, Email sales@theinformer.co.nz Letters to the Editor: 200 words or less please. Name and town of residence required. Email info@theinformer.co.nz Published weekly. Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula to Waihi. Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication is at the discretion of the Editor. Distribution: 10,500. ISSN 3021-4114 (Print), ISSN 3021-4122 (Online), © 2022 Mercury Bay Informer Ltd

Newspaper Layout: Debbie Morgan & Diane Andrew Business Manager & Sales: Emma Gaunt Delivery Managers: Dave Piper & Merv Gregory Writers: Trevor Ammundsen, Jack Biddle, Pam Ferla, Verna Carr.

The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 23

Classifieds PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS FOR SALE

STORAGE AVAILABLE

Now Leasing:

√ 3m x 6m bays available √ 6m x 10m bays available √ Fully undercover √ Great access and security

ALTOGETHER YOUR

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

EXPERTS

UNDERCOVER Car Hoist day hire Call Nick: 021 666 350 Call Caleb: 027 537 5953 STORAGE

Jasmin Cottle-Gallichan | 021 867 703 Melanie Stephens | 027 600 0349 Residential Property Managers

WANTED! Long term & holiday. Free rental appraisals. Landlords & Tenants, for all your rental requirements.

3.6m high doors

Quality homes for quality tenants.

Call

Krissie Brand OUR PROPERTY MANAGER OF 25 YEARS

07 866 2373 or 027 273 4420

STORAGE

8 GOLF ROAD WHITIANGA

Phil 027 343 3023 storage@gr8storage.co.nz

Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 Understanding the Coromandel Since 1960

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

enttaalsls aRnd eRn &

Licensed REAA 2008

Shannon Smith M 027 592 0636 P (07) 866 4981

propertymanager.whitianga@harcourts.co.nz PUPPIES FOR ADOPTION

AKC-REGISTERED ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPIES FOR ADOPTION

ACCOMMODATION x www.tongariroriverretreat.com

STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage, opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 HOLISTIC HEALTH

INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER TAROT CARD READER

We have AKC-registered male and female English Bulldog puppies available for adoption. They are looking for loving, responsible forever homes.

If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact: malyschristine65@outlook.com

GR8 STORAGE, WHITIANGA Phil – 0273 433023, Car, boat, campervan storage, 20 foot containers available to store your belongings.

VERNA (027) 320 0079 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com book@tongariroriverretreat.com 26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi. Ph 07 386 8949

Church Services 82 Albert St Whitianga (Opp Z)

SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00AM Come, join the family Find peace and friendship.

Enquiries: ph 022 1322 061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz

C3 Church Whitianga Join Us – Expect Miracles! Sundays 10am 22 Coghill Street, Whitianga

VEHICLES WANTED

VEHICLES WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE

• Cars •Vans• Utes • Trucks

DEATH NOTICE For all your storage needs?!! We have clean dry containers and units in a range of sizes for you to choose from at four different sites. If you need a temporary or longer term storage solution at an affordable price give us a call today! • Units – range of sizes from 2m x 1m to 9m x 6m with roller doors for easy access. Prices start from $30 per week. • Containers – range from 1.9m x 1.6m to 6m x 2.4m. Prices start from $27 per week. Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258

E: whiti@totalstorage.co.nz www.totalstorage.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT the cut hut

HAIRDRESSER Full or part time If you love cutting hair..... Looking for negotiable hours..... No weekends..... Please phone Sally 0276 849 050

FIREWOOD FOR SALE Tea tree $240 or Pine $150 load per metre2 delivered. Phone (07) 866 3026 or text (027) 866 3026

‘Made By Hand’ 2026

St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church

Must sell – Make an offer Contact 027 471 7785 Kyle

HOPPING, Beth. On August 6 2026, Beth peacefully left us, in her sleep, aged 100 years. Beth was a dearly loved wife of the late Fred; cherished mum of Alan, Raewyn, Gaylene, Judy, and the late John; treasured Nana of Alanna, Andrew, Sarah, Michael, Amy, Ruben, Nicolette, Amanda, Maree, Jonathon, Kelly, Hayley, Becky, Matt, Grace; and beautiful Old Nana to 23 great grandchildren. An inspiration to us all. She will be sadly missed. Special thanks for the loving care provided to her by the staff at Continuing Care Whitianga. Family and close friends are invited to celebrate Beth’s life at St.Andrew’s by the Sea, Whitianga, on Friday 14th at 11:00, followed by a burial at Mercury Bay Cemetery, Ferry Landing.

IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory of

Teresa Bainbridge (née Reid) Passed away 1 January 2026. Family and friends are warmly invited to join us for a memorial service to remember the loving, kind, and cheeky woman Teresa was. Come and share stories, laughter, and memories as we celebrate her life together. Saturday, 15 August 2026, 2pm at the Mercury Bay Rugby Club

PUBLIC NOTICES

Anglican Worship

Every Sunday at 9.00am at St Peter the Fisherman 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga ALL WELCOME Enquiries ph 021 781 081 www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.org.nz

I’m curently selling my part time business, 20+ clients, 20k+ turnover. All lawns are ride-on mulching mows.

Call 0800 333 398 or text 021 344 449

FOR SALE

Advertise with us call 07 866 2090

ATTENTION!!! ALL LAWN & GARDEN CONTRACTORS

St Andrew’s Church, Albert St Fri/Sat September 18/19th Expressions of Interest are invited from craft groups and Individuals Men, Women and Children. Book your display space now! No charge – koha appreciated. Call Annie 027 322 3332 Or Dorothy 022 1322 061 Celebrate our Creativity in the Bay!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held at The Mercury Bay Club Inc. restaurant area, 69 Cook Drive, Whitianga 11am - 13th September 2026

Open to “current financial members only”

BUSINESS: • To receive the President’s Report • To receive the Treasurer’s Report • Election of Officers • General Business

Linda Fraser, Secretary

LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

PIANIST WANTED

The Mercury Bay Community Choir is looking for a backup/ support pianist for our principal pianist Catherine Lee. Applicants need to have a moderate degree of musical proficiency, be willing to try different musical genres and be available for weekly Monday evening practices. Enjoy being part of a team of non-auditioned but passionate, committed singers directed by the talented Kate Nielsen.

Phone Kate 0272709058 for details

PETER’S QUIZ ANSWERS Answers to quiz 15 on page 19

Trish’s Bible Gems

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”” Psalm 46:2 24 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

1. Organisation 2. Shanghai 3. 1.14 4. 5 5. Joan Gaskell Drive

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Classifieds

Digital Decoder By Agent EJ

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Esplanade: between Monk Street and Blacksmith Lane. Blacksmith Lane: between The Esplanade and Victoria Street.

An approved copy of the Traffic Management Plan including road closure maps may be requested from Thames-Coromandel District Council. A Lawrie Chief Executive Thames-Coromandel District Council

www.tcdc.govt.nz

CLOSURE OF STREETS TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is hereby given that, the Thames-Coromandel District Council, for the purpose of the Whangamatā Half Marathon 2026, will close the following streets to ordinary vehicular traffic for the periods indicated hereunder. Whangamatā Saturday 26 September 2026 The following road closures and access restrictions will be in place: • Wentworth Valley Rd – Residents Access Only Closure Time: 8:00am – 10:30am • Lowe St (Ocean Rd to Esplanade) – Residents Access Only Closure Time: 6:00am – 12:00pm • Lowe St (Ocean to Bellona Rd) – Residents Access Only Closure Time: 7:30am – 11:30am • Bellona Rd (Lowe St to Achilles Ave) – Residents Access Only Closure Time: 7:30am – 11:30am • Kiwi Rd – Residents Access Only Closure Time: 7:30am – 11:30am • Tui Rd (Williamson Rd to Moa St) – Residents Access Only Closure Time: 7:30am – 11:30am • Marie Cr – Residents Access Only Closure Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm • Ocean Rd (Williamson Rd to Lowe St) – Residents Access Only Closure Time: 7:00am – 12:30pm • Moa St – Residents Access Only Closure Time: 7:00am – 11:30am An approved copy of the Traffic Management Plan including road closure maps may be requested from Thames-Coromandel District Council. A Lawrie Chief Executive Thames-Coromandel District Council

We are living in a truly remarkable time. AI is everywhere now, and the advancements have smashed through every ceiling and prediction. Denmark just made it mandatory to add spoken tests for every take-home exam. Why? A written essay alone, no longer proves a student did the work themselves. So now, they have to explain their answers out loud too. Meanwhile, AI bootcamps are booming, mainly because workers are rushing to learn new skills before their jobs become redundant. Something similar is happening to dating apps. Ditto was created for US college students as an alternative to swiping. It uses AI to match you with someone by text, then sends you both on a real date. Less time on your phone, more time with an actual person. And in a move that is genuinely raising eyebrows: Albania has given an AI bot named Diella, a seat in cabinet, in charge of APPROVING GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS. They’re looking

YIsowua r Sum Your Sum mer iting for youmer LIMENTA

BUILDING COROMANDEL Its people … spirit …

2025/20 creativity … enterprise Inviting 26 yo and connectedness beauty u to enjoy th e life of events the people, pl , energy an d of the Co ac romand es, food and el Penin sula

2024/20

Capturin g the of the pe life, energy an ople, pla d the stu ces and beauty nning eve Corom andel Pe nts in ninsula

Date

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For more information contact us now before it’s too late. Bookings close 31 August 2026

P: 07 866 2090 • E: sales@theinformer.co.nz www.thecoromandelinformer.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

Area

03.03.2026

Thames

05.07.2026

Whitianga

07.07.2026

12.07.2026

Thames

Manaia

Coroglen

Whitianga

Mission

Assist with the interhospital transfer of a male patient in his 40’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a minor condition.

Assist a female patient in her 60’s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

Assist a male patient in his 30’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.

Assist a female patient suffering a medical condition. She was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.

Assist a male patient in his 60’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.

Assist a male patient in his 20’s suffering injuries from a motor vehicle accident. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.

13.07.2026

Thames

26.07.2026

Thames

26.07.2026

Thames

27.07.2026

Whangamata Assist a male patient in his 80’s suffering injuries from a fall from standing height. He was flown to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.

27.07.2026

The Coro

at transferring more decisions from their human ministers to the AI over time. Not to be outshone by Elon Musk, whose company, xAI, is helping push a legal fight to stop everyday people and local councils from suing tech companies that break the law. At the very same time, xAI itself is being sued over pollution from gas turbines at its data centre near a community in Memphis.

So what does all this add up to? We are seeing people trying to prove they still matter next to a machine that can write and work faster than them. The Ditto app, proves that dating today has become impossible, and if good jobs and homes already feel out of reach, it's no wonder young people want AI to help with the one thing left — meeting someone. Diella is sold as an incorruptible employee of the state, impossible to bribe, sure. But when something goes wrong, there's no person to blame, just a computer program. And Musk’s agenda shows exactly what's at stake. AI is claiming power over our exams, our love lives, and our governments. At the same time, the people building it are working overtime to make sure no one can hold them responsible in court for when it gets things wrong. So how are we supposed to keep it in check? Is a computer algorithm deciding things for us really democracy, or is it the end of it?

Rescue Missions

11.07.2026

Be in the summer magazine

Albanian leader pelted with trash over AI as minister.

Coromandel

08.07.2026

www.tcdc.govt.nz

COMP

Objection, Your Honor: Tech giants seek to block lawsuits

Whitianga

27.07.2026

Thames

28.07.2026

Waihi

29.07.2026

Whitianga

31.07.2026

Coromandel

Interhospital transfer of a female patient in her 50’s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown from Thames Hospital to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.

Interhospital transfer of a male patient in his 70’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.

Interhospital transfer of a male patient in his 60’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

Assist a female patient in her 80’s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

Assist with the interhospital transfer of a male patient in his 80’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.

Crew tasked to Waihi to assist a patient involved in a car versus pedestrian accident. The patient was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a male patient in his 40’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

Crew tasked to the Coromandel. Crew were stood down enroute and returned to base.

The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 25

Sports

Proudly sponsored by

Stingrays - Congratulations to Anmol, Archer, Cody, Dom, and Saneo who all picked up player of the day awards; Elias P and Harry P players of the day MBFC U9; Hauraki Plains College 1st XV Girls Winners 2026; Mercury Bay Junior Girls – their nine-player side against Te Awamutu 11 player side.

FOOTBALL The Marlins and Sharks below were left over from last week. The Marlins Saturday 1 August The team headed to Whangamatā this weekend to take on Whangamatā Dynamite, and what a game it was! From the first whistle to the final, the Marlins applied constant pressure and showed fantastic skill and teamwork. Whangamatā never gave up, keeping the Marlins on their toes right until the end. It was an exciting match to watch. A massive congratulations to Max, awarded Player of the Day who gave an outstanding allround performance. Well done to the whole team. This game had everyone absolutely fizzing! Mercury Bay U13 Sharks Saturday 1 August The Mercury Bay U13 Sharks travelled to Ngatea to take on the Hauraki Hawks. The team warmed up well but that confidence didn’t translate into our first-half performance. We were fortunate to reach halftime with the scores locked at 0–0. We made some key tactical changes during the break. The Hawks threw everything at the Sharks. The second-half performance was outstanding. The future of Mercury Bay football is in very good hands with these young players. Congratulations, Sharks. – Coach Gubby Mercury Bay Football Stingrays Saturday 8 Aug It was a local darby on Saturday morning as the two MBFC 13th grade teams went head to head for the second time this season. Overall, it was a great spectacle with football easily being the win-

ner on the day. MBFC U9 match Saturday 8 Aug U9 played Tairua away in Tairua on Saturday 8 August. The match was very high quality with accurate passing and disciplined field positioning. Player of the day awarded by our coaches to Harry P for his accurate passing, shots on goal and work rate across the pitch, and the opposition awarded it to Elias P for his ball skills and goals. Mercury Bay Football Junior boys Saturday 8 Aug By Coach Taddy Whitianga gave an heroic performance putting on a masterclass in grit and determination against Hauraki Plains College, turning a tough loss into an inspiring display of team spirit. Mercury Bay knew they faced an uphill battle. The score was at 0–2 going into halftime. The second half saw a fiery resurgence from the Bay. Jesse stepped up and coolly slotted it home to draw level at 2–2. It was a narrow 2–3 victory to HPC. Milan was named Player of the Day, while the Hauraki Plains coach awarded their Player of the Day honor to Alfie for his outstanding outfield contribution. Nine-Player Bay Girls Push League Leaders Mercury Bay Junior Girls produced a remarkable performance away from home against league leaders Te Awamutu, narrowly losing 1-0 despite playing the entire match with just nine players and no substitutes. The Te Awamutu coach praised the Mercury Bay side afterwards, saying they had done everything possible to produce a historic

result. Miley Reichart earned Player of the Day honours as stand-in goalkeeper.

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS There were 23 players this week, so 501 doubles were played. Two teams went through unbeaten. They were Mike Gillett, Wayne Olsen and Shirley. They played a one-game final. Mike Gillett came away with a well deserved win. Highest finish this week was Mike Gillet and 112 for the men and Nan with a bullseye finish for the ladies. Rex Donaldson showed off again with two 180s. A great night was had by all. MB CLUB SNOOKER Wednesday, 5 August A good turnout was reduced to two players after 3 rounds of section play. Brian Codyre and Rob Reilly contested the play-off final with Rob prevailing with a comfortable win to take out the day’s top prize. Saturday, 8 August A round-robin was the format for the day. Bob Haase came through with 3 wins from 4 games to win the top prize and he also had the day’s high break of 20. Ian Baumgren and Phil Jones had 2 wins apiece. TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB 1st Round Pacific Pairs, Mon 3 Aug North/South: 1 Robyn Waters & Tony White 72.32. 2 Jenny Hemmings & Judy McKenzie 63.69. 3 Christine Meinhold & Jim Buffett 59.52. East/West: Chris Death & Liz Young 64.58. 2 Ron & Carol Baker 57.74. 3 Jenny Prince & Bev Dickie 52.68.

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 Tues, 11 Aug: The Moon is now just to the left of faint Mercury at dawn and from 7:37am we have a short ISS pass and can watch it move right beside Venus before quickly disappearing into the Earth’s shadow. Wed, 12 Aug: We have a good ISS pass in the NW from 6:50pm beside Venus while many in the Northern Hemisphere will be treated to a Total Eclipse of the Sun today. Thur, 13 Aug: There will be a bright ISS pass from 6:02pm in the NW. Fri, 14 Aug: There will be a good ISS pass in the west from 6:51pm. Sat, 15 Aug: The minute crescent Moon sits just below Jupiter at dawn while we have a good ISS pass from 6:03pm in the west. Sun, 16 Aug: The thin crescent Moon now lies just beside Jupiter at dawn which is at its closest to Mercury but the

Sun will be very close to them both and there will be a very low ISS pass in the west from 6:52pm. Venus is at its furthest from the Sun in the sky tonight. Mon, 17 Aug: The crescent Moon has moved to lie just above Venus at dusk. Tues, 18 Aug: The Moon now sits above and to the right of Venus at dusk. Wed, 19 Aug: The Moon is now well above Venus at dusk. Venus still outshines everything in the northwestern dusk sky and rises slightly higher each night until Saturday and appears as a lovely thin crescent in a small telescope or even strong binoculars. Faint Mars and Mercury are also visible low in the east at dawn. There will be a Total Eclipse of the Sun visible to travellers to the Northern Hemisphere on August 12.

26 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB Results for week 1 of the Te Pare Point Pairs held on 4 Aug North South: 1st jean Myles and Johanna Bonnar 58.50%%, 2nd Robyn Waters and Sue Gill 55.98%, 3rd Maggie Beattie and Anne Knowles 51.00% East West: 1st Robyn Hogg and David Wilkinson 62.50%, 2nd Tia Ormsby and Peter Hogg 51.00%, 3rd Alison Tichbon and Peter Clark 47.00%

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB July Competition round 4 Wednesday, 5 August North/South: 1 Gavin Hedwig & Kate Palmano 60.7; Robyn & Pete Hogg 58.2; Giorgio Allemano & Jenny Layton 48.2 East/West: 1 Pat Doube & Rose Tegg 65.4; 2 Geoff Jervis & Steven Knowles 61.7; 3 Chris Hilford & Jan Autumn 49.6 Moewai Pairs round 2 Thursday, 6 August 1 Gavin Hedwig & Bryan Patterson 61.1; 2 Geoff Jervis & Steven Knowles 58.3; 3 Kathy Moy-Low & Angela Cook 51.4 MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB 9 Hole Ladies Tuesday, 4 Aug Div 1: Winner Audrey Vickers, 2nd Gaylene Imms Div 2: Winner Jean Hancock 2nd Felicity Sanders 18 Hole Ladies Wed, 5 Aug Div 1: Winner Diane Eccles on countback from Diane Gilmour both nett 73, 3rd Debbie Holmes with net 77. Div 2: Jillian Kent (75) 2nd Jo Geoghegan (76) and 3rd Christine “The Caterer” Lowe (78). Closest to the Pin: Lynne Butler Closest in 2 on 18: Jenna Leach Longest Putt: Jillian Kent.

18 Hole Men Gross: Nathan Wilson & Sam Murphy both on 77. Stableford winner: Big Willie Jones (38), 2nd Patrick Gonthier & Trevor Hayde (36) Two’s: Trevor Hayde, Greg Farrant, Nathan Wilson & Willie Jones. Friday, 7 August 9 Hole men Stableford winners: Roger Pheasant, Campbell Elliot, Patrich Gonthier & Graeme Heathcote, all with 19 points. NTP on hole 2 & 4, Jeff Dixon. 18 hole men Sat, 8 Aug Gross: Steve Geach (78 Snr) Graham Dun (88 Jnr) Stableford: Jeff Dixon (40), 2nd Graham Dun (39) 3rd Greg “Snakey” Peterken (38) Twos: There were no twos Saturday.

TAIRUA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Saturday 1 Aug, 18 Hole Net Medal 1. Leon Smith, 70; 2. Warwick Rogers, 73; 3. Gareth Hughes, 74; 4. Rick Tawa, 76. Tuesday 4 Aug , 9 Hole Tee To The Green 1,Carolyn Williams, 22; 2. Kay Van Lubeck, 16; 3. Susan McDonnell, 15; 4. Joyce Birdsall, 15. 18 Hole Stableford Thur 6 Aug, 1. Terry Kingham, 75; 2. Connie Graham, 77; 3. Bruce Crawford, 78; 4. Murray Graham, 78. 9 Hole Stableford Shootout 1, Susan McDonnell, 19; 2. Frances Reid, 18; 3. Ros Rundle, 18; 4. Annettee Eltringham, 15. We have run out of room. The Dunes Golf Club Matarangi and Purangi Golf and Country Club will get priority next week.

Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides

Wednesday 12 August

Thursday 13 August

Friday 14 August

Saturday 15 August

Sun: Rise 7:04am Set 5:40pm

Sun: Rise 7:03am Set 5:41pm

Sun: Rise 7:02am Set 5:42pm

Sun: Rise 7:01am Set 5:43pm

Moon: Rise 6:39am Set 4:56pm

Moon: Rise 7:14am Set 6:10pm

Moon: Rise 7:44am Set 7:21pm

Moon: Rise 8:11am Set 8:28pm

High Tides:6:00am 6:36pm

High Tides:6:59am 7:29pm

High Tides:7:54am 8:21pm

High Tides:8:46am 9:09pm

HOT WATER Low Tides:11:53am BEACH

HOT HOT WATER Low Tides:12:30am 12:49pm WATER Low Tides:1:25am 1:41pm BEACH BEACH

HOT WATER Low Tides:2:16am 2:32pm BEACH

Sunday 16 August

Monday 17 August

Tuesday 18 August

Sun: Rise 6:59am Set 5:43pm

Sun: Rise 6:58am Set 5:44pm

Sun: Rise 6:57am Set 5:45pm

Moon: Rise 8:36am Set 9:33pm

Moon: Rise 9:01am Set 10:37pm

Moon: Rise 9:28am Set 11:40pm

High Tides:9:35am 9:56pm HOT WATER Low Tides:3:05am 3:20pm BEACH

High Tides:11:09am 11:26pm High Tides:10:22am 10:42pm HOT HOT WATER Low Tides:3:52am 4:08pm WATER Low Tides:4:38am 4:55pm BEACH BEACH

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS Sponsor the tides column

For details email: sales@theinformer.co.nz

www.theinformer.co.nz

Sports Mercury Bay Gymnastics Club looking to secure its future Proudly sponsored by

he Mercury Bay Gymnastics Club is thriving once again after being successfully revived in 2024 following a yearlong closure after the club was unable to secure enough volunteers to continue operating. Since reopening, the club has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community, with strong enrolment numbers and a fantastic group of volunteers stepping forward to help. Operating from the local school hall, the club offers Kiwi Fun Gym sessions for children aged 5 to 11, providing a fun, active environment where young people can develop confidence, coordination, strength and new friendships. The club is currently run by a dedicated committee of five volunteers who work behind the

scenes to keep everything operating smoothly. Weekly sessions are coordinated and delivered by Secretary Kylie, whose commitment, planning and organisation have been instrumental in the club’s success over the past two years and another successful season this year.

SEEKING NEW PEOPLE TO BE INVOLVED However, as the children of some current volunteers move on from the club, Mercury Bay Gymnastics is now seeking new people to become involved in 2027. Current Club President Sarah Old says the club’s future depends

on finding one or two people willing to help lead the next chapter. “We’ve worked incredibly hard and it’s been wonderful to see so many local children enjoying gymnastics. We don’t want to see another valuable community club disappear simply because there aren’t enough people available to help.” The committee is seeking either someone interested in taking over the overall coordination of the club, or a small team of volunteers who could share responsibility for running weekly sessions and planning activities. No previous gymnastics experience is necessary, and full training and support will be provided. The current committee members, including Kylie and Sarah, will help with the transition and ensuring new volunteers feel con-

fident and supported. “This is such a valuable opportunity for local children,” says Sarah. “Gymnastics teaches so many different skills and gives kids a chance to be active, challenge themselves and have fun,” says Sarah. “We’d love to hear from anyone who might be interested in helping us keep the club running for years to come.” Mercury Bay Gymnastics Club hopes that by raising awareness now, interested volunteers will have plenty of time to learn the ropes before the 2027 season begins. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch by emailing mercurybaygymclub@gmail.com or by sending a message through the club’s Facebook page. Even a small amount of help can make a huge difference.

Boys team from Mercury Bay has attended Tournament Week. Coach Mark Collins and Manager Marcus Oxenham are well aware

of the intense demands ahead playing tournament football with quite a young squad that in fact features six talented Year 10 boys stepping up. The team is currently second in their division in the WSSFA league, have secured a spot in the knockout cup semi-finals, and recently delivered a dominant victory over the only other Waikato team attending the tournament. Players involved are Elijah Bianchi, Ben Collins, Arlo Hert, Cale Field, Noah Greenfield, Farai Gray, Tom Lamason, Beau Marshall, Cameron Johansen, Noah Palmer, Curtis Treherne, Milan Evans, Hyodo Taniguchi, Charlie Bahr, Lui Yamada and Eliott Ribet. This fund raiser is to help cover entry costs, transportation,

accommodation and food. On Sunday, 23 August the team will be very busy putting together meals that can be picked up in time for an amazing Sunday dinner. Pre-sales only for Hangi Dinner – This is for planning purposes. Included in each meal pack are 3 meats, potato, kumara, cabbage, pumpkin, stuffing, pudding and custard. The cost is $25 each meal. It must be picked up from 5.00 pm. If you would like to purchase some meals, please deposit $25 per meal to 03-1578-0089624-00 with a surname in the particulars. If there are any issues or questions, please contact Mark at collinsm@mbas.ac.nz. Any other assistance, sponsorship, or donations of ingredients would also be deeply appreciated.

A steam-cooked Hangi fund raiser for your 23 August, Sunday dinner The Mercury Bay Area School Senior Boys Football team and their families have organised something great for winter to raise funds for a trip to Rotorua. At the end of this month this Senior Boys team from Mercury Bay Area School will compete in the prestigious Trident Tournament held in Rotorua. They will be taking on 32 teams from across the North Island - stretching from Kerikeri all the way down to Wellington. As easily one of the smallest schools in the competition, Mercury Bay will be going headto-head with some big schools boasting student rolls of over 2,000. Their pool stage kicks off with matchups against Feilding High School, Onslow College (Wellington), and Kingsway

School (Orewa), followed by four placement games. This marks the first time in recent memory that a Senior

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The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026 | 27

Sports Rugby – MBAS 1st XV 2026 Coulter Cup winners two years running BY LEISA MCCLEERY

ongratulations to Mercury Bay Area School on being crowned the 2026 Coulter Cup Winners! This team went undefeated all season and went back to back winners of 2025 and 2026 Secondary Schools Finals day. The final score was MBAS 35-29 Waihi/Whangamatā. A huge congratulations as well to Waihi/Whangamatā for an outstanding performance, battling right through to the final whistle. It was a great contest and a credit to both teams. For the first time Mercury Bay had won the rights to host the Thames Valley Secondary School Rugby Finals Day at Mercury Bay Multi Sports Park on Sunday 2 August. The sidelines were packed as U15 and both girls and boys 1st XV finals were played out. The atmosphere was alive with supporters from schools from all over Thames Valley. Thames Valley Swamp Foxes on camp in Whitianga joined in

MBAS 1st XV 2026 Coulter Cup winners; Whangamata Under 15 Champions.

with supporting the young up and coming future of regional rugby and welcomed players onto the field with team banners.

THANK YOU A massive thank you to our referees, coaches, managers, volunteers, parents, and supporters

who helped make the day possible. Your time, dedication, and encouragement are what make school rugby so special. We would like to acknowledge & thank our sponsors Sunz Seafood, Planners Plus Ltd, Percival Construction Ltd, J D Hoyland Builders Ltd, GDW Builders Ltd & Ideal Build-

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28 | The Coromandel Informer – 11 August 2026

Union Cup which is a new concept to extend on from the Secondary Schools Rugby comp. Results from other finals on the day: • U15 Finals: Whangamata 30 v Hauraki Plains College 18 • Hauraki Plains College 40 v Paeroa College 31.

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