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CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA Issue 1228 | 22 September 2026 | Proudly locally owned and operated
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Oceans brings country, fun, and a weekend of music ! a h e Ye
Automatic 80s band leader.
See pages 2,3 and 6
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t was exciting to see so many people coming into Whitanga for the weekend. It was more than the event of the Oceans Festival which is exciting in itself. It is the people coming and enjoying this town that will benefit from the influx of life and business which brings the excitement. Every town needs this and from what I know, this last weekend has seen great community events not only in Whitianga but Whangamata with the Black Rock Cross Country. There would have been others but The Oceans Festival was a stand out. Grace O’Malleys and Buffalo Beach Club took advantage of the influx of Oceans Festival goers and put on their own special food and entertainment to top and tail Oceans Meats County. it worked. Early evening on Saturday, you could hardly move in either of these venues. Sunday morning was busy too for hospitality as travellers fuelled with food before returning home. Between the big events, there are the community groups organising all manner of fund raising get togethers. Thank you for all the hard work that keeps towns going. The future for all of us depends on having a voice and seeing the results that we have some power to influence decisions. There has been such a lot about local government reform. That is vital but
in the meantime our task is to prepare to vote for the candidate whom you believe will best represent this Peninsula and the concerns of its people nationally.. I am involved with the Meet the Candidates meeting here in Whitianga. I am keen to speak with each of them and report back to readers. You have opportunity to get to one of the following meetings - I hope you can. First off the rank is Waihi on Friday 25 September; and second is Whitianga 26 September.
PEINSULA MEET THE CANDIDATES MEETINGS Waihi Grey Power Association - Waihi Baptist Church, 3 Gilmour Street, Waihi. Friday 25 Sept at 10:00am. Whitianga Residents’ and Ratepayers’ - Whitianga Town Hall, 24 Monk Street, Whitianga. Saturday 26 Sept at 2:00pm. See page 11. Coromandel-Colville Business Association - RSA-Combined Clubs, 190 Woollams Avenue, Coromandel. Wednesday 30 September at 5:00pm. Whangamatā Ratepayers Association - Whangamatā War Memorial Hall - 328 Port Road, Whangamatā. Saturday 17 October at 11:00am. Pauanui Ratepayers & Residents Association - Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, 42 Mount Avenue, Pauanui Beach. Sunday 18 October at 10:30am. Tairua Resident and Ratepayers
Association - Tairua Rugby Club, Cnr. Manaia and Tokoroa Roads, Tairua. Sunday 18 October at 2:00pm.
CANDIDATES ACT - Mike McCormick - believes in reducing taxes and regulation, focusing on evidence-based public policy, and raising education standards to ensure the next generation is taught critical thinking over ideology. Greens - Pamela Grealey - Working-class roots, entrepreneurial experience and global systems insight now grounded in Coromandel community, worker advocacy and environmental activism. Labour – Glen Bennett - in my second term in Parliament, I’m standing up for a better Coromandel, now and for future generations. National – Scott Simpson this will be Scott’s 4th term as National Party MP. Only a Christopher Luxon National-led government will get New Zealand back on track. I’m seeking re-election to again be Coromandel’s voice and face in our parliament so that I can continue to represent the interests and aspirations of all Coromandel people New Zealand First – Vincent Andersen – I am standing for New Zealand First to help create opportunities for the next generation while protecting the communities, environment and way of life that make the regional New Zealand so unique.
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28 Albert Street, Whitianga Phone 07 866 4532 Fax 07 866 4538
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.
er d h t a We 2 | The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026
ent d n epe www.theinformer.co.nz
Inspirational attire at Oceans From Whangarei – rear view – Nicola, Tony, Warrick, Robyn made their own shirts and hats; Darryl Bird and the Dive Zone team.
Continued from front page he Whitianga Oceans Festival delivered a full day of entertainment, great food and coastal atmosphere, drawing a crowd of more than 3,000 people to celebrate a unique beachside-western themed event. Country, pop and soft rock were all on the menu as the festival showcased an impressive lineup of performers. The Vegas Brown Band took centre stage to headline the day's entertainment, followed by Automatic 80s and The Western Guide, who added a touch of Pacific flavour to the programme. Australian country music artist Brad Cox rounded out the performances in style. Salty Peppers Line Dancing proved a crowd favourite, with festival-goers enthusiastically joining in, whether they knew the steps or not. Festival chairperson and organiser Linda Bird can be extremely
T
Kiana Tipping and Hannah Searle; Laura and Shaun Paterson with Amelie, Sienna, Andrew with Vivienne and Florine.
pleased with the success of the event. The festival was well organised, well attended and filled with a happy, relaxed crowd enjoying the wide variety of music, food and activities on offer. The beachside-western mash-up theme inspired some remarkable creativity, with many attendees embracing the occasion through colourful costumes
and outfits. A sea of cowboy hats mixed with ocean-inspired attire became an attraction in itself, adding to the festival's vibrant atmosphere. Saturday's fine weather provided blue skies for much of the day, although a cool wind arrived later in the afternoon. The mechanical bucking rodeo bull was a major hit, attracting partic-
Yee-haa Barry and Peggy from Papamoa.
ipants and spectators alike. Many of those spoken to by The Informer had travelled to Mercury Bay for the weekend, combining the festival with a visit to the area. While stronger winds on Sunday changed a few plans, they did little to dampen the spirit of another successful Oceans Festival Coast Meats Country. Continued on page 6
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Private Hire Charters • Auckland Airport Transfers 4 | The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026
T O TA L M O B I L I T Y AC C P R OV I D E R www.theinformer.co.nz
A miracle concert – Dixieland Joshua Mainwaring and Janie Lee.
Paul Lee on Clarinet.
BY PAULINE STEWART
T Paul Bradley - lead vocalist and bass guitar.
Trevor Hildreth, band coordinator on trombone.
his concert was under the radar. Of course it would be, with the Oceans Festival on Saturday and so many other headline acts at Buffalo Beach Club, Grace O’Malley’s, and Smitty’s capitalising on the crowds in town for the Oceans Festival on Saturday, with more events on Sunday. This concert should have had half the town there. It was so very good and uplifting for the human spirit. The performance took place at 3.00pm at C3 Church in Coghill Street. It was the small Whitianga Dixieland Band giving a Sunday afternoon concert. Ironically, behind the performers was a circular piece of art with the word LOVE. It was so very fitting. Their love of music and performing was clear in every musician. All of the band members were very proficient, and some, like
Joshua Mainwaring on acoustic guitar, are professional recording artists in their own right. Janie and Paul Lee play for events as a keyboard and clarinet duo. Paul Bradley is a superb vocalist on Dixieland numbers such as Hello Dolly, Bill Bailey, and Down By the Riverside. Paul also programmed and operated the drum machine rhythms and played acoustic bass guitar. Trevor Hildreth’s skill and smooth agility on the trombone led many of the pieces with what seemed like effortless improvisation.
TWO MIRACLES There was a two-fold reason for the concert. The first concerns the young trumpeter Yahn Schaeufele. Yahn is an exchange student from Germany who has been studying at MBAS. He is 16 and will soon return to his family in Germany. By some miracle of
communication, Fabian Roberts connected Yahn with the Dixieland Band. The band desperately needed a trumpeter. They had been in recess since Trevor Robinson died unexpectedly in 2024. Han was a proficient trumpet player but had never heard of, or listened to, Dixieland music. However, it did not take long, with the friendship and expert instruction of the band members, for him to become part of the band. Saying goodbye and thank you to Yahn, and giving him an opportunity to play the songs he had learned, was the first reason for the concert. The second reason is that the band members are hoping for another miracle. Is there a trumpeter out there who could be part of the Whitianga Dixieland Band? Contact Paul Bradley yeldarb4249@gmail.com 027 341 3002
Yahn Schaeufele on trumpet.
Thank you Yahn
Yahn Schaeufele, Star Trumpeter, enjoying the Bucking Bronco at the Ocean’s Festival.
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Over 3,000 at Oceans Fatima cooking for the Lions Club.
Vegas Brown Band.
The cowgirls and cowboys from Greenhaithe, Auckland.
Helen and Jing from Auckland.
Local girls Danielle and Chloe.
Automatic 80s.
Donna Russell.
Striking with the sledge hammer – very popular.
Continued from page 3
TheWesternGuide.
Brad Cox from Oz.
OCEANS FESTIVAL MUSIC Country, pop and soft rock were all on the menu. The Vegas Brown Band took the front Stage to head the days entertainment , followed by Automatic 80s, TheWesternGuide with a touch of Pacific music and to cap it off, Brad Cox, country music artist from Australia. Salty peppers Line dancing had the crowd line dancing whether they knew the steps or not. Linda Bird, the event organizer Chairperson of Oceans Festival, should be very pleased with such a full, well-organised and well-attended festival, particularly the happy crowd of over 3,000 enjoying
a great variety of food and music and the country mixed with oceans costumes being fantastic entertainment in themselves. Quite a lot of people went all out creative with their costumes and outfits of the day, going in line with the beachside-western mashup theme among a sea of cowboy hats. Saturday gave the Festival blue sky for almost the entire day with winds bringing a cold edge in the latter part of the day. Bucking Rodeo mechanical bull-riding was a hit. Almost everyone The informer spoke to had come for the weekend to enjoy the festival and Mercury Bay. The Sunday wind changed a few minds but didn’t dampen The Oceans Festival spirit.
Mayor Peter with his wife Kerry and Deputy Mayor John Grant.
After Oceans at Grace O’Malley’s and BBC
Lliam – Rapid the DJ at Grace O’Malley’s.
GIORMA ALLEMANO
MORTGAGE BROKER & INVESTMENT ADVISOR WHITIANGA
Scott Simpson MP for Coromandel Contact me anytime
giorma@allemanofinance.co.nz 021 035 1213 +6421035 1213 www.allemanofinance.co.nz
0800 550 330 • scottsimpson.co.nz mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz scottsimpsonmp
Authorised by Scott Simpson, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
MORTGAGES | REFINANCES | KIWISAVER 6 | The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026
www.theinformer.co.nz
From Little Rippers to young adult community connections BY SEAN REILLY
I
t has been another fantastic term for Whitianga Skate School, with 97 children taking part in our weekly classes. Seeing so many local tamariki giving skateboarding a go, developing new skills and supporting one another has been a real highlight. One of the most exciting additions has been Little Rippers, our new class created especially for children under five. Through songs, balancing games and playful activities, our youngest skateboarders are learning the basics while developing confidence, coordination, and fine and gross motor skills. At this age, it is not about mastering tricks. It is about feeling comfortable on a skateboard, learning how to balance, taking turns and discovering that it is okay to fall and try again. Watching the children become more confident each week – and begin to believe, “I can do hard things” – has been incredibly rewarding. Our in-school skateboarding programme has also continued to grow. We now visit six schools across the Coromandel, giving more tamariki the opportunity to experience skateboarding in a safe, encouraging and supportive environment.
This term, it has been wonderful to return to Mercury Bay Area School and to visit Te Rerenga School for the first time. We were also proud to give ten skateboards to students at Coromandel Area School, allowing them to continue practising, sharing and enjoying skateboarding after our sessions have finished. Another special opportunity has been connecting with Te Tiihi Nui Trust and working with some of the young adults they support. Skateboarding may not have been an activity they would otherwise have had the chance to try, but they embraced the experience and all did amazingly well. It was a privilege to spend time with
them, share plenty of smiles and celebrate their achievements. We hope this is the beginning of more partnerships with local trusts, schools and community organisations. The Guided Journey Charitable Trust has several new projects we would love to get up and running, creating further opportunities for tamariki, rangatahi and young adults throughout our area to grow, thrive and experience a genuine sense of belonging and wellbeing within their community. As we head into our final term of the year, we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back for Term Four. We will finish the year with our Christmas skate
party – a chance to bring everyone together and celebrate how far the children have come. Their achievements are not only the tricks they have learned, but also the confidence, resilience, friendships and determination they have developed along the way. None of this would be possible without the support of our families, schools, community members and sponsors. A huge thank you to The Lost Spring, Coastline Excavations, A2B Signs , PJ Builders, Hahei Water Taxi, Chops Landscaping, Gardenscapes Whitianga and Overdrive Automotive for helping us create these opportunities and supporting the continued growth of skateboard-
ing across the Coromandel. We are also incredibly grateful to every parent, volunteer, teacher and community member who continues to encourage what we do. Together, we are helping local young people feel active, capable, connected and proud of what they can achieve. Whitianga Skate School is the main programme proudly delivered by The Guided Journey Charitable Trust.
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Recognition on an International Stage MyStays recognised by Airbnb with 2026 Innovation Star at Sydney Host Summit.
N
ew Zealand-owned holiday home management company MyStays has been named the 2026 Innovation Star at Airbnb’s Professional Host Excellence Awards, presented during the Airbnb Host Summit in Sydney alongside leading hosts and operators from across Australia and New Zealand. The Airbnb Host Summit is an exclusive, invite-only conference for professional hosts, Superhosts, community leaders and ambassadors from across Australia and New Zealand. Around 300 people attended the 2026 summit, with only approximately 30 attendees from New Zealand, making it a highly regarded gathering of experienced operators from across Australasia. For MyStays, 2026 marked its second year attending the summit, providing another valuable opportunity to learn from others in the sector and bring new ideas and insights back into the business. MyStays founder Elle Knight was also invited to speak on a panel during the conference, contributing to a discussion on how technology and AI are being used within professional hosting and property management. The summit became even more significant for MyStays when the company was named the 2026 Innovation Star at Airbnb’s Professional Host Excellence Awards,
Steph – lead Manager and Elle Knight receive the award on behalf of MyStays; The family behind MyStays – Brent and Elle Knight, with children, Amylee and Nixon.
presented during the Airbnb Host Summit in Sydney. The award recognises the systems, processes and technology MyStays has developed to support growth, improve consistency and create a more streamlined operation, while maintaining the personal service at the heart of the guest and owner experience. Brent and Elle Knight, along with their two children, Amylee and Nixon are the family behind the MyStays business. Proudly NZ family owned, Brent and Elle with over 27years of experience between them, have built MyStays on a strong belief in doing things properly, looking after people well, and creating meaningful connections throughout the place
we call home Elle said the recognition carried particular weight because it came from Airbnb, one of the most established and recognised brands in the global accommodation sect “To be recognised by Airbnb at this level is something we’re incredibly proud of. We’ve spent a lot of time building systems and processes that allow us to grow in a smarter and more sustainable way, while still protecting the human side of what we do. To have that work recognised on an international stage is a very special milestone for our team.” Technology, automation and AI now support a number of MyStays’ internal workflows, including
lead-to-listing, owner onboarding and review processes. The systems were custom-developed with a technology partner, with the MyStays team first mapping how the business needed to work, defining the processes and building the operational foundations before those ideas were developed into working technology. During the award presentation, Airbnb acknowledged both the thinking behind the systems and the way they had been developed around the needs of the business. “What stands out is how she got there. Elle backed her team to define the processes, build the foundations and work with a technology partner to turn those ideas into systems that support growth – and the result is a business that scales without losing the human attention that hosting depends on.” For MyStays, the Airbnb’s Professional Host Excellence award also builds on previous recognition for the same areas of the business. “The Taupō Business Awards in 2025 were a significant validation of the strategy, planning and innovative systems we had been building into the business,” Elle said. “To now have Airbnb recognise that work gives us another level of confidence that what we’ve developed is not only supporting
the growth of MyStays, but is also allowing us to stand alongside some of the most highly regarded professional hosts across Australasia. To be recognised in that company, on an international stage, is something we’re very proud of.” MyStays was also proud to be representing New Zealand among the award recipients at the Sydney event. This New Zealand company continues to grow its holiday home management network across the North Island. For local readers, MyStays manages professionally serviced holiday homes and short-stay accommodations across the Coromandel Peninsula – Whitianga, Matarangi, Cooks beach, Kuaotuu, Tairua, Pauanui, Whangamata, Onemana and Opoutere. Outside their professional lives, the Knight family enjoy days on Lake Taupō, sea fishing in the Coromandel, getting out on the mountain bikes with the kids, and dining in stunning local spots with whānau and friends. Taupō locals for 20+ years, with close ties to Whangamatā and the wider Coromandel, they also love competing in and attending regional sporting events – staying connected to the people and places we serve. MyStays is: local care – smart pricing – clear reporting – every home – every guest – every owner. Taken care of.
Holiday Home Management Across Coromandel - Taken Care Of
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The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026 | 9
Community helps set the Replacement direction for the Coromandel Pontoon for Pauanui Peninsula’s future
PRESS RELEASE TCDC
T
hames-Coromandel District Council's Planning and Regulatory Committee approved the vision and outcomes that will shape how the Coromandel Peninsula grows and develops over the coming decades. More than 1000 pieces of feedback received from communities across the Peninsula during the first phase of engagement on the district-wide spatial plan were analysed and considered. The vision describes a future where our natural taonga are valued, towns and rural areas thrive, people of all ages can live, work and enjoy life, and strong, reliable infrastructure keeps communities connected and resilient to change. Mayor Peter Revell said it was a direct reflection of the feedback received from community groups, organisations and the wider community. “Spatial planning is about being ambitious and aspirational, and the vision and outcomes approved yesterday
Jacquie Asquith took part in one of the Imagine Post-it seminars.
are exactly that. They set the direction for what we want the future to look like and for the development of the spatial plan.” BUILDING ON PREVIOUS THINKING "Importantly, we've been able to revisit and build on the work and thinking that's been done in the past on the Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint,
so that we're not reinventing the wheel," Mayor Revell said.
CLEAR THEMES EMERGED “People told us that protecting and restoring the natural environment, building resilient infrastructure, improving connectivity, and improving housing, healthcare and quality of life were among the most important considerations for the spatial plan., “ said Mayor
Peter Revell. This feedback will guide the next stage of the project, during which several options showing how the Peninsula could grow and change in the future will be developed. These options will be workshopped in the coming months with government agencies, organisations and community groups to help shape a ‘preferred future’ option. The committee also noted three options describing different possible futures for the Peninsula, that will be the focus of engagement with the community in October and November, and endorsed continuing the work to complete the district-wide spatial plan by mid-2027. Read the full vision and outcomes and learn more about the project at tcdc. govt.nz/imagine.
TCDC is pleased to advise that the replacement pontoon for the Royal Billy Point Boat Ramp has officially been ordered, and the manufacturing process is underway. The new pontoon will replace the facility lost during the January 2026 flood event and has been specifically designed for commercial marine applications, providing a durable long-term solution for boat ramp users.
ESTIMATED INSTALLATION DATE Provided manufacturing, shipping and customs processes proceed as expected, Council anticipates installation of the new pontoon during the week from 23 November 2026. While this remains subject to factors outside Council's control (such as international freight schedules, weather and customs clearance), the project remains on track for completion well before the busy summer boating season. Council will continue to keep the community updated as the pontoon progresses through manufacturing and shipping, and we thank Royal Billy Point users for their patience while this important facility is reinstated. The Royal Billy Point Boat Ramp is located at 1 Vista Paku, Pauanui, on the Tairua Harbour adjacent to the Pauanui Wharf.
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Whitianga Esplanade Boat Ramp Dredging Notice
Thames-Coromandel District Council has received approval from Waikato Regional Council to undertake maintenance dredging at the Esplanade Boat Ramp, Whitianga, from 23 to 25 September 2026. The dredging is required to remove accumulated sediment that has reduced navigable water depths and created a navigational hazard for vessels using the boat ramp. The works are supported by the recreational harbourmaster as necessary to maintain safe vessel access. The Whitianga Esplanade Boat Ramp will be closed to public use from 23 to 25 September 2026 while dredging works are underway. Where suitable, dredged material may be beneficially reused for beach nourishment purposes at an approved nourishment location under Council's existing beach nourishment consent. This approach was also used during previous Esplanade Boat Ramp dredging works. Council thanks the public for their patience and cooperation while these important maintenance works are completed.
Bev is an action woman
ADVERTORIAL
– the town is her passion
B
ev Calder, a well-known resident of Whitianga, proudly celebrates 20 years with Bayley’s Real Estate this week. Many locals also recognize her as the former owner of The Fig and current owner of Basker. The Fig was a beloved café on the main street that she and her team ran for nine and a half years before its sale in August. After years of dedication in the hospitality sector-navigating challenges like town upgrades, the COVID-19 pandemic, highway closures, and various weather events - Bev decided it was time to hang up her apron. Throughout her tenure at The Fig, Bev balanced her café responsibilities with her real estate career, often amusing her staff as she switched outfits multiple times a day depending on her next appointment. “In a close-knit coastal market, detailed local knowledge matters,” she explains. “I moved here in late 1989, and during that time, I have witnessed numerous changes and developments in the town. I am passionate about its growth and the opportunities it presents for young people.”
Q: HOW DID YOU GET INTO REAL ESTATE? A: “I was working in pharmacy when I decided to complete my real estate papers while Daisy (my daughter) was off to Europe for six weeks. Knowing Mary Walker, the then-owner of Bayley’s, for many years, it felt right to approach her first. As they say, the rest is history. It was special when Mary sold
the business in 2022 to Shaun Paterson, Karl Davis, and Chris Bayley, as I had worked with Shaun’s father when I first started.” Q: HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT AFTER TWENTY YEARS? A: “I’ve seen many changes in real estate over the years, par-
ticularly in compliance. As the town develops, it’s encouraging to see people from diverse backgrounds moving to the area, which I hope will continue. Young families coming here will ensure our growth. I am proud to have been part of the Bayley’s team for the last 20 years. Although we’re currently facing one of the toughest markets we’ve seen, I remain optimistic that things will improve as we approach summer. My sonin-law recently told me that the oldest real estate agent in New Zealand is 91 years old, so I suppose I have a challenge ahead! “One of my favourite moments is picking up my grandson from school and seeing all the kids who grew up here now becoming parents themselves. We need to ensure that young families feel they can thrive here.” Bev looks forward to watching Whitianga and the wider Coromandel region continue to grow and is excited to be part of that journey. Contact Bev bev.calder@ bayleys.co.nz
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Our upcoming general election Saturday 26 September 2026 Town Hall, Whitianga 2pm – 4pm Bring a question for the 2026 General Election candidates ~~~~~~~~~ A gold coin donation would be appreciated
Will be recording and livestreaming this event on its Facebook page www.theinformer.co.nz
The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026 | 11
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12 | The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026
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Daylight Saving this Weekend BY VERNA CARR
A
s Pink Floyd would say, “Time keeps slipping into the future, ticking away a dull day.” We all assume that we have plenty of time ahead especially when we are young only to look up one day and realise life has slipped by while we were waiting for something to happenor for someone or something to show the way. Then follows the jolt of realising the clock's been running the whole time. Speaking of clocks, daylight saving starts this weekend. On Sunday, 27 September, the clocks go forward an hour. Instead of just waiting for 2.00am and losing that hour to sleep, make it a deliberate, conscious choice. That
hour is yours – an extra hour of daylight. You'll never get it back. What will you fill it with? Maybe gather the family at 4.00pm and have a "clock-changing ceremony" – something fun and meaningful. Call the people you've been meaning to call. There may come a time when you'd beg for one more hour just to tell the people in your life how much you love them. By Sunday, time will have sprung forward. Most of your devices will have magically changed themselves – except the rebellious microwave, which demands you hold down three buttons at once, before it stubbornly resets itself to 12:00. The oven clock will hold out too. It's been wrong for six months anyway – just leave it. The car clock you'll get around to
noises – the best fix for that one is a hammer. Everything else in the house, you'll have to change by hand. While you're at it, swap the batteries in the smoke alarm too.
in a couple of months, next time you're bored and need something to fidget with. As for the alarm clock that wakes you with shrill
WHY WE DO THIS Daylight saving is said to offer several benefits. The original justification was energy savings: with more daylight in the evening, people rely less on artificial lighting and heating. It's also thought to encourage physical activity, giving people extra time after work to play sport or get outside. Crime rates may drop too, since more offenses tend to occur at night than during daylight hours. Road safety can improve, as the added evening light helps cut down on certain kinds of traffic
accidents. One woman, however, wasn't convince. She complained that the extra sunlight was fading her curtains.
WHAT IS TIME, REALLY? Salvador Dalí – his 1931 painting The Persistence of Memory is the one with the melting, droopy clocks draped over a barren landscape. It's often read as a meditation on time being fluid and subjective rather than rigid. So what is time? As all the great masters have said, the only time you have is the present; the only time is NOW; or as Pink Floyd said , you can run over the same old ground for 10 years waiting for life to happen. That's really what the time change exposes; how flimsy our relationship with time actually is.
Petition reaches Digital Decoder Should AI have the Beehive By Agent EJ
legal personhood?
Off to Wellington: Janie Bassett, Maree Smith and Mike Brown; The intrepid trio present our MP Scott Simpson with the petition on the steps of Parliament.
BY MIKE BROWN Janie Bassett representing Coromandel Colville Ward, Maree Smith – Tairua Pauanui Ward and I – Mercury Bay Ward travelled to Wellington to present the petition to our local MP the Hon Scott Simpson. On Wednesday, we travelled via Barrier Air to Auckland . At Auckland Airport, the fun started with Janie and Maree making friends with the security screening personnel. Mike walked through. We landed in Wellington in strong, gusting winds, one of which caught us just prior to landing, forcing a go around. The pilots did an amazing job of landing on the second attempt, being rewarded by everyone in the plane clapping We were contacted by TV1 to do an interview at 7.20am Thursday morning – two participants allowed. Janie volunteered to sit this one out. Some comments on the TV1 interview. Maree did a brilliant
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job. Chris Chan read out the statement from Breastscreen Aotearoa saying that there were insufficient numbers for a fixed site in Whitianga. This is the last in a list of unqualified statements we have received from Breastscreen Aotearoa and Breastscreen Midlands in reply to specific questions of them . Missing from the statement were the actual numbers and area of coverage they were talking about. Can anyone in our community remember the last time Breastscreen Aotearoa or Breastscreen Midlands surveyed our community to see if the mobile unit is still fit for purpose? Fortunately, we have done this for them through our Petition and 2777 Coromandel Peninsula people have said they support a fixed site in Whitianga. We went to Parliament at 10.00 am, Scott Simpson met us at the entrance to the Beehive and we walked to the steps of Parliament where Janie presented the Petition to Scott on behalf of the
people of the Coromandel Peninsula. This is an important step in the Parliamentary Petitions Process as an MP needs to sign and present the Petition to the Petitions Desk. We then had a session with Scott at his offices discussing our project and the petition process from now on which is:• 22 September, the Petition is presented to Parliament where it is ratified. • Then it is in the queue of Petitions to be looked into by the Petitions select committee. • Due to the election and a new Petitions select committee being established after the election, it is unlikely to be looked at until the first quarter of next year. Scott was a very generous host and took us on a mini tour of Parliament buildings. We returned to Whitianga on Friday but not before Janie and Maree made more friends with the security screening staff at Wellington Airport. Mike walked through.
A collection of essays from the Yale Law Journal called ‘Old Law, New Tech: Legal Responses to Emerging Technologies’, got me thinking about the bigger questions shaping our relationship with technology today, among them: should AI have legal personhood? It is as much a philosophical question as it is a technical one. Legal personhood is often granted to entities that deserve protection but cannot represent themselves in court. New Zealand has already recognised Te Urewera forest, the Whanganui River, and Mount Taranaki in this way. Yet the idea of extending the same status to AI, seems to collectively irk and unsettle us. The debate sits at the intersection of human rights, intellectual property, ethics, and even religion. A surprisingly serious theological discussion has already been happening. Researchers have documented online communities that view AI as a deity, prophet, saviour, or even the Antichrist. That may sound extreme, but it's not hard to see why, when it is simultaneously described as humanity’s greatest opportunity or threat, capable of both “saving” us, and ending us. Others reject the discussion entirely as blasphemy, believing it violates the notion that we are all created in the image of God. Whatever you believe, these are questions worth answering ourselves, deliberately, before this technology decides to answer them for us. Others dismiss the concern, arguing AI is simply a tool. The same was once said about cryptocurrency, and yet blockchain has since reshaped global finance. But if AI is just a mere tool, then who owns what it creates? Artists and writers are already screaming that their work has been used
without consent or payment, and right now, most have no real path to compensation, let alone justice. Some tech companies may favour giving AI personhood, because it could shift responsibility when it causes harm. Critics argue the opposite: granting personhood to systems with increasingly superhuman capabilities could weaken accountability and concentrate power. The idea of AI representing itself in court, armed with instant access to vast amounts of legislative knowledge across all jurisdictions, should concern anyone. New Zealand may have more to offer this debate than we realise. Legal personhood for rivers and mountains was never about ownership. It recognises whakapapa or ancestry as a living relationship between people and place. AI has no whakapapa, it has no ancestry, and no reciprocal relationship with the people or works it draws from, only extraction. If we are to answer this question on our own terms, that distinction may be the best place to start.
The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026 | 13
Cognitive tests to stop for older adults
This is for Driver’s License tests for older adults. BY PAULINE STEWART
T
he New Zealand government’s recent announcement following their decision that older drivers no longer face routine, age-based mandatory cognitive screening when renewing their driver's licenses, was welcomed by everyone turning seventy -five and over. It was a victory by the many advocators particularly GreyPower, New Zealand and some effective lobbying by Mercury Bay GreyPower. Announced by Seniors Minister, Casey Costello, the updated clinical rules shift the focus from blanket age testing to individual assessments. KEY CHANGES • No Routine Age Testing: Doctors are told to stop routine cognitive tests for older adults simply because they reached a certain age. • Individual Assessments: Health practitioners are to assess each person based on overall health, medical history, and personal driving patterns. • Clinical Discretion: Doctors can still use cognitive screening if they spot a specific medical reason or worry about memory and thinking skills. However, NZTA asks for the person to first take the NZTA free on-road driving test. If there are still concerns after this, then a doctor can organise an appointment with a n occupational therapist This is not
David-Marshall.
cheap or covered by a community card. • Research Basis: An independent University of Auckland review showed that standard cognitive tests do not reliably predict a person's ability to drive safely. Older drivers still need a medical certificate to renew their license at specific ages: at 75, at 80 and every two years after age 80. The Informer spoke with David Marshall National President of GreyPower. “It has basically been a two year campaign and we feel vindicated that what we have been saying has been correct. That cognitive test was not predictive of a person’s ability to drive. it is an irrelevant test. There was no clinical proof that these tests can predict a drivers ability. Why should a doctor use something that is not evidenced based? “ David explained other practical disadvantages for older drivers
CILT Artists cook up lunch
that resulted because the cognitive test was compulsory. “With the wait for getting an appointment with a doctor often taking several weeks, sometimes a person’s licence has expired by the time they get to see a doctor. NZTA has changed the rules so that people are able to prepare for their test up to 6 months ahead of their age birthday. “The decision this last week is now in the guidelines to all GPs It may take a little while to be adopted across the country.” The current cost of the entire doctors visit re your licence to a doctor has been up to now, $115 – which includes eye sight, physical health generally and also the ‘cognitive test‘. With the removal of the cognitive test, one would think it will be cheaper now particularly as the eyesight is done by a nurse practitioner and not a doctor. “The decision this last week is now in the guidelines to all GPs It may take a little while to be adopted across the country.”
The Informer also spoke to local advocate and educational psychologist, Marguerite Muellers. “The current tests used were not well understood by older people and many could not see how they
related to their ability to drive. The appropriateness of the current test needed to be evaluated. Our research has shown that the cognitive tests used are derived from tests for Alzheimer’s. These are not good assessors of driving capabilities. The test was not based on proper science or an understanding of the older person’s cognitive ability versus ‘being able to say the alphabet backwards.’ ( this was one of the tests used.)” For many older persons, the license renewal is a trauma. To lose the right to drive is a major life blow from which many do not recover. Seniors rely on driving for shopping, social and family contacts. Many of them have heard of tricky tests and being asked to perform tasks which were not part of their normal life. “In places like Whitianga, Tairua, Pauanui and Coromandel and north of the town, there is no regular system of affordable public transport. It is of concern for our entire community how the older citizens are being treated,” says Linda Cholmondeley-Smith, President of Whitianga GreyPower. In Australia, every state has its own laws for licensing older drivers. Some states have what they call, ‘Self-Assessment’. This may include a doctor’s assessment but not necessarily so. In the most populous state, New South Wales, an annual Doctor’s examination is required. In Victoria, there are no
Mike’s Minutes
‘Worth Watching Online’ JUST KEY IN THE TITLE AS WRITTEN TO FIND THE VIDEO IN YOUTUBE (And it’s better on a flat screen TV)
1. Land From the Sky (1959) The story of the development of aerial top-dressing in New Zealand and the establishment of the aerial farming industry. 2. Grand Egyptian Museum
Paige MacPherson, Brian Jarvie and Kieren Clayton with the air fryer.
BY DOROTHY PREECE The creative crew at Artists in the Making meet regularly in Arthur Street, Whitianga to work on their skills and enjoy social time together under the direction of Anne Bowden. A few weeks ago they were excited to receive an air fryer, purchased with funds donated from the Church Opshop. This was followed by a resounding ‘thank you’ and photo of the team, with “We’ve just cooked our lunch!” Artists in the Making is provided by the Coromandel Independent Living Trust (CILT). The programme is described as ‘a creative support group designed for
individuals facing barriers to participation. Through art and craft, participants explore and develop their artistic skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.’ Opshop Manager Madeline Saunders said, “We appreciate the work that the CILT team is doing with their people, and we like to support other groups who, like us, are there for the community. But we couldn’t do it without our beautiful community supporting us.” At the recent Annual General Meeting, Treasurer Annie Lynch reported that St Andrew’s Opshop donated a total of $47,547.64to various Mercury Bay groups and organisations in the year ending March 31st 2026.
14 | The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026
restrictions on older drivers. It is interesting that when it comes to accidents involving older drivers, there is no difference between the statistics in NSW and Victoria. When it comes to Marguerite Mueller’s home country, Germany, she says, “No one has ever heard about such tests. We are talking about 83.2million inhabitants. I came from a household where my late Mother was the first female taxi driver in the state of the Lower Rhine. It has always been up to the older driver and their family to make such an important decision on whether the person is capable to still drive a car!” The future: It is time to advocate for a ‘Restricted Drivers Licence’ to enable senior drivers to drive around their familiar town but not do the long distances, motorways, or big city centre trips anymore. This doesn’t need to require a great big R plate but be a bound agreement. Aging is a hill we all must climb. However, I am all for using whatever aids are available in this modern world to help individuals with this climb. Possibly more than at any time of life, the ability to drive is of utmost value to individuals who are aging. Let’s not shut them out of life unnecessarily, based solely on age. Guest speaker for International Day of Older Persons on Tuesday, 1 October is David Marshall who will speak on the drivers licence issues. 10.00am at Mercury Bay Club.
- Egypt’s New $1 Billion Museum | GEM Tour and Review 4k A visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a complex of 500,000 square meters which houses artifacts from various periods of Egyptian civilisations. 3. The Roy Orbison Story is More Complicated Than You Know
Roy, who was born in Vernon Texas in 1936 and died in December 1988 in Tennessee, was a singer song-writer known for his operatic voice and emotional ballads like “Only the Lonely” Enjoy watching, Mike
Art opportunity on a ball – give it a go BY SHAUN FAY I'm terrible at art – I can write a bit but I’m terrible at art. In fact, art directors in my ad agency days made me look good for many years. But I can't resist a challenge. When the local Whangamata Arts Collective put some old bowling balls up for sale ($20) I had to have one. This is my entry to the competition on October 25 at the Bowling Club. The Lawn Bowl Art Exhibition and Event. It's titled "Tribute to Coastal Rockers". Good isn't it? Eh eh! This is a winner. Will fetch big money for mens’ health at the auction. Surely, you can do better than this. Bowls still available at Discover Centre or The Little Gallery. More details at www.artscollective.co.nz/ whats-happening.html
Shaun’s attempt.
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Ray’s Report #38
Minature Gauge Railway – a treat
KSAR SAREX 2026 T
en members of Kuaotunu Search and Rescue spent last weekend on home ground, putting their skills to the test in the annual KSAR training exercise. Last weekend, 10 members of the Kuaotunu Search and Rescue (KSAR) team gathered for their annual Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX). Fittingly, the SAREX was held on our tūrangawaewae at Kuaotunu, where the group was founded some 21 years ago. The team included three new members who had recently responded to a recruiting drive.
SATURDAY MORNING: SKILLS AND RADIOS The weekend started at the KSAR base, with the team focusing on WanderTrack training and the use of GPS. John Taylor from AREC then ran an excellent session on radio drills and setting up radio repeaters. THE CALLOUT At midday the callout alarm sounded, and within 45 minutes the team was assembling on top of the Kuaotunu Hill, on a couple of nearby farm properties. The exercise brief was that a four-year-old neurodivergent girl had become separated from her family group and could not be
Every Sunday at Victoria Park in Thames 11:00am - 2:00pm.
located. The last known sighting of young Daisy was earlier that Saturday morning. Daisy was reportedly wearing a WanderTrack pendant, which sent out a signal enabling the search teams to trace her location.
THE SEARCH Two search teams were deployed and a full range of search techniques was used. Daisy was found some hours later, in dense bush a good distance from the search start point. A small Incident Management Team (IMT) was set up with excellent radio communications, well supported by John from AREC. As part of the training weekend, the search teams then overnighted in the bush and scrub. Over the following morning, several related search and tracking techniques were practised. DEBRIEF AND LUNCH Around midday the teams returned to base for a thorough debrief, a clean-up and a shared lunch. Every member agreed that a great deal had been learned. The new members were made to feel very welcome and included, and it was clear that each of them had a great deal to offer the search. THANK YOU A huge thank you to the local
farming community for access to their properties; to Espy Café and Whitianga New World for their support; to the members themselves for their time and commitment; and to acting Group Training Officer Steve Hart for putting the weekend together. There is no doubt that our local community is very well served by a dedicated and committed group of people who give up their valuable time to support the place they live in. KEEN TO JOIN? KSAR is still very keen to recruit more Field Team members and Incident Management Team members to bolster numbers. Excellent training and equipment are provided. Please check the KSAR Facebook page for more information.
Toyota Hilux Heartland Championship
Thames Valley Swamp Foxes -VSouth Canterbury
Saturday 26 September 2026 2.30pm Kick Off Lyon Park Whitianga • • www.theinformer.co.nz
Gates open 1.00pm $5 Entry
• •
Refreshments Marquee Food Stalls The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026 | 15
WIN! Games & Puzzles Issue 1228
Crossword Puzzle © Lovatts Puzzles 5411
Name:................................................................................................................... Phone no:..........................................................................................................
Issue 1228 – Grid 1195
Proudly sponsored by Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver, mail, scan/photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@ theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World checkout manager directly.
ACROSS 1. Supplied funds for (8) 5. Leg (4) 7. Contented (4) 8. Arriving at (8) 9. Poked fun at (6) 12. Subsided (7) 15. Harbour town (7) 19. Invent (6) 21. Swinging couches (8) 22. Cosmetics gel, aloe ... (4) 23. Require (4) 24. Libra or Scorpio (4,4)
Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Darryl Davies For last week’s solutions see page 21
DOWN 1. Punch-ups (6) 2. Assistants (5) 3. Preserved (meat) (5) 4. Possible (6) 5. Pakistani city (6) 6. Secretly recorded (6) 10. Greenish-blue (4) 11. Industry or trade exhibition (4) 12. Large rodent (3) 13. Sear (4) 14. Facts (4) 15. Drain off (6) 16. Curled artificially (6) 17. Responds to stimulus (6) 18. Reacquire (6) 19. Republic, ... Rica (5) 20. Singer/actor, ... Presley (5)
Sudoku Puzzle Proudly sponsored by
Win a coffee and a treat from Mat’s Cafe in Whitianga (T’s & C’s apply). Hand deliver, mail, scan/ photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@ theinformer. co.nz to reach us by 12.00 noon on Monday each week. The winner must claim their prize from Mat’s Cafe directly with ID with their published name.
Name:............................................................................................................................ Phone no:...................................................................................................................
Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Nicola Murdoch Sudoku instructions Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of 9 boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
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Letters to the Editor enable members of the public to express an opinion, about an article or a topic of interest/concern. Please keep them to 200 words or less.They do not reflect the view of the Editor who reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.
BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN AN OPEN LETTER TO SCOTT SIMPSON MP
Dear Scott. Well, your party has had three years in charge of the country, in conjunction with your coalition partners. You have done certain things very well, such as education, RMA changes, law and order to name a few; but you are not a certainty for a second term when you should be. About 70% of the country are not over enamoured with the National Party in Government and the reason that figure is so high is quite simple. On some critical issues your government is gutless. Firstly, the damage pine trees and their “management” do in this country. They cause huge harm, but you either do not care or just cannot be bothered doing anything about it. You recognise carbon farming as a category of farming which it is not. Farming involves growing food of various sorts and carbon is not food, other than on an over cooked BBQ. PLEASED TO SEE THE PROMOTION
Just a quick note to say how impressed I was a few weeks back to open my local Eastern Times (Howick) and find a nicely presented, well written, informative insert/pamphlet showcasing Whitianga. A great initiative for your local community! As a home owner in Whitianga, spending time here is the highlight of every month for me. It was a lovely surprise to see the insert/brochure on Whitianga, I hope it brings more domestic tourists to this wonderful spot. Jackie Cole, Auckland POSTPONEMENT ISN’T RELIEF - IT’S A SLOWER BILL Council’s defence of Capital Value rating rests on “ability to pay.” Its Rates Postponement Scheme is offered as the safety valve when that logic fails. Look closely at what the scheme does, and the valve looks more like a slow leak.
You legalise farm diversification allowances to encourage 25% of arable and horticultural land to be used for carbon forestry when our land classification system states that it is not intended to be. This has resulted in much food growing area being lost to people who seek to gain profits from the taxpayer by growing pines which will then be ignored for many years. This is criminal and should be stopped. Its quite simple; just close down the silly Emission Trading Schemes or at the very least ban pines from being part of it. The Greens will support this. Another major cause of angst is the damage caused by wilding pines. This is simple to fix. Any landowner who plants pines must be responsible for paying for any wilding pines on their neighbours’ properties to be removed. These landowners should be required to take out insurance to cover such costs; after all, why should their neighbours have to bear the cost of clearing up the weeds forest owners have caused to grow?
One of the big problems caused by the pine forestry industry is slash and the destruction it causes to those downstream of the forests. The entire nation has seen this damage many times and demands something is done about it, but you have done diddly squat. You just updated a few regulations that skirted around the issue. The issue is liability and compensation. If a neighbour blows up his neighbour’s house, he will probably go to jail for the damage caused, yet if a neighbour allows his forest to crush his neighbours house, nothing happens. Real change is needed such as slash being removed from the forest and processed as firewood. As a minimum it should be destroyed, by fire perhaps, before it can destroy what belongs to others. And if not done and slash harms downstream neighbours, then the forestry industry is liable for damage caused by any slash unless not one pinecone can be found in that slash. The economic damage that will be done by the emissions trad-
ing scheme is growing and will become untenable. If you made it unattractive to plant pine forests over good farmland you should then change to the hedgerow system of counting carbon offsets. You know perfectly well that this will show we do not have a carbon dioxide emission problem in New Zealand. With no carbon problem we have no need for the silly ETS which is the sort of totally pointless scheme dreamt up by politicians so that they can convince themselves they are doing something. A critical issue that was a major reason for kicking out your predecessors is the growing racial division in this country. This will not help us grow and improve as a country. At various times National has promised much and yet done nothing when in power. Removing the Maori only seats is one such area. In 1986 it was proposed they be abolished as they would not be needed to guarantee Maori representation under MMP. So, it has turned out to be with 33 Maori MPs spread over all parties representing us.
As Sir Apirana Ngata said in his writings, the Maori seats were initiated to limit Maori representation in Parliament. They were born out of pakeha fear of being swamped by a Maori majority. They are now pointless; your coalition partners seem to be onside with getting rid of these. The Waitangi Tribunal has accomplished its original purpose and must go before it becomes more destructive, more divisive. This leaves the elephant in the room which is the Treaty of Waitangi. Most people are not against the Treaty, but we have a problem in that it is written in two languages and appears to have multiple meanings. If it is to be part of the legal foundation of this country it must be defined legally, with one meaning. ACT had a go at this, but you appeared to be afraid of the discussion. Maybe they did not go around it the right way but if, being given the opportunity, a government led by your party faced this issue, I would then have to apologise for describing you as gutless.
year, silently, for as long as the toward a scheme that swaps a homeowner stays in the home cash-flow problem for a comCouncil says they’re fortunate to pounding claim on their home. own. Council has not yet answered This is the paradox at the centre the only question that matters: of Capital Value rating. Council’s at what point does ability to pay position, in substance: your prop- become ability to sell? erty is worth more; therefore, you David Yeomans can contribute more. The honest Pauanui reply: my property is worth more, but my income hasn’t moved. COMMUNITY HELPS SET Council’s answer is postpone- THE DIRECTION FOR THE ment - another way of saying COROMANDEL PENINSULA’S borrow against your own home FUTURE?? to meet a bill assessed on money “The vision describes a future where our natural taonga are valyou don’t have. Rates are, in law, a charge ued, towns and rural areas thrive, against the rating unit, and the people of all ages can live, work Local Government (Rating) Act and enjoy life, and strong, relirecovery mechanisms able infrastructure keeps comSUPPORT MERCURYprovides BAY PERFORMING ARTS including, ultimately, rating sale. munities connected and resilient 13–22 May 2027 Nobody should Council to change.” From TCDC’s recent ® claim TOWN HALL set out to engineer WHITIANGA that outcome Press Release. nothing in its public position Hasn’t the horse already bolted Help us give more local young people the opportunity to for Hahei? We have an infrastrucA homeowner aged 65 or over, homeowner cannot pay perform, into a create supports that as intent. But intent and belong. asset-rich and income-poor, may compounding liability against isn’t the only thing that matters. A ture plan for the 100 acres set to Mercury Bay Performing Arts is preparing ourproduce biggest ayouth production yet. defer rates until they sell or leave their equity - currently accruing systemSUPPORT can predictable be developed. MERCURY BAY PERFORMING ARTS This year we intend to add a choir to our show, increasing participation WePERFORMING need answers on water and without anyone design- BAY the property. On the surface this at 6.70% under TCDC’s 2026/27 outcome SUPPORT MERCURY ARTS 13–22 May 2027 from around 55 local students to up to 80 young performers. ® and not this waffle. solves a cash-flow problem. It published charges. The debt does ing it to, and this one is traceable: sewerage WHITIANGA TOWN HALL 13–22 May 2027 ® WHITIANGA TOWN HALL Putting a quality comes at a significant cost. Graeme Harsant, Hahei does not. It converts a bill the not disappear. It on grows, year production on income-poor ratepayers steered Help us give more local young people the opportunity to Sponsorship from local businesses helps us keep the accessible Help experience us give more local youngand people the opportunity to perform, create belong. create and while providing students with a professional, memorable performing Mercury Bay Performing perform, Arts is preparing our belong. biggest youth production yet. Mercury Bay Artsaischoir preparing biggest youthparticipation production yet. This year wePerforming intend to add to our our show, increasing arts opportunity.
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BY FABIAN ROBERTS
We are very grateful for the incredible support for our young performers who are part of Mercury Bay Performing Arts, this time in collaboration with Heads Up For Kids. We are now looking forward to bringing Grease Young@Part to the Whitianga Town Hall in May 2027. This will be our third production, proudly showcasing the talents of local tamariki alongside an incredible team of volunteers working their socks off behind the scenes. We are growing, we are loving the results, and next year we are hoping to involve even more young people, with plans to introduce a choir. Auditions will be held in November, with more details released in October. For now, we are seeking further support from local businesses to help us continue delivering high-quality experiences for our young performers and the wider community." www.theinformer.co.nz
Letters to the Editor
Sponsorship from students local businesses helps us keepmemorable the experience accessible while providing with a professional, performing
with a professional, memorable performing arts opportunity. SILVER SPONSOR while providing students BRONZE SPONSOR
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OUR SPONSORSHIP LEVELS $800 OUR SPONSORSHIP LEVELS arts opportunity.
GOLD SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR
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SILVER SPONSOR $2,000US ACHIEVE $1,200 WHAT YOUR SUPPORT HELPS $2,000 $1,200
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GOLD SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR
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OUR SPONSORSHIP LEVELS FABIAN: 021 339 021 • W: MBPA.NZ • E: MERCURYBAYPA@GMAIL.COM $1,200 $800 part of something theyFABIAN: can be 021proud 339 021 of. • W: MBPA.NZ • E: MERCURYBAYPA@GMAIL.COM $1,200 $800 GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSOR BRONZE SPONSOR
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WHAT YOUR HELPS $2,000US $1,200 $800 WHAT YOUR SUPPORT SUPPORT HELPS US ACHIEVE ACHIEVE FABIAN: 021 339 021 • W: MBPA.NZ • E: MERCURYBAYPA@GMAIL.COM • Hiring an appropriate audition space • • • • • • • •
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WHAT YOUR SUPPORT HELPSThe US ACHIEVE Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026 | 17
OP SHOPS
What’s On
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop – Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every MonSat 10am-2pm. Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre ReUse Store 239 South Highway, Whitianga Open Tues-Sat 9:30am-3:30pm St John Opportunity Shop – 29 Albert St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm and Sat 9.30am-2pm. St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Whitianga. NEW HOURS - 9.30am-1pm Tue-Sat. Social Services Op-shop – 15 Coghill St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-2pm. Donations welcome. SPCA Op-shop – 2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sun 9am-5pm.
MONTHLY
AA Driver Licensing – NEW LOCATION. Monday 28 September, Friday 9 October, Whitianga Community Service Trust Centre, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. American Muscle Street and Custom Club Whitianga – Club meetings first Sunday of the month, 11am at Buffalo Beach Reserve for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822. Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New members welcome. Ph Anne on 021 0247 7460 for more information. Craft Group – Meets first Saturday of the month 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph Alison 021 0508 772 or Sally 027 3962 383. Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed of the month. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com. Hauraki U3A (University of the Third Age) – Paeroa Interesting speakers every 3rd Tuesday of the month. All are welcome. Paeroa Baptist Church, 2 Wood St, Paeroa. $10 at door for non-members. www.pc.org.nz
Hei Mara Garden Club Hahei - We meet on the first Monday of each month at members’ homes, 11am - 2.30pm. New members from Hahei and surrounding areas are welcome. Phone Liz on 0210649232 for more information. Hospice Waikato’s Bereavement Support Group – Lost a loved one? Join Hospice Waikato’s monthly bereavement support group. Connect over morning tea with others who understand. Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 10.30am to 12.00pm at Whitianga Social Services. Registration required. Contact Hospice Waikato to register at 07 859 1260. Mercury Bay Model Railway Club – Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650 Mercury Bay Shooting Federation – Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email mbsfsecretary@gmail.com Ohuka Garden Club meets 2nd Wednesday of the month. New members welcome. Contact Beverley Sheppard Ph 02109028855 or emailbeverley@annabells.co.nz Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Jo on 021 264 3753. Tairua Market takes place on the 1st Saturday of the month all year at Tairua Bowling Club, 9am till 1pm Starting 1st Sunday in October until June 2027 (closed for winter). Food, fruit and veges, crafts, clothing, home decor, plants, furniture, books and much more.
FORTNIGHTLY
Greeting Card Making – The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up. Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone Sue 021 274 7899. Email suzyed@outlook.com Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the
first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016. Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information.
WEEKLY OR MORE
Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information. Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for more info. Badminton – Whitianga Badminton Club – Thurs 5-7pm, MBAS school gym. Four courts. Now open to new members wanting to play competitive Badminton. Coaching provided for those wanting to improve their skills. Phone Steve for more details 027 211 3568. Boys Brigade – An adventure, activity, and values based ministry for boys. For boys aged 5-13 years old. Tues 5.30-7pm For information contact Robyn 020 409 39674. Chess Club – Mondays 6.30-9.30pm, MB Bowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost $2. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or brettsoanes16@hotmail.com Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from 9am-1pm. Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Wood. Cooks Beach Care Group – Meet new friends, learn about coastal conservation and make a difference. Hands-on weeding and planting, Thursday mornings. Register at:www.cooksbeachcaregroup.org.nz; www.facebook.com/ CooksBeachCareGroup Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling ClubWednesday at 1.45pm. Come and join us at the Community Centre (Hall). New members are most welcome, please contact Coral ph. 0212303944. Cooks Beach Pickleball – Community Tennis Courts, 9am Saturday morning. Weather permitting. Nets and bats provided. $5 each, first time free. Contact Kevin 021 396 062. Cooks Beach Table Tennis – Every Thursday night 6.00-8.00pm, $5pp each night. Cooks Beach Community Centre. All welcome. Contact Stu 0274 572 243 or Kevin 021 396 062. Coromandel ‘Growers & Artisans Market’ – Every Saturday from 9am - 1pm at The Anglican Church Hall, Coromandel Town. Dog walking group – Every Thurs, 2pm, Lovers Rock, Robinson Road. All breeds and sizes welcome to a very sociable group. Ph Jenny on 021 186 5797. Hahei Contract Bridge Club – Every Tuesday 12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Learners and casual welcome. Contact Don Barry 021 741 959 or Robyn Hogg 021543015. Hahei Tennis & Pickleball Club - Thursday & Sunday Contact Tim 0278432683 or refer their facebook page. Meditation Classes – Thursday evening. Spiritual, heart, soul development. Sacred energy, chakra activations, working with spiritual guides. Open forum conversation, Thursdays, 6.30pm at Flat 1, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga. Cost $10. Contact Verna 027 320 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com. Mercury Bay Badminton – Every Wednesday 9-11am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Social badminton. Casual players and visitors are welcome. Players of all levels, ages 16+. Phone Carol 027 474 7493 for more information. Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports Club – 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday & Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772. Mercury Bay Bridge Club – Every Wednesday at 1.00pm and every Thursday at 7.00pm at the MB Bowling and Sports Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. For more information contact Gavin 021 146 9203. Mercury Bay Community Choir – All welcome to this friendly non auditioned choir. Mondays 6pm to 8pm Mercury Bay Area School Music Room. Start date 10th August. Phone Kate 027
18 | The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026
If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Coromandel Informer know. Call 07 866 2090, email info@theinformer.co.nz. Our What’s On page is not guaranteed to run every week as often space is restricted. Consider paying for a classified advert if you want to guarantee your activity runs every week. 2709058 for more information. Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised prior. For more information, phone 022 104 1701 please email mbenvironmentaltrust@ gmail.com or go to www.mbet.co.nz. Mercury Bay Golf Club - Twilight golf will commence on Friday 2 October, from 3pm, last card to printed by 5.15pm, must be in by 7pm; Sunday Funday, cards in by 10.30pm for an 11am start. Visitors $10. Phone 07 866 5479. Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club. Every Thursday evening, Whitianga Town Hall 6.45pm. New members, beginners and visitors very welcome. Phone/txt Cheryl 027 452 7887 or Sandie 021 825 666 for more information. Mercury Bay Pickleball Club – At the Mercury Bay Area School Gymnasium, Tuesdays Members Only League Nights 5.30-7.30pm, Saturdays Social & New Members 9.30-11.30am, Sundays All Players 4-6pm. Members, Guests & Visitors $5, a complimentary session is available to local new players wanting to try pickleball – all equipment provided, please wear non marking court shoes. Membership is $20 annually and online application is provided at www. mercurybaypickleball.co.nz . Outdoor sessions are held at Mercury Bay Sport Park which are weather dependant and advised on our facebook page Mercury Bay Pickleball. Matarangi Pickleball Club (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5-7pm (Summer) Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 0223836351. Mercury Bay Squash Club – Lyon Park, Albert Street - New members/enquires please email mercbaysquash@gmail.com Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tues, 9-11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Ph Anne on 07 869 5162 or 027 565 5575 for more info. Mercury Bay Tennis Club – Social tennis at Lyon Park on Thursdays at 5.30pm. All welcome. Ph Jason 022 186 7992 or Carl 027 680 5570. Oneness Meditation Centre – The centre focuses on the meditative art of going deeper within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Every Monday, 9.30-11.00am. Further info. text Linda 027 650 4881 or email linda_c@orcon. net.nz Self-defence classes – Town Hall, Tues/Wed 6-7.30pm. Ph Tony 027 333 5146. Spiritual Conversation Mornings – Every Tues and Wed, 10.30am-12pm, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in some great conversation where we talk about topics and subjects that have meaning. $5 donation. Contact Verna 027 320 0079. Tai Chi for all levels – Town Hall, Mondays 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 5146 for more info. Tairua Contract Bridge Club – Every Monday at 12.30pm at the Tairua Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726. Tairua Markets – Held at the Tairua Bowling Club, starting first Sunday in October 2026 until June 2027. Closed winter. Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30am12.30pm every Wednesday morning at the Hahei Community Centre. Ages newborn-5years. We invite all parents, carers, visitors and grandparents. Contact whenuakiteareaplaygroup@gmail.com Whitianga Art Group – Every Thurs/Fri 10am3pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for more information. Whitianga Menz Shed – 18 Abrahamson Drive, Open Tues/Thurs, 9am-12 noon. Phone Glenn 0274-952-015. All welcome. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9am12 noon, 1F White St. Contact whitianga@ playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947. Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor bowls and card games. Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk St, 1pm-4pm. Join us for a fun time and afternoon tea, 55+ age group. Phone Lionel Lawrence (president) on 027 274 6964 for more info. Whiti Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every Tues 9am start. For more information phone Margaret on 027 7802 744. All levels welcome. Whitianga Toy Library - Tummy Time sessions for parents/caregivers and babies under 12m. Every Wednesday 9:30am at the toy library Shop 4, Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Members
and non-members welcome. Contact librarian@ whititoylibrary.co.nz for more information Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information. Yoga for Everyone - Whitianga - beginners, retirees, inflexibles welcome. Mon 2.30pm, Tues 2.30pm and 5.15pm, Thurs 4.20pm, Fri 8.45am, Sat 8.15am. Gentle Simple. $25 for a 90 minute session. Text Rosemary 0274 489326 for info.
DANCING
Argentine Tango Dance Class – Fridays, Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prior experience or partner necessary. Text Sergio for questions 027 410 2454. Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran.com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm. Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Held in the Whitianga Town Hall. Tuesdays beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.45-2.30pm; Thursdays Seniors 10.15-11.15am, Absolute Beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Improvers 12.451.45pm. Night class held at Whitianga Town Hall for Absolute Beginners 5.25-6.25pm. Contact Margaret 027 463 8850, Glynis 021 1099 155, Kathleen 022 154 1702. Silver Swans Adult Ballet Class – Tuesday’s weekly 10am to 11.10am $20, Whitianga Town Hall supper room. All ages welcome.Marilyn Swan, experienced professional teacher of Dance.M: 0273365263 E; swanebbs@gmail.com Tairua ZUMBA GOLD class – Tuesday’s weekly 9am/10am. Held upstairs in Tairua Fishing & Marine Club. $7. All welcome, contact Theresa 0275760602. Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes – Town Hall, Monk St. Absolute Beginners Wed 2.00-3.00pm ($5); Beginner/Improver classes Monday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes Wed, 12-1.30pm. $7 per session. Contact Kathy 027 4321 353 or Cecily 027 294 1750. Zumba – Wednesdays at 5.30pm at gym for Zumba and Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.00pm at the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk St.
GROUP INFO
Grey Power Mercury Bay – International Day of the Older Person, 1st October. All welcome and morning tea provided at The Mercury Bay Club. Doors open 10am. Further info please phone Grey Power Mercury Bay 07 866 5516 or email:greypower.mercurybay@gmail.com. Come and join us for our next get together. Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact mercurybayathletics@gmail.com Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. Phone Cecily 027 253 3088 or Chrissy 021 177 4226. SeniorNet Whitianga, Inc. – Learn, update your skills using smart phones, etc. in a friendly setting. Call Carol Wood on 021 022 62504 or email Carol on seniornet.whitianga.admin@ gmail.com. Whitianga Bike Park – 144 Moewai Rd, Whitianga. Open 24/7. Many bike tracks available, picnic areas, BBQs and walking trails. Donations welcome on entry. If you wish to volunteer or for programme enquiries, contact Jon Maud 027 366 4606. Whitianga Gun Club – For information, phone 0274 959 477 or 021 276 2169. Whitianga Community Patrol – Monitors the township and neighbourhood. If interested in volunteering, ph Gary 027 391 3043. Whitianga Lions Club – We welcome new members. Dinners first Thursday of every month, 6.00pm at The Mercury Bay Club. Contact John 0272 480 779. Email whitianga@lionsclub. org.nz
COURTESY VEHICLE DRIVERS The Mercury Bay Club is looking for a new volunteer to drive our courtesy vehicle on Tuesday & Friday evenings. This is a volunteer role, but each night the driver is given a $40 food & beverage voucher to reimburse reasonable expenses considering the driver can’t go home for dinner etc. This is a valuable service for our members. If you have a full, valid drivers licence, and would like to support the Club in this way, please leave your contact details with the staff. The courtesy vehicle drivers are entered into a roster system and you might typically be rostered on once every 4 weeks or so.
www.theinformer.co.nz
Trades & Services
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www.dynamicelectrical-whitianga.co.nz Warm up a medium sized bedroom with a Mitsubishi heatpump. Starting at $2000 installed.
Top quality sausages, bacon, ham & salami Bookings essential
Phone Nick Burcombe 866 3970 or 021 2125 260 21 Rangihau Road, Coroglen
BJOLI BUILDERS Contact John 0276 425 654
• Mould removal specialists • All fabric types, including thermals • Roman blinds – clean and repair • Pick-up/delivery/take down and reinstall
027 446 4422 oconnellfam4@yahoo.com
BEFORE
AFTER
Visit our website: www.curtainclinic.co.nz or phone us on 0800 477 478
Signage - T shirts - Vehicle Graphics Boat Names - Business Cards & more COASTALSIGNS.CO.NZ
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info@spapool.co.nz
Phone Cory Newton 021 616 304
- New builds & renovations - Replacement joinery in
• Interior/Exterior Painting • Interior Plastering • Airless Spraying • Wallpapering • Chemical Cleaning • Chemical Paint Remover • Moss and Mould Spraying Justin Toomey 021 797406 Rodney Gamble 021 2411 421 Keith Mahon Painters Ltd admin@kmahonp.co.nz
Windscreens
22 Bryce Street, Whitianga whitianga@gatewayglass.co.nz www.gatewayglass.co.nz
MERCURY BAY SANDBLASTERS Blast & Paint – All Steel Work Trailers Tractors House Builds Garnet & Glass Bead Blast Media Contact Rob 027 668 8470 mbsandblasters@gmail.com
Your Local Electricians - we do it all!
Showers
* Domestic * Commercial * Rural *
Splashbacks
Ph: 07 866 2452 | 027 4972 680 | 24/7 Service
Mirrors
07 867 1772 (24hrs)
Photo: FernVision
07 869 5990 | nzwindows.co.nz 1 Abrahamson Drive, Whitianga (Mon-Fri, 8-4)
KEITH MAHON PAINTERS LTD
Residential & Commercial Glass “We’re your one stop shop when it comes to all things glass”.
LOCAL SERVICING FOR THE COROMANDEL
CALL US ON 0800 25 25 00 07 866 5001
P - (07) 211 9445 Nathan - 021 653 907
Whitianga based Servicing Coromandel area Independant • Supply and lay • Vinyl, carpet, diamond grinding floor levelling
- Aluminium & glass balustrades
• WINDOW HANDLES, SEALS, HINGES & STAYS • SECURITY LOCKS FOR WINDOWS & DOORS • SLIDING AND BI-FOLD DOOR ROLLERS, LOCKS & HANDLES • RETRACTABLE INSECT SCREENS
darren@coastalsigns.co.nz
- Service / Repairs - Maintenance
existing homes
NEED WINDOW & DOOR REPAIRS?
19 Campbell Street
Filters•Covers•Heaters
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NZ manufactured aluminium windows and doors since 1990:
Local Whitianga agents covering Coromandel to Whangamata
Professional Car and Marine detailing.
Get your motorhomes & caravans cleaned
- Sales Chemicals • Pumps
We clean curtains!
KING
CAR DETAILING Steve OConnell
Cee-Jay
Coastline Pool and Spa Ltd
• New Houses, Buildings and Renovations • Heat Pump Installations & Underfloor Heating • Security Alarms & Cameras • Maintenance & Service • Installer of Evnex EV Chargers plus we offer other brands • FREE Quotes - call today
www.coromandel.laserelectrical.co.nz | p.hally@laserelectrical.co.nz
MAXIMISE YOUR NUMBER OF SALEABLE SECTIONS Check out our Google reviews
SUBDIVISION SPECIALISTS // SITE SURVEYS AND BOUNDARIES
Call Now: Emma Heeney and Mark Blayney
07 866 0088 26 Lee Street, Whitianga
0800 268 632 surveyingservices.co.nz The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026 | 19
Trades & Services WHITIANGA
VULA AMANZI • Antifouling and Propspeed • Boat maintenance • Minor repairs Monthly specials and gold card discounts
Contact Brad on 028 400 8693 Email mbvula.amanzi@gmail.com
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED IN THE COROMANDEL
Call Leanne
0800 102 345
leisurepools.co.nz
JIMMY RODLEY CONCRETE POLISHING LTD Owner/Operated
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.
Call 027 557 7023 shorelinepainters23@gmail.com
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
Phone 0800 737 777 or Andy direct 027 313 4386 email: atlasgroup@xtra.co.nz
From Whangapoua
For all your concreting requirements including:
House Floors Driveways Pathways & Patios Vehicle Crossings Concrete Cutting
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NIT SKIPS CLEA 07 866 3721 021 022 09421 MIKE & LEANNE
To North side of Tairua Hill
• Industrial SHORT & LONG • Commercial TERM • Households HIRE • Building Sites
Whitianga
Any queries or quotes please contact Nathan
Contact Stu Macfarlane Mobile: 021 914 226 Email: stu@drainagesystems.co.nz web: www.drainagesystems.co.nz
027 687 0107
Grant Foote Painting & Decorating Interiors | Exteriors Quality Workmanship
CALL CLEANIT SKIPS TO CLEANIT UP cleanitskips@gmail.com
Planners Plus LIMITED 5 Monk Street, Whitianga Office Ph: 07 8671087 Email: info@plannersplus.co.nz David: 027 4994833 Tracey: 027 4907988
BOBCAT - Truck Hire
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*Building Site & Driveway Preparation *Post Hole Boring *Trenching *Metal & Topsoil Supplies *Section Clearance/Landscaping Experienced Owner/Operator
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WE MAKE THE EARTH MOVE
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Mobile: 0274 934 212 A/Hrs 07 866 0505
See us for all your land development, planning, subdivision and resource consent requirements.
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Advertise with us Ph 07 866 2090
Where to pick up The Coromandel Informer
Paeroa – Arkwright’s Antiques, 4 Square Waihi – New World and Gold Discovery Centre Thames – Pak n Save, The Green Grocer, Richardsons Real Estate, Aeroview Garden Centre, Superprice Furniture, Goldfields Shopping Centre Tairua – 4 Square, Surf n Sand Takeaways, Bayleys Real Estate, Gull Service Station, Super Liquor Coroglen – Coroglen Tavern Whangamata – New World, Tango’s Shoes, Whanga Books, Challenge Service Station, Whangamata Food Market, Whangamata Club, Saskia’s Beauty
Whitianga – New World, Woolworths, 4 Square, Waitomo Service Station, Z Service Station, Tango’s Shoes, Stephensons Pharmacy, Mercury Bay Pharmacy, Liquorland, Well Stocked Deli, Whitianga isite, Warehouse Stationery Coromandel – 4 Square, Coromandel Oyster Company, Super Liquor, Coro Liquor, Coromandel Information Centre, Coro Super Saver, James & Turner Kopu – Mobil Service Station Also general stores at Taruru, Te Puru, Tapu and Colville
Thank you to these businesses for their support
What’s that Number? Emergency 24 hours (Ambulance, Fire, Police).............................111 Police (Whitianga) ................................866 4000 Police (Tairua) ........................................864 8888 Police (Coromandel Town)................866 1190 Dog and Noise Control.........................868 0200
Fight crime anonymously – Call Crime Stoppers................ 0800 555 111 Civil Defence ............................................868 0200 Coromandel Town Medical Centre.866 8500 Mercury Bay Medical Centre.............866 5911 Tairua Medical Centre..........................864 8737
20 | The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026
Thames Medical Centre.......................868 9444 Need to talk? Call/text anytime for support from a trained counsellor....................... 1737 Harbourmaster (WRC).............. 0800 800 402 Coastguard Radio Operators.............866 2883 Whitianga Social Services..................866 4476
Whitianga Locksmith Services ....................................... 027 446 6921 Whiti City Cabs................................. 07 866 4777 Whitianga Car Hire......................... 07 866 2226 Go Kiwi Shuttles........................... 0800 446 549 Barrier Air....................................... 0800 900 600
www.theinformer.co.nz
Classifieds PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
DEATH NOTICE
STORAGE AVAILABLE
BUCHANAN, Garry Lance
Now Leasing:
√ 3m x 6m bays available √ 6m x 10m bays available √ Fully undercover √ Great access and security
ALTOGETHER YOUR
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
EXPERTS
UNDERCOVER Car Hoist day hire Call Nick: 021 666 350 Call Caleb: 027 537 5953 STORAGE
Jasmin Cottle-Gallichan | 021 867 703 Melanie Stephens | 027 600 0349 Residential Property Managers
WANTED! Long term & holiday. Free rental appraisals. Landlords & Tenants, for all your rental requirements.
3.6m high doors
Quality homes for quality tenants.
Call
Krissie Brand OUR PROPERTY MANAGER OF 25 YEARS
07 866 2373 or 027 273 4420
Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 Understanding the Coromandel Since 1960
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT &
Rentals
Coromandel Beaches Rentals Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Shannon Smith M 027 592 0636 P (07) 866 4981
propertymanager.whitianga@harcourts.co.nz
Church Services
GR STORAGE
8 GOLF ROAD WHITIANGA
Phil 027 343 3023 storage@gr8storage.co.nz
GR8 STORAGE, WHITIANGA Phil – 0273 433023, Car, boat, campervan storage, 20 foot containers available to store your belongings.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church 82 Albert St Whitianga (Opp Z)
SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00AM Come, join the family Find peace and friendship.
Enquiries: ph 022 1322 061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz
Anglican Worship Every Sunday at 9.00am at St Peter the Fisherman 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga ALL WELCOME Enquiries ph 021 781 081 www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.org.nz
JIM ROBERTSON For all your storage needs?!! We have clean dry containers and units in a range of sizes for you to choose from at four different sites. If you need a temporary or longer term storage solution at an affordable price give us a call today!
The Club’s 95th AGM will be held at the clubrooms on Saturday 10th October 2026 9:00am.
The agenda for the meeting will be as follows: • Welcome by the President, Mr David Enright • Minutes silence for members who have passed during the year • Apologies • Minutes of last meeting • President’s Report • Manager’s Report • Financial Report • Election of Officers • Receive and consider Notices of Motion • General Business • Constitution Review • Membership Subscription Review Nominations for the Board will close on Friday 25th September 2026. Rusty Brooke, Manager Mercury Bay Golf and Country Club
Catherine Brown would like to thank all who turned up for a cuppa and who helped. Special thank you to St John’s, medical centre and Thames Hospital.
• Units – range of sizes from 2m x 1m to 9m x 6m with roller doors for easy access. Prices start from $30 per week. • Containers – range from 1.9m x 1.6m to 6m x 2.4m. Prices start from $27 per week. Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258
RUBBISH REMOVAL
www.totalstorage.co.nz
PHONE 021 132 4091
E: whiti@totalstorage.co.nz
SITUATIONS VACANT
If you love cutting hair..... Looking for negotiable hours..... No weekends..... Please phone Sally 0276 849 050
HOLISTIC HEALTH
INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER TAROT CARD READER
Whitianga Skate School is looking for a positive, reliable person to join our team for approximately 11 hours per week. Hours are flexible but mainly involve afterschool lessons and one day each week supporting our in-school program. Skateboarding experience is preferred but not essential, as full training will be provided. Being great with children, physically fit, enthusiastic and willing to learn is essential.
To apply or find out more, contact Sean at Whitianga Skate School. Phone 0221640015
LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
FOR SALE
Tea tree $250 or Pine $150 load per metre2 delivered. Phone (07) 866 3026 or text (027) 866 3026
HAIRDRESSER Full or part time
SKATEBOARD INSTRUCTOR
RUBBISH REMOVAL
FIREWOOD FOR SALE
the cut hut
MERCURY BAY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB INC
C3 Church Whitianga Join Us – Expect Miracles! Sundays 10am 22 Coghill Street, Whitianga
THANK YOU
STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage, opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 PUBLIC NOTICES
Formally of Wairarapa. Loved son of Clare & the late Bruce. Loved husband of Lee. Loved Dad of Jason, Geoff, Tina, Matt & all their families. A service of celebration for Garry will be at Harvey’s Chapel, 284 Oxford Street, Levin on Friday 25 September 2026 at 2pm. Messages please to the Buchanan family c/- 284 Oxford Street, Levin 5510.
VERNA (027) 320 0079 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com ACCOMMODATION OFFERED x www.tongariroriverretreat.com
book@tongariroriverretreat.com 26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi. Ph 07 386 8949
PETER’S QUIZ ANSWERS Answers to quiz 21 on page 23
Trish’s Bible Gems
“But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12
1) Interesting
2) George Clooney 3) John Lennon
Advertise with us
4) Goldfish 5) Kotuku
Ph 07 866 2090
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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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 – 22 September 2026 | 21
Sports
Proudly sponsored by
TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB Round 2 Alderman Pairs Monday 14 September North/South: 1, Judy McKenzie & Jim Buffett 64.76; 2, Rob Stewart & Ron Baker 61.19; 3, Christine Meinhold & Peter McNeil 53.10. East/West: 1, Chris Death & Doreen Denham 64.71; 2, Robyn Waters & Sally Rumbold 60.56; 3, Heather Buffett & Margaret-Ann 52.22. HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB Cooks Beach Pairs 3 Tuesday 15 September North/South: 1, Jenny Hemmings and Alison Tichbon 64; 2, Lee Hughes and Johanna Bonnar 51; 3, Dave Dylla and Tia Ormsby 51. East/West: 1, Nigel Milius and Maggie Beattie 66.5; 2=, Deidre Stevenson and Lois Page 50.5; 2=, Bev Dickie and Angela Butterworth 50.5.
MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB Championship Singles Round 2 Wed 16 September North/South: 1, Alison Tichbon & Geoff Jervis 55.7; 2, Denise Knutson & Anne Knowles 52.1; 3, Susan Swan & Sue Gill 50.0. East/West: 1, Giorgio Allemano & Gavin Hedwig 68.8; 2, Jenny Layton & Terri Lipanovic 60.6; 3, Kate Palmano & Dave Dylla 54.4. Championship Singles Round 5 Thursday 17 September 1, Faith Stock & Steven Knowles 76.3; 2, Alan Drew & Ischelle Stevenson 57.5; 3, Julie Rutledge & Angela Cook 53.8. MERCURY BAY CLUB INDOOR BOWLS Jack and Jill tournament Monday 14 September 1, Ray Rout and Doreen Davis; 2, Ken Lack and Betty Simpson. Good sorts went to all the other players Ian Pudney, Jan Harvey, Lionel Lawrence and Maureen Lack.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Wednesday 16 September A very good turn-out of players saw some closely contested frames of snooker but only two survived through to post-sectional play with 3 wins from 3 matches. An in-form Brian Codyre scored a comfortable win in the play-off final against Dave Colman to take the honours for the day. Dave had breaks of 22 and 21 for the day’s Highest Breaks. Saturday 19 September Three players came through section-play with 3 wins each. Ian Baumgren drew the bye straight into the final with Rob Reilly and Bob Haase contesting for the other
The victorious men’s captain, Kevin Smith.
Junior Boys.
final spot. This game went down to the wire with Rob taking the game on the final black. The final was a close affair with Rob overcoming Ian to take the day’s honours. The High Break of the day was by Bob with a break of 20.
1 Ray Green + Robert Fisken Net 30, 2 Rey Bertling + Noel Rodgers Net 28, Nearest the Pin: Kevin Walmsley 17/9/26 18 Hole Ladies Stblfd: 1 Marie Murphy 37. Twos: Marie Murphy #14 19/9/26 Saturday Haggle Stblfd: 1 Mark McGregor 40, 2 Gary Page 38, 3 Brent Holtom 36, 4 Norman Gilbert 36. Twos: Tony De Coek #14 Nearest the Pin: Charlie Chilwell
MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS 21 players this week so 501 singles were played. Several of the top guns got beaten this week by lower ranked players which shows the handicap system is working and gives everyone a chance to win. Only one player went through unbeaten in all four sets to be our winner and that was Rex Donaldson. Highest finish for the ladies was 78, scored by Karen McKenzie and 88 for the men, scored by Fletcher Bale. Three players sored a 180 this week and they were Bluey Stratton, Marshall Wylie and two for Rex Donaldson. PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 9 hole Stableford P Howarth trophy Round 3 Tuesday 15 September 1 Jo Geoghegan 2 = Dave Wharton, Catherine Borlase, Di Gilmour. Winners P Howarth Trophy - best 2 of 3 rounds Ladies: Di Gilmour. Men: John Hamilton 9 Hole Par plus Fairways Thurs 17 Sept 1 Jill Huston, 2= Jo Geoghegan, Frank Geoghegan.
DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB 14/9/16 Men’s 9 Hole – Red Tee Day Stblfd 1 Mark Deutsch 21, 2 Robert Fisken 20, 3 Rey Bertling 20. Twos: David Griffiths on #14 15/9/26 Ladies 9 Hole – Mulligan Day Stblfd: 1Joanne Nicholson 25, 2 Julie Clayton 22, 3 Glenda Philpott 21. 16/9/26 Men’s 18 Hole - Red/Blue T Stblfd: 1 Doug Smith 44, 2 Barry Bowen 39,3 Robert Fisken 39, 4 Mike Purchase 37, 5 Marl Hall 37. Twos: Norman Gilbert # 14, Charlie Chilwell #18. Nearest the Pin: Ross Johnson 17/9/26 9 Hole Men’s 2 Man Ambrose Astronomy Tours and B&B Phone (07) 866 5343 www.stargazersbb.com
STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2026 – your guide to the night sky Tuesday, 22 Sept: Mercury has moved up much closer to Spica at dusk with brilliant Venus sitting above them both. Friday, 25 Sept: At dusk faint Mercury lies half way between brilliant Venus and the horizon and just below the bright star Spica in Virgo at dusk. Saturday, 26 Sept: Faint Mercury is now right next to Spica in the west while in the east the Moon sits just above Saturn. Sunday, 27 Sept: Mercury in now just above and to the right of Spica at dusk and the Moon is just to the left of Saturn in the east while we have a Tiangong pass in the NW from 8:10pm. Monday, 28 Sept: The Moon is now well below Saturn in the east and there will be a Tiangong pass
in the west from 8:49pm moving above Venus. Tuesday, 29 Sept: Faint Mercury is now well above Spica at dusk and rapidly approaching brilliant Venus and there is a bright Tiangong pass in the west from 7:50pm. Wednesday, 30 Sept: There will be a Tiangong pass in the west from 8:28pm moving right beside Venus. Venus is still the brightest object in the NW sky at dusk but is starting to sink ever lower with each night. Meanwhile much fainter Mercury starts to rapidly rise up towards it passing the bright star Spica on its way. Saturn is visible all night rising about 9pm while bright Jupiter is visible in the predawn eastern sky with fainter Mars just above it.
22 | The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB Week Ending 19 09 2026 Sunday Fun Day 13 September Stableford: Winner Carl Mitchell (36) , 2 Marg Maher (34) 3 Rachel Johnstone (34). Hidden Holes: Winner Carl Mitchell (9). Sunday Fun Day is an organized competition and is the brainchild of Dom and Jenna, 2 dedicated club members. This comp is so we can in essence, dump the silo’s and play with different folk each week. This is growing, so, if you think you can, come and have a go!! 9 Hole Ladies Tues 15 Sept. Putting: Winner Barbara Bradley, 2nd Audrey Vickers, 3rd Jean Hancock. 9 Hole Men Stableford. Winner Gordon Brain, 2 Don Maguire, 3 Gavin Brinkley. 18 Hole Ladies Wed 16 Sept Division Silver Winner: Dianne Gilmour, 2 Rachel Johnstone. Bronze 1 Winner: Anita Ellmers, 2 Kim Allan, 3rd Debbie Holmes. Bronze 2 Winner: Marg Maher, 2nd Janine Hayde, 3rd Fiona Gardien Bronze 3 Winner: Christine Lowe, 2 Christine Van Veen, 3 Joanne Geoghagen Scramble: Div 1: Winner: Anita Ellmers, 2 Kim Allan, 3 Dianne Gilmour. Div 2: Winner: Marg Maher. 2 Joanne Geoghegan 3 Deb Livingstone. Two’s: Kim Allan 18 Hole Men Gross: Senior. Nathan Wilson. Junior Rob Baines
Stableford: Winner Brent Carruthers, 2 Kerry Allan, 3 Graham Eccles all 37, and the order, decided on countback. Twos: Big Willie Jones & Dan Ray. 9 Hole men Fri 18 Sept Stableford: Winner Don Maguire, 2 Jeff Dixon, 3 Patrick Gonthier. NTP: Patrick Gonthier on 3 & Jeff Dixon on 6 Mens 18 Hole Sat 19 Sept Gross: Senior Nathan Wilson, Junior Alan Coubray. Stableford: Winner Patrick Gonthier (40), 2nd Kevin” Chief” Smith (39) 3rd Brett Proctor. Twos: Patrick Gonthier, Alan Coubray & Jeff Dixon. Winner of the Kiteroa Cup: Mens Captain, Kevin Smith with 2 excellent rounds of 73 & 68 Nett. Well done Chief. MBAS FOOTBALL The MBAS football teams held their prize giving on Wednesday evening. Coaches Mark Collins, Dean Allen and Taddy Ito all acknowledged what an awesome season it had been and thanked their managers, players and families for their hard work over the season. Five successes outside Saturday football were acknowledged: 1) F ormation of a junior girls team, 2) S election of three players into the NZ Areas School team (Ben Collins, Noah Palmer & Elijah Bianchi), 3) P laying in the Trident Tournament in tournament week. 4) S enior Boys winning the Thames Valley title for the second successive year. 5) S enior Boys winning their league was also a major success. Plus: Arlo Hert and Elijah Bianchi were acknowledged for their dedication and commitment to MBAS football throughout the years. Awards: • Junior Girls Goal of the Year – Jessica Allen • Junior Girls Players of the Year – Charlotte Allen & Miley Reichardt • Junior Girls Players Player of the Year – Neela Sacault
Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides
Wednesday 23 September
Thursday 24 September
Friday 25 September
Saturday 26 September
Sun: Rise 6:05am Set 6:14pm
Sun: Rise 6:04am Set 6:14pm
Sun: Rise 6:02am Set 6:15pm
Sun: Rise 6:01am Set 6:16pm
Moon: Set 4:08am Rise 2:36am
Moon: Set 4:36am Rise 3:40pm
Moon: Set 5:02am Rise 4:43pm
Moon: Set 5:26am Rise 5:47pm
High Tides:3:48am 4:28pm
High Tides:4:43am 5:16pm
High Tides:5:35am 6:01pm
High Tides:6:23am 6:45pm
HOT WATER Low Tides:9:43am 10:19pm BEACH
HOT HOT HOT WATER Low Tides:10:35am 11:08pm WATER Low Tides:11:23am 11:54pm WATER Low Tides:12:09pm BEACH BEACH BEACH
Sunday 27 September
Monday 28 September
Tuesday 29 September
Sun: Rise 6:59am Set 7:17pm
Sun: Rise 6:58am Set 7:18pm
Sun: Rise 6:56am Set 7:19pm
Moon: Set 6:51am Rise 7:54pm
Moon: Set 7:18am Rise 9:03pm
Moon: Set 7:48am Rise 10:15pm
High Tides:8:08am 8:28pm HOT WATER Low Tides:12:39am 1:55pm BEACH
High Tides:8.53am 9:12pm HOT WATER Low Tides:2:23am 2:40pm BEACH
High Tides:9:39am 9:57pm HOT WATER Low Tides:3:07am 3:26pm 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
FROM WHANGAMATA Paradise Coast Golf Classic BY SHAUN FAY
Junior Boys.
• Junior Boys Goal of the Year – Alfie Harris • Junior Boys Players of the Year – Zen Charles & Cooper Tuinier • Junior Boys Players Player of the Year – Milan Evans • Senior Boys Goal of the Year – Curtis Treherne • Senior Boys Players of the Year – Arlo Hert & Hyodo Taniguchi • Senior Boys Players Player of the Year – Ben Collins FOOTBALL WELL DONE, JUNIOR BOYS! What an awesome effort from our Junior Boys in Hamilton today! They played 6 games, made it all the way through to the finals, and finished 2nd in their group! A huge achievement after a massive day of football. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves – we certainly are! Well done, boys! What a fantastic effort! WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU ALL!
Peter’s quiz Issue 1228 – Quiz 21
1) Have you ridden in the ferry to Cook’s Beach? 2) Who was the film star in Ocean’s Eleven’?
3) Who did Yoko Ono marry? (hint a Beatle)
4) Which have a longer attention span - Goldfish or humans? 5) What is opposite the King’s head on a $2 coin? For solutions see pg 21
Over a hundred women heading to Whangamata for the Masters Weekend Friday 29 October to Sunday 31 October. These girls are here for a
wonderful, social weekend of competitive, fun golf. There’s $30,000 worth of prizes and some $1,000 closest to the pin. Along with the Mens Masters in November they are major fund raisers for the club.
STILL SPACES AVAILABLE? The Mens Masters event is fully booked with 10 on the wait list but the Women Masters have a few spots left. $240 entry fee – major prizes – different divisions and you have to be
over 40. Free warm-up golf on Wednesday afternoon, three days of golf (29/10 to 31/10), light BBQ Friday and dinner Saturday Night with live music. Email: ops@whangagolf. co.nz
Local Tennis Club invited to host major tournament in Whanga BY SHAUN FAY
Squash Waikato has invited the Whangamata Tennis and Squash Club to host a doubles tournament this coming Labour Weekend. The event includes men’s and women’s tennis and squash doubles and will be a big weekend for the club. The Whangamata Tennis and Squash Club is one of the busiest in the Waikato with all club days busy. However, it’s
been a while since they hosted a major tournament like this using all their facilities. But Peter Gilbert, Club President, isn’t worried. “We’re ready. Our recent major renovations,
décor update and huge volunteer base makes this one of the coolest places in town.” The event happens from Friday, 23 to Sunday 25 October, with the Monday being Labour
Day - a chance to recover or head home. Entry Fee is just $30 per person. There’s also a $10 BBQ on Saturday Night. “Come and make a weekend of it”, said Peter “The bar and kitchen will be open, spectators welcome. The Whanga Club is right amongst the action both on the tennis and squash courts”. To register, contact Nicky Blake on 027 4678067 or email her at Manager@ squashwaikato.co.nz
Two great movies recommended
FOR KIDS
FOR ADULTS
PAW PATROL – THE DINO MOVIE G. 88 minutes After their ship gets caught in a mysterious storm, the PAW Patrol pups crash land on an uncharted tropical island filled with dinosaurs. They meet Rex, a pup who has been stranded on the island for years and has become an expert in all things dino-related. When the PAW Patrol's arch-rival, Mayor Humdinger, begins recklessly mining in hopes of exploiting the island for its natural resources, he inadvertently causes a huge, dormant vol-
PIKE RIVER M Offensive Language 131 minutes - Drama Two ordinary women together stand up and take on the government, justice system and a company that will stop at nothing to protect itself, after the 2010 Pike River Mine explosion takes the lives of 29 men underground. This is a film about the powerless vs. the powerful, of people vs. money, of right vs. wrong. An inspiring true story of an incredible female friendship and together what is possible when you simply won’t give up.
cano to erupt. The PAW Patrol pups are thrown into a series of high-stakes, dino-sized rescues bigger than anything they've done before, as they must stop Humdinger. Times Thursday, Sept 24 11:00 AM Friday, Sept 25 10:30 AM Saturday, Sept 26 10:30 AM Sunday, Sept 27 10:00 AM
COMING SOON.
We are open through the school holidays See you at the cinema! September 2026
1a Lee Street, Whitianga Phone: 07 867 1001
The home of BIG SCREEN entertainment on the Coromandel www.theinformer.co.nz
For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com The Coromandel Informer – 22 September 2026 | 23
HARKIN BOAT WORKS
45+ years of experience in timber and composite construction • New Builds • Modifications • Repairs
Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques
Phone +64212207288 | harkinnz@gmail.com Unit 1, 5 Abrahamson Drive, Whitianga 3510 www.harkinboatworks.com
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WAITAIA NURSERY Waitaia Road, Kuaotunu Phone Colin or Cam 07 869 5910 www.waitaianursery.co.nz
14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510 www.renniecox.co.nz whitianga@renniecox.co.nz 0800RENNIECOX (0800 736 643)
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GUTHRIE BOWRON WHITIANGA 2/9 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga 3510 07 866 0035 | curtains@gbwhitianga.co.nz guthriebowron.co.nz
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