Issue 1227 15 September 2026

The Coromandel Informer are not affiliated with any political party.

Te Kai Whakarongo Issue 1227 | 15 September 2026 | Proudly locally owned and operated

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CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA

Are they having fun? WELCOME

all Oceans Festival goers to Whitianga and the Peninsula! BY PAULINE STEWART

T

hese young people are not even thinking about a good time. I am sure they have good times, but this is not one of them. They are standing to attention with a discipline they have chosen. It takes focus, inner strength, physical stamina and a resilient spirit to do this. They stood there for well over an hour. They didn’t scratch, or take a sip from a water bottle. They did not acknowledge in any way my attempt to photograph them up close. There was nothing about their seeking attention. They were caught up in a cause that is bigger than their own needs and higher in value than living to have a good time. Continued on page 2

Up the WAHS! See page 27

Mila Hamilton very pleased she won a Warriors ball and a beanie.

Our Opening Weekend raised $1534 for Mercury Bay Area School. The school is spending this on sporting equipment.

Kia ora Whitianga!

Ross Dunn being handed a big cheque from our Store Manager Ann Madden.

Mike’s Minutes

‘Worth Watching Online’

Different from a good time Battle of Britain commemorations at Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Thames.

JUST KEY IN THE TITLE AS WRITTEN TO FIND THE VIDEO IN YOUTUBE (And it’s best on a flat screen TV)

1) Tom and Jerry | Mega Compilation | Vol.9 | Warner Classics Watch and hour of classic Tom and Jerry moments from the 40s and 50s. Great entertainment if your have the grand kids over. 2) The Coming Megaquake in New Zealand There is a 25% probability of a megaquake or megathrust earthquake occurring on New Zealand’s Hikurangi Subduction Zone in the next fifty years. 3) They Just Found BILLIONS in Gold and Silver in New Zealand A major hi-grade gold and silver discovery has just been confirmed in New Zealand within the Coromandel region and is quickly becoming one of the most talked about epithermal deposits in recent years. Enjoy watching Mike

37th Squadron ATC Cadets; Kerepehi Band with young members in focus.

Continued from front page It is not a boastful thing they are doing. It is a different focus from study, from playing sport, from working on a phone or computer. This requires a lot of practise and commitment to the task at hand. In silence they are standing to attention as part of a military ritual of remembrance of the Battle of Britain. They are standing to attention for the peace that is so hard to achieve, a peace that is so much more than the absence of war. They stand to attention for a way of life based on freedom, a quality of life that espouses the value of the human being and requires a love and respect of others. These young people are all

members of the 37th Squad of the Thames Air Training Corp Cadets. There are some other young people present about whom you might question – are they having a good time? They are the brass band members – all uniformed up and holding their instrument. I am not sure how they would answer that question. They sit still among adult members and at attention ready to play is their task. None of the songs they play are on the charts. However, each young person plays with reverence and with care. What they do has taken many hours, even years, of practise. At what point does the thing you do out of duty or just having a go at, become something you

love and grow to understand and I dare say, enjoy? I say well done to them. We need this in our society. We need to cherish this quality and encourage everyone of these young people and trust them with the future. It belongs to them. Some say that the remembrance services such as this one for the Battle of Britain and on Anzac Day are a glorification of war. That is a shallow observation and a denial of what war costs, where it comes from and a denial of history. Peace can never be just the absence of conflict or war. Peace and true freedom are partners, requiring diligence, wisdom, sacrifice and a love and respect

for others. Freedom requires the spirit of serving humanity and community. The Battle of Britain commemorations are generally held as near to 10 September as possible. Approximately 300 people came to the Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield Thames commemoration, including a large number of Air Training Corps cadets, the Kerepehi Brass Band, our Thames Coromandel Mayor, Peter Revell, Hauraki Mayor, Toby Adams, our MP, Scott Simpson, Thames Community Board Chair, Adrian Catran, Royal New Zealand Airforce WGCDR, Bradley Scott, and international guests, British Royal Navy Commander, Michael Proudman and Honourable Polish Consul

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Bradley Scott RNZAF WGCDR chats with Michael Proudman, British Royal Navy Commander; Rev’d Brendon Wilkinson; Geoff Furkert, event organiser with Scott Simpson MP; Zaydee Prasad, Manukura School Leader and Frankie Merrett, Thames High School.

Boguslaw Nowak. It was hosted by local resident, Geoff Furkert who is instrumental in establishing the Sir Keith Park Memorial statue and airplane and in organising the Battle of Britain commemorations. The Battle of Britain sounds like a far-off and far away historic event. It is. But Thames is not. it is the gateway town to the Coromandel and the home of one of the most strategic leaders in New Zealand’s history, our history. The Battle of Britain is remembered by all those countries involved (15 countries) every year on the nearest day to 10 September. 127 NZ pilots flew and some pilots were refugees from countries invaded by Hitler. This momentous battle occurred 86 years ago in the early stages of World War Two in England. The Nazi Luftwaffe attacks on the city of London and other parts of England were striking at the jugular of British existence. Hitler had planned invasion by their navy and army once his Luftwaffe had victory over the skies of England and had

caused sufficient carnage to render London defenceless. The English Channel had become a mere hop for the Nazi invasion. There was a small team (Airforce and Ground Defence), leading the defence of Britain, urgently devising a strategy to overcome this well-resourced German Airforce which was ruthlessly attacking the British homeland and winning many an air battle against the lesser resourced British Airforce. London was particularly suffering. Pilots from New Zealand and Australia had signed up with the British Airforce. One of this small team, though not the most senior, was a quiet and unassuming officer and pilot by the name of Keith Park. His strategic attack and defence plan and his outstanding leadership by example, was to put a stop to Nazi victory over the skies of London. Keith was a New Zealander from Thames. He was the Commander in Chief of 11 Group, the most important Group in Fighter Command.

FINAL LOGO

This group had to not only protect the southern coastline of Britain and Southeast England from enemy attack, but to unreservedly, protect London. His ability to think and effect a plan in terms of overcoming the enemy, gave the British Airforce force fighters victory and saved Britain from a loss that was critical for the whole War. It set a platform for optimism and the determination to gain overall eventual victory over the Nazi onslaught. The freedom fought and won in the Battle of Britain is directly connected to the freedom we experience today. It is directly related to these young people standing to attention – not having a good time but experiencing a very important time. Essentially the Battle of Britain restored the hope for and commitment to freedom that is the framework for our society. However faulty it is, the freedom we take for granted in New Zealand is related to the actions and leadership of Sir Keith Park.

Hon. Polish Consul Boguslaw Nowak, Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams and TCDC Mayor Peter Revell (145 Polish pilots fought in the Batlle of Britain).

WHITIANGA WATERFRONT THIS SATURDAY 10AM–5PM ● BRAD COX ● THE WESTERN GUIDE ● AUTOMATIC 80S ● VEGAS BROWN BAND

Get your site map and buy tickets with this QR code. ets Locals grab your tick te from Whitianga i-si day. centre until festival www.theinformer.co.nz

OCEANSFESTIVAL.CO.NZ The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 3

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Private Hire Charters • Auckland Airport Transfers 4 | The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026

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Petition to Whitianga Takeaways Parliament this BY VERNA CARR

Thursday

O

ver summer there are three certainties in Whitianga: the tide will come in, the campervans will double-park outside the Four Square, and by 5:30pm on any given evening there will be a queue outside the Whitianga Takeaways. What's new is who's behind the counter. Back in May, Moana Cressey and her family took over the shop- the chippie on the corner of Albert St and Hannan Road "It's been here forever, as long as I can remember – and I've been in this town 15 years," laughs Matthew, Moana's nephew, as he is busy making up a customer's order. It's truly run as a family business. Sandra – Moana's sister-inlaw – works in the shop alongside her two sons, Matthew and Riley. Sandra brings serious credentials: years working in fish and chip shops in Aussie and NZ. She's fully bilingual, fluent in both "fish and chips" and "fush and chups," and able to switch between the two without so much as blinking. For Moana and the extended family, the appeal of taking on the shop was simple. Apart from providing a financial opportunities for her family, she says the best part of the job is getting to know everyone in town and chatting to the tourists coming through the door. It's not just selling chips. The family are looking forward to their first summer running the

Matthew and Sandra.

Whitianga Takeaways. They pride themselves on the freshness of the fish – never frozen, and never older than a day. On the menu you'll find snapper, gurnard and tarakihi, with gurnard the most popular. Plus all the usual favourites: hot dogs, scallops, burgers people swear by, mixand-match combos to get the best deal and $10 lunch specials. And there's talk of more sweet treats joining the dessert menu soon. At the end of a long day, or when you're cold and wet after footie practice, let someone else do the cooking. A bag of hot chips and a couple of pieces of golden battered fish, or a hearty burger, is a Kiwi tradition – you can eat fish and chips anywhere, any time, on any occa-

sion. And there are few better ways to spend a summer evening than a packet of fish and chips on the Buffalo Beach waterfront, watching the sun go down. Now, a public service announcement: eat with your wits about you. This town runs a gang of feathered felons who work with the precision of a Special Forces unit and show no mercy. They can smell a hot chip from a hundred metres, they know exactly which picnic table you're sitting at, and they consider your dinner fair game the moment your attention wanders. Turn your back for one second – one second – and your fish is gone, last seen heading seaward at breakneck speed with a seagull attached to it.

Mike Brown is holding the Mammogram Petition and he is on his way to Wellington with Janice Bassett from Coromandel/ Colville and Maree Smith from Tairua / Pauanui to present the Petition on the steps of Parliament to Scott Simpson our local Member of Parliament. There are over 2,700 signatures on this Petition entitled, “Establish a 3 D Mammography Unit In Whitianga”. The funds to purchase the mammogram machine have been raised – over $350,000 but engagement and approval is needed from the Waikato Health Infrastructure. Mike is the driver behind this significant action and achievement which is to serve a large area of the Coromandel Peninsula. This presentation in Wellington is at his own expense. The three petitioners go to Wellington with the blessing of over 2,700 people who signed. Scott Simpson, on receiv-

MASSIVE

Mike Brown holding the petition for Wellington.

ing the petition, will take it to the Petitions Committee for their deliberation. There are four members of that committee representing three political parties. The presentation will take place at 10.30am Thursday 17 September.

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The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 5

BUFFALO BEACH CLUB IS WAITING FOR YOU OCEANS FESTIVAL IS THIS SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 10.00am-5.00pm At The Esplanade, Whitianga. Tickets available online.

TOP & TAIL THE OCEANS FESTIVAL COME FRIDAY NIGHT 18 SEPTEMBER

Texas Pete Smokehouse BBQ We have local BBQ all year round at BBC. Plus selection of tapas, seafood – fish nibbles, prawns, fish tacos. David Shanhun of Goldline

Live entertainment – Goldline 4.00-7.00pm Goldline have the sound and energy of a full band, in one compact package! Comprised of Loop Artist, David Shanhun and Drummer, Tom Leggett

SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER Phil Hart live 3.00pm-6.00pm Relax and enjoy

Phil Hart

BUFFALO BEACH CLUB - right on the beach 18 The Esplanade, Whitianga • www.buffalobeachclub.bar

Open 12 noon Tuesday to Sunday. Easy food, drink, relaxation and music. 6 | The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026

www.theinformer.co.nz

Loads of pies to eat for a cause

Spring Woodhouse, Theresa Collins-Johnson and Rebecca Simpson – organising team.

S

aturday night, 12 September, at 6.30pm was a Pie Eating Competition at Buffalo Beach Club, Whitianga. Now, they weren't family-size pies, but your ordinary mince or mince-andcheese pies, and by paying money to eat as many pies as they could, participants helped raise funds for a small but greatly valued cause. Principal organiser Theresa Collins-Johnson was very focused on this cause, which she strongly believes in, with the support of her team: looking after and providing opportunities for the young adults who are part of Te Tiihi Nui Trust. These young adults have intellectual, social, or physical disabilities. Theresa is keen to organise outings for them, which means travel and

expenses that are beyond the means of most of this small community of young adults. The pie-eating competition was an idea that came out of the group, and several teams entered, with an enthusiastic crowd gathered all around to cheer on the pie eaters. Every competitor paid $20 to enter the competition. The Buffalo Beach Club, with host Dash Fellowes, covered all the costs of the pies and drinks to wash them down. At this stage, The Informer does not know who actually won or how much has been raised, but it will be several hundred dollars. Well done to everyone involved. There will be some outings to be had. I hope it includes a trip on the new train lines in Auckland.

Thames’s Pollen Street Market

BY MICHELLE RHODES I had not visited Thames or the Market in a few years. So, with time to spare before the Vixens rugby final at Rhodes Park, Thames. I took a little stroll along Pollen Street before morning tea in Café Melbourne’s sunny court yard. It’s a real eclectic mix of stalls, home cooked produce, honey, up-cycled and re-cycled, pre-loved and creatively new. The imagination and creativity of the Coromandel never ceases to amaze me – too many to mention so here are my personal top three favourites. • Mark at Gaia Greenstone, originally came from Israel 25 years ago; his hobby has become a business now. I photographed a beautiful water feature and some of a delicate ink stone collection.

• I just had to return to the retired cabinet maker from Australia now retired to Thames – Geoff’s Creations the Beautiful Bird houses, home of fairy tales and as Arlowe said Pewakawaka’s (Fantails ) can live in them. • Last but not least – Alpacca Artistry operated by Paula a full time teacher and Daniel from their lifestyle block. Beautiful soft and warm creations in amazing earthtone, natural colours. They offer free visits to meet the Alpacca’s, Havana, Lola and Kalani. I must say I am looking forward to meeting the Alpacas at their home in Te Aroha sometime soon. The re-used plastic bottle top items are all original made by Steve from collected and donated bottle tops....no artifical additives or colourants used in any of the tops.

? g n i r p S s i Th g n i l l Se

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205 SEALEY ST, THAMES. PHONE 07 868 6128 The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 7

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From Teaching to Real Estate:

Philippa Evans takes on the Coromandel BY PAM FERLA

R

eal estate business owner Philippa Evans reckons the skills she learnt as a teacher have been some of the most useful tools in her business career. It’s now 25 years since Philippa and her husband Simon moved from Auckland to Tairua with their baby son, Harry. “We didn’t want to raise Harry in the city,” Philippa says. “Simon is a fitter and turner, so he got a job at Tanners Sawmill and I taught at Whenuakite and Hikuai Schools.” Today, Harry is a surveyor based in Tairua, where he enjoys surfing and rugby. Younger son Jake is about to start work as a driller’s assistant at Waihi Mines, while the family’s Shih Tzu, Lola, is also part of the family. While juggling work and raising their two boys, Philippa decided it was time for a change. She studied real estate and joined Harcourts nine years ago. Today, she is the business owner of Harcourts in Tairua, Cooks Beach, Coromandel Town and Whitianga, and became a director of Harcourts Coromandel Beaches Realty last year. “It turns out the classroom was pretty good training for business,”

she laughs. “Teaching taught me the importance of relationships, being organised, being reflective and, importantly, being able to adapt. I’m always learning, and I enjoy using those skills. I’m also currently studying for my agent’s licence, which will further my understanding of the business.” What she enjoys most about real estate is the variety. “I love the challenges. Every day is different. It can be a bit of a roller coaster!”

For Philippa, being part of the community is also an important part of the job. “In real estate it’s important to be a community person. I think it’s also important to give back, and sponsorship is one of the ways we do that.” She laughs when recalling her very first appraisal, when she discovered her choice of footwear wasn’t quite as professional as she had hoped. “When I left my shoes at the

door, I realised one was blue and one was black. I hoped they’d just shut the door and not notice, but they stood there and watched me put my odd shoes back on!” Nine years into the industry, Philippa says running a business and leading a team has taught her plenty. “I’ve learnt heaps about myself, and I’ve made mistakes, but I believe I’ve become a better person for it. I enjoy getting to know our people across the different branches and seeing them grow.” There has also been a special full-circle moment, with Riki Tawa recently joining the business. Philippa taught Riki at Hikuai School nearly 20 years ago. “I was his teacher, and now he’s working alongside me! I know he’ll do well.” For Philippa, real estate is about more than selling property. She is passionate about doing the homework, protecting the integrity of her vendors and owners, and ensuring buyers have the information they need to purchase with confidence. “The old-fashioned ‘buyer beware’ attitude has no place in our office. We believe in doing the right thing — being thorough, asking questions, disclosing what we know and making sure every-

one can make an informed decision.” She says the Coromandel property market has changed significantly. “Traditionally, the Coromandel has been a strong sellers’ market. But road closures, tighter lending criteria and changing buyer confidence have all had an impact. Today, we’re operating in a buyer’s market, can be which difficult for vendors to accept, particularly when they remember post-Covid highs.” Her advice? Stick to the three Ps: Price, Presentation and Promotion. “Getting those right can make a significant difference. That’s where Harcourts team can help – providing honest pricing advice, helping vendors understand what buyers are looking for, presenting the property at its best and getting it in front of the right people.” Away from real estate, Philippa may be found cheering from the sideline at local rugby, with Simon having managed Tairua senior team B and her sons playing with their mates. And when she’s not working or supporting local sport, Philippa’s happiest in her garden, with gardenias and frangipani among her favourite blooms.

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www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 9

Ray’s Report #37 Meth on The Coromandel

BY RAY VAN BEYNEN

R

ecent media reporting has focused on the huge increase in methamphetamine use in New Zealand. Police wastewater testing, which covers about 80 percent of the population, recorded an average of 36.6 kg of methamphetamine consumed per week in the first quarter of 2026 – 15 percent above the average of the previous four quarters. That amounts to an estimated social harm cost of $38.4 million a week, or roughly $2 billion a year. Northland, followed by Waikato, recorded the highest detected use of any police district. This is a step change, not just noise. Consumption ran at roughly 12 to 14 kg a week in 2023, jumped sharply through 2024, and has since stabilised at the new, higher level rather than falling back. The average price of a standard dose has dropped significantly, which signals a glut in supply. The Coromandel Peninsula sits inside the boundaries of the Waikato Police District, and our towns are over-represented among the region's heaviest meth-using centres. Last October, police from outside our area executed a series of search warrants in and around Whitianga. Several locals were charged with meth-dealing offences, and some were remanded in custody. As a

direct result, local crime statistics dropped, and so did the number of people seeking help from our social services. Meth dealing and the criminal behaviour that goes with it have a heavy impact on the community, but too often it is the users' own families who bear the brunt of this social plague. Clearly, the current strategy for dealing with meth-related offending is not working. The Organised Crime arm of the New Zealand Police, together with Customs, has made some major seizures, but it is estimated that only 10 to 15 percent of meth is intercepted at or near the border. A new and radical approach is needed, and needed now. This issue has to be addressed at both a community and a political level. Start with sentencing. Five years ago, mid-level meth dealers were receiving four to six years' imprisonment. Now they get home detention. With enormous profits available and an insatiable market, it is little wonder that reoffending — or offending while on bail or under supervision — is at an all-time high. The regime needs tightening, particularly around the enablers: the dodgy lawyers, the accountants and the corrupt officials, including police, who should be treated as though they were dealing meth themselves.

At the same time, treating meth use as a health issue rather than a criminal one is worth serious consideration. Provide proper social and health support for addicts, and reserve the stronger penalties for the dealers. The aim has to be both demand reduction and supply reduction. Users and addicts in prison also need access to treatment programmes that actually work. Targeting the money is another valuable tool. In some European countries, the onus is fully on the individual to prove the source of their income and assets, and our asset seizure laws need strengthening along those lines. Organised crime, including gangs, needs to be targeted with stronger legislation allowing simpler surveillance, search and seizure powers. The justice system carries a huge responsibility to keep our communities safe. Lastly, the community needs to make it abundantly clear that meth use and dealing will not be tolerated here. That does not mean vigilante action, but it does mean passing intelligence straight to police or to Crimestoppers. If we do not take this holistic approach, the situation will undoubtedly get worse, and the social and health problems we face now will become irreparable.

Support Local campaign celebrates winning local business BY PAUL CLAYTON The Mercury Bay Business Association (MBBA) has concluded its six week Support Local 2026 campaign, reporting strong participation from both local businesses and the wider community. The initiative encouraged residents and visitors to shop locally, with customers and participating businesses entered into prize draws supported by contributions from MBBA members. Coromandel Life:style Centre was drawn as the winning participating business and received a prize package valued at more than $1,500. MBBA Chair Paul Clayton said the response to the campaign highlighted the strength of the local business community. “Support Local encourages people to think local first and recognises the businesses that make Mercury Bay a

Paul Clayton presents Mark Milmine owner of Coromandel Life:style Centre with the prize package.

great place to live, work and visit. It was fantastic to see the community get behind it.” MBBA acknowledged the many businesses that contributed prizes and supported the campaign, noting that the increased engagement this year has set a strong foundation for future initiatives. A photo of the prize presentation accompanies this release Paul Clayton is Chair, MBBA

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The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 11

Mayor’s column Keeping rates under control – but at what cost?

I

t comes as no surprise that the Government has felt it necessary to propose rates capping. Rates rose steeply across the country, and our district was no exception. Our last three annual increases starting in 2023 tell the story: 11.6%, then 13.2%, then 7.7%, a cumulative rise of 36% in just three years. That was not sustainable, and ratepayers made rates the central issue of last year's election. Those of us elected heard that message clearly. The turnaround came with the current 2026/27 Annual Plan, where we delivered an average rates increase of just 3.97%, making us one of only nine councils in the country to come in under 4% when the national average was 6.9%. Restraint is achievable, but it takes real discipline to sustain. Here is the reality we are managing. Council looks after $2.4 billion in public assets. Roads, water pipes, parks and community buildings do not maintain themselves, and deferring any maintenance work only

shifts a bigger bill onto future ratepayers. We maintain 505 kilometres of local roads, 200 of them unsealed. We welcome around two million visitors a year, and on peak summer days our population multiplies more than four times over from its 32,000 base. That surge strains our infrastructure and our staff, and impacts ratepayers' pockets long after the visitors go home. A rates cap will significantly restrain what Council can do, unless we do things differently. As we look ahead, core spending, existing borrowing and contractual commitments will absorb most of our rates revenue. In practice, Council will need to find equal savings before taking on any new project. We can no longer simply add to the list. That means wherever possible shifting costs away from being ratepayer funded to being paid for by the user. This shifts more of the cost onto those who use our facilities but pay no rates here. Millions of visitors enjoy our roads, toilets,

car parks and boat ramps, yet 28,000 ratepayers fund infrastructure sized for a population many times larger. User pays means visitors contributing fairly to the services they enjoy. It also means a culture where we treat every dollar Council spends as if it came from our own pocket, because it does. User pays is one lever. Doing things at better scale is another, and how Council manages water is ready for that shift. Amalgamating water and wastewater services with neighbouring councils is not about gold plating or giving away local control. Communities keep a real say. It is about sharing scale, expertise and overheads to deliver reliable services at a lower cost than any of us could manage alone. Keeping rates affordable matters. So does making sure we do not save money today by leaving far greater costs for our children and grandchildren to deal with tomorrow. That is the balance Council must get right.

TOURISM LEVY FUNDING IS WELCOME - BUT DOESN’T ADDRESS THE FULL ISSUE

Mayor of Thames Coromandel District Council, Peter Revell, says it’s great to see recognition of the impact of high visitor numbers: direct funding to councils is something local government has sought for years. But he says the current proposal risks disadvantaging visitor destinations with relatively few medium-to-large accommodation providers: Only data from accommodation providers with six units or more will be used to assess visitor bed-nights. Peter Revell says the level of funding wouldn’t reflect the true number of international visitors to the district because it wouldn’t include stays in Air B n Bs. “The funding is great news for places like Rotorua with lots of hotels, but Thames Coromandel is a different type of destination. It’s ironic because one of the reasons people like coming here is that we offer a laid-back lifestyle, not glitzy hotels”. Being driving distance from cruise ship ports in Tauranga and Auckland means Thames Coro-

mandel has a further disadvantage: Busloads of passengers flock to iconic spots like Cathedral Cove but return to the ship to sleep. Thames Coromandel’s potential share of the levy isn’t listed in the funding policy document, but Deputy Mayor John Grant has run the figures. His analysis shows that, with a 1.36% share of the national pot, the district would get just $1.17 million in the first year (2027/28), and a total of $5.22 million over four years. Peter Revell is asking National to consider a comprehensive plan to ensure equitable support for councils. Two practical changes would be to include stays with small commercial providers (like Book-aBach and Air B n B), and to bolster the pool by extending the levy to Australian visitors. He would also like to see recognition of the disproportionate effect of high tourist numbers on smaller centres. "Per head of population, visitor infrastructure costs Thames-Coromandel ratepayers far more than it costs ratepayers in Auckland or Queenstown."

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From Greece to the Coromandel Two unique retreat experiences this November.

F

or Whangapoua local Catherine Parr, bringing two very different retreat experiences to the Coromandel this November is about bringing her work home. Catherine, founder of Returning to Wholeness, has deep whakapapa (ancestral and genealogical connections) throughout the Northern Coromandel, including Whangapoua and Harataunga – Kennedy Bay, whenua (land) connected to her whānau (family) and tīpuna (ancestors). That connection is shared with her whanaunga Hāmuera Maika, who is from Harataunga – Kennedy Bay and is one of the kaikōrero (orators and speakers) at Harataunga Marae. The first experience brings internationally recognised Reiki Master and meditation teacher Frank Arjava Petter from Greece to Mana Retreat Centre. As it closes, the journey moves to Rākairoa, Harataunga Marae for an immersion grounded in Te Ao Māori (the Māori world and worldview), facilitated by Catherine and Hāmuera. A RARE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN THE COROMANDEL From 9 to 12 November, Frank Arjava Petter will be at Mana Retreat Centre for The Samadhi Sessions.

Frank Arjava Petter; Catherine Parr.

Frank brings decades of experience in meditation and Reiki, drawing from Eastern and Western traditions. Having lived and trained extensively in Japan, his work is deeply connected to Reiki’s Japanese roots. The Samadhi Sessions are not Reiki training, but an opportunity to explore different meditation practices and discover what resonates personally. Catherine will facilitate morning breathwork sessions during the retreat, offering two distinct modalities from her practice: 9D Breathwork and Te Hā (the breath). No previous experience with Reiki, meditation or breathwork is needed to take part. “I think sometimes we believe we have to travel somewhere else to find these experiences,”

Catherine says. “There is something really special about being able to bring them home to the Coromandel.”

FROM MANA TO HARATAUNGA From 12 to 14 November, the journey moves to Rākairoa, Harataunga Marae – Kennedy Bay, where the experience changes completely. Hāmuera brings his mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge, wisdom and understanding), lived connection to Harataunga and role as one of the marae’s kaikōrero to the heart of an experience grounded in whakapapa, whenua and collective participation. The retreat begins with a pōhiri (traditional Māori welcome ceremony), before moving through whakapapa and kōrero (conver-

sation and shared discussion), Te Hā breathwork through a Te Ao Māori lens, guided meditation and connection with the whenua. Participants will also be guided through pure (spiritual cleansing and purification) in the moana, with intention to cleanse, release and reconnect. Participants then come together in mahi tahi (working collectively) to prepare and share a hāngī (traditional Māori method of cooking food in an earth oven), contributing to marae life through kai (food), preparation and cleaning. As evening settles over Harataunga, participants gather around the fire for kōrero and an exploration of maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar and traditional knowledge connected with the cycles of the moon, stars and natural world. Rather than simply hearing about Te Ao Māori, participants are welcomed into an experience of marae life through whenua, water, food, fire, kōrero and collective participation. For Māori, the retreat may offer an opportunity to strengthen or rediscover connections with whakapapa and kaupapa Māori (Māori values, knowledge and ways of being). For others, it offers an opportunity to participate respectfully in an environ-

ment they may never previously have experienced. No prior knowledge is expected.

RETURNING TO WHOLENESS For Catherine, Returning to Wholeness creates spaces where people can step outside everyday demands and reconnect with themselves. Previous retreat guests describe that experience: “This experience helped bring my mind, body, and spirit back into alignment.” Another participant said: “By the time I got home, I felt so relaxed and refreshed and honestly, I already find myself wanting to return and stay longer.” One retreat brings an internationally recognised teacher to the Coromandel; the other unfolds on ancestral whenua at Harataunga, grounded in the knowledge, relationships and living traditions already there. Both are an invitation to step outside everyday life and reconnect with something harder to hear amongst the noise. If something in either of these experiences is calling to you, perhaps this is your invitation. Places are limited, with full retreat details and bookings available at www. catherineparrslight.com.

Make space for yourself The Samadhi Sessions with Frank Arjava Petter

9-12 November 2026 | Mana Retreat Centre, Coromandel This November, step away from the noise of everyday life and spend three transformative days exploring meditation, breath and connection in the beautiful Coromandel. International meditation and Reiki teacher and author Frank Arjava Petter joins host Catherine Parr for a rare opportunity to learn from an experienced teacher in an intimate retreat setting. Places are limited, and this may be your only chance to experience these sessions with Frank in New Zealand.

Book: manaretreat.com Search “The Samadhi Sessions”

Commuter and overnight options are available, making it possible to join this special retreat even if you live locally. Tuition and your chosen Mana meals and accommodation package are booked separately. Early-bird tuition: $550 until 15 October 2026. Tuition rises to $700 from 16 October. Mana meals and accommodation packages are additional. Don’t miss this opportunity to pause, reset and learn with Frank Arjava Petter. Secure your place before the early-bird offer ends.

Returning to Wholeness is offering a $50 contribution for local residents, with additional support available for the first 10 eligible whānau who whakapapa to the Northern Coromandel. Payment plans are available.

Enquire and book: catherineparrslight.com hello@catherineparrslight.com

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The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 13

Eleven questions Whangamatā deserves to have answered

An opinion described as a travesty taking place between our local knowledge coupled with expertise, and an intransient and belligerent Thames-based bureaucracy.

BY PATRICK KERR

T

wo Whangamatā residents have just done something most of us would not have the patience for. Ian Holyoake and Rob Boston accepted an invitation from Thames-Coromandel District Council to join its Whangamatā stormwater stakeholder process, and they stayed in it for three and a half years. They have now lodged eleven formal complaints with the Ombudsman, under CASE-027284, about how that process was run. Let me be clear about what this is not. The complaints do not ask the Ombudsman to decide whether a wetland or a dry detention basin is the better answer at Williamson Park, or whether a pipe belongs in Hetherington Road or Port Road. They ask something simpler and, for ratepayers, more important. They are asking: Was the process itself fair, informed and accountable? • The eleven complaints run across the whole process. • Whether Council gave invited stakeholders the reports and data they needed to take part meaningfully. • How official information requests were administered while that process was live. • Whether one stakeholder had his participation restricted, and on whose authority. • Whether a view of the man came to stand in for assessment of his evidence. • How the workshops were conducted. • What happened to the Kepner-Tregoe

matrix used to rank 19 stormwater projects. • The process behind flood-hazard letters sent to 3,195 property owners. • The Williamson Park decision trail. The Hetherington and Port Road pathway. • The Chief Executive's handling of the internal complaint. • And finally, whether Council can show what became of the community's submissions at all. Some of the detail on the record is hard to read past. By April 2024, an invited stakeholder had filed around 26 official information requests to obtain material Council already held. At the Whangamatā Commu-

nity Board that month, members Neil Evans and Denis Beaver put the contradiction to a Council manager directly: How can you ask people for advice while withholding the documents they need to give it? Council's own Master Plan records that submitted matrix scores were required to have certain criteria modified. However, the eleven staff who investigated the complaint about the stormwater process included officers from that same process. Then there is Rob Boston's position. At a public meeting in April 2023, with around 135 people recorded as attending, he moved seven stormwater resolutions

and they carried unanimously. He carried that mandate into Council. Three and a half years on, the fair question is not whether Council had to accept all seven. It did not. The question is whether any of us can trace what happened to each one - who considered it, what was decided, on what reasoning, and what was reported back. Readers should know that I am not a neutral observer. I attended one of the meetings this material covers, in July 2025, I objected at the time to what I saw, and I have given the complainants a written statement about it. Weigh what I say accordingly. These should not be read as eleven grievances. They are one question asked eleven ways. If a council invites a community into a process, what is that invitation actually worth? Ratepayers funded the consultants, the staff time and the capital works. Two volunteers funded their own research, their own document recovery and their own three and a half years. The Ombudsman will now decide what to examine, and Council will have every opportunity to answer. That is exactly as it should be. But one lesson is already available to everyone around the council table, whatever the findings turn out to be. Participation without a traceable record of what was done with it is not participation. It is decoration. Patrick Kerr is Chair of Whangamatā Business Association

The Toe Kickers Hon Scott Simpson Rugby Tournament Rates caps, Rail Trail and Pepe Bridge MP For Coromandel

Bob Scout the legendary All Black lived in the Whangamata area for many years. Bob was famous for kicking without boots hence the name of Whangamata’s local team and competition – The Toe Kickers Rugby Tournament. It is a fun festival that has been running for more than 15 years, attracting teams from around the Coromandel, and Waikato

and has raised more than $60,000 for youth in Whangamatā. October the 3rd, Kick off at 11. Music, food stall and good fun, then that night there’s a comedy show in town. The Tempestuous a combo of Shakespeare and comedian Penny Ashton with tickets available at The Discover Centre. It will be a big weekend in Whangamata.

The Arts Collective in Whangamata in association with the Bowling Club has put together a unique promotion. They are selling old bowls for $20 and then asking people to design some art for their bowl. Then, on 25 October at the Whangamata Bowling Club all the arty bowls will roll up for the Lawn Bowl Art Exhibition and Event

where the best will be judged. All funds raised is going to Men’s Health Awareness. Will your bowl get the rub of the green? Will the judges be biased to your entry? Or will it end up in the gutter? For more details on where to buy and how to enter see their website www.artscollective.co.nz

Bowls fever hits Whangamata

14 | The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026

We’re in the final stages of this current Parliament before the General Election is held in November. Parliament will rise on 24 September and we’ve got a lot of work to do before then. The long-awaited changes to the Resource Management Act are an absolute priority. You can expect to be hearing more about that in the next week or two. Another important milestone for this Government is our proposal to cap rates at an annual increase within an initial target range of 2 to 4 percent. That target is designed to help keep rates affordable, while also ensuring councils are focused on delivering the services ratepayers rely on. You might ask, why is there a minimum level of rates increase? This is to support councils to continue delivering essential services and focusing on core business. This is another step in our local government reforms which are aimed at getting councils back to basics and delivering better value for ratepayers. It’s also been a busy time for local news, with the Government announcing a further $400,000 investment in our local Hauraki Rail Trail to support its recovery from storm damage. This funding will ensure the trail remains a drawcard for regional tourism in our

Scott Simpson at the new pontoon construction in Whitianga.

area, and it will make sure cyclists can keep pedalling their way around the Coromandel for years to come. There was also an update that construction of a new two-lane bridge on State Highway 25, north of Whiritoa, will begin this month. This new bridge will replace the existing single-lane Ramarama Stream Bridge, which is nearly a century old. At least one lane of the new bridge is expected to open to traffic by August 2027. I’m thrilled that there’s plenty of work being done on replacing the Pepe Stream Bridge in Tairua. The site was full of action when I passed by last week and it’s really exciting to see this much-anticipated two-lane bridge taking shape.

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Inspiration Alley

By Ananda Laberge

Being vulnerable redefined

A

ccording to Merriam-Webster, the adjective vulnerable is defined as: Capable of being physically or emotionally wounded or hurt (easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally.) Open to attack or damage (assailable, unprotected, or defenseless against physical or non-physical forces, such as criticism or malware). It can also be used as a noun, as in the vulnerability of the community, so as a collective which is at risk of being harmed. No wonder I grew up with it unconsciously as meaning weak! I never wanted to be perceived as weak, nor as a victim. I fought against it unconsciously in everyday life so that no one thought of me as weak. The harder life got, the stronger I got…at least, that’s what I thought. The word originates from the Latin word vulnerabilis, derived from vulnerare ("to wound") and the root noun vulnus ("wound"). The wounded of our society. Seeing the word written out like this creates a surge within me that still wants to fight against it in myself. Having been through multiple opportunities “to grow emotionally” by experiencing a variety

of repeated trauma as a young person (and some as an adult) convinced me into thinking that ‘fight or flight’ mode was my only option - I consciously chose to fight in business, but in my personal life it was flight. Two sides of the same coin really - both leading to a dead end. Why? Because we can’t truly be rational in either of those states, that’s why it is often referred to as our mammalian brain reacting. It is an acute stress response that is an evolutionary survival mechanism to prepare the body to confront or flee a threat. Heck, I want it when I confront

something that can truly hurt me physically – a story earlier this year about a man in Yellowstone National Park in the US who was thrown into the air by a bison – comes to mind. Yeah, he ran alright, not that it prevented him from being thrown head over heels into the air, yikes! He survived. But what happens when this becomes our norm? Physically, we are on constant edge, and our poor bodies overproduce the hormone cortisol, which acts as an inflammatory agent in our body. Buildup of this hormone makes us sick by not letting our natural

reserves of disease-fighting processes work as they should. Okay, so back to vulnerability. If we perceive ourselves as vulnerable, then by definition, we are at risk of being hurt, manipulated, made into emotional jelly that is there to be taken advantage of. But what if there is another definition? The moments I’ve felt closest to people, I was vulnerable and open. I shared without constraint and I walked away feeling better. I’m being vulnerable by writing about this right now. What I have learned is that vulnerability is a gateway to freedom. It allows us to be truthful, first and foremost to ourselves about who we really are. How can we be honest with others if we can’t even do that with ourselves? I see it as a form of acknowledgement. Being vulnerable enough to share with another person that I’m not always strong, who is? So why do we pretend we always are? Fear. Awful thing. It makes us scared of life when we don’t need to be. If you are a perfectionist and wrapped up in control, you get it. But I’m getting better because I am now aware of this. Awareness is a beautiful thing. I see now that vulnerability is the unex-

pected surprise in my life. All my healing has come from the “V” word. Acceptance of who I am so I don’t have to react negatively to uncomfortable situations. I let myself feel it and then move on. That keeps my neanderthal brain from hijacking me. Wisdom often comes from acknowledging from within our current or past struggles. Stuffing it doesn’t work. Running away from it doesn’t work. Trust me, I’ve tried it all. Finally, when I was worn down enough, I had to trust someone else to listen to my self-diagnosed ‘weaknesses’ and embrace the release. That release brought peace. Peace because I finally let go of labels and of my past that I let define me in life. I am not those experiences. Those are just things that happened of which I was an actor in. But once the curtain came down, I could finally walk away and know that I was more, that I was better than the summed-up traumas of my life. Now I’m proud to say that my super-power is my vulnerability. Without it, I would still be running from life. Want to reach out to me? You can email me at: ananda. laberge@gmail.com

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Letters to the Editor TCDC’S “FAIRNESS” ARGUMENT FOR CAPITAL VALUE RATING DOES NOT SURVIVE SCRUTINY Thames-Coromandel District Council justifies its shift from Land Value to Capital Value rating on one word: fairness. It says Capital Value better reflects a ratepayer’s “ability to pay.” That claim does not withstand basic examination, and ratepayers deserve to know why. Ability to pay is a measure of income and cash flow. Capital Value measures the market worth of an asset a person is not selling. A retired homeowner sitting on a $1.5 million property with a modest, fixed income has no more cash in hand than before revaluation – yet Council now treats them as having “greater capacity to contribute.” That is not ability to pay. It is a proxy for wealth on paper, and Council knows the difference: its own postponement scheme exists precisely because postponing rates is not the same as being able to afford them. Worse, the system punishes improvement. A ratepayer who spends their savings on insulation, a new bathroom or a garage does not thereby consume more roads, more rubbish collection or more emergency services. Yet their Capital Value rises, and so does their rates share. Council cannot point to a single unit of additional service consumption to justify that outcome – because there isn’t one. Council also leans on the fact that 65% of New Zealand councils use Capital Value. Popularity is not fairness. Neither is a 6–4 vote following a consultation in which the majority of respondents actually favoured retaining the status quo. Capital Value rating may be lawful. It may even be defensible as a wealth-based allocation

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.

with the facts, figures, statistics, and possible outcomes concerning our venture into Amalgamation. I had also read his comprehensive thoughts and reasonings in the recent issues of The Informer newspaper. In my view, as the vote was 7-4 in favour of the Amalgamation process, isn’t that the end of the story? So let’s get on with this task and work proactively with our new partners.Over the next two years in office, I’m sure Mr Rasmussen could be part of a majority vote with a different set of circumstances. There will also be some Councillors, and possibly the Mayor, who may carry the minority status. Let’s hope they don’t disagree publicly with the majority vote, as I believe it’s not a good look for those in office. Graeme Smith, Whangamata mechanism. What it is not is an honest measure of “ability to pay,” and TCDC should stop dressing it up as one. David Yeomans, Pauanui

ELECTRICITY – GET RID OF PRIVATE COMPETITION If the Freidman philosophy of market forces, and private competition needed to be shown as flawed, it is epitomised by today’s electricity bills/accounts. A time ago the government (the taxpayer) constructed the electrical system for the welfare of the citizens. Its workers were dependable. Then, that idiot, Roger Douglas sold off the govt. assets to the wealthy and the welfare reason for being was replaced by competition and driven profit. Finished off later by the Bradford reforms and John Key. By keeping more that half the asset shares each Gov. has a monetary reason

to not nationalise or change the present system. With the cold spell and fossil fuel costs, the need for electrical heating in residential housing, where solid fuel fires are missing, has leapt. Subsequently the wealthy who bought in are ‘coining it’ just like the Aussie banks. The new generation from wind-power, geo-thermal, and solar panels is for commercial interests. Don’t expect electricity prices to go down. Vested interests have introduced the ratcheted-up availability charge. Peter Wood, Whitianga FLEMMING RASMUSSEN’S RECENT ARTICLES I attended the Whangamata Business Association’s After Five meeting on the 9th September where Flemming Rasmussen was the guest speaker. He gave an articulate address

MAYOR ACTED IN GOOD FAITH A note to Cr Rasmussen – a unified amalgamated Council is one based on catchment management (a regional council function) and the provision of community utilities and infrastructure (district council functions). Hence: 1) The concept of a unified TCDC Council was always a dud because it would split the integrity of the Thames valley catchment and; 2)The concept of a combined TCDC and Western Bays council was a dud too, as that would have split catchment integrity within both those council areas. As ‘duds’ these two alternatives are nonsense and never were things that could be seriously used as bargaining chips to get a better amalgamation deal for the TCDC. In my opinion Mayor Revell has gone about the process both realistically and in good faith. I don’t

think he deserves a blindside for that. And by the way if you have expressed the same ideas from your ‘The Informer’ article at Council meetings, then it would seem to me that you were not writing as a private person at all. Dal Minogue, Ferry Landing

THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING Just before the last elections we were told by Mr Warren Mayer that WRC rates would stay where they were if he was elected. I challenged him to a simple offer , thru’ the Informer that for every $ they went up he would pay me $10 and for every $ they went down I would pay him $10 if he was elected. He was elected but he didn’t accept offer he was silent on the issue and now we know why because he would owe me more than $2k. Did the $2m in some WRC savings account get transferred back into our rates operating account or not? He also promised this. The bigger question is why have these rates gone up ? Well I suppose if you give away a truckload of money to a sick train service that hasn’t been financially viable for 30 years that helps. Then there’s the issue of the government directive to dissolve the WRC anyway, how much time and money have these all day coffee club councilors spent on trying to save their seats over the last 12 months? Come on tell us the truth everything , meetings, travel communications, dinners, drinks entertainment etc . I suggest to all rate payers that they go on a monthly rates pay plan so if the WRC are dissolved shortly they won’t be having to pay any more than they need to and won’t need to seek a refund for rates not due as a result of the business not being there. Rob McHardy

Digital Decoder By Agent EJ

Abundance or Surveillance. The Two Futures

T

wo very different pictures of the future are forming at once. In China, livestream shopping is an extremely popular and lucrative business. AI-generated avatars that mimic a real influencer's voice, mannerisms and humour have already outsold their human counterparts. A six-hour stream pulled in $7.65 million, more than the original presenter earned himself. Audiences are none the wiser about who is doing the selling. Agentic AI is also disrupting start-ups. Tasks that once needed investors, HR managers and designers, stretching a business plan out over months or years, can now be handled by AI systems, letting a single founder go from idea to product in weeks. Scientific research has seen similar leaps. DeepMind's AlphaFold, once considered decades

away from solving how proteins fold, cracked the problem far sooner than expected. This work now feeds directly into faster drug development. This is what abundance looks like. On the other side sits surveillance, and the concerns are alarming. Automated enforcement means minor slip-ups, such as not picking up after your dog or going slightly over the speed limit, can now escalate straight to a fine or criminal record, with no officer around to use discretion. We're already seeing it with parking. What used to be a human warden willing to look the other way is now a camera that doesn't care that you got caught chatting to a mate on your way back to the car. A system built to close the gap between an act and its penalty doesn't discriminate. Imagine your nana, who may have

16 | The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026

early-stage dementia, forgetting to pay at the check-out and facing a fine she can't afford on a fixed pension.

The stakes go beyond fines. At the UN, a majority of member states backed a resolution on AI, driven largely by fears around

autonomous weapons that can select and strike targets without human involvement. Within the industry itself, cracks are showing. Top Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned this month, warning that those building AI "earnestly believe it could kill us all by the end of the decade", a claim serious enough that lawmakers are now pushing for an AI "kill switch", giving governments the power to shut systems down if they escape human control. It is jarring to think that some of the most miraculous advances in human history sit alongside these extinction-level threats. We're not machines. We're imperfect, and we mess up. That's what makes us human. A system built to punish us the instant we fall short of a standard isn't protecting us. It's controlling us.

www.theinformer.co.nz

Through the Portal

Opinion

Councillor Rasmussen – you are correct but not completely BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

I

n the Informer of 1st September Fleming Rasmussen wrote an article, in a personal capacity, explaining the various problems with the Local Body Amalgamation and at the end of his article asked, “What do you think?”. Well, such a question deserves a reply. Before replying to Mr Rasmussen, I must point out that Hamilton City only spent $29 thousand on consultants for the amalgamation exercise yet the much smaller TCDC spent over $181 thousand on consultants for the same work. Councils such as Matamata-Piako restricted such expenditure to $25 thousand yet Mr Rasmussen seems to indicate they received better value than TCDC from the amalgamation process. Says something about the efficiency of our council organisation doesn’t it. Mr Rasmussen’s lengthy article (I think solicitors must charge by the word) is summarised by his statement that the Council “chose a process that settles direction now and substance later”. He further stated that he felt “that is not commercial courage; it is option

value destruction”. I couldn’t agree more, but the arguments presented were mainly about assets and the value of the amalgamation and I question whether that is the full story. The consistent problem with the gradual consolidation of local authorities is that larger and larger head office bureaucracies are built while community decision making is lessened and lessened. Prior to 1975 the Coromandel Peninsula consisted of three local bodies, Coromandel County, Thames County and Thames Borough. Mercury Bay formed a significant part of the Coromandel County, was close to the “seat of power” and the entire County was of the same type, being coastal rural. With the amalgamation the seat of power moved further away from the community and a different community type was introduced with Thames being more aligned with the plains of the Thames Valley than the rugged coastlines of the rest of the peninsula. Community decision making has been reduced, virtually eliminated this year with a majority of the indi-

vidual Councillors ignoring their election promises to empower communities, instead deciding to take a castration knife to them by introducing their Community Board Accord in May 2026. With the Amalgamation the trend looks to continue. No financial benefit is planned for rate payers and, as stated by Mr Rasmussen, financial benefit to the merged Councils is many years away, if ever. Most of us will have passed on by then. The bureaucracy will no doubt grow and community power further diminish, as this is what history tells us. It is what can be done about this that is the important part of this amalgamation. Mr Rasmussen states that “No further commitment should occur…” until various things take place. He is quite correct to state this and we can but hope that the rest of the Council can see sense on this occasion. But he is also incomplete in that he does not seem to understand that we must agree on the style of the new Council before signing off on it. An old adage states “that if you keep practicing a process that has

always failed, you will fail again”. This adage applies to the amalgamation situation whereby the style of the amalgamation is to build up a larger central bureaucracy while diminishing community decision making capability. This style should be reversed so that we have empowered communities with significant budgets. The communities in effect use the central Council as a sub-contractor to provide specific services, primarily of a regional or administrative nature. The Community Boards must become the decision-making body. This style of structure would enable communities to largely control their own destiny. For example, rates could be split into regional charges and community investments with any community being able to democratically determine the quantum of their rates to go on community investments. For example, my recent rate bill is $1,400 more than the Hauraki average rate bill, due partially to the curse of the TCDC rating change which gave me a 13% increase. If we are to pay so much extra in Mercury Bay, then we

should logically have more funds in our “community investments” budget. If not, then my rates ethically should be lowered. A community centric style would also enable assets and liabilities to be apportioned fairly to the various communities. Mercury Bay would for example retain decision making control over spare lands such as the empty section next to the council building which our community may decide to sell so as to use the funds for another community project. Conversely there may be a special community charge on the Hauraki Community to pay for their debts which are significantly more than ours. The point is that a community centric style allows rate payers to make decisions for their communities. It also reduces the demands for the bureaucratic burdens that we currently experience. So, while I basically agreed with your article Mr Rasmussen, I think you need to add “Agreement on a Community Centric Model” to your list of requirements before any further commitment is made.

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The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 17

The price of our voice: stand‑alone TCDC Part 4: Autonomy protects direct local accountability and institutional knowledge, but it is not free. The honest Comparator is a reformed, collaborative TCDC - not today's organisation frozen in place! BY FLEMMING RASMUSSEN.

who know those places can challenge a uniform service standard before it becomes an expensive mismatch.

I

n a 7-4 split vote led by Mayor Revell and Deputy Mayor Grant, four Thames-based Councillors, and Cr Freer (Whangamata), TCDC decided to enter the Government's Head Start amalgamation process. We did not have to do that. The Government's own policy calls Head Start voluntary and says councils that do not opt-in will face no mandatory change until after the 2028 local elections. Remaining at territorial authority is lawful, not defiant. It preserves TCDC's ability to compare stand-alone, Eastern Waikato and Northern Bay of Plenty options. Standing alone does not mean standing still. Funding constraints, infrastructure backlogs, workforce shortages and central-government reform require TCDC to become more efficient and effective. The real choice is between political amalgamation and disciplined local government that collaborates wherever scale improves service. That comparator has advantages, costs and one serious weakness: a geographically concentrated council has less ability to absorb a major disaster than a larger pooled balance sheet. Ratepayers should be told both the value of autonomy and its price.

1. WHAT STAND-ALONE PROTECTS TCDC would retain a mayor and council elected solely for Thames-Coromandel, supported by its five community boards.

Flemming Rasmussen.

Decisions about local rates, debt, facilities, roads, coastal adaptation and service levels would remain directly traceable to representatives this district can elect – or replace. No authority-wide majority from other districts could redirect those priorities. Stand-alone status provides relative protection for local jobs, service centers and institutional knowledge. TCDC reported about 248 full-time-equivalent staff in 2024/25. Keeping the organisation does not guarantee every role; reform may remove duplication or change work. It does mean workforce decisions are made for Coromandel service needs, rather than as one stream within a three-council integration. That local knowledge has economic value. Coromandel's resident population understates the infrastructure used by holiday-home owners and peak-season visitors, while coastal settlements face different access, stormwater and resilience pressures. Staff and elected members

2. AUTONOMY HAS A MEASURABLE PRICE TCDC's 2026/27 plan includes $27.6m of personnel costs and $83.0m of other operating expenses. A 1% saving across that $110.6m base is about $1.1m, or $38 per rateable unit (28,801 rating units); 4% is $4.4m, or $152 per unit. These figures are illustrative and aim to show the scale of a credible stand-alone efficiency program transparently. The Head Start model states the other side. It estimates a combined average cost of about $450 per rating unit through FY34, an average benefit of about $700 through FY40 and break-even around FY37. If the $700 average were applied to TCDC's 28,801 units, the implied forgone benefit would be about $20.2m - a simple, non-annuitised spread of roughly $54 per unit over 13 years (or $4.15/month, less than a cup of coffee). That is not a TCDC rates forecast. It is a useful ceiling for asking how much autonomy is worth, and how much of the modelled saving TCDC could capture without merging. 3. THE $150 MILLION SHOCK TCDC's ordinary balance-sheet ratios are not reckless: planned gross debt is about 72% of revenue, equity is 93.5% of assets, and the current ratio is about 1.36. The weakness is concentration. One coastal district car-

ries the same storm, tsunami, and land-instability exposure, without other districts to spread (cover) an exceptional bill. Safety in Numbers Test: The bigger your balance sheet the more you can absorb a surprise or unexpected expensive event. Martin Jenkins tested a $150m shock against the proposed combined authority, not against TCDC alone. Its model moved combined debt-to-revenue from 129% to 185% and retained about $260m of headroom (for future borrowings). Simple TCDC arithmetic-adding $150m to planned gross borrowing-produces about $274.7m, or 159% of planned revenue. Spread evenly, $150m is about $5,208 per TCDC rating unit, versus $2,619 across the proposed authority's 57,280 units (i.e. a $2,589 net "insurance benefit" per TCDC rating unit). The flip side is our risk also increases; we take on the collective risk of, say, a large-scale HDC flooding incident. Insurance, Crown and NZTA support would change the actual burden. This is not an LGFA covenant calculation; it quantifies the risk of carrying the shock locally. 4. A SMARTER STANDALONE MODEL TCDC can retain political decision-making while retaining purchasing scale. Joint procurement of insurance, cyber-security, engineering, legal services, payroll, information technology, asset systems and road and solid waste contracts can reduce cost and deepen capability. Shared emergency-management and

specialist planning teams can improve resilience. Water can be delivered through an accountable multi-council arrangement without amalgamating every council function. The governance line should remain clear: shared-service boards and contracts decide how an agreed service is delivered; TCDC's elected council decides what outcome is required, what local service level is affordable and how ratepayers are charged. Collaboration should transfer execution risk where useful, not transfer the democratic mandate. The bargain must be explicit: publish annual savings targets and results; preserve local access; build a funded resilience plan; pre-agree disaster-financing pathways; and independently test performance. If TCDC cannot close a reasonable share of the modelled $54-per-unit annual gap, ratepayers should know. If it can, political amalgamation becomes harder to justify. Local voice is valuable, but sentiment is not a financial strategy. A reformed stand-alone TCDC offers stronger direct accountability and local institutional continuity in exchange for less balance-sheet diversification. That is a legitimate choice - provided the price and any disaster risk exposure are stated plainly. What do you think? This is my private opinion. It is NOT written in my capacity as an elected Mercury Bay Ward District Councilor. Flemming is a laywer and businessman living in Mercury Bay.

News from Whitianga Lions Club You may read Mike’s Minutes each week in The Informer. He lists some You Tube documentaries or short films that are of interest to Mike, that he has watched and recommends. That is Mike Christie the recently elected president of Whitianga Lions Club 2026-27. Mike is semi-retired and he and his wife Fatima are very active in our community having spent many years working in business in the Pacific. Mike’s message to the Lions Club members and to the community is one of embracing change, doing things differently but with the same passion to serve the community. “Bring on those new ideas,” says Mike. “WELCOME TO WHITIANGA” SIGN Readers may have spotted the upgraded “Welcome to Whitianga” sign originally funded and built by Whitianga Lions. It is looking very fine in its new ugraded condition and position just a couple of kilometres south of Whitianga. The business Association suggested to Lions an upgrade and thanks to Iron Works Coromandel, it has come to life making a great new landmark welcoming people to Whitianga. Thank you to TCDC for

Mike Christie; Updated sign near entrance to the 309 Rd; Bonnie Roberts and Lily-Ray Threadgold, Fabian Roberts, MBPA Trust President) and Wallace Roberts (far left), receive the gift of $1840.00 from Gordon Barnaby, Whitianga Lions Club Secretary and Dayle Baker, President of the ladies Mercury Bay Lions Club.

making available a financial contribution for this project.

SURPRISE HELICOPTER RIDE Whilst participating in the recent Daffodil Day Cancer Collection at the Coro Club Café at Whitianga Airport, club secretary Gordon Barnaby mentioned to a helicopter piolet, Shamus of Cook’s Beach, that the last time he had been in a helicopter was 1960. Shortley after, Shamus approached Gordon and said, “how about changing that date to 2026?” So now Gordon can say he has been twice in a helicopter, 1960 and 2026.

18 | The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026

DONATION TO MERCURY BAY PERFORMING ARTS TRUST The Whitianga Lions Club have brought a great boost to early preparations with their ‘cheque’ of $1,840. Both Whitianga Lions and Mercury Bay Lions are committed to supporting the growth and development of the arts for young people across the Eastern Coromandel. On receiving the funds, Fabian Roberts, President of the Trust, said, “I think the support already shown for youth performing arts on the Peninsula is incredible. Thank you to Lions for

their generous and active interest and support. “With the help of our sponsors, supporters and wider community, we were able to deliver an incredible production for our young performers bringing Beauty and the Beast Jr. to life. The quality of the experience, learning and entertainment were a huge step forward from our first production, Aladdin Jr. in 2025. Looking ahead to 2027, we’re excited to announce that our next production will be Grease Young@ Part®, a version of the classic musical specifically tailored for

young performers aged 8-18. The production will be staged at the Whitianga Town Hall, with performances beginning 13 May 2027.” The Trust is seeking further support from local businesses to help us continue delivering high-quality experiences for our young performers and the wider community. If you are interested in becoming a member of Whitianga Lions Club, contact Gordon Barnaby gordonbarnabynz@ gmail.com www.theinformer.co.nz

The Nuts, the Vice, Seniornet & the Honours Board WHAT'S HAPPENED IN TERM 3

BY DAVID YEOMANS

T

he old engineer's vice sat heavy on Barry Gunson's workbench; its jaws worn smooth from thirteen years of gripping the same two nuts. Barry had made it not long after the Pauanui Menzshed opened its doors in 2013 – a trophy, of sorts, though nobody who'd seen it would call it handsome. Whoever won Sheddie of the Year each year carried it home, propped it somewhere visible, and then, in the spirit Barry intended, made it a little more ridiculous before passing it on. Bill Witts was the one who wired it for light. A small switch, a tidy little bulb, so the nuts could be properly illuminated. "in case anyone doubted their significance," he liked to say. Others had added their own touches since. Nobody took it too seriously. That, everyone agreed, was rather the point. Down at the shed on Tuesday mornings, twenty-odd members – retired tradesmen mostly, sharp with wood and steel even now – gathered as they had since Tony Whitehead first called them together in Rex Johnstone's hangar back in 2012. They fixed door locks

The concept of the Honours Board came from - Keith Hardy, (photo right) presented to the President of the Pauanui Menz shed - Henk Sijna (left).

and welded machinery for the Sports and Recreation Club, kept the Mini Putt green tidy, painted what needed painting, and broke, always, for tea and biscuits. Fifty members now, seventeen years in, and still no honours board. No wall where the names could be set down properly – the founders, the

Tuesday regulars, the quiet ones who'd given a decade of mornings without ever asking for the vice and its nuts. The trophy could stay silly. That was Barry's gift to them, and it worked. But somewhere on that workshop wall, a plain board with proper names was overdue – a place to say, simply, these people built this.

Term 3 is almost in the "back window" as we go to press. The last class will be on Wednesday, 23 September when our Apple Group B meets at 2:15pm. It's never too late to come along and enjoy the fun as our group of avid Apple users meet to iron out any issues they may have with their iPhones or iPads, find out new tricks their devices may have or just have a good time with other members of the group. Pam Martin is our "all things Apple" expert and we very much appreciate and value her contribution to our group. She will be taking a well-deserved two week break. At the moment we have 47 members. We are so proud of our members who are confronting the complexities of dealing with technology which is all around us and which runs so much of the way we undertake everyday activities. For example, internet banking can be a huge hurdle for the technology challenged among us. If you count yourself a member of this category, come along to SeniorNet where you will find like-minded seniors enjoying unravelling the many problems that can arise when dealing with the everyday challenges presented by our "devices." TERM 4 Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Term 4 begins on Wednesday, 7

October. The managers of Mercury Bay Resource Recovery are presenting a talk on recycling and disposing of your old phones, printers and other tech devices. Tracey and Megan will also talk about their first year operating the Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre. WHEN: 10:15 - 12 NOON, Wednesday, 7 October. WHERE: Room 10, 2 Cook Drive (Mercury Bay Social Services Building). COST: Koha to help cover the cost of renting Room 10. Snapfish Calendar class We are pleased to announce that our hugely popular class on making a Snapfish Calendar will be held over four sessions, starting on 14 October. 'What is a Snapfish Calendar?' you may ask. It is a Calendar for 2027 which has one of your photos for each month along with the usual grid on which you can note important birthdays etc. These calendars make a wonderful gift for every member of your family and friends. WHEN: 10:15 - 12:15, Wednesday 14 October, 21 October, 4 November, 11 November. WHERE: Room 9, 2 Cook Drive. COST: $10 per session To sign up for any of our classes or one-on-one tutoring, please call Carol on 021-02262504 or email her on seniornet. whitianga.admin@gmail.com

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The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 19

WIN! Games & Puzzles Issue 1227

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Affordable food should be Vegas Brown within everyone’s reach Band at the Oceans Festival

Vegas Brown Band performing at Smitty’s Bar and Grill.

Vegas Brown is a brilliant entertainer and musician. He has a prodigious memory for songs and peopleand beats and varying the a song’s rendition. On Saturday night 5 September, the Vegas Brown Band played at Smitty’s Bar and Grill. It was a very engaging and tight performance. Vegas could no longer be regarded as just one of the local high achieving musicians. He happens to be local, but he could easily fill large concert venues overseas. The Vegas Brown Band sound

– Vegas on guitar and vocals, bass guitarist and vocals and a very sharp drummer – is very crisp and full of energy and creative mixes. There is no one like Vegas when it comes to interacting adlib with the audience and having small and very large groups involved in his music and the dance. The Vegas Brown Band performance at The Oceans Festival this Saturday will be a knock out and not to be missed.

Green Party Coromandel candidate Pamela Grealey says the Green Party's new Affordable Food policy addresses a simple contradiction: Aotearoa produces enough food to feed around 40 million people, yet too many New Zealand whānau are struggling to afford good food themselves. "We are a country renowned for the food we produce, yet for many people the weekly supermarket shop has become something to dread," Grealey says. "For some whānau, supermarket prices are simply beyond what their household budget can manage. They are having to turn to foodbanks and other community organisations just to make sure there is food on the table. "Those organisations do extraordinary work in our communities, but we shouldn't accept a situation where people have to rely on charity simply because they cannot afford the food in our supermarkets. Good, nutritious food should not be a luxury." The Green Party's Affordable Food policy would break up the supermarket duopoly and establish KiwiMart, a publicly owned supermarket focused on affordable food. It would also strengthen action against

Pamela Grealey.

excessive supermarket pricing and give the Commerce Commission greater powers to protect consumers. "For years we've been told that more competition is what our supermarket sector needs. KiwiMart would provide exactly that: another competitor and another choice for shoppers. "Nobody would be required to shop there and privately owned supermarkets aren't going anywhere. KiwiMart would give New Zealanders a publicly owned option focused on providing good food at fair prices, while bringing genuine competition into a market that has been dominated by two major players for far too long.” The policy includes a $150 million annual Fair Food Fund to support community-led food initiatives, increased food grants, and the restoration and

permanent funding of Ka Ora, Ka Ako, with school lunches extended to another 150,000 children. "I'm particularly pleased that the policy supports using local suppliers for school meals. When we buy those meals locally, we're not just feeding our tamariki well. We're supporting local businesses, local jobs and keeping more of that money circulating within our communities. "Using local providers where possible means public money can do two jobs at once: feeding our children well and strengthening the communities they live in." Grealey says the fundamental principle behind Affordable Food is straightforward. "For me, this really is quite simple. We grow enough food. We have enough food. We should be able to make sure the people who live here can afford to eat well. "Good food on the table shouldn't depend on how much money you have. It should be something we can expect for all of us."

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The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 21

What’s On From a small town to packed

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.

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.

theatres across Australia

Room. Start date 10th August. Phone Kate 027 Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight 2709058 for more information. wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information. Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every – Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every MonTues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised Yoga for Everyone - Whitianga - beginners, Sat 10am-2pm. prior. For more information, phone 022 104 retirees, inflexibles welcome. Mon 2.30pm, Tues Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre Re1701 please email mbenvironmentaltrust@ 5.15pm, Thurs 4.20pm, Fri 8.45am, Sat 8.15am. Use Store 239 South Highway, Whitianga Open gmail.com or go to www.mbet.co.nz. Gentle Simple. $25 for a 90 minute session. Text Tues-Sat 9:30am-3:30pm Rosemary 0274 489326 for info. Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club. Every St John INTERVIEW Opportunity Shop FROM WITH– 29 Albert St, Kolbie’s success is inspiring Thursday evening, Whitianga Town Hall 6.45pm. DANCING WEEKLY OR MORE Whitianga. OpenHER Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm KOLBIE AND DAD, BLAIR and Sat others back home. New members, beginners and visitors very Argentine Tango Dance Class –Eight-year-old Fridays, 9.30am-2pm. Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big welcome. Phone/txt Cheryl 027 452 7887 or Harlow Macaw from Tairua Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prioralso Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Sandie 021 825 666 for more information. experience or partner necessary. Text Sergio for olbie Fraser is seventeen joined the Adelaide and Sydney St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Whitianga. NEW HOURS - 9.30am-1pm Tue-Sat. Mercury Bay Pickleball Club – At the Mercury questions legs 027 410 2454. and until the beginning of BIG Live’s Nutcracker tour, Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for Social Services Op-shop – 15 Coghill St, Bay Area School Gymnasium, Tuesdays Members Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, more information. of 2025 was9.30am-2pm. in Cooks a remarkable achievement for Whitianga. Open she Mon-Sat Only League Nights 5.30-7.30pm, Saturdays 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran.com. Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected Donations welcome. to go to WelBeach preparing someone soa young. Performing in Social & New Members 9.30-11.30am, Sundays Weekend classes twice month at 4pm. by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday SPCA Op-shop 2 Blacksmithcollege Lane, Whitianga. lington for her– post-MBAS the Party scene’ in front of thouAll Players 4-6pm. Members, Guests & Visitors Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Held in at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for Open Mon-Sun $5, a complimentary session is available to studies at the 9am-5pm. New Zealand School sands each Harlow thrived the Whitianga Town Hall.day, Tuesdays beginners more info. local new players wanting to try pickleball – all 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.45-2.30pm; of Dance. on stage and says she loved Badminton – Whitianga Badminton Club – equipment provided, please wear non marking MONTHLY Thursdaysevery Seniorsminute 10.15-11.15am, Absolute She is quietly proving that talof it. She has since Thurs 5-7pm, MBAS school gym. Four courts. court shoes. Membership is $20 annually Beginners returned 11.30am-12.30pm, Improvers 12.45AA Driver Licensing NEWfar. LOCATION. Now open to new members wanting to play ent backed by grit –goes Late home full of inspiration and online application is provided at www. 1.45pm. Night class held at Whitianga Town Hall Monday 28 September, Friday 9 October, competitive Badminton. Coaching provided for mercurybaypickleball.co.nz . Outdoor sessions last year almost at the end Trust of her and will continue training under for Absolute Beginners 5.25-6.25pm. Contact Whitianga Community Service Centre, 2 those wanting to improve their skills. Phone are held at Mercury Bay Sport Park which are first the dance school, KolSarah Fitzsimons at1099 Thames Margaret 027 463 8850, Glynis 021 155, Cookyear Drive,atWhitianga. Steve for more details 027 211 3568. weather dependant and advised on our facebook Kathleen 022 154 1702. bie earnedMuscle the invitation toCustom a five- Club Hauraki Dance Theatre where all American Street and page Mercury Bay Pickleball. Boys Brigade – An adventure, activity, and Silver Swans Adult Ballet Class –from, Tuesday’s Whitianga Club meetings first Sunday of the week paid– professional contract the girls have come united Matarangi Pickleball Club (Matai Pl Courts) values based ministry for boys. For boys aged weekly 10am to 11.10am $20, Whitianga Town month,Rising 11am at Buffalo Beach Reserve with Ballet Company BIG for cars by their love of dance. Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5-7pm (Summer) 5-13 years old. Tues 5.30-7pm For information Hall supper room. All ages welcome.Marilyn and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 0223836351. contact Robyn 020 409 39674. Live, performing Nutcracker pro-on 027 The professional Coromandel Peninsula’s Swan, experienced teacher of 493 5822. Mercury Bay Squash Club – Lyon Park, Albert Chess Club – Mondays 6.30-9.30pm, MB ductions across Australia. presence in national dance continDance.M: 0273365263 E; swanebbs@gmail.com Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of Street - New members/enquires please email Bowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost Under Joel Burke ues to grow, with Kolbie training in Tairua ZUMBA GOLD class – Tuesday’s weekly the monthdirectors 11.15am-2.30pm. New and members mercbaysquash@gmail.com $2. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or 9am/10am. Held and upstairs in Tairua Fishing–&2nd Khalid Tarabay, of 0247 one of thefor more ballet Liarah Anderson welcome. Ph Annepart on 021 7460 Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tues, brettsoanes16@hotmail.com Marine Club. $7. All welcome, contactand Theresa information. highest-selling ballet companies year, Izzy Fitzsimons Neka 9-11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until 0275760602. Craftthe Group – Meets first Saturday of the month Street. All welcome. Ph Anne on 07 869 5162 or in Southern Hemisphere, Woolf now accepted into the New Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes – 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 027 565 5575 for more info. she completed 45 performances, Zealand School of Dance, first 9am-1pm. Town Hall, Monk St. Absolute Beginners Wedyear Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft Mercury Bay Tennis Club – Social tennis at dancing ballet roles, some contemporary programs. classes Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, ($5); Beginner/Improver (stitching, five colouring in, scrapbook, card making Lyon Park on Thursdays at 5.30pm. All welcome. 2.00-3.00pmProudly 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and lasting nearly seven minutes, percarrying her CoroMonday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy Ph Jason 022 186 7992 or Carl 027 680 5570. respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Wed, 12-1.30pm. $7 roots per session. Contact Kathy mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph forming to around 80,000 people. mandel into every lesson, Oneness Meditation Centre – The centre Wood. 027 4321 353 or Cecily 027 294is 1750. Alison 021 0508 772 orwith Sally 027 3962 383. She was also trusted partner Kolbie’s journey proof that focuses on the meditative art of going deeper Cooks Beach Care Group – Meet new friends, Zumba – Wednesdays atare 5.30pm at gym forright Kūaotunu Dune Care Every third Wed work, which was an– honour and big dreams being built within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm learn about coastal conservation and make a Zumba and Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.00pm of the month. To get involved, please email the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, embraced wholeheartedly. here atTown home. has difference. Hands-on weeding and planting, at the Whitianga HallKolbie in Monk St.just now kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com. peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Kolbie could hardly believe the begun her second year – carrying Thursday mornings. Register at:www.cooksinfront of The Nutcracker promotion in which sheMonday, featured; Kolbie withFurther younginfo. ballerina Every 9.30-11.00am. text Harlow. Hauraki U3A (University of theand Third Kolbie posing beachcaregroup.org.nz; www.facebook.com/ experience she was getting with her the lessons of life away GROUP INFO Linda 027 650 4881 or email linda_c@orcon. Age) – Paeroa Interesting speakers every CooksBeachCareGroup being chosenof to partAllof nights walking 30 minutes uphill tures, and strict dancer That resilience and decision from homeBay and– International the experience net.nz nutrition Greyto Power Mercury Day of of 3rd Tuesday the be month. arethe welcome. Cookssoaked Beach Indoor Bowling became ClubWednesday elite ballerinas in the country. after training, by Wellingunexpected hurdles, and change her situation, soon turned professional dancing for several the Older Person, 1st October. All welcome and Self-defence classes – Town Hall, Tues/Wed Paeroa Baptist Church, 2 Wood St, Paeroa. at 1.45pm. Come and join us at the Community provided The Mercury Club.to Ph Tony 333 5146. Sheatknows achievements ton rain Centre and buffeted bymembers wind, areKolbie made the 6-7.30pm. tough call to 027 into opportunity as it wasmorning after tea weeks andatthere will beBay more $10 door for her non-members. www.pc.org.nz (Hall). New most welcome, Doors open 10am. Further info please phone Spiritual Conversation Mornings – Every Tues to this point are not just about legs burning and body exhausted. move, prioritising her health and that she earned the invitation to come! please contact Coral ph. 0212303944. Grey Power Mercury Bay 07 866 5516 or email:Hei Mara Garden Club Hahei - We meet on the and Wed, 10.30am-12pm, Rd, Whitianga hours in theof studio. There were homes, Shared houses, different cultraining. dance15inMill Australia Well done! Cooks Beach Pickleball – Community Tennis greypower.mercurybay@gmail.com. Come and first Monday each month at members’ the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in Courts, 9am Saturday morning. Weather join us for our next get together. 11am - 2.30pm. New members from Hahei and some great conversation where we talk about permitting. Nets and bats provided. $5 each, first topics and subjects that have meaning. $5 surrounding areas are welcome. Phone Liz on Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact time free. Contact Kevin 021 396 062. 0210649232 for more information. mercurybayathletics@gmail.com donation. Contact Verna 027 320 0079. Cooks Beach Table Tennis – Every Thursday Hospice Waikato’s Bereavement Support Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are Tai Chi for all levels – Town Hall, Mondays night 6.00-8.00pm, $5pp each night. Cooks Group – Lost a loved one? Join Hospice welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 Beach Community Centre. All welcome. Contact MP For Coromandel Waikato’s monthly bereavement support group. Phone Cecily 027 253 3088 or Chrissy 021 177 5146 for more info. Stu 0274 572 243 or Kevin 021 396 062. Connect over morning tea with others who Tairua Contract Bridge Club – Every Monday at 4226. understand. Held on the fourth Tuesday of each Coromandel ‘Growers & Artisans Market’ – 12.30pm at the Tairua Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea SeniorNet Whitianga, Inc. – Learn, update month. 10.30am to 12.00pm at Whitianga Social Every Saturday from 9am - 1pm at The Anglican your skills using smart phones, etc. in a friendly Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or COROMANDEL-COLVILLE Services. Registration required. Contact Hospice Church Town. setting. Call Carol Wood on 021are 022 critical 62504 orfor In terms of Hall, the Coromandel Coromandel “Major events Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726. Waikato toHEALTH register atCARE 07 859 1260. BETTER email Carolour on seniornet.whitianga.admin@ Dog walking groupin– midEvery Thurs, 2pm, Lovers pilot programme, it began hospitality and tourism secTairua Markets – Held at the Tairua Bowling Mercury Bay Model Railway Club – Monthly gmail.com.tors, especially here in the CoroRobinson Road. All breeds and sizes Club, starting first Sunday in October 2026 until Access to healthcare is one of 2025 andRock, is being delivered at meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650 welcome to a very sociable group. Ph Jenny on Whitianga Bike Park – 144 Moewai Rd, June 2027. Closed winter. the biggest concernsFederation for people the Coromandel Family Medical Accommodations Mercury Bay Shooting – Muzzle 021 186 5797. Whitianga.mandel. Open 24/7. Many bike tracks fill up, Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30amColville Health Clinic restaurants andand cafés thrive, and in rural and centre remote loader, rimfire, fire, areas military,and pistol.Centre Email and available, picnic areas, BBQs walking trails. Hahei Contract Bridge Club – Every Tuesday 12.30pm every Wednesday morning mbsfsecretary@gmail.com our government is committed practice. They’ve been benefiting businesses more Donationslocal welcome on entry. If see you wish to cus12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Learners at the Hahei Community Centre. Ages volunteer or for programme contact Ohuka Garden ClubZealanders meets 2nd Wednesday of extra and casual welcome. Contact Don Barry 021 741 to ensuring New can from support, better access tomers, creatingenquiries, jobs and lifting newborn-5years. We invite all parents, Jon Maud 027 366 4606. the month. New members welcome. Contact 959 orand Robyn Hogg 021543015. carers, visitors and grandparents. Contact get the care they need, when they to information working more incomes.” Beverley Sheppard Ph 02109028855 or Whitianga Gun Club –New For information, phone whenuakiteareaplaygroup@gmail.com Hahei & Pickleball need it, no matter where they live. closely with anTennis Emergency Care Club - Thursday & “Across Zealand, Tourism emailbeverley@annabells.co.nz 0274 959 477 or 021 276 2169. Sunday Contact Tim urgent 0278432683 or refer their Whitianga Art Group – Every Thurs/Fri 10amParamedic which can treat directly contributes $17 billion Last year’s Budget invested Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) facebook page. 3pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members Whitianga Community Patrol – Monitors the in the clinic, while to national GDP and just $164 Fourthmillion Mondaytoofstrengthen every month,urgent 10am at care patients township and neighbourhood. If interestedunder in Meditation Classes – Thursday evening. welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for and after-hours care nationwide, also available to respond local 200,000 Tourism the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, volunteering, ph Garyjobs. 027 391 3043. makes up Spiritual, heart, soultodevelopment. Sacred more information. Whitianga.98 Phone on 021 264 3753. meaning per Jo cent of New Zea- 111 calls.energy, chakra activations, working with 12%–of Whitiangaalmost Lions Club WeCoromandel’s welcome new GDP. Whitianga Menz Shed – 18 Abrahamson Drive, spiritual guides. Open Tairua Market placeto on the 1st Saturday members. The Dinners first Thursday of every Open Tues/Thurs, 9am-12 noon. Phone Glenn landers will takes be able access I’m hoping that there willforum be conversation, economic ripple effect of Thursdays, 6.30pm at Flat 1, 15 Mill Rd, of the month all year at Tairua Bowling Club, month, 6.00pm at events The Mercury Bay Club. Contact 0274-952-015. All welcome. even more support for similar major is huge, supporting these services within one hour’s Whitianga. Cost $10. Contact Verna 027 320 9am till 1pm Starting 1st Sunday in October John 0272 480 779. Email whitianga@lionsclub. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9amaround our region and our local businesses and growing drive of 2027 their(closed home.for One of the 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com. until June winter). Food, projects fruit org.nz 12 noon, 1F White St. Contact whitianga@ Scott Simpson and Chris Penk; Oceans Festival. initiatives funded washome a decor, pilot plants, the rest ofMercury the country in the com-– Every our economy.” and veges, crafts, clothing, Bay Badminton Wednesday playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947. furniture, bookstoand much more. programme enhance urgent ing year. People areas can “Events such as the Whitianga 9-11am,in atrural the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor bowls Street.long Socialdistances badminton.for Casualcouple playersofand COURTESY DRIVERS and after-hours healthcare in six often travel weeks ago alongside theMondays Addition Scott’s column Oceans VEHICLE Festival don’t just bring and card games. at thetoWhitianga Town Excerpt visitors welcome. all levels, MinisterHall, FORTNIGHTLY on are small teamsPlayers sup- ofAssociate visitors; life and rural communities, including Cor- care and rely of Emergency fromJoin hisus Press Monk St, 1pm-4pm. for arelease fun timeWed 11 Feb. The Mercury Baythey Clubbring is looking for aenergy new ages 16+. Phone Carol 027 474 7493 for more and afternoon tea, 55+ age group. Phone Lionel volunteer to drive our and courtesy vehicle Greeting Card Making – The second and porting fourth large regions, that’s why Management and Recovery to our region to our towns omandel and Colville. Chris information. Lawrence (president)GOVERNMENT on 027 274 6964 for more on Tuesday Thisvibrant is a Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter FUNDING FOR I was thrilled to hear the thisthe investment isBay so important. Penk. which& Friday helps evenings. to create Mercury Bowling and Sports Club – 92 info. volunteer role, but each night the driver Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. OCEANS FESTIVAL announcement news, ourWhitianga. region is Social still Bowls, WeThursday received briefing from and unforgettable Drive, & a Whiti is givencommunities a $40 food & beverage voucher to Contact Rev. Gillian from Reid onAssociate 021 781 081 or In justotherCook Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every Health fromatJanuary’s heavy Steve theWilliams Thames-Coromandel Dis“I’m information excited that the Coromanexperiences.” Sunday 12.30pm, Contact 027 reimburse reasonable expenses considering turn up. Minister Matt Doocey recovering Tues 9am start. For more phone 855 2772. can’t gofunding home foris dinner etc. This weather event, but it’s encourag- trict Council, which a significant that pilots have been rolled outlined the7802 del744.will oncewelcome. again host the thedriver “This Margaret on 027 All levels Knit these for a Purpose – First and third Fridays a valuable service our members. Bay Bridge Club – Every Wednesday out and have10am-12pm shown the communities rebound impact of the storm and the work Whitianga Festival in is Sepboost to for Whitianga andIf you the of the month, at positive St Peter the ing to seeMercury Whitianga Toy Library - TummyOceans Time sessions have a full, validCoromandel, drivers licence, andI’m would 1.00pm and every Thursday at 7.00pm Fisherman, Dundasled St. Ph Gillian Reid onso021 for parents/caregivers and babies under 12m. impact that7locally approaches quicklyatand contractors work- ahead. It atwas stressed through- tember 2026, attracting visitors wider and looklike to support the Club in this way, please the MB Bowling and Sports Club, Cook Drive, 781081 for further details, or just turn up.ing to stabilise Everysupport Wednesday the toy library can make, with faster care, better ourFor roads. There out theseGavin visits that is 9:30am from ataround New -Zealand leave and your ingcontact forward to with our the region details staff. hostThe Whitianga. more information contact Shop 4, Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Members Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, access to treatment, and stronger are parts of the Peninsula which available, such as Civil Defence overseas, as part of the national ing another great event which courtesy vehicle drivers are entered into a 021 146 9203. and non-members welcome. Contact librarian@ crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, roster encourages system and you might typically be to are still affected by storm dam-Choir locals and visitors links between payments throughwhititoylibrary.co.nz the Ministry of $70 million Major Events and Mercury Bay Community – All welcome for more information 10am-1pm, supperrural room health of Town serHall. Phone rostered on onceallevery weeks so. friendly nonareas auditioned vices. age, and to I this visited these a choir. SocialMondays Development. Package. celebrate that4we haveoroffer.” Sue 021 274 7899. Email suzyed@outlook.com Women’s WellbeingTourism and Weight Loss “ 6pm to 8pm Mercury Bay Area School Music Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga

OP SHOPS

K

Hon Scott Simpson

22 || The TheCoromandel CoromandelInformer Informer––17 15February September 2026 16 2026

www.theinformer.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

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The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted in him and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth with my song, I will praise him. Psalm 28:7

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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DUTY MANAGER COUPLE Live and work in beautiful Coromandel

Flaxmill is a high-quality accommodation and function centre located on the stunning east coast of the Coromandel, just over two hours from Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton. We are looking for an additional couple to join our established team of two couples, helping us continue to provide a high level of customer service and property management. If you enjoy meeting people, working as part of a team and living in a stunning coastal environment, this could be an exciting opportunity for you. About the role We are seeking a couple who are: • Friendly, warm and approachable • Empathetic and genuinely customer-focused • Confident overseeing the day-to-day operation and presentation of a property • Organised and able to confidently juggle multiple priorities • Practical, hands-on and willing to get involved where needed • Comfortable working independently as well as alongside an established team • Professional and committed to providing an exceptional guest experience Previous experience in successfully managing similar facilities would be an advantage. Experience with the Seekom Property Management System and online travel agencies (OTAs) would be an advantage. Each couple works as an independent contractor, undertaking approximately 160–180 days per year on a 10-day rotating roster, providing a great balance between work and time off. During your rostered days on, a furnished one-bedroom house is provided onsite. Accommodation for your off-duty days may be negotiated. Join our team This is an opportunity to become part of an established, supportive team while enjoying the lifestyle of the Coromandel. If you and your partner have the experience, personality and enthusiasm we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you. To find out more about Flaxmill, visit: www.flaxmillbay.co.nz Applicants must have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.

Please send your CV to alneenie1@icloud.com

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

The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 23

Classifieds LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

PUBLIC NOTICES

St Andrew’s Church, Albert St

‘Made By Hand’ Exhibition

A Celebration of Creativity in Mercury Bay Open to the public: Friday 18th Sept: 9:30 - 4pm Saturday 19th: 9:30 - 4pm No charge – Koha appreciated All Welcome– Come, Celebrate!

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22 AQUILA DR, WHITIANGA From Tuesday 15 Sept through to the weekend from 8.30am

Lounge suite, single bed, drawers, chilly bins, drop saws, 10 spd bike, clothing, camping gear, bric-a-brac etc. PH 0275 660 067

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD AND PARKING CLOSURES FOR THE WHITIANGA OCEANS FESTIVAL SATURDAY 19 SEPT 2026 The Whitianga Oceans Festival takes place Saturday 19 September with set up beginning Monday 14 September. There will be limited access to the Esplanade boat trailer car park from Monday 14th September. There will be no access to the Marina Car Park from Monday 14th to Sunday 20th September. There will be no access to the Esplanade boat trailer car park from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th September. The Esplanade Road will be closed between Victoria St and Monk St from 6am to 8pm on Saturday 19th September. Please phone Nick 021 632 721 with any questions. Or email nick@elementevents.co.nz We appreciate your support for this event!

MEET THE CANDIDATES Saturday 26th September 2026 Whitianga Town Hall 24 Monk St, Whitianga 2pm – 4pm Bring a question for the 2026 General Election candidates ~~~~~~~~~ A gold coin donation would be appreciated

ADVERTISE YOUR PUBLIC NOTICE Call 07 866 2090 or email sales@theinformer.co.nz

PETER’S QUIZ ANSWERS Answers to quiz 20 on page 26

1) The treatment station 2) Yes

3) Stevie Nicks 4) 21 June

5) 29 February

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HOUSE WASH Local, professional, experienced House wash, roof wash, fences, driveway, patios – soft-wash for best moss and lichen clean and treatment, exterior window cleaning or general waterblasting, 100m hose so access no problem. Phone 0800 737 777 or Andy direct 027 313 4386 email: atlasgroup@xtra.co.nz

WHITIANGA TRADE

MON - FRI (8AM - 4:30PM) SAT (8:00AM - 1:00PM) CLOSED SUN

24 | The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026

Mobile: 0274 934 212 A/Hrs 07 866 0505

We clean curtains!

• Mould removal specialists • All fabric types, including thermals • Roman blinds – clean and repair • Pick-up/delivery/take down and reinstall

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Advertise your trade or service in The Informer every week

WE’RE YOUR LOCAL FOR:

P: 07 866 2457 E: whitiangatrade@hammerhardware.co.nz

WE MAKE THE EARTH MOVE

Visit our website: www.curtainclinic.co.nz or phone us on 0800 477 478

OPENING HOURS

225 South Highway, Whitianga

Covering Whitianga, Coromandel and surrounding areas

Local Whitianga agents covering Coromandel to Whangamata

HAMMER HARDWARE

• Sleepers • Pergola Timber • Landscape Timber • Sheds • Fencing Rails • Custom Trellis • Decking • Smart Screens • Paving • Cement • Water Tanks • Nails, Bolts, Screws

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Contact us for rates. Call 07 866 2090 or email sales@theinformer.co.nz

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Trades & Services KICKSTART MOTORCYCLES

FARRIER AND HOOF TRIMMING SERVICE

MRS MOW-IT-ALL

Maintenance & Landscaping

Coromandel/Thames & Whitianga area. Phone: Tony 027 494 7692

PHONE: OLIVIA 021 713 900

WHITIANGA

Agents for

BJOLI BUILDERS Contact John 0276 425 654

SALES - SERVICE - REPAIRS

Peninsula Home Kills

• Pre-purchase inspections • Certificate of acceptance/ Third party reports • Fencing of swimming pool inspections

ROAD, FARM AND TRAIL

SERVING THE WHOLE PENINSULA - 2011 MOBILE POOL & SPA CLEANING SERVICES

Sharleena Tucker

• Buildings for relocation

• Building project management • Small building projects • Building consultancy & advice

www.poolqueen.co.nz

027 316 3384

0221 874 910

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www.inspectservices.co.nz

NEED WINDOW & DOOR REPAIRS? • WINDOW HANDLES, SEALS, HINGES & STAYS • SECURITY LOCKS FOR WINDOWS & DOORS • SLIDING AND BI-FOLD DOOR ROLLERS, LOCKS & HANDLES • RETRACTABLE INSECT SCREENS

Processing beef, sheep, pigs & all game

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Top quality sausages, bacon, ham & salami Bookings essential

Phone Nick Burcombe 866 3970 or 021 2125 260 21 Rangihau Road, Coroglen

LTD COVERING THE PENINSULA

Construct, Place & Finish – Grind & Polish Cutting & Drilling – Floor Levelling – Bush Hammer Block, Hone & Seal – Concrete Sealing

LOCAL SERVICING FOR THE COROMANDEL

CALL US ON 0800 25 25 00 For all your concreting requirements including:

House Floors Driveways Pathways & Patios Vehicle Crossings Concrete Cutting

Warren Carla

Phone Email: info@concreteworx.co.nz

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Any queries or quotes please contact Nathan

027 687 0107 NZ manufactured aluminium windows and doors since 1990:

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Call 027 557 7023 shorelinepainters23@gmail.com

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

07 867 1772 (24hrs)

22 Bryce Street, Whitianga whitianga@gatewayglass.co.nz www.gatewayglass.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

Residential & Commercial Glass “We’re your one stop shop when it comes to all things glass”.

HEAT PUMPS Sales and installation of Mitsubishi and Fujitsu heat-pump/air conditioning.

Call Bill for a free no obligation quote. 027 2714803

www.dynamicelectrical-whitianga.co.nz Warm up a medium sized bedroom with a Mitsubishi heatpump. Starting at $2000 installed.

Whitianga Property Renovators • Builders • Plastering • Painting • Section Maintenance • Wallpapering • Fences • Decks Maree(Director) WPR Safe as Houses swprenos@xtra.co.nz

Safe as 0274 571 436 Houses 0800 007 366

Your Local Electricians - we do it all! * Domestic * Commercial * Rural * Ph: 07 866 2452 | 027 4972 680 | 24/7 Service

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JIMMY RODLEY CONCRETE POLISHING LTD Owner/Operated 25 years experience High quality finishes • Ground and polished concrete floors • Residential and commercial • Outdoor patios and driveways • Garage floors • Floor prep • Shot blasting • Fire hearths Contact Jimmy Rodley 027 656 8717 jimmyrodley@hotmail.com | 31 Wells Place, Whitianga

The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 25

Sports MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB Championship Singles Round One Wed, 9 Sept North/South: 1 Rose Tegg & Sue Gill 64.6; 2 Kate Palmano & Gavin Hedwig 57.5; 3 Denise Knutson & Alison Tichbon 50.8. East/West: 1 Susan Swan & Ischelle Stevenson 64.6; 2 Dave Dylla & Johanna Bonnar 54.6; 3 Giorgio Allemano & Bob Schibli 53.8 Championship Singles (Thurs) Round Three Thurs, 10 Sept. 1 Rose Tegg & Tony Van Der Drift 59.7; 2 Geoff Jervis & Ischelle Stevenson 55.6; 3 Pat Doube & Kathy Moy-Low 54.2 TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB First Round of Alderman Pairs. North/South: 1 Christine Meinhold & Peter McNeil 60.76. 2 Judy McKenzie & Jim Buffett 56.60. 3 Rob Stewart & Ron Baker 52.08. East/West: 1 Chris Death & Doreen Wernham 65.08. 2 Robyn Waters & Jocelyn Taylor 62.20. 3 Jenny Prince & Margaret-Ann Stewart 54.76. HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB Cooks Beach Pairs 2 North/South: 1 Maggie Beattie and Pam Churchill 65.5; 2 Angela Butterworth and Bev Dickie 52; 3 Donna Harvey and Loring Stewart 5. East/West: 1 Jenny Hemmings & Alison Tichbon 56.50; 2= Sheryll Roberts & Jean Myles 50.50; 2= Lee Hughes and Johanna Bonnar 50.50. MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS A good size team of twenty four players, so we played doubles. One team went through unbeaten and they were Steve Pointing and Ivan Giri. So they were the deserving winners. Rex Donaldson had the highest finish of the night with 72. There were two show offs with a 180. They were Mike Gillett and Beau Hamilton. A good night had by all.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Wednesday 9 September Section-play saw a good turn-out reduced to two players with 3 wins each. A play-off final between Brian Codyre and Ken Gibson resulted in a comfortable win for Brian who also claimed the day's

Cooks Beach Bowling Club Lynn Hammond, overall winner.

High Break prize with a break of 25. Those with 2 wins included Dave Colman and Doug Pascoe. Saturday 12 September A play-off final was required when section-play produced two players with 3 wins each from 4 rounds played. Greg Murphy and Doug Pascoe fought out a close game which was decided on a lucky shot on the black to give Doug the honours for the day. Phil Jones and Peter Schultz both achieved 2 wins apiece. COOKS BEACH BOWLING CLUB Final Bowls Competition Tournament - Wednesday 9 September. This was for the Singles Bowls Tournament and had three new members playing on the day all playing exceptionally good bowls. Overall winner was Lynn Hammond.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Thursday 10 September Winners: Ray Rout, Judy Cullinane and Ken Lack Runners Up: Lionel Lawrence, Sandie Morris and Alan Henderson Good Sports: Maureen Lack, Jan Harvey and Betty Simpson

THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB 9 Hole Men’s- Youth vs Wisdom- Stableford & overall winners (7.9.26 ) 1 Rey Bertling-18, 1 Rey Bertling + Paul Anderson- 35 combined Stableford Points 9 Hole Ladies Putting DayGross ( 8.9.26 )

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1 Glenda Philpott-53, 2 Maree Cabaret-54, 3 Ruth Fisken-55. Putts: 1 Maree Cabaret-15, 2 Jo Nicholson-17, 3 Glenys Wilson-18. 18 Hole Men’s Pensions/ Tax Payers- Stableford (9.9.26 ) 1 Tony De Coek-38, 2 Norman Gilbert-36,3 Doug Smith-36. Two’s and NTP: (9.9.26) Allan Trow-#5, Geoffery Hill-#14, NTP: Allan Dickinson WINNERS: Pensioner’s (Under 70’s) - Av. Stableford-33, 2 Tax Payers (Under 70’s) – Av. Stableford-32. 9 Hole Men’s Stableford (10.9.26) 1 Lance Croawell-20, 2 Paul Anderson-15, 3 Noel Rogers-14. 18 Hole Ladies Stableford Shootout Qualifier- Stableford (10.9.26) 1 Brenda Riggs-41,2 Rachel Johnstone-40, 3 Polly Lambert-37. 9 Hole Ladies Friday FusionStableford & Two’s (11.9.26) 1 Jo Nicholson-18, 2 Glenda Philpott-16, 3 Chrissie Smith-16. Chrissie Smith - #18. Mix Sat Haggle- Stableford Two’s & NTP: (12.9.26) 1 Robert Fisken-39, 2 Noeleen Mulligan-37, 3 Charlie Chilwell36, 4 Chris Palmer-35. Charlie Chilwell- # 7, Russell Barnett- # 14. NTP: Darryn Pritchard. PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 9 hole par L Haycock Trophy Round 3 - Tues 8 Sept. Putts:1 Jason Godward, 2 Annelise LA Roche. Putts: 1st =Steve Borlase, Neil Gollan, Jason Godward. 9 Hole Stableford double points on # 3 and 7 Thurs 10 Sept. 1 David Young, 2 Wayne Morrison, 3 Jock Peacock.

STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2026 – your guide to the night sky Venus, Spica and Mercury will be equally spaced in the NW dusk sky. Tuesday, 22 September: Mercury has moved up much closer to Spica at dusk with brilliant Venus sitting above them both. The evening dusk sky is still dominated by brilliant Venus but it is getting ever lower each night. The bright star Spica sits below it as does faint Mercury which can be seen to rise higher each night relative to the others. Saturn is visible in the east, rising just after sunset and remains visible all night. Mars is now visible in the east before sunrise with bright Jupiter also now appearing very low on the horizon. The Moon can help us find Venus and Mercury this week.

26 | The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026

FOOTBALL Mercury Bay Junior Girls Cap Off Debut Season The Mercury Bay Junior Girls concluded their inaugural season with a 5-0 home loss against

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB Week ending 13 Sept. 9 Hole Ladies - Ladies LGU Tues 8 Sept. Div One: Winner - Alison Goodle,t 2 Lee Rattray & 3 Lenny Layton. 9 Hole Men Stableford Winner: Gavin Brinkley (22), 2 Gordon Brain (21), 3 Jeff Dixon (17). 18 Hole Ladies Net Wed 9 Sept Div1: Winner, Debbie Holmes, 2 Anita Ellmers, 3 Di Gilmour & 4 Di Eccle.s

Astronomy Tours and B&B Phone (07) 866 5343 www.stargazersbb.com

Tuesday, 15 September: The crescent Moon is well above Venus at dusk. Wednesday, 16 September: Venus sits midway between the crescent Moon and faint Mercury on the western dusk horizon and from 5:34am in the NE we have a bright ISS pass moving through the Southern Cross followed by a Tiangong pass from 5:22am in the SW. Thursday, 17 September: The Moon is now well above Venus and just below the red giant star Antares in Scorpio. Friday, 18 September: The Moon has moved to lie just above the red giant star Antares in Scorpio while in the pre-dawn sky there is a good ISS pass in the west from 5:36am. Saturday,19 September: There will be a very low ISS pass in the SW from 5:38am while

Div 2: Winner Cathy Breeuwer, 2 Chris Lowe, 3 Chris Van Veen, 4 Marg Maher. 18 Hole Men Stableford Winner: Ron Watson (38) on a countback from Dave Enright (38) and in 3rd, Patrick Gonthier Two’s: Ron Watson & Nathan Wilson. On Ron’s 38, this young man is 89 years young and is our esteemed Course Convenor, it was an exceptional effort for him, the highlight was a 2 on a par 3, for 5 points and the beer! 9 Hole Men Stableford Fr 11 Sept Winner: Gordon Brain (23), 2 Gavin Brinkley (18) 3 Patrick Gonthier (17). 18 Hole Men Sat 12 Sept Gross Senior - Nathan Wilson (79), Junior - Alan Coubray (101). Stableford Winner: Steve Collins (38) on a countback from Kevin “Chief” Smith (38), Dave Enright 3 (32). Farewell: The players today had a bit more than the wind to contend with. At the conclusion of the scramble, we bade farewell to our mate and member - Steve Geach. He was a loved husband, father, teacher, friend and fellow golfer. Mourn not that he has passed, but rejoice that he ever lived. Safe travels Geachy.

St Peter’s. Having performed strongly against the same team in their previous away match, the Bay girls put up a competitive first half, defending well and creating several scoring opportunities. However, absences and a number of mid-game injuries took its toll in the second half, with St Peter’s securing a comfortable win. The team extends its thanks to St Peter’s for their sportsmanship following our injuries and we wish our teammates a speedy recovery. Congratulations team on a debut year defined by player development and heaps of team spirit. You have laid the foundations for a bright future!

Peter’s quiz Issue 1227 – Quiz 20

1) What is the source of Whitianga’s tap water? 2) Did Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon?

3) Who is the female singer in Fleetwood Mac? 4) When is World Music Day?

5) What day is only in a leap year? For solutions see pg 24

A Round Around The Coromandel

Question : I’m hearing a lot about something called A Round Around The Coromandel? It’s a feature story in this year’s Informer Summer Magazine and it’s all about golf courses on the Coromandel. As well as the written piece there are short videos of each course. We’ve already done Thames and Coromandel which are online. Next one is the Dunes,

Matarangi. Then the East Coast to Whanga. Question: Lots of stories and history I imagine. So much history of donors, volunteers, obstacles overcome and packed with passionate golfers everywhere on The Coromandel. Some wonderful tales. There are 8 courses to be featured. Go take a look. Go to facebook and search A Round Around The Coromandel.

Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides

Wednesday 16 September

Thursday 17 September

Friday 18 September

Saturday 19 September

Sun: Rise 6:16am Set 6:08pm

Sun: Rise 6:15am Set 6:09pm

Sun: Rise 6:13am Set 6:10pm

Sun: Rise 6:12am Set 6:10pm

Moon: Rise 8:28am Set 11:30pm

Moon: Rise 9:05am

Moon: Set 12:30pm Rise 9:48am

Moon: Set 1:26pm Rise 10:38am

High Tides:10:37am 10:49pm

High Tides:11:20am 11:31pm

High Tides:12:05pm

High Tides:12:15am 12:54pm

HOT WATER Low Tides:4:04am 4:24pm BEACH

HOT WATER Low Tides:4:45am 5:08pm BEACH

HOT WATER Low Tides:5:27am 5:55pm BEACH

Sunday 20 September

Monday 21 September

Tuesday 22 September

Sun: Rise 6:10am Set 6:11pm

Sun: Rise 6:08am Set 6:12pm

Sun: Rise 6:07am Set 6:13pm

Moon: Set 2:15pm Rise 11:33am

Moon: Set 2:59pm Rise 12:32am

Moon: Set 3:36pm Rise 1:34am

High Tides:1:02am 1:46pm HOT WATER Low Tides:6:59am 7:36pm BEACH

High Tides:1:54am 2:41pm HOT WATER Low Tides:7:51am 8:32pm BEACH

High Tides:2:51am 3:36pm HOT WATER Low Tides:8:47am 9:27pm BEACH

HOT WATER Low Tides:6:11am 6:44pm BEACH

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS Sponsor the tides column

For details email: sales@theinformer.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

Sports

Proudly sponsored by

Up the WAHS Adult Football in Mercury Bay

It was a great finish for The Warriors (5 Sept) – their fans are in great spirits.

Not so happy on the second night – The Warriors are losing; Rio Eccles with mascot, and Ryder Hamilton.

T

he Warriors are greatly loved in this region. Two excellent family nights were organised at the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club on the last two Saturday evenings, 5 and 12 September, by local resident Kevin Johnson, who was himself a high-level player in his younger days and also President of Auckland Rugby League. He is quite the Warriors fan. Most came dressed in Warriors jerseys or with green hair, beanies, and scarves. There was a great range of food to order from the restaurant, and people sat together around the two big screens. It was such a fun atmosphere. Every child received a ticket when they arrived, and the random numbers were

drawn just before the games began. The numbers drawn won terrific Warriors prizes. Of course, tension was high on the first night with such a close-shave win by the Warriors, who finished one point ahead of the Manly Sea Eagles. Happiness was in short supply towards the close of last Saturday's game, with a loss by the Warriors to the Dolphins. I am an Aussie but found myself secretly, very quietly, cheering for the Warriors. I didn't want my phone to overhear in case Australia was listening. However, there is a chance for redemption this coming Sunday at 6.30pm when this beloved Auckland team plays the Newcastle Knights. Up the Wahs!

The Red Devils (Adults) have three types of matches each month: 1) Coromandel Football league (against Hahei and Whangamata) - competitive 2) Open game - social. We host anyone that turns up and split the teams evenly (sometimes we have a theme i.e. town vs county or New Zealand versus rest of the world) – everyone most welcome. 3) Over40s – for older, injured or new players - super social, again everyone welcome.

Just get in touch via facebook or our club email. Sunday 6 September was an open game, and special as we farewelled a group of Solomon Islanders who have been training with us for a few months. So most of the players that turned up did so to wish them well. Afterwards we had some food and shared some stories. Some of the Solomon Islanders have been coming to the Coromandel for years and are delighted to have found a team to play with.

Shade that fits.

Zac Corkill receives a Warriors rugby ball from Kevin Johnson and Aaron Fletcher; A presentation to another winner.

w

Sep‘26

BY DEAN ALLAN

September 2026

Everyone’s home is different, and your shade should match. With Archgola, you can customise your canopy and outdoor blinds to fit your style and space just right. We’re about making your space, yours. Call Daniel for your FREE Quote 0204 198 4000 ARCHGOLA.CO.NZ

For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com

www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026 | 27

Whitianga Boat Repairs & Chandlery Mitch has over 40 years experience with an Advanced Trade Cert Wooden Boat Building qualification to back it up We specialise in woodwork repairs & maintenance, including teak decks & platforms, insurance and rot repairs, plus we fit new transducers, anchor winches, bow thrusters and more.

We stock International & Altex antifoul & marine paints, Propspeed, anodes, resin, fibreglass, TruDesign plumbing fittings and so much more!

Phone or email for info: info@whitiangaboatrepairs.co.nz info@whitiangaboatchandlery.co.nz Mitch 027 4852046 | Phyll 027 4852036

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WAITAIA NURSERY Waitaia Road, Kuaotunu Phone Colin or Cam 07 869 5910 www.waitaianursery.co.nz

Flemming H Rasmussen LLB, MBA, B.Com.

Practical advice for doing business in the Coromandel. • COMPANY AND COMMERCIAL ADVICE • RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY

• PROPERTY LEASES, PROPERTY AND BUSINESS PURCHASES AND SALES • MEDIATION (ADR)

Phone 021 594 705 FRasmussen@coromandelchambers.co.nz

Onehunga Weed (Prickle Weed) Control throughout the district

September: 1st-3rd: Pauanui Reserves 4th-5th: Tairua Reserves 8th: Coromandel 9th: Whangapoua 10th: Kuaotunu, Opito 11th-12th: Matarangi 14th-16th: Whangamata 17th: Onemana/Opoutere 21st-23rd: Thames Coast/Thames

24th-25th: Whitianga 28th-31st: Cooks Beach, Hahei, Hot Water Beach & Coroglen October: 1st -2nd: Cooks Beach, Hahei, Hot Water Beach & Coroglen 5th-9th: Cemetries at Ferry Landing, Coromandel and Colville + 2nd spraying @ Cooks Central & Pauanui Beach Front Reserves.

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OUR LEGAL SERVICES INCLUDE: PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL - FAMILY COMMON LAW - PERSONAL - FINANCING TRUSTS - ASSET PROTECTION - NOTARY PUBLIC WHAT WE OFFER: • Long tradition of trusted performance and reliability • Quality of service and practical advice • Promptness and efficiency • Reasonable fees and regular reporting

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Call us now for a free, no-obligation measure and quote GUTHRIE BOWRON WHITIANGA 14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510 www.renniecox.co.nz whitianga@renniecox.co.nz 0800RENNIECOX (0800 736 643) 28 | The Coromandel Informer – 15 September 2026

2/9 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga 3510 07 866 0035 | sales@gbwhitianga.co.nz facebook.com/gbwhitianga | guthriebowron.co.nz OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 7.30 AM - 5 PM & SATURDAY 9 AM - 1 PM www.theinformer.co.nz