Issue 1229 29th September 2026 by theinformernz

2 MORE WEDNESDAY NIGHTS OF ROAST

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

for School Holidays 30 Sept & 7 Oct Pork, lamb, chicken or beef Buffet salad and sauce bar Bookings recommended

Te Kai Whakarongo

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA Issue 1229 | 29 September 2026 | Proudly locally owned and operated

theinformer.co.nz

@theinformernz

Whitianga Marina Margaret Guthrie takes top honours turns 102! in national marina awards

See page 3

Photos supplied

QUEENS hitianga Marina has been boatyard sector, including operational Harbour Marina, Marsden Cove Marina,

named both Marina of the Year and Boatyard of the Year in the 2026 New Zealand Marina Operators Association Awards. The awards recognise excellence across New Zealand’s marina and

performance, customer service, environmental management, staff development and contribution to local communities. Whitianga Marina was selected as Marina of the Year from four finalists: Gulf

Whitianga Carpetcourt Whitianga are market leading in delivering the most innovative flooring solutions from both local & international suppliers including Quick-Step, Bremworth, Feltex, Godfrey Hirst, Belgotex & Rhino.

Silo MarinaBIRTHDAY and Whitianga Marina. Guest judge Callum Gillespie, executive director of NZ Marine, said the diversity of the finalists made selecting a winner particularly challenging. Continued on page 5

Margaret on her birthday with her beautifully hand-made crocheted blanket – a gift made for the occasion by her granddaughter-in-law Rachael Lee.

COME VISIT US AT OUR C COME VISIT US AT OUR CO-LOCATED 1 Blacksmith Lane, Whiti 1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga | 07 8346463

extensive flooring Whether you love classic style, range incontemporary Whitiangadesign, smart or the latest trends,

QUEENS

BIRTHDAY

We are market leading in delivering findflooring fabulous buys the most you’ll innovative solutions from both local &plus international and ideas, expert advice suppliers including Quick-Step, at CurtainStudio Whitianga. Bremworth, Feltex, Godfrey Hirst, Belgotex & Rhino.

QUEENS

BIRTHDAY New Ze a l

2021 • Vo te

New Ze a l

2 02 1 rs • de

2 019 rs • de

2019 • Vo te

Carpetcourt Whitianga & Curtain Studio under one roof | 1 Blacksmith Lane,Book Whitianga | 07 834 6463 a FREE measure & quote

Pauline’s Piece

Opinion

Swamp Foxes Win - see back page

Apparently, “Attracting and supporting visitors... is not core business for council...”

oon, our Your Summer magazine and guide will be published, ready for Labour Weekend. We love preparing it and making it a worthwhile tool for every hospitality business and accommodation venue on the Coromandel. Plus, copies will go into strategic places for distribution in Auckland and Hamilton. It will be full of information and a good read, but it will be missing some basic information. It will not have information on council services, and this is why, quoting the new Communications Director, TCDC: "I can see many good reasons why a tourism or destination marketing organisation would be keen to be involved, but attracting and supporting visitors (as welcome as they are!) is not core business for council communications…" To attract and support visitors should be a priority role for council communications. The Coromandel Peninsula is largely a tourist-based economy. We have vulnerable roads and weather events that require the communications department to keep visitors informed. Communications abound when there is a weather

event approaching and also during that event. Visitors are told not to come or to "stay away", yet there is often no message at all to share when everything is all clear and services have been restored. How is it "not the role of communications to attract and support visitors"? This was clearly conveyed to The Informer when discussing whether the council would provide basic information on services for the Your Summer magazine.

SOME HISTORY: In 2025, The Informer organised with TCDC to include 12 pages in the Your Summer magazine on services for visitors and returning bach owners. This was at a reduced cost, 15% less than the basic advertising rate. The services detailed included boat ramp information, boat trailer parking, dog walking rules and permitted times on beaches, rubbish collection times, rubbish disposal and recycling services and fees, emergency services, and what to do in a weather event or major incident. After all, our Emergency Management department is running special workshops to help peo-

PREBUILT HOUSE PACKAGES

HIDEAWAY

BE ACH HUT

1 Be dr o o m

1 B athroom

ple become familiar with what to do in the case of a tsunami, severe storm, earthquake, etc. During the summer, we have an exponentially increased population, and having this information available in accommodation venues, i-SITEs, and display stands around the Peninsula would seem to be a practical and inexpensive investment by TCDC. Surely our visitors, and particularly those who own property and are coming for the holidays, need to know this information, especially as it changes from year to year. The new Communications Director does not seem to be aware of these implications, but instead appears ready to challenge the effectiveness and reach of the magazine. Up until 2025, the council communications department produced a very extravagant magazine, published at the ratepayers' expense and distributed by post to all bach owners, while also being made available to visitors at information centres and council offices. This cost tens of thousands of dollars and attracted considerable criticism from ratepayers.

2 B ed roo ms

50m2

66m2

H O U S E P A C K A G E $ 2 7 8 ,000*

HOU S E PACKAGE $291,0 0 0 *

SEAVIEW

SEAGU L L

3 Bedr o o m s

1 B a t hroom

81 m 2

3 B ed ro o ms

HO U S E P A C K A G E $ 3 3 7 ,000*

Ever y pa ck age i n c lu d es

Flemming H Rasmussen LLB, MBA, B.Com.

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

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

Phone 021 594 705 FRasmussen@coromandelchambers.co.nz

2 Bath r o o ms

92m 2

HOU S E PACKAGE $371,0 0 0 *

✓ Delivery from our Whitianga yard (up to 35km) ✓ Standard timber pile foundations ✓ Baseboards ✓ Ge o t e c h n i c a l r e p o r t f o r f o u n d a t i o n s ✓ B u i l d i n g Co n s e n t w i t h T h a m e s C o r o m a n d e l D i s t r i c t C o u n c i l ✓ Heat pump ✓ Fisher & Paykel oven, cooktop, rangehood and dishwasher ✓ Co m p l e t e w i t h q u a l i t y f l o o r i n g , c u r t a i n s a n d b l i n d s TAL K TO US ABOUT YOUR SITE 027 4 97 1 1 8 3 evans ho m es @ x t r a . c o . n z

Pricing based on a standard site. Evans Homes reserves the right to change or withdraw house packages without notice. Package inclusions are subject to availability. Additional costs may apply following site-specific engineering assessments. Package pricing excludes power, wastewater and stormwater connections and land.

2 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

insula as a place for visitors is a priority. However, it seems the Communications Director is not aware of this. I was also informed by the Mayor, in writing, that ultimately it is the role of the council to set budgets and direction for staff, but not to be involved in operational matters. My question, therefore, is: What is the Council's direction for communications if the understanding is that it is not a priority to support and promote the Peninsula to visitors? How is it that basic services that are important to residents are not important to visitors? I believe that promoting and supporting our visitors, and encouraging people to live on our Peninsula, will demand more efficient and better service from our council. We live in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, yet we remain under the radar as a year-round holiday destination. We are not under the radar when it comes to weather events and when our leaders tell people to stay away, but forget to tell them when to come back, leaving a lingering negative impression. How wonderful it is to be here.

SU W H OM M M ER E !

1 Bath r o o m

After just one year of paying for 12 pages at a reduced cost in the Your Summer magazine, the council is now choosing not to provide any of that information through this medium, citing cost constraints and stating that it is "not a priority". I challenge the council to compare the cost of their oneday seminars with the value of 12 pages of information that they do not even have to distribute. Of interest is the fact that council offices are closed during Christmas and New Year, the peak period for visitors and holiday activity. No criticism here, except that the Your Summer magazine is available throughout that period, and supplies are topped up by The Informer. We are not closed. Of course, there is our radio station, CFM, which does a good job. CFM broadcasts repeated announcements about safety, and there is also online information available. However, the magazine is a readily available source of information throughout the summer. This is a complaint that I am making publicly because I believe it reflects a mistake in judgement. I contacted our Mayor and was assured that promoting the Pen-

WANT

• Native • Ornamental • Big Trees • Fruit Trees • Citrus • Hedging • Palms• Hire Plants • Bagged Products • Bulk Mulch • Bulk Compost and more... Open Thurs-Sun 8.30am-4.30pm; others days by phone appointment

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

www.theinformer.co.nz

Margaret Guthrie turns 102! “There is no cause for fuss!”

BY PAULINE STEWART

he became a medical doctor in 1951 aged 27. There were very few female medical doctors in New Zealand at the time. While studying as a medical student she fell in love with John Wray, also a medical student and married in 1947. Margaret received much criticism for being a married woman in the Medical School. “The general assumption was that if a woman got married, she would drop out – which many of them did. The professor was wrong about me.” John had been injured during the war and suffered from tuberculosis. “We knew we had to have children early as John would not live to old age. We both knew that with his injuries in the war, he would not live beyond 50.” They had three children, David, Sarah-Jane and Anne, and spent some years studying and working in England before John died. While a young mother and a widow with her three children, she returned to New Zealand to became the medical officer for RNZAF Woodbourne Base in New Zealand. It was there she met Walter Guthrie, a commissioned officer in the RNZAF. The restrictions on how Walter and Margaret

(non-commissioned) could relate as a dating couple caused much ado. Margaret challenged these and was successful. In 1964, they were married. In 1967, with a move to Christchurch, Margaret was elected as Secretary of the NZ Medical Women’s Association, a position she held for several years. Margaret was treated so very differently from the way a professional male would have been treated.

In 1973, Margaret applied for and was offered the position of Medical Superintendent of Burwood Hospital. She became the first female medical superintendent of a hospital of over 100 beds in the country. She was advised at the time, “There had not been a female medical superintendent in Christchurch, and they had no idea how the Board might react to such an application.” In 1974, while working as Superintendent, Margaret did further study – a multi-disciplinary, postgraduate, extra-mural course for a Diploma of Health Administration (DHA). She was in the first intake. She loved it and did well.

From left – Julian Lee, grandson holding Freddie, Margaret, SarahJane Lee, daughter and Rachael Lee, granddaughter-in-law.

However, it was not until 1988 that her qualification was officially recognised by the Medical Council and finally awarded the status of specialist. Margaret thought ruefully at the time that she was treated so very differently from the way a professional male would have been treated. Margaret was by now special-

Selling This Spring?

All of our staff are fully qualiﬁed and experienced.

NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO START PLANNING

We use only premium products for all of our treatments. W H I T I A N G A

PROPERTY APPRAISAL

Sonia Bruce

WIN A $500

CALL ME TODAY:

BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY

Before 31 October and go in the draw to NEW WORLD GIFT CARD!

Continued on page 5

Coastal Sanctuar y Beauty

THINKING ABOUT

Whether you’re ready to sell now or simply want to understand your property’s value, I’d love to help you make informed decisions with honest advice and local knowledge.

ising in Gerontology. “I started to specialise in looking after older people who were in long-term care and disabled. There was no training in those days. I requested the Director General to send me to Canada and Britain for nine months where there were experts in long-term and elderly care. I went. I was in my fifties.” Margaret’s focus was on the

increasing life expectancy age of older people who were surviving into a frail old age but not being properly looked after. “I believed a great deal could be done to prevent disablement and maintain function in frail older people if they were assessed and treated in a timely manner”. Margaret worked with many other geriatricians specifically around end-of-life care, when older people should/could return to their homes, rehabilitation, and social activities to keep them connected to others and mentally stimulated. Her main driving ideas were that “no one component of a comprehensive geriatric service can exist in isolation” and viewing the patient as a “whole person” rather than trying to treat just one aspect. Between 1992 and 1997, Margaret chaired and was involved in multiple initiatives, including the NZ Association of Gerontology, Age Concern Wellington and NZ, and the Ministerial Advisory Council for Senior Citizens. She was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 1997. Margaret Guthrie has been a pioneer when it comes to education, especially medical achievement and a leader when it came to the role of women in education and in public health.

SALES PERSON

0274 333 111

Book at coastalsanctuar y.com or call us on 07 866 2679 07 866 2679 • 14 Victoria Street, Whitianga enquiries@coastalsanctuar y.com • www.coastalsanctuar y.com

Onehunga Weed (Prickle Weed) Control throughout the district

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

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

er d h t a We www.theinformer.co.nz

ent d n epe

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 The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026 | 3

Your Weekly Kitchen Calendar Sponsored by

WHERE

Mercury Bay Club

Cnr Campbell St & Cook Dr, Whitianga 07 866 5576

1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open daily from 11 am till late 07 866 0013

1 Blacksmith Lane Whitianga 07 866 0620

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

SNOOKER 12.30PM Visitors welcome

HANDLE CLUB

QUIZ NIGHT

10.30AM RAFFLES ONLY $1.. DOOR PRIZE SNOOKER

8 BALL 12.45PM

4 - 6PM

FRIDAY NIGHT MEMBERS DRAW, DOOR PRIZE & RAFFLES FROM 5.30PM

MONDAY MADNESS BINGO !! 1-3PM

TUESDAY NIGHT MEMBERS DRAW, DOOR PRIZE & RAFFLES FROM 5.30PM

$25 BANGERS & MASH COMBO

$26 PORK RIBS COMBO

WITH VEGAS

7PM

30% off any main meal

Restaurant Open 7 days $28 LAMB SHANK COMBO Lamb shank, mash potatoes, peas & gravy plus your choice of tap beer or house wine

VEGAS BROWN

7.30PM

Thur - Sat 11.30am till close. INDOOR BOWLS Sun - Wed 5pm till 7PM, NEW PLAYERS DARTS 6.15PM WELCOME!! close. SNOOKER 1pm

All your LIVE sport on our BIG From 5- 5.30pm SCREEN!

Free Nibbles

Friday Rafﬂes

Restaurant Open

Kids Eat free (*T & C apply)

30% off pizzas all day

Mash potatoes, 2 x Sticky Pork ribs pork sausages, peas and Fries, plus & gravy plus your your choice of tap choice of tap beer or beer or house wine house wine

$3 each, Support the Bay !!

DJ Honest Matt from 9pm

Open from Open from 5pm till 5pm till late. Book late. Book online or call online or call 07 866 0620 07 866 0620

Open from 11:30 late Happy hour 4:30-6:00pm Free canapés Live pianist from 5:30pm

Open Open from Open from 11.30am - late. 11.30am - late. Wednesday Live pianist from 5.30pm

Roast Lamb Make a booking Make a booking shoulder online or call online or call from 5pm 07 866 0620 07 866 0620

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

KITCHEN AND PIZZA SPECIALS

BREAKFAST 9-11AM AND LIVE TUNES FROM 5PM WITH CAMILA LENHART

CLOSED, SEE YOU THURSDAY

From 5pm

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH US BY FOLLOWING US ON 20 Black Jack Road, SOCIAL MEDIA OR r BY CHECKING OUT Kuaotunu omeness) OUR WEBSITE! 07 866 4480 FUSH ‘N CHUP MEAL DEAL 2 for 1 ALL DAY LONG Buy1, get 1 free! Dine in only (sorry, no takeaways)

She’s worth the drive!

FRESH SEAFOOD SPECIALS

DARTS NIGHT Best Gosh Darn Night of the week... Courtesy Tav’n Wag’n will pick you up and drop you off inWhiti. Must book though… Just give us a call

$10

MARGARITAS Friday Night Shenanigans

Scallop Burger (Add Bacon for Extra Awesomeness) Crack the Buffalo Wings board (Warning Spicy Stick it to win it Tav made sauce) Complimentary nibbles Fish & Chips Fresh is Best! From 4.30 - 6.30pm

LIVE SPORTS

Sauce)

TRIVIA

to Sunday

Fantastic food, MATES RATES Cold beers, Amazing Because Food & Garden Bar, PLUS the Drinks taste better BEST banter around! at 20% OFF. Free Pool 4pm till close All day Only on a Monday Sunday T & C Apply

Open Wednesday to Sunday

OPEN Thursday Sunday

TICKETS 11am till 9pm AVAILABLE

Tender Tuesdays

at the Tav 200g sirloin steak, eggs & chips $20 Available all day!

Follow us on facebook & Instagram for everything you need to know - Opening hours, upcoming events, Summer gigs + food specials!

THE LOST SPRING 07 866 0456

OPEN THURS & SUN 9 – 7PM FRI & SAT 9 - 9PM Best Food & Service in Town

Phone 07 866 0456

LUNCH SPECIALS

Coro Oysters are back!

All week

HAPPY HOUR DRINK PRICES 4 – 7PM

$19.95 or $27 with a Wine

BEER O’CLOCK ENJOY 50% OFF YOUR FOOD BLOW OUT!

37 Albert Street Whitianga 07 866 4647

All food half price From 5-7pm, your fav beers will be at prices from 6pm till 9.30pm that’ll have you doing a (Yes, you read that right!!) double take! Throw in our T+C’s Apply $2 Wings and you’ve got Plus Live Music another great reason to Doc Jeffries be here!

FRI-YAY

Enjoy our ‘World famous in Whitianga’ WINNING WHEEL, Meat raffles & Complementary Nibbles!!

DIP, SIP & DINE 1 Hour Dip, a Cocktail, a Main Meal $110 ALL WEEK FUN

Sports on all day, TAB, delicious menu, beersies flowing Good times!

Live music every week!! Vegas Brown

ALA CARTE BRUNCH

From 9am - 1pm + add a swim for $25 We Do Great Breakfasts!

SUNDAY FUNDAY!

BINGO with Brent is HERE 1.30pm

SUNDAY’S LOOKING STOUT Guinness Happy Hour 4-6pm

EVENTS

Christmas, Work-Do’s, Birthday’s, Hen Parties. Call Events @ 07 866 0456 Tell us What you Need

The ULTIMATE Steak Deal C

THE BEST BURGER deal in town IS ON! T& ply BUY 1 GET 1 FREE ! Buy one, Ap on all our get one FREE!! burger & fries meals. Choose from Flintstone, Scotch (Surf ‘n Turf) or Sirloin. All Day, Dine in only

HAPPY HOUR ...Smitty’s Sip Off 3 - 6pm

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

Private Hire Charters • Auckland Airport Transfers 4 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 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

Best Marina and Margaret Guthrie – Best Boat Yard in NZ pioneer in medicine Continued from page 3

Whitianga Marina team from L to R: Blair McLean, Dave Munday, NZMOA sponsor Rob Bolton from GOfuel, Luana Skelton, Ian Cox.

Continued from front page “We had to compare very different facilities, from a purpose-built superyacht marina in central Auckland

“We felt Whitianga had a strong team culture and met the awards criterion of operating to its fullest potential.” A certified Clean Marina, Whitianga Marina has 231 berths for vessels ranging from 10 to 24 metres. Its location places berth holders and visitors within walking distance of the town’s

to destination marinas serving regional communities,” Gillespie said. “We chose Whitianga Marina because it is carefully managed, communishops, cafés, restaurants and accommodation, while providing convenient access to Mercury Bay and the Mercury Islands. Whitianga Marina also won Boatyard of the Year ahead of fellow finalists Gulf Harbour Marina, Marsden Cove Marina and Titan Marine Engineering.

ty-minded and operates consistently at a high standard. Its team has also recently completed two impressive projects, the new fuel dock and seawall.

The boatyard has 18 cradle stands, two enclosed work sheds and a meticulously maintained 35-tonne travel lift capable of handling vessels with beams of up to 5.1 metres. Judges were impressed by its efficient operation, environmental controls, presentation and consistently high standards.

At her 100th birthday she commented; “I think looking at my own life and the lives of some of the high achievers in medicine; it is not about remarkable minds; it is about opportunity and seeing that it is there for the taking. It is a matter of application. You can never love all of your work and your career, but overall, I am fortunate to have loved my work.” At 102, Margaret is a remarkable mind. On her reading table sits the NZ Herald, the Listener, history journals, The Coromandel Informer and she regularly checks and respond to her emails. She says, “What has been passed on to me is, “Don’t give up. If there is an obstacle, just work your way around it.”. At her small family celebration last Thursday where she arrived with fashion flair and elegance, I remember some of Margaret’s comments: “Everyone with whom I had a close friendship as a peer has gone. But I have my family

Dr John Wray and Dr Margaret with their first two children.

“I think looking at my own life and the lives of some of the high achievers in medicine; it is not about remarkable minds; it is about opportunity and seeing that it is there for the taking.”

and I love them.” When we wished her happy Birthday, she said, “There’s no need for fuss.” When selecting

from the birthday goodies, she smiled, “This is fun - choosing what I like to eat.” When her daughter, Sarah-Jane offered a toast to her around the table, she asked, “Am I allowed to toast myself?” I am sure the whole Peninsula toasts her. Thank you Margaret you led the way in a so many areas for women and for men. These days Margaret lives in Whitianga on the same property, but a seperate abode, with her daughter, Sarah-Jane Lee.

AEROVIEW GARDEN CENTRE

physioﬁrst New season fruit trees

have arrived instore

Seed potatoes

We have 14 varieties available including Maori seed potatoes

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

The Dag Man powdered sheep manure back in stock

whitianga 382 Ngati Maru Highway, Thames

Phone 07 - 868 7960

physioﬁrst whitianga

GET BETTER!

Physio | Acupuncture | Rehab | Hand Therapy Book online: www.physioﬁrstwhi�anga.co.nz ACC Cer�ﬁed www.theinformer.co.nz

21 Coghill Street Whi�anga | 027 466 7213 The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026 | 5

Four stores in one and always worth the visit

Spring Savings. Up to 55% off Selected Sleepyhead Beds.

Serenity Drift Bed

Chiropractic Perform Bed

Serenity Eden Bed

NZ-made pocket springs absorb movement for an undisturbed sleep.

Featuring Torquezone, a coil spring system for targeted postural support.

Infused with Kulkote foam to regulate body temperature through the night.

1,499

QUEEN ONLY $

2,299

QUEEN NOW FROM $

SANCTUARY RUN OUT DEALS ON NOW! Sanctuary Midnight Bed

2,899

QUEEN NOW FROM $

Sanctuary Royal Bed

24 months interest free On purchases $999 & over.*

Sleepyhead’s Sanctuary range, the most beautiful sleep ever made.

With the addition of Sensorzone® 3DX to minimise partner disturbance.

5,299

QUEEN NOW FROM $

PROMOTION ENDS 6 OCTOBER

NZ Made

8,999

QUEEN NOW $

Find your perfect match with Sleepmap, our free, in-store bed matching system.

Sofa BestSale Sellers

• Custom exclusive designs by Danske Møbler • Choose from a stunning range of fashion fabrics and quality leathers from Tasman Tanning • Luxurious quality and comfort guaranteed

Sale

UP TO 30-50% OFF

SELECTED STYLES

HURRY! LIMITED TIME

When you buy NZ made by Danske Møbler, it’s a decision you will never regret!

In partnership with

PROMOTION ENDS 19 OCTOBER

In partnership with

* On selected items. Furniture

PROMOTION ENDS 19 OCTOBER

coromandel life:style centre 4/9 joan gaskell drive, whitianga 6 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

*On selected items, furniture illustratedillustrated is indicative only. is indicative only. Offer excludes Stressless®. ®

Furniture for living

Excludes Stressless .

(07) 866 5726 www.theinformer.co.nz

Fishing community fills Mercury Bay for national gathering More than 200 people gathered in Whitianga for the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council’s 70th AGM and Conference, bringing two days of debate, safety, celebration and national attention to Whitianga. BY MIKE PLANT, NEW ZEALAND SPORT FISHING COUNCIL

hitianga accommodated well the scale of New Zealand’s fishing community over the weekend of 18 and 19 September when more than 200 people attended all or part of the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council’s 70th AGM and Conference at Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club. This added to the 3,600 people who were attending the Oceans festival on the Estuary. Delegates, speakers, sponsors, researchers and their partners travelled from throughout the country. They had local accommodation, ate in the town, visited local businesses and gathered nearly 200 strong for Saturday night’s dinner and national prizegiving. For Mercury Bay, this was more than a meeting. It was a two-day national event landing on the waterfront. The venue could hardly have been more fitting. Mercury Bay is one of the five foundation clubs that formed the national council in 1957, and the club itself has more than a century of fishing history. Joseph (Joe) Davis MNZM of Ngāti Hei opened the gathering with a welcome and karakia, calling for integrity, honesty and truth in the discussions ahead. Tim Hennessey then welcomed everyone on behalf of the host club. Those discussions ranged far beyond catching fish. Government representatives, conservation and fisheries officials, scientists, harbourmasters, safety leaders, sponsors and club volunteers moved through a programme that covered the health of the Hauraki Gulf, boating rules, fisheries research, youth participation, disability access and the future of fishing clubs. Safety took centre stage on Saturday. Maritime New Zealand’s Matt Wood explained the national lifejacket rule taking effect on 9

The delegates to the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council’s 70th AGM.

Joe Davis of Ngāti Hei Kaumatua, opened the gathering; Koby Maxwell.

October for people aboard recreational craft six metres and under while underway. His wider message was just as practical: carry the right lifejacket, understand the weather and have two reliable ways to call for help. Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon spoke about drowning prevention and the role fishing clubs can play before boats leave the ramp. Skipper responsibility, navigation and anchoring were also discussed, while Coastguard’s Philip Harkness described the volunteers, rescue work and funding needed to keep local units operating. The Rescue Coordination Centre reminded boaties that an emergency beacon must be registered,

tested, easy to reach and activated early. In one poll taken, every respondent said they had helped another boat or person in difficulty on the water. That was a small snapshot, but it captured something familiar in coastal communities: the person who needs help may be a neighbour, clubmate or family member.

SCALLOP REGENERATION FUTURE For Mercury Bay residents, the future of the Coromandel scallop fishery was among the most important subjects. Ngāti Hei, the Ōpito Bay Ratepayers Association, Dive Zone Whitianga and others had pushed for action as the fish-

ery declined. It is now closed, and a new proposal says it should reopen only when surveys show enough scallops to support harvesting. The plan is easy to understand: abundance comes first, dredging would end, and any future gathering would use selective, low-impact methods. A survey planned for 2027 will help determine whether the fishery can begin a carefully controlled return. If the numbers are not there, it stays closed. The work will continue through the Coromandel Scallop Management Group.

MARINE PROTECTION AREAS AND ABUNDANCE OF FISH The Department of Conservation also explained the new marine protection system in the Hauraki Gulf, including 12 High Protection Areas, five Seafloor Protection Areas and the extension of the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve. The rules differ between each type of area, so local fishers were urged to check official charts rather than relying only on markers in the water. Preventing the spread of exotic caulerpa by cleaning anchors and gear was another practical message for local boaties. Politics and fishing policy were also on the agenda. ACT MP Cameron Luxton spoke about moving away from scallop dredging, improving enforcement and treating the Hauraki Gulf as a dis-

tinct challenge. Fisheries experts discussed marlin, tuna, tarakihi and the need to rebuild abundance, while delegates pushed for protection that targets the cause of damage without unnecessarily removing responsible fishing access. The economic and community side of sport fishing was visible too. Thomas Maxwell presented the Kubota Billfish Classic, one of the country’s major game-fishing competitions, while representatives from tackle companies, marine businesses, fishing media and research organisations mixed with delegates throughout the programme. Their presence showed the network behind a fishing club: boats, equipment, tourism, hospitality, media, volunteers and local knowledge all support the sport.

NATIONAL AWARDS FOR LOCAL MEMBERS Saturday night’s prizegiving brought the focus firmly back to Mercury Bay. • Nicola Candy received both the Saul Trophy and the Peter and Noeline Short Memorial Trophy after tagging 16 striped marlin and one broadbill. • Jason van Esch received the Old Man and the Sea Cup and the Fisherman of the Year award for the heaviest game fish, a 384.9 kg black marlin caught aboard Corblimey. That fish also won the 2026 Kubota Billfish Classic. • Young Mercury Bay angler Koby Maxwell shared the Top National Junior of the Year honour with two others. Thank you: Behind every session and award stood the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club volunteers who prepared the venue, welcomed visitors, solved problems, fed people and kept a large programme moving. Their work helped turn a formal AGM into a weekend that visitors will remember and that brought meaningful activity into Whitianga.

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

FOR ALL YOUR HIRE NEEDS • Excavators • Rollers • Plate Compactors • Dingo • Ditchwitch • Generators • Concrete Saws • Dehumidifiers • Scissor Lift • Log Splitter and much more! All your small engine needs in one place. Sales, Repairs and Servicing.

Call in store for our lates t Husqvarna specials

2 Dakota Drive, Whitianga. ph 0274 428 635 Business Hours Monday to Friday 8am-5.00pm Weekends by appointment

www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026 | 7

Whiti Citi Market is coming back BY VERNA CARR

off – in which case, back to your slippers and Netflix.

fter months of quiet Saturday mornings and monotonous winter days, Whitianga is waking up. On October 3rd, the Whiti Citi Markets returns to the Soldiers Memorial Reserve, next to the library on the corner of Albert Street and Blacksmith Lane - easy to find, even for out-of-towners. There's plenty of free street parking around the reserve, at the skate park, and on Lee Street. While the rest of us were slacking off, the market vendors were not. Over winter they've been buying stock, making stock, preserving, crafting, knitting, sewing, forging, woodworking, painting, and putting natural things in jars. Nobody knows exactly what's in some of those jars, but it smells divine and makes your skin feel good. Summer's on the way, which means it's time to swap your slippers for a shopping bag. The 2026/2027 season brings back some of your old favourites, plus there are new faces, so come and check out what's changed. Bring your tote bags, bring your appetite, and bring your patience for the queue at the coffee van. Some stalls offer free samples, but a friendly reminder: free samples are a taste, not a breakfast strategy. Speaking of breakfast, nothing beats the sizzle of a sausage, the smell of a bacon buttie, or the taste of a mussel fritter. The joy of a local market is that

every vendor actually cares about what they're selling you - it's original, handmade, and often one of a kind, which makes it an excellent gift for your family, or, let's be honest, for yourself. If you're looking for a bespoke piece of art – painted on canvas, carved in wood, crafted jewellery, made in a forge, or knotted by hand – come and have a look. We're sure there'll be something you'd love, whether it's around your neck, in your ears, or on the wall at home. Organisers are hoping for another cracking season, with live music from Dave Kennedy setting the soundtrack while you shop. Children are catered for with candy floss, face painting, and pocket-money-priced treasures to keep small hands busy and entertained. For the grown-ups, prepare to be surprised and delighted by a genuinely exotic grocery lineup – salt rubs, preserves, honey, and hot

sauces fierce enough to make a grown man cry. Prefer something sweeter? They've got you covered there too. Joe from the Loaded Kiwi is going to try his best to be there on this first Saturday as a soft launch. Joe’s food is absolutely mouth-watering. Whether you're after some-

thing different, a coffee catch-up, or just a reason to get out of the house, the market is starting this Saturday, 3 October from 9:00am until 1:00pm. You could go home with a glass fish, a slice of gouda, and a really good hat. Of course, if the weather turns nasty, the market may be called

UPCOMING DATES FOR THE 2026/2027 SEASON • October: 3rd, 10th, 24th • November: 7th, 21st • December: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th • January 2027: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th • February: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th • March: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th • April: 10th, 17th, 24th • June: 5th If you'd like to book a stall or need more information, please email whiticitimarket@gmail. com or visit the Facebook page, Whiti Citi Market (Whitianga Market). Dogs are welcome if they're well behaved and on a lead. (Children are welcome if they are well behaved…)

The Coroglen Farmers Markets run every Sunday, 9:00am–1:00pm, from Sunday 25 October 2026 to Sunday 25 April 2027. Coroglen is about 17–18 km (roughly a 20-minute drive) south of Whitianga. They are held at the Gum Diggers Hall on the main highway. Thames Markets are held every Saturday of the year.

8:00am-12 noon in Grahamstown. They spill out on both sides of the street with lots of fresh produce, crafts, art and often entertainment. Coromandel Town Markets have begun again for the warmer months located opposite the Four Square. There are so many food options nearby that is feels like a mini festival.

Tairua markets are held monthly at the Bowling Club starting this Sunday 4 October 9:00am-1:00pm. Little Big Markets Whangamata – Williamson Park, monthly starting 24 October 9:00am to 2:00pm. Pauanui Market, Recreational Hall, last Sunday of the month, 9:00am-12:30pm.

Markets across Coromandel

A Lifestyle Village in Thames on the Coromandel A variety of villas and apartments now available!

All villas and apartments are within walking distance to Thames’ shops, cafes, and walkways. The perfect location to enjoy your fun-ﬁlled retirement.

ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME, VIEW OUR VILLA AND APARTMENT OPTIONS TODAY!

Living the lifestyle, loving the choice...

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

82 Richmond St, Thames Phone 0800 868 5484 richmondvillas.co.nz 8 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

Our open plan, single level apartments feature covered balconies with fantastic views of the sea, Kauaeranga River and mountains. Each unit’s elegantly ﬁnished kitchen, lounge, bedroom and bathroom oﬀer stylish warmth and light. All residents enjoy scenic views from each level’s shared lounges, use of the Village Community Lodge and participation in all activities and amenities at your leisure www.theinformer.co.nz

National conference goers study the stars in Kuaotunu

Mike’s Minutes

‘Worth Watching Online’

BY ALASTAIR BRICKELL

his photo shows just some of the participants in the recent Astrotourism Course held over three days at Kuaotunu Hall. The Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy (AAANZ) came to town with seven highly qualified instructors to show participants how to develop and run an astrotoursim or stargazing business. Attendees came from as far away as Queenstown and Wanaka to take part in the 10th such course given in New Zealand and Africa. Course Manager Alastair Brickell said the course was considered to be amongst the most successful of the series with the extremely practical daytime sessions being complimented by visits to nearby Stargazers Astronomy Tours’ observatory in the evenings. Here participants were given not only great views of dark sky sights but also examples of tools and techniques developed over many years to engage stargazers with the delights of the southern night sky. Kuaotunu was partly chosen due to its pristine dark sky which is currently the sub-

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

The Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy members and attendees at Kuaotunu national conference.

ject of an application process to become an ‘International Dark Sky Community’ under the auspices of Dark Sky International based in Tuscon, Arizona in the USA. The President of this association (Nalayini Brito) was one of the lecturers as was its International Director of Dark Sky Places (Gareth Davies). The importance of preserving our unique but increasingly threatened dark skies was a particular focus of the course. Other lecturers included

the former Superintendent of the Mt. John Observatory at Lake Tekapo (Alan Gilmore), a Vice President of the International Astronomical Union, the Premier Association of Professional Astronomers worldwide based in France (Professor John Hernshaw), as well as one of New Zealand’s best known astrophotographers (John Drummond). An expert in Maori astronomy (Bruce Ngataierua) presented the history of Maori navigation along with Matariki and its

significance which were topics of special interest to many of those attending. Although the sessions were intense but interesting, there was plenty of time for mixing and socialising with many friendships renewed and new ones formed. One highlight was the unexpected meeting up of two surveyors who had been at university together well over 40 years ago in the South Island and had not seen each other since.

CREW NEEDED NOW FOR NEW VESSEL ARRIVING SOON!

We offer… 1. Comprehensive training in everything boating. 2. Pathway to recognised qualiﬁcations. 3. Satisfaction through giving back to our community. 4. A balanced “ON CALL” roster.

We are looking for… 1. Willingness to learn. 2. Availability and commitment. 3. Team players.

If this sounds like you, please contact Bill on 027 435 4165 or come along and see us at our Open Day on Saturday, 24th October 2026 10am till 2pm at The Coastguard Shed, Albert Street Marina, Whitianga www.theinformer.co.nz

1) World Geography Quiz|100 Questions-How Many Can You Answer?|Best Ultimate Quiz Test just how good your knowledge is of world geography. Good luck! 2) The New Zealanders (1959) Archives New Zealand presents a look at life in 1959. This overview highlights the culture and society that shaped the nation. 3) Recreating the Tang Dynasty Mother-of-Pearl Rosewood FiveString Pipa. Amazing craftmanship! Marvel as this artisan carves the instrument’s curved body and straight five-pegged neck from rare zitan rosewood, then follows with decorations of inlayed mother-of-pearl segments, amber gems and gold wire to form a blooming baoxiang flower motif. A marvelous creation. Enjoy watching, Mike

Sale!

15% off Quick-S tep flooring *T&C’s apply

Adore your floor for less WHITIANGA FLOORING XTRA

68 Albert Street, Whitianga

P: (07) 866 2836

E: whitianga@flooringxtra.co.nz The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026 | 9

Mercury Bay Vision at Taputapuatea This is the third of the series in Part One to be printed under the title Mercury Bay Vision. This document was prepared based upon submissions made to an earlier Vision series run by The Informer along with other contributions from the community.

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

his article summarises contributions relating to the northern end of Buffalo Beach, stretching from Brophy’s Beach to the river mouth of Taputapuatea Stream, also known as Mother Brown’s Creek. The Informer has had two issues on the concept of a Sea and Sailing Academy in this area. This week we discuss the potential improvements that can be made to the Taputapuatea Spit. TAPUTAPUATEA SPIT The Taputapuatea Spit offers a lot of potential for increased usage of the Buffalo Beach area. Currently we have one major reserve on Buffalo Beach, and this is often in use for such things as fairs, cultural celebration, sporting events and so on. It makes sense to make the adjoining Taputapuatea Spit usable so that the general public have a place to base themselves when they wish to use the beach,

Left: Taputapuatea Spit from plane showing the route of the stream. Above: Taputapuatea stream showing the need for removal of vegetation.

a place that is available even if the main reserve is being used for a major event. The first part of this project is to clean up the mess the Spit has been allowed to become. This mess is contrary to the TCDC’s stated spatial planning policies which include; “Significant landscapes and seascapes are preserved” The Council has not adhered to

this policy at the Taputapuatea Spit and should do so, immediately. This involves the removal of trees, shrubs and weeds that have been illegally grown or allowed to grow. This is approved maintenance work for TCDC that should have been done years ago. Once the work to clean up the Spit has been carried out it will be necessary to provide vehicle access to the Spit which can be

done easily using the land that was previously used by the Yacht Club. This would be supported by grassing a major section of the Spit, encouraging parking and enjoyment of the area by the public. To provide an area of more “rustic” appearance tussock grasses could remain at the southern end of the spit. The Taputapuatea Stream is a section of Whitianga’s storm water system that is of growing importance, especially so with planned developments which are

expected to come on stream over the next few years. To help contain stormwater from the stream a bund (stop bank) is required along Buffalo Beach Road, stretching from the bridge to the creek mouth. This bund would not only protect resident’s properties from flooding but would protect the Spit from vandalism. Currently youths with no sense of community, often use the area of the Spit beside the road as a car racing facility, causing significant damage which demands repair. The erection of the bund alongside the road would block these youths from driving their vehicles onto the Spit, thus protecting it. Planting the bund in low lying native plants would ensure the park like appearance of the Spit is enhanced. � Electronic copies are available to the public through The Informer. It is a growing document with contributions still able to be included from the community.

Hon Scott Simpson Mayor’s column We kept our side Time to get local government reform right of the bargain MP For Coromandel

BY PETER REVELL

am disappointed and, frankly, frustrated by the Government’s decision to defer Head Start until after the general election. Head Start was the Government's invitation to councils to shape local government reform themselves. In May, the message was clear that if councils wanted a say in their own future, they had three months to work with their neighbours and put forward a credible proposal. Lead your own reform, or the Government will do it for you. We took that challenge seriously. Our Council worked closely with Hauraki and Matamata-Piako district councils, and with Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. We engaged with our communities, iwi, ratepayer groups and many others. In three months we did what would normally take considerably longer, and agreed a proposal for a Waihou-Piako-Coromandel unitary authority. We met the deadline. The Government said Cabinet would decide in September which proposals would proceed to detailed design. That decision has now been put off until after the election, with no timeframe and no indication of what happens next. Councils were asked to show urgency, leadership and a willingness to make hard decisions.

What frustrates me most is that we have lost the chance to test our proposal properly. Detailed design would have shown whether amalgamation can genuinely reduce duplication, improve efficiency and protect local representation. However, the work we have done, and the investment made has not been wasted. For three months we took a hard look at ourselves. We examined what we do, what matters most to our ratepayers, and what we could do better and how. That kind of honest self-assessment rarely happens in the normal course of council business, and what we learned will shape our decisions whether or not reform goes ahead. We also come out of this with stronger relationships. We now work more closely with Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty, and especially with our neighbours at Hauraki and Matamata-Piako. Those relationships have real value. They open the door to working together on services, expertise and costs, regardless of what Wellington decides. We will not spend further money progressing Head Start while Government has it on hold. But neither will we sit on our hands. Local Government reform is coming in some form. We kept our side of the bargain. The Government did not keep theirs.

10 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

With election day now little more than a month away, news that the Government will take additional time before deciding which Head Start local government reform proposals should progress was not unexpected. You will remember that Government proposed changes to simplify local government, reduce duplication and better align council structures with the new planning system that replaced the old and not much loved Resource Management Act. After local consultations Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako councils put forward an amalgamation proposal. In my view it was a detailed, well considered and practical submission. The proposal put forward from our region was one of eighteen from around New Zealand. That tells me there is a genuine appetite for change and a desire for a simpler, more effective and accountable local government system not just in our region but around New Zealand. But after considering those proposals, it has become clear more work is required before final decisions can be made. It seemed to me that while the overall quality of proposals was high, none came with the unanimous view of entire regions, and some would need further analysis before they could progress. These are important gaps

Adjournment of parliament.

that must be filled prior to making final decisions on such an important redraw of local government. In particular, areas that require further development include ensuring fair and effective representation with streamlined governance, and the transfer and delivery of regional functions. So the sensible decision was taken last week that rather than asking councils to commit further time and resources to finalise proposals now, the Government will work to fill in these gaps over the next few months with Cabinet set to consider these proposals in early-2027. I want to make it clear that we

remain committed to local government reform aligned with the new planning and environmental management systems passed into law during the last sitting week of the current Parliament. Officials have been asked to provide further advice prior to taking a recommended package to Cabinet for progression into the detailed design phase of the process. The Government continues to expect proposals endorsed by Cabinet to be developed in detail and considered for final approval in 2027, with Head Start changes intended to be in place ahead of the 2028 local government elections.

www.theinformer.co.nz

Model, models, models Sunday Concert - come to a great show features WindWood

Ken Gibson preparing to transport his Titanic model.

Just one of the railway displays that will be at the Model Show; Trish Gibson with some of the village models she has created.

his is a must-see these school holidays - it’s fun, enchanting and very educational but especially for families and for anyone who likes model trains, planes, boats, lego and the magic of dolls that look so very real. The team who operate and have lovingly and expertly built these displays will spend two days setting up the town hall for this annual Model Show. There are railway settings complete with bridges, tunnels, villages and lights,

www.theinformer.co.nz

radio-controlled planes and remote controlled cars, model boats, battle ships, lego models, dolls. Show Co-ordinator, Damon Christensen who is also a wizard of an electrician in Whitianga, has defined the layout of the exhibitions to fit in the Town Hall. There is also something very special with the model ship display this year. The Titanic is attracting lots of attention in Auckland and local model builder, Ken Gibson has this very beautifully night-lit to

scale model of the Titanic that he has built plus a story board with original photos. There s a big raffle to buy tickets for and a colouring competition for children that you can do whilst at the Model Show. Ken says, “There will be something to thrill the heart for everybody. The Model Show reveals the wonder of childhood.” See below for dates, times and entry fees on advertisment.

Thames Music Group’s October Sunday concert features WindWood. WindWood is a duo formed by longtime friends and musical colleagues Karen Batten (flutes) and Jeremy Fitzsimons (marimba and percussion). Both are highly experienced freelance musicians and current, or ex, Section Principals with Orchestra Wellington. This TMG concert is part of WindWood’s 2026 tour of the upper North Island with a varied programme featuring works inspired by spirituality and dance. Audiences will experience the vibrant energy of Brazilian tango alongside the meditative tranquillity of Japanese music. Karen will introduce audiences to the different voices of the flute family, performing on C flute, alto flute, and piccolo. In one work, Jeremy moves from marimba to percussion, showcasing the remarkable coordination and versatility that are hallmarks of the percussionist’s artistry. The intimate nature of St George’s church in Thames provides an ideal setting for communication and connection with the audience. DETAILS: Thames Music Group’s

Sunday Concert series presents WindWood, Sunday 4 October 2026 at 2.00 pm, St George’s Church, Mackay Street, Thames. Tickets: $20/Adult, $15/TMG Member, Free entry/Under 18 yrs old. � Contact: thamesmusicgroup @yahoo.co.nz

WIN TICKETS

Win two tickets to the NZ Beatles Tribute Show – see below. Send your email, name and mobile number to office@ theinformer.co.nz by end of business Friday, 9 October.

The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026 | 11

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS

Can Local Democracy Rise From the Ashes? BY GEOFFREY ROBINSON

n August 4, TCDC councillors voted 7-4 to abandon political autonomy for the Coromandel Peninsula – all to satisfy a rushed Government plan to simplify local government through district council mergers. Although not required to do anything of the sort – and unlike many other councils across NZ – the Council obliged by dutifully agreeing to amalgamate TCDC with two Hauraki Plains councils – signing away the district’s independence for generations in exchange for a minority supporting role in a makeshift new “Waihou-Piako-Coromandel” authority. Fast forward to last week’s surprise Government announcement putting the whole “Head Start” local government process on hold until 2027. Just as critics of a shotgun council marriage had predicted, the process and timing of local government reform is now far from certain. All council merger bets are off. Other structural reform options are now back on the table. With strong support from across the political spectrum, carefully managed local government reform is still a virtual certainty. But forced council mergers with no local mandates are unlikely to be the only option. As for Thames-Coromandel District, last week’s about-face presents a golden opportunity for all councillors to hit the “restart” button and work together to identify the best outcome for its residents – to strengthen local democracy and to ensure that local aspirations become local realities. So, to reward the community’s keen interest in local government and put its knowledge of public affairs to the test, The Informer, with the helpful resource of commentator Geoffrey Robinson, presents….

LOCAL DEMOCRACY QUIZ: SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW! 1. With the proposed three-way district council merger, Coromandel ratepayers risk losing local democratic control over: a) Rates b) District planning and policies c) Service levels and fees d) All of the above

2. Hard tangible benefits of the proposed council merger identified by TCDC councillors include: a) Lots of exciting opportunities b) Awesome chances to cooperate with neighbours c) Sharing and caring as one big team d) Absolutely none

3. Peninsula representatives having a minority vote in a new merged council is great because: a) Handing over control of core Coromandel issues is a big relief b) Running our own local affairs is too big a responsibility c) The pressure to make big decisions is just too much d) All of the above 4. Unlike TCDC, which councils decided a Head Start merger proposal was not best for their ratepayers? a) Kapiti Coast, Upper Hutt, Tararua b) Wairoa, Taupō, Ruapehu c) Kaipara, Western Bay, Whanganui d) All of the above plus 10 more districts 5. A Unitary Coromandel Council was a stupid idea because: a) Moving local decision-making out of the

district makes sense b) Giving up voting control over the district’s affairs makes sense c) Bigger is always better… common sense d) Ooops… Independent research said it made perfect sense

6. It’s obvious the Council’s amalgamation push was elected member-led because: a) Strategy and timelines were written by outside consultant Vaughan Payne b) Official presentations for councillors made by outside consultant Ian Morton c) Public communications were overseen by outside consultant Elizabeth Hughes d) All of the above 7. The name “Coromandel” has outlived its usefulness. Our district should be renamed: a) The Waihou-Piako Peninsula b) The Hauraki Peninsula c) Once Was Coromandel d) Any of the above 8. Leading choices for the proposed amalgamation district’s motto are: a) “Piako-Waihou: Good for Your Soul” b) “Mining: It’s Everybody’s Business” c) “Waihou-Piako: Much More Than a Peninsula” d) “Moo, Poo and Beaches Too”

9. Good options for branding the “New Thames” include: a) “Gateway to the Piako-Waihou drainage area” b) “Gateway to the Hauraki Plains” c) “Former Gateway to the Coromandel” e) “Thames: Where to From Here?”

10. Losing scores of council jobs in central Thames would be a good idea because: a) Local businesses don’t really need employees’ café and retail custom b) Council employees take up valuable parking spaces c) Their use of the internet slows download speeds for the rest of us d) Why should Council worry about those expendable staff anyway?

11. A Unitary Coromandel Council was a bad idea because: a) Having local control is too much responsibility b) A little birdy told the Thames-Coromandel mayor c) We would be teased that no other council wanted to be our friend d) It made perfect sense, but required strong leadership to make it happen 12. A good way to boost the Coromandel economy is: a) Move economic development decision-making out of the district b) Stop focusing on what makes our area unique c) Realise that tourism, mining and industrial dairy are basically all the same d) Give up local control over economic development budgets

13. Closing the TCDC headquarters office is good for the local economy because: a) Local shops don’t need the business b) Local contractors don’t need business c) Local suppliers don’t need the business d) Less is More

12 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

14. The proposed new “blended family” council in 2028 would be helped by: a) Relocation of Morrinsville cows to all Coromandel town centres b) Funding of kiwi listening posts on all Hauraki Plains stopbanks c) Farmsource’s new beachwear, surf

and leisure department d) “Surfin’ the Piako” beginner clinics

15. Elimination of community boards in a new merged council would be excellent because: a) Local voices are just too loud b) Ratepayers should be seen, not heard c) A suggestion box works just as well d) The Hauraki District mayor said so

16. Council showed its deep concern and respect for the public by: a) Ignoring a 1,500-signature petition for a Unitary Coromandel Council b) Refusing to survey public opinion on the standalone council option c) Ending independent district government without public consultation d) All of the above

17. The 1,500 Unitary Coromandel Council petitioners were ignored because: a) Those residents and ratepayers are just silly troublemakers b) Those who signed should have asked politely instead c) The mayor and his deputy never saw or read the petition d) A Unitary Coromandel Council had been voted off the island on Day 1 18. The council’s commitment to 100% transparency and openness was proven by: a) Assuring all amalgamation working group meetings were public excluded b) Making sure summaries of meetings were bare bones c) Withholding any record of working group debate d) Treating the public like mushrooms

19. ”Grand Theft Coromandel 26” gamers help Hauraki Plains councils: a) Snooker a neighbouring Council into an unfavourable merger b) Grab hundreds of millions in neighbouring area rates dollars c) Seize long-term political control over that neighbouring district d) All of the above 20. With Hauraki and Matamata-Piako sharing hundreds of millions of Coromandel rates dollars, it’s a: a) Dream come true for Plains districts b) Cash cow to be milked for years c) Gold mine better than Waihi d) Best thing since sliced rēwena

21. With amalgamation, exciting new spending priorities for Coromandel residents would include: a) Waihi Gold blast-vibration mapping b) Piako River floodgate upgrades c) Topping up Plains stopbanks d) All of the above

22. The ill-advised council merger was opposed in August by Crs Alison Smith, Tony Brljevich, Rob Ashman and Flemming Rasmussen. A much better outcome for strengthened local democracy on the peninsula could be helped by support from: a) Mayor Peter Revell b) Crs John Freer and John Grant and Māori Cr John Barlow c) Thames Crs Martin Rodley, Greg Hampton, and Robyn Sinclair d) All of the above Instructions: Circle the correct answer for each question and share it with a friend or the Editor. This quiz is also online on our website. Go to www.theinformer.co.nz and search “Local Democracy Quiz: Show What You Know!”

www.theinformer.co.nz

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS

Ding, Ding... Local Democracy is possibly saved by the bell This Opinion Piece No. 5 is part of a series on TCDC’s Head Start decision. It is my private opinion... I do NOT speak on behalf of Council. I do not speak as an elected councillor for Mercury Bay Ward. BY FLEMMING RASMUSSEN Last week, government announced its Simplifying Local Government Head Start v Back Stop process, a false dichotomy, will not be decided upon “...at this time.” Hallelujah…common sense prevailed. Facing stiff opposition and criticism, government accepted more than three months are required to “..ensuring fair and effective representation with streamlined governance, and the transfer and delivery of regional functions”. Whilst Mayor Revell and Deputy Mayor Grant, backed by Cr Freer and four Thames-based Councillors, bought into the false dichotomy in a 7-4 decision, we have, fortunately, been given time to make a better decision about our future. Structural local government reform is complex, contested and deeply rooted in place. It should not be rushed. It must be done correctly to stand the test of time. Reform needs to start with outcomes, not structure. We must use this breathing space to build a credible alternative: a reformed, commercially collaborative, politically autonomous TCDC with local decisions made by locals, for locals.

1. WHERE TO NEXT Ministers Bishop and Watts identified unresolved questions about representation and regional function, encouraging councils to collaborate, test ideas, and prioritise spatial planning. Their letter retains plans for no regional councilor elections in 2028 and for

backstop reorganisation after that year’s local elections. Permanent independence is not guaranteed. We must make the case for it!

2. THE ALTERNATIVE I introduced The Comparator in a recent article: TCDC remaining a standalone territorial authority while changing how it operates. It needs to be a properly costed, deliverable option against which every proposed amalgamation or partnership alternative is measured. For the avoidance of doubt, keeping the present organisation unchanged fails that test. It is not an option. Rates affordability, infrastructure demands and scarce specialist skills require action regardless of council boundaries. We must evaluate our +$85m OPEX procurement of insurance, information technology, engineering, road maintenance, etc.; share specialist staff; renegotiate commercial service arrangements to improve value for money; assess water collaboration based on actual assets, debt, pricing, and accountability terms. Each arrangement must show what ratepayers receive, what it costs, and how performance is enforced (cost-benefit and RoI analysis). Political autonomy means our elected members remain accountable to our communities for local priorities, rating decisions and service choices. Commercial collaboration expands capability while preserving that accountability. A shared service does not justify reduced accountability for local elected members.

support arrangements and funded resilience work. It must explain the price of retaining autonomy, including any benefits forgone by declining a larger combined balance sheet.

Flemming Rasmussen.

Council should establish a (LTP) ten-year Comparator with a clear budget, timetable and named responsibility for delivery. Start with verified assets, debt, renewal requirements and service standards. Identify achievable net savings, show the effects on different properties and communities. An attractive district average, as we have seen firsthand with the 2025 ill-informed LV to CV decision, can conceal substantial winners and losers. We must set annual savings targets, conduct independent checks, and report publicly. Any shared contract should protect local access and include enforceable service standards, remedies for poor performance and workable exit rights. Any weaknesses must be highlighted. Our coastal district retains concentrated exposure to storms and infrastructure damage. The Comparator needs realistic insurance assumptions, borrowing capacity, emergency

3. TERMINATING THE MOU We must recover freedom to negotiate. My August article challenged the MOU’s exclusivity: TCDC accepted a restriction on formal amalgamation negotiations before obtaining settled protections on matters that determine the bargain’s value. The Government’s pause makes a constructive reset timely. It does not automatically cancel the MOU. TCDC must ask Hauraki and Matamata-Piako to agree in writing to terminate it, release all parties from exclusivity and continuing commitments, and settle responsibility for costs already incurred. The objective is agreement to end its continuing force and effect. If TCDC terminates it unilaterally, contractual questions remain unresolved. We should approach both councils courteously. Acknowledge their work and explain our reasons openly. HDC and MPDC remain potential partners. Their capabilities and opportunities deserve fair consideration, alongside unresolved liabilities, transition costs and representation questions. 4. FREEDOM TO NEGOTIATE Ending exclusivity should improve the basis for cooperation by allowing each council to determine what best serves its community. TCDC must be able to negoti-

ate freely with any suitable party, including Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, our existing MOU partners and others. Different services may suit different partners. No exclusivity. TCDC should be able to compare offers, test alternatives and use that freedom to secure better terms for ratepayers. Every proposal must beat the Comparator on credible evidence. Ratepayers must be materially better off after transition costs, legacy liabilities, service consequences and risk are included. A marginal projected saving is insufficient where assumptions may fail, and political control would be difficult to recover. The Comparator provides the best-understood starting point; its own assumptions must withstand independent scrutiny. Work begins now. Retain useful analysis already paid for. Test community engagement for the Comparator. Publish progress, invite challenge and build the standalone case so it can inform whichever reform process follows the election, including Back Stop. 5. NEXT STEP: Ding, Ding… the bell has bought us time. We must now earn the result: better ratepayer value, and a real choice about who governs our district. The opportunity is now. We must take it—before momentum drifts back to the same starting point. What do you think? � Flemming is a lawyer, businessman, elected Mercury Bay Councillor. Kuaotunu resident.

The demise of Community Boards

BY TONY FOX

t the Council meeting held on Tuesday 22 September , TCDC voted to reclassify reserve land on Moewai Road from Recreation Reserve to Local Purpose Reserve. This being done under the Reserves Act 1977 Sec 24. The vote was carried 5/4. Those voting in support were: John Freer, Robin Sinclair, Martin Rodley, Michael Barlow and Alison Smith (5) – none of whom represent Mercury Bay and no doubt some who could not find their way to the land in question. This is a poke in the eye for local democracy. The Mercury Bay Community Board (MBCB) had vote 5/1 at their board meeting to maintain the status quo - to keep the land in question as Recreation Reserve, until such time as all other options for housing a community marae or maybe high www.theinformer.co.nz

density and affordable housing are investigated. Deputy Mayor Grant was the only MBCB member to vote against this – hence 5/1. It brings into question not only the integrity of those making the TCDC decision but also the notion of local decisions are made by local people. Council should simply not overturn the decision of a Community Board unless there are district implications, strategic issues or the decision would be ultra vires. Mayor Revell cannot be a happy man. Peter supported the MBCB decision which shows he supports local democracy yet 5 Councillors, none of whom represent Mercury Bay did not support MBCB. Those Councillors who voted against the MBCB position should take a good hard look at yourselves. You all stood for: • Openness and Transparency • Better Community Engagement/Consultation

Tony Fox.

• Local Decisions made by Local People • Community Empowerment You have once again displayed your hypocrisy. You have failed on every account.

FAILURES OF TCDC SO FAR: • Introduction of Land Value to Capital Value Rating

• Terms of Reference changed to Accord – Neutering Community Boards • Local Waters Done Well • Openness and Transparency (Ombudsman’s Report) • Simplifying Local Government • Wharf User Fees (made National News) The role of Council Staff is to provide timely, accurate and non-biased information. In the case of the Wharf User Fees the report to Council did not meet the ‘sniff’ test. $429K to operate and $26K in revenue. The revenue figure is simply not right! It’s time to start holding people to account. The Whitianga Wharf Fees issue should not have happened. We deserve much better. TCDC HAS TWO MAJOR ISSUES 1. A lack of leadership

2. A culture problem. Rather than being a RESULTS driven organisation they are Process driven. TCDC needs a reset and as such should look at what their Vision is and what Leadership looks like. I quote from John Quincey Adams, US President (1767 – 1848) “If your actions inspire others to dream, learn more, do more and become more you are a leader.” If only those sitting in the ivory tower spent some time at the coal face and found out what is good, what is not so good, what is working, what is not working; we would start to achieve some better outcomes. In the mean time our Community Boards are rendered useless. If you do not want them, say so and bank the $5-$8M. It might help your Long Term Plan discussions. Our Council is broken.

The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026 | 13

Letters to the Editor WILL WHITIANGA’S FLAGS BE FLYING THIS SUMMER? Last December, we raised the question of why the colourful flags traditionally displayed on Whitianga’s power poles had disappeared from our streets. At the time, there was an indication from Thames-Coromandel District Council staff that the matter would be looked into with a view to the future. Well, Christmas is approaching again, so perhaps now is a good time to ask: what happened, and will Whitianga’s flags be flying this summer? The flags may seem like a small thing, but sometimes it is the small things that help create the character of a town. They add colour and vibrancy to our streets, provide a cheerful welcome to visitors and give Whitianga that extra lift as we head into our busiest time of year. We already have a beautiful coastal setting and a community that takes great pride in its town. Dressing our streets for Christmas and summer simply adds to that sense of welcome and celebration. If there are practical reasons preventing the flags from being installed—whether cost, maintenance, safety requirements or responsibility for putting them up—it would be helpful for the community to understand what those issues are. More importantly, if there is something local organisations, businesses or community groups could do to help overcome those barriers, perhaps that conversation should happen now. Last year we asked where the flags had gone. This year, we’re asking whether the matter has progressed. Christmas will be here before we know it. It would be wonderful to see Whitianga’s streets brightened once again and our flags flying proudly for locals and visitors alike. Linda Cholmondely-Smith, Whitianga A GOOD FESTIVAL BUT ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT As much as you presented the better side of the Oceans Festival and I enjoyed reading online the account in the local paper and seeing the photos. However, there is another side that should be addressed. A large group of (14) longtime supporters, going back to the early Scallop Festival Days, commented they will not be back. Their experience was the food overall was “poor”, with long queues and a new set-up that just did not work. They did not stay as long this time but vacated to more friendly venues further along the Esplanade. The fact that even with a wristband

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.

A group enjoying themselves at The Oceans Festival.

on they could not leave the area to get warmer clothing as they would not be allowed back in, was not well received. I am aware that this ruling is to stop any objectionable behaviour with people returning having consumed a lot of alcohol elsewhere, and this was explained politely. However, this was a false assumption of our group and if people had returned inebriated they could have been dealt with by the number of security guards there. We saw no one exhibiting that behaviour and some discernment would have been helpful. Our group was certainly not in that category. It is not too difficult to monitor who can come and go without resorting to draconian measures. I could see from my interchange that one staff member felt ill at ease having to be firm with people not allowing them back in some of whom they seemed to know personally knew well. This is a commercial enterprise that is partially funded with grants from both Central Govt (Scott Simpson - $70,000 and the local Community Board $6,000 and other sources plus attendees paying their entry fee. The grants are community funds and should be used for the local community. I was surprised that some local hospitality businesses were not asked to provide sea food or their specialty dishes. We found caterers were brought from out of town. Showing off Whitianga and its hospitality places and food and entertainment is what visitors come for – for the Community and by the Community. Well done to other establishments who did their own advertising and enhanced the experience of being in Whitianga – the festival goers feeling the cold wind were very glad of that. This is worth building on for the next festival. – perhaps a festival of food with every one of the restaurants and cafes starring; sharing their specialties with residents and visitors. This could be enlarged to a weekend. I hope to get my group to reconsider one not so good experience. Annie C, Pōkeno

14 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

I’M VOTING FOR DEMOCRACY Like most people I hate being bombarded by the election campaigning. Thy say vote for me and promise me everything and often promise New Zealand or Aotearoa new Zealand everything. However, to see the large billboards being erased by toe rags from all spectrums or persuasions represents a mentality that want to erase or change something without exposing themselves or really their own intentions. I have been re-reading George Orwells ‘Animal Farm’. There is something similar about this story and how New Zealand will become if the liberals or socialists want to be given money without working. The Russian Revolution is similar to what the Te Pati Maori Maori Party want. The co-governance you speak about is definitely tribal governance – “Give me some, give it all.” This is also said in the words of Willie Jackson, the media voice of the Labour Party and very good friends of John Tamihere who himself, in a disgraceful way has led charitable organizations to help the homeless while grooming his own rich lifestyle. Willie has admitted he doesn’t want educated Maori, doesn’t want to improve infrastructure like roads and basic water and wastewater reticulation. As I see it, everyone benefits from proper reticulation, clean water, good roads, good drainage and street lights and should be paid for by everyone. None of us own the natural resources. Let’s just together look after them with our rates and taxes. Wanting too much for nothing and to not work but expect payment is a dead-end alley. The new water company set up in Wellington is now charging a lot more due to past mismanagement but also the desire to get wealthy themselves rather than get the job done. All of this creates disgruntlement. Do I give in to the corruption that I see, the overspends on maintaining ineffective systems?

Do I give up and let racial and cultural division win? I can't do either – for myself or for my family and the town where I live. So I’m going to vote for the person and party that I believe is making the least false promises. And I’ll work hard for what I earn and I will speak up – people are depending on me. I am one person, but I am aware that there are others like me. We will speak up with our vote which is a secret ballot. We still have democracy. Ian Seddon, Turangi (property owner in Whitianga) LOGIC WITH BOAT LAUNCHING FEES I recently received a leaflet published by the TCDC regarding changes to the method of payment of boat launching charges. The leaflet states; “One vehicle, one permit. Use the same vehicle to launch multiple vessels”. At present the fees are tied to the registration plate of the trailer. Logical, right? The trailer is the bit that the boat sits on and is the bit that goes into the water when launching and retrieving. The Council (in its wisdom) has now decided that the registration of the towing vehicle will now be tied to the launching fee. I feel that the logic behind this change is somewhat flawed as many boaties possess the ability to use more than one vehicle (mates, relatives, partners) to launch their boats. Only a small number of people would own more than one boat. I have been advised by “customer services” that the vehicle rego number can be changed TWICE in any permit period. Most boaties willingly pay their launching fees despite the council attempting to make it more difficult than it needs to be. Surely, a simple tweak of the launching fee payment website could still maintain the status quo and add the convenience of adding a couple of vehicle registration number plates as well. Watch this space. Dave Baardman, Cook’s Beach

RETHINK AMALGAMATION Suddenly the National minister, Simon Watts, has paused the drive to amalgamate District Councils. After all the hurried works and threats. Why? Did he see a danger that the harried populace, and unmandated actions that missed out consultation, would cause trouble at the ballot box? Now we all have a chance for local governance to second-guess amalgamation. Maybe the next round of rate accounts could have some sort of poll to get our feelings about changes in local governance. I wonder what sort of questions will need ticks in boxes. Peter Wood, Whitianga

PENINSULA MEET THE CANDIDATES MEETINGS

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. Coromandel-Colville Business Association - RSA-Combined Clubs, 190 Woollams Avenue, Coromandel. Wednesday 28 October at 5:00pm. Waihi and Whitianga meetings have already been held.

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. Freedom and Outdoors party – Ray Cobb – “I stand for direct democracy and caring for the environment. I stand for freedom of choice and local solutions.” Greens – Pamela Grealey Working-class roots, entrepreneurial experience and global systems insight now grounded in Coromandel community, worker advocacy and environmental activism. Independant – Steve Hart – “Party politics is dead. We have been overtaken by globalisation. Observe te growth of independant MPs. Independants have a free voice. 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 in our National Party MP for the Coromandel. “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”.

www.theinformer.co.nz

Seven months home detention for seven smash raids in Whangamata*

teen who used a crowbar to smash his way into seven businesses before leading police on a 10km pursuit and crashing into a ditch, had no real reason for his crime spree - with his lawyer saying he just, "lost the plot" that night. It was during the early hours of 5 May this year, for reasons unknown, Aucklander Eli Tinirau drove to Whangamatā and used a crowbar to smash is way into seven businesses. The 18-year-old hit Craft Haus first, smashing his way inside through the front door at 12.51am, stealing a safe, till and miscellaneous items. Next it was Coastal Kitchen, Saskia and Co, Paradise Coast Barbers, Boho Chic and Table Talk, using his crowbar every time and stealing tills and small items before fleeing. His last call was Ōpoutere Coastal Camping on Ohui Rd, where he smashed into the store and took more items. The damage totalled $24,690.98. In court this last week, Tinirau couldn't explain why he struck the seaside Coromandel town in the early hours of the morning. He appeared for sentencing on seven charges of burglary, and one each of reckless driving and failing to stop. When asked by Judge Clark

Photo supplied.

what happened that night, his lawyer said he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, wasn't taking his medication and "he just effectively lost the plot". "His intention was to kill himself after that," added the lawyer, referring to his fleeing police and crashing. At 2.30am, Tinirau was seen driving along State Highway 25 at Ōpoutere, where he crossed the centre-line into the path of a police car heading towards him. The patrol car swerved at the last minute to avoid a crash. Judge Clark questioned why other people had to suffer harm because someone was

going through a tough time. "The offender got quite upset when the victim impact statements were read to him. Although Tinirau did show a lot of remorse, the facts revealed were - he wasn't taking his medication, which is essential to his mental health given his diagnosis and he was also under the influence of marijuana. . The judge noted, "Both of those things are self-imposed circumstances which do not carry a great deal of weight. If you intoxicate yourself, that is your decision and that is not a mitigating factor. “The effect of this type of

thing doesn't just go away once you clean up the glass. It affects the whole community." Given Tinirau was a first offender, Judge Clark agreed to keep him out of prison and sentenced him to seven months' home detention, to be served at a Manurewa property, disqualified him from driving for seven months and to pay reparation at $50 a week. He was also banned him from entering Whangamatā during his sentence and six months of post-detention conditions. Judge Clark ordered Tinirau to pay $1000 reparation to each victim. The Informer spoke to Patrick Kerr, Chair of the Whangamata Business Association. “We will watch interest whether the offender will pay the reparations to each of the stores he vandalised.” These weren’t just burglaries - they were attacks on the livelihoods of hardworking Whangamatā business owners. Our community stood together then, and we remain united in saying this behaviour has no place in our town. We await the Court enforcing the reparations demanded.” � *This story has been adapted but originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald and then Waikato Times.

Gallery 6 for the Coromandel Arts Tour

Gallery 6 members are ready for the Coromandel Arts Tour. Our four artists, Diann Cade, Donna Scatchard, Maia Fraser and Vaughan Udall will set up the gallery and be in “action” especially for the occasion. They have chosen to be open also for the week between the two Arts Tour weekends. On Monday 5 October Vaughan is offering a workshop at the gallery entitled “The Light Through Trees” working in acrylic, mixed media and various techniques to enhance your creativity. Email him on udallvaughan@gmail.com if you are interested. Places are limited. At other times call in and meet the artists. They will be working there and be happy to discuss and share their works and techniques. Then in mid October, watch this space for our next Guest Artist, Jeremy Scott. Check out his work on his instagram account Jeremy Scott (@jeremyscott007) Specifically for the two Coromandel Arts Tour weekends the gallery will be open 10.00 – 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday. In between, Monday 5th to Friday 9th 10.00am - 2.00pm

Ray’s Report #39 Green waste on the Peninsula: too far, too dear, and it’s costing us in every storm Green waste is a significant issue on the Peninsula, and it’s another area where TCDC could do a lot better. The problem is simple. There aren’t enough green waste dropoff sites, and the ones we have aren’t easy to get to. So green waste is either ignored or cut down and left where it falls or dumped on roadsides or public spaces right across the Peninsula

WHY IT MATTERS We are seeing more frequent and more severe weather events, and green waste left lying on the ground gets swept into streams and gullies. Once it’s there it acts like a bulldozer blade, with the full weight of the water behind it. In the forestry world this stuff, which is classed as Slash, is slowly being regulated. The result is damage to our www.theinformer.co.nz

infrastructure, slips on hillsides, and damage to roads, bridges and fences. It also blocks the escape routes for water, which then causes flooding. TOO FAR TO GO Green waste drop-off sites simply aren’t convenient. From Hahei, for example, it’s a 30-40km round trip to the transfer station at Tairua or Whitianga. Faced with that, the easier option is not to bother. The alternative is paying a contractor to cut and mulch on site, but for a lot of people that just isn’t affordable or dump it on public land. So why don’t we have more convenient drop-off points around the Peninsula? They would solve a lot of problems and should pay for themselves, because all they need is the green waste trucked to the main processing sites.

TOO EXPENSIVE WHEN YOU GET THERE Then there’s the cost once you arrive. This year it’s $194 a tonne to drop green waste at our transfer stations with a weighbridge, or $70 a cubic metre at those without. That seems excessive to me, especially compared with other parts of New Zealand. On top of that, TCDC has decreed that it will not accept “fibrous plants” – flax, cabbage trees and “similar plants” – as green waste. These are charged as general waste instead, at $353 a tonne. That’s up 13% on last year. And because “fibrous plants” isn’t clearly defined, on the day almost anything can be deemed fibrous. MY FRIEND’S TRAILER LOAD He found this out first-hand. He took a trailer load of hedge clippings and tree prunings to one of

our transfer stations. There were a couple of agapanthus on top of the load, and on that basis the whole lot was classed as waste rather than green waste. The cost: $95 instead of $35. That appears to be a clear conflict of interest. The contractor who runs the transfer station also owns the landfill, so there is every incentive to put as much as possible through as waste. In my case, declaring the load as waste brought in nearly three times as much. Not acceptable. Compare that with BioRich in Hawke’s Bay, which would charge $15 for the same load and has no restrictions on fibrous material. Why has TCDC signed up a green waste contractor that can’t handle green waste? And to top it off, you’re not allowed to put any green waste in your kerbside rubbish bin – even

though the council classes some of it as waste!

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN • Acknowledge that green waste is an issue and isn’t being managed well on the Peninsula. • Provide more convenient dropoff points, so nobody must make a round trip of more than 20km to get rid of green waste. • Look seriously at processing on local sites and allowing locals to collect and use the mulch and compost. They would be happy to pay and it would cut transport costs significantly. • Sort out the charges. No wonder people don’t use the current system – it’s far too expensive. The payback will be better management of storm events and less damage to our roads, bridges and properties. Also, happier residents and ratepayers.

The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026 | 15

WIN! Games & Puzzles Issue 1229

Crossword Puzzle © Lovatts Puzzles 5412

Name:...................................................................................................................

Issue 1229 – Grid 1196

Sudoku Puzzle

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

ACROSS 1. Belt hole (5) 7. Urged (8) 8. Sleeveless garments (5) 10. Specially tagging (10) 12. Shortage (8) 14. Imitates (4) 16. Champagne, ... & Chandon (4) 17. Red alerts (8) 20. Longest (10) 23. Mayhem (5) 24. Admission (exam) (8) 25. Secreting organ (5)

Phone no:..........................................................................................................

Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Graeme Spurdle For last week’s solutions see page 21

DOWN 1. Books (6) 2. Attractive (2) 3. ..., taut & terrific (4) 4. Smug grin (5) 5. Denuding (9) 6. Proverbs (6) 9. Relish or salsa (5) 11. Small round kernels (9) 13. Liqueur, ... Maria (3) 15. Grind (teeth) together (5) 16. Thawed (6) 18. Seasoned (6) 19. Collection of charts (5) 21. Ancient Peruvian (4) 22. Pursue closely (4)

Proudly sponsored by

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

Name:......................................................................................................................... Phone no:................................................................................................................

Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Ali Bryson 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.

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

Satellite Dish Sales,

Installations, Realignments, Starlink Installer Decoder Sales, Set-ups & Re-scans for new channels

Call or text Woody (Steve)

14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510 www.renniecox.co.nz whitianga@renniecox.co.nz 0800RENNIECOX (0800 736 643) 16 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

The change0275 437 980 is coming whiti.css@gmail.com www.theinformer.co.nz

Digital Decoder

By Agent EJ

Stop recording every damn thing!

eta has confirmed its next headset, simply called Meta VR Glasses, arriving worldwide in spring 2027. At 100 grams, roughly a fifth the weight of the current Quest 3, it’s a proper glasses-style device rather than a bulky headset, built around a 5K micro-OLED display and controlled almost entirely by hand gestures, eye tracking, and voice. The feature that stood out to me is probably the Surface Keyboard, which turns any flat surface, a café table, your kitchen bench, even your lap, into a virtual keyboard and touchpad you can actually type on, with full-co-

The new Meta VR glasses.

lour passthrough so you can still see your hands and surroundings. For an average person, that means working comfortably from almost anywhere without lugging a laptop, useful for anyone doing remote work on the road,

ROCK’EN’ROL

or students studying somewhere other than a desk. There’s also hologram calling, which drops a photorealistic version of you into a video call, and an IMAX-certified cinema mode for watching movies in your own private, roomsized virtual screen. At USD $1,299.99, roughly NZD $2,200 once converted, it’s a hard sell here. Most Kiwis would put that amount towards a new phone, a laptop, or a year of car insurance before buying a pair of glasses that streams movies. Beyond the price, there’s still a genuine “ick” factor around wearable technology that isn’t a smartwatch. Something

coming to Whitianga!

A collective of independent music venues across Aotearoa New Zealand are hosting ROCK’EN’ROL events throughout September and October, to lift youth enrolment for the 2026 General Election. The nationwide, non-partisan initiative is using live music, art and community events to connect with young people aged 18–24, and make enrolling easy and accessible. Locally, Beat Fairy and Korimako Creative have teamed up to host ROCK’EN’ROL Whitianga on Sunday 4th October from 4pm, at the Monkey House Lounge & Cabaret. “As an independent venue that regularly hosts all ages events and supports local youth performing artists, we just had to join the ROCK’EN’ROL collective!” says Molly Burke of Beat Fairy. “Historically, voting numbers for rangatahi are low in this country, but that’s changing gradually through arts-based initiatives like ROCK’EN’ROL.” ROCK’EN’ROL Whitianga will be an all ages* event, with live music from local acts; Francie Lidgard, Paper Bullets, DJ Rapid, with more acts to be confirmed. Eligible voters can visit the onsite enrolment station to get info, enrol and check their voting details. Entry to the event is koha for the performers.

Anusha Bhana of Korimako Creative says ROCK’EN’ROL is busting some long-held myths. “There’s this assumption that young people don’t care about politics or voting, but they’re actually really engaged, informed and thinking about the Aotearoa New Zealand they will inherit. This event is about ensuring they can exercise their democratic right.” If you have young people in your whānau, friends or community circle that will turn 18 before 25th October, bring them along to ROCK’EN’ROL Whitianga for a fun (and informative!) community event. Follow Beat Fairy & Korimako Creative on social media for the latest updates. *Under 18yrs to be accompanied by a legal guardian.

KEY DATES This election, all eligible voters need to be enrolled before voting begins on 26 October. Enrol to vote or update your details now on vote.nz. Sunday 25 October, midnight: Last day to enrol Monday 26 October: Voting starts, vote early Saturday 7 November: Election day, voting ends at 7pm � For event enquiries contact events@beatfairy.com

about strapping a screen to your face in public just doesn’t sit right with us yet. Part of that discomfort is cultural. We’ve watched, largely from overseas, a wave of “content-farming” influencers filming themselves invading strangers’ personal space for online reactions. Tall poppy syndrome has historically kept that kind of overt attention-seeking in check here, but the pipeline from an awkward public moment to a viral clip is getting shorter every year, and it’s landing hardest on young people. A growing number are opting out of social events altogether, anx-

ious about being caught behaving imperfectly on someone’s camera roll. Alcohol consumption among young Kiwis has hit record lows, and while cost is part of it, so is a shift in what feels safe to do in public. That shift has helped push over 420 hospitality businesses into liquidation in the past year alone. It leaves an odd question hanging over genuinely clever tech like this. We built devices to make life easier, and mostly, they have. But if the same culture that builds them is also making people afraid to just exist in public, what exactly is the convenience costing us?

Tales of Tairua BY PAM FERLA

ehearsals have started for Tairua Heritage Players’ latest show, “Tales of Tairua”, which will be performed on 11-14 November at Tairua Bowling Club. The Heritage Players have performed annually over the past 10 years, relating the history of the area while enjoying the opportunity to entertain and have fun. This year’s show focuses on a number of historical characters from the area and some of the events and activities that have taken place. Some happened 150 years ago – others less than 30; within living memory of some members of the audience. There will be plenty of favourite songs, as well as humour and the chance to learn about the community’s past. The cast is also experimenting with the inclusion of film, with scenes filmed ‘on location’ at Te Karo Bay and around Tairua. Writer/director, Auriol Farquhar, says there will be new faces on the stage, with the cast ranging from four to

Pictured at first rehearsal are some of the cast for Tairua Heritage Players’ latest show.

80+ years. “The show is going to be a bit different this year and I’m really looking forward to working with the cast. It’s lovely having ‘old hands’ with experience whilst also encouraging our young children to participate and learn about theatre, as well as their

town’s history. “These shows have brought together my love of drama and history – and it’s great to share those passions with such a wide group of people. I’m also excited about having a four-piece band, which should really give some ‘umph’ to the songs.”

MERCURY BAY PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC Robert Lindsay Dip Phty(Otago) ADP(OMT), Dip.MT. Co-author of ‘Treat Your Own Shoulder’, ‘Treat Your Own Knee’ & ‘Treat Your Own Hip’ and Associates Rebecca Wood BHScPhysiotherapy Crystal Vause BHScPhysiotherapy, Post Grad Cert Acupuncture Manipulation / Back and Neck Pain / Work Injuries Sports Injuries / Post Surgery and Fracture Rehab Acupuncture Hand Therapy / Women’s Health Clinic

Physiotherapists with the qualifications to provide excellence in physical health care 24b Lee Street, Whitianga (Next door to Pathlab) Kuaotunu & Hahei Clinics 0800 868 9579 www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026 | 17

What’s On From a small town to packed

If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Coromandel Informer know. Call 07 866 2090, email info@theinformer.co.nz. Our What’s On page is not guaranteed to run every week as often space is restricted. Consider paying for a classified advert if you want to guarantee your activity runs every week.

theatres across Australia OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop – Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Mon-Sat 10am-2pm. Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre ReUse Store 239 South Highway, Whitianga Open Tues-Sat 9:30am-3:30pm FROM St John INTERVIEW Opportunity WITH Shop – 29 Albert St, KOLBIE AND DAD, BLAIR and Sat Whitianga. OpenHER Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm 9.30am-2pm. St Andrew’s – Owen St, olbie Church Fraser Op-shop is seventeen Whitianga. and NEW untilHOURS the - 9.30am-1pm beginning Tue-Sat. Socialof Services 15 Cooks Coghill St, 2025 Op-shop she was–in Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-2pm. Beach preparing to go to WelDonations welcome. lington for her post-MBAS college SPCA Op-shop – 2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. studies at the New Zealand School Open Mon-Sun 9am-5pm.

Town Hall. Phone Sue 021 274 7899 or mail 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

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 027 270 9058 for more information. Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every Tuesday and Friday 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.

Tuesday 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 more information Kolbie’sforsuccess is inspiring Women’s others Wellbeing and Weight Loss back home. Eight-year-old WhitiangaHarlow – Wed5-6pm, Room 10,Tairua Whitianga Macaw from also Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Supportand to lose joined the Adelaide Sydney weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page legs ofonBIG Nutcracker or phone Cecily 027Live’s 294 1750 for more tour, a remarkable achievement for information. someone- so young. Performing Yoga for Everyone Whitianga - beginners, in retirees, inflexibles Monday the Partywelcome. scene’ in front 2.30pm, of thouTuesday 2.30pm 5.15pm, Thursdaythrived sands and each day, Harlow 4.20pm, Friday 8.45am,and Sat 8.15am. Gentleloved on stage says she Simple. $25 for a 90 minute session. Text every minute of it. She has since Rosemary 027 448 9326 for info.

Mercury Bay Golf Club – Twilight golf will commence on Friday 2 October, from 3pm, Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big last card to printed by 5.15pm, must be in by Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at 7pm; Sunday Funday, cards in by 10.30am St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. for an 11am start. $10. Phone 07 866 5479. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information. Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club. Every Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected Thursday evening, Whitianga Town Hall by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday of Dance. 6.45pm.New members, beginners and visitors at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for very welcome. Phone/txt Cheryl 027 452 7887 She is quietly proving that talMONTHLY more info. or Sandie 021 825 666 for more information. ent backedLicensing by grit –goes Late returned home full of inspiration AA Driver NEWfar. LOCATION. Badminton – Whitianga Badminton Club – Mercury Bay Pickleball Club – At the Mercury Friday 9 and Tuesday 27 October, Whitianga last year almost at the end of her and will continue training under Thurs 5-7pm, MBAS school gym. Four courts. DANCING Bay Area School Gymnasium, Tuesdays Community Trustschool, Centre,Kol2 Cook Drive, first year atService the dance Sarah Fitzsimons at Thames Now open to new members wanting to play Members Only League Nights 5.30-7.30pm, Argentine Tango Dance Class – Fridays, Whitianga. competitive Badminton. Coaching provided for bie earned the invitation to a fiveHauraki Dance Theatre where Saturdays Social & New Members 9.30Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prior all American Muscle Street and Custom Club those wanting to improve their skills. Phone 11.30am, Sundays All Players 4-6pm. Members, experiencethe or partner necessary. Text Sergio for week paid professional contract girls have come from, united Whitianga – Club meetings first Sunday of the Steve for more details 027 211 3568. Guests & Visitors $5, a complimentary session questions by 027their 410 2454. with Ballet Company BIG for cars love of dance. month,Rising 11am at Buffalo Beach Reserve Boys Brigade – An adventure, activity, and is available to local new players wanting to try Belly Dancing Catherine Peninsula’s Corcoran, Live, performing Nutcracker pro- on 027 The– Contact Coromandel and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith values based ministry for boys. For boys aged pickleball – all equipment provided, please 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran. 493 5822.across Australia. ductions presence in national dance contin5-13 years old. Tues 5.30-7pm For information wear non marking court shoes. Membership is com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm. Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thursday contact Robyn 020 409 39674. Under directors Joel Burke and ues Line to grow, with Kolbie training $20 annually and online application is provided Mercury Bay Dancing Club – Held in in of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New at www.mercurybaypickleball.co.nz . Outdoor Chess Club – Monday 6.30-9.30pm, MB Khalid Tarabay, part of one of themembers ballet andHall. Liarah Anderson – 2nd the Whitianga Town Tuesday beginners welcome. Ph Anne on 021 0247 7460 for more sessions are held at Mercury Bay Sport Park Bowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost highest-selling ballet companies year, Izzy Fitzsimons and Neka 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.45-2.30pm; information. which are weather dependant and advised on $2. Contact Brett Soanes 027 2117195 or ThursdaysWoolf Seniors 10.15-11.15am, Absolute in Southern Hemisphere, - now accepted into the New Craftthe Group – Meets first Saturday of the our facebook page Mercury Bay Pickleball. brettsoanes16@hotmail.com BeginnersZealand 11.30am-12.30pm, Improvers she completed performances, School of Dance, first year month 10am-3pm45 at Whitianga Social Services, Matarangi Pickleball Club (Matai Place Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until 12.45-1.45pm. Night class held at Whitianga 2 Cook Dr,five carpark end. roles, Work onsome your own craft Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from dancing ballet programs. Courts) Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5-7pm Town Hallcontemporary for Absolute Beginners 5.25-6.25pm. (stitching, colouring scrapbook, card making 9am-1pm. (Summer) Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 022 lasting nearly sevenin,minutes, perProudly carrying her 021 CoroContact Margaret 027 463 8850, Glynis anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy 383 6351. Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, 1099 155,mandel Kathleen roots 022 154 1702. forming to around 80,000 people. into every lesson, mixing with other crafty people. Any queries Mercury Bay Squash Club – Lyon Park, Albert 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and Silver Swans Adult Ballet Class She was also021 trusted partner Kolbie’s journey is– Tuesday proof that phone Alison 0508with 772 or Sally 027 3962 Street - New members/enquires please email respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. weekly 10am to 11.10am $20, Whitianga work, which was an honour and big dreams are being builtTown right 383. mercbaysquash@gmail.com Wood. Hall supper room. All ages welcome.Marilyn embraced wholeheartedly. here at home. Kolbie has just Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tuesday, Cooks Beach Care Group – Meet new friends, Swan, experienced professional teacher of now ofKolbie the month. To get involved, please 9-11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk could hardly believe theemail begun second year – carrying learn about coastal conservation and make a Dance.M: 027 336her 5263 E; swanebbs@gmail. Kolbie posing infront of The Nutcracker promotion in which sheAll featured; Kolbie young Harlow. kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com. Street. welcome. Phonewith Anne on 07ballerina 869 experience she was getting and with her the lessons of life away difference. Hands-on weeding and planting, com 5162 ornutrition 027 565 5575That for more info. Hauraki U3A (University of the – walking Thursday Register at:www.cooksTairua – Tuesday weeklyof being chosen to be part of Third the Age) nights 30 mornings. minutes uphill tures, and strict dancer resilience and decision to ZUMBA from GOLD home class and the experience Paeroa Interesting speakers every 3rd Tuesday beachcaregroup.org.nz; www.facebook.com/ Mercury Bay Tennis Club – Social tennis 9-10am. Held upstairs in dancing Tairua Fishing & elite ballerinas in the country. after training, soaked by Wellingbecame unexpected hurdles, and change her situation, soon turned professional for several of the month. All are welcome. Paeroa Baptist at Lyon Park on a Thursday at 5.30pm. All CooksBeachCareGroup Marine Club. $7. All welcome, contact Theresa She knows herPaeroa. achievements ton rain and buffeted by wind, Kolbie made the welcome. tough call to 022 into186 opportunity after weeks and there will be more to Church, 2 Wood St, $10 at door for nonPh Jason 7992 or Carl as 027it was027 Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling Club 5760602. members. www.pc.org.nz to this point are not just about legs burning and body exhausted. move, her 5570. health and that she earned the invitation to come! 680 Wednesday at 1.45pm. Come and join prioritising us at the Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes – Town Hei Mara Club There Hahei - were We meetShared on the houses, Oneness Meditation Centre The centre hours in Garden the studio. cul-Newtraining. dance in–Australia Well done!Beginners Wednesday Communitydifferent Centre (Hall). members are Hall, Monk St. Absolute first Monday of each month at members’ homes, most welcome, please contact Coral phone 021 focuses on the meditative art of going deeper 2.00-3.00pm ($5); Beginner/Improver classes 11am - 2.30pm. New members from Hahei and within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm 2303944. Monday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes surrounding areas are welcome. Phone Liz on the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, Cooks Beach Pickleball – Community Tennis Wed, 12-1.30pm. $7 per session. Contact Kathy 021 0649232 for more information. peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Courts, 9am Saturday morning. Weather 027 4321 353 or Cecily 027 294 1750. Every Monday, 9.30-11.00am. Further info. text Hospice Waikato’s Bereavement Support permitting. Nets and bats provided. $5 each, Zumba – Wednesdays at 5.30pm at gym for Linda 027 650 4881 or email linda_c@orcon. Group – Lost a loved one? Join Hospice first time free. Contact Kevin 021 396 062. Zumba and Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.00pm MP For Coromandel net.nz Waikato’s monthly bereavement support group. Cooks Beach Table Tennis – Every Thursday at the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk St. Connect over morning tea with others who Self-defence classes – Town Hall, Tuesday and night 6.00-8.00pm, $5pp each night. Cooks understand. Held on the fourth Tuesday of each Wednesday 6-7.30pm. Ph Tony 027 333 5146. Beach Community Centre. All welcome. Contact GROUP INFO month. 10.30am to 12.00pm at Whitianga Social Stu 0274 572 243 or Kevin 021 396 062. Spiritual Conversation Mornings – Every COROMANDEL-COLVILLE In terms of the Coromandel are criticalDay for Services. Registration required. Contact Hospice Grey Power“Major Mercuryevents Bay – International Tuesday and Wed, 10.30am-12pm, 15 Mill Rd, Coromandel ‘Growers & Artisans Market’ – BETTER CARE Waikato toHEALTH register at 07 859 1260. of the Older Person, 1st October. All welcome pilot programme, it began in midour hospitality and tourism secWhitianga the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee Every Saturday from 9am - 1pm at The Anglican and morning teaespecially provided athere The Mercury Bay Mercuryto Bayhealthcare Model Railway Clubof – Monthly and join in some great conversation where Access is one 2025 andChurch is being delivered at tors, in the CoroHall, Coromandel Town. Club. Doors open 10am. Further info please meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650 the biggest concerns for people the Coromandel Family Medical mandel. Accommodations fill up, Dog walking group – Every Thurs, 2pm, Lovers we talk about topics and subjects that have phone Grey Power Mercury Bay 07 866 5516 meaning. $5 donation. Contact Verna 027 320 Mercury Centre and Colville Health and cafés thrive, and in rural Bay andShooting remoteFederation areas and– Muzzle Rock, Robinson Road.Clinic All breeds and sizes or email:- restaurants greypower.mercurybay@gmail.com. 0079. loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email welcome to a very sociable group. Ph Jenny on our government is committed practice. They’ve been benefiting seetogether. more cusCome and local join usbusinesses for our next get mbsfsecretary@gmail.com Tai Chi for all levels – Town Hall, Mondays 021 186 5797. to ensuring New Zealanders can from extra support, better access tomers, creating jobs and lifting Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 Ohuka Garden Club meets 2nd Wednesday of Hahei and Contract Bridge Club – Every Tuesday get the care they need, when theyContact to information working more incomes.” mercurybayathletics@gmail.com 5146 for more info. the month. New members welcome. 12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Beverley Sheppard 09028855 or need it, no matterPhone where021 they live. closely with an Emergency Care Contact Don “Across New– New Zealand, Tourism Tairua Contract Bridge Club – Every Monday Mercury Bay Lions Club members are Learners and casual welcome. emailbeverley@annabells.co.nz welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. which urgent directly contributes $17 billion Last year’s Budget invested Paramedic Barry 021can 741treat 959 or Robyn Hogg 021 543 015. at 12.30pm at the Tairua Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Phone Cecily 253 3088 Chrissy 177 care patients the clinic, while Club - Thursday & to 027 national GDPorand just021 under $164 million to strengthen urgent Club) HaheiinTennis & Pickleball 4709 or Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726. Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at 4226. Sunday Contact Tim 027 8432683 or refer their and after-hours care nationwide, also available to respond to local 200,000 jobs. Tourism makes up the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30amSeniorNetalmost Whitianga, – Learn, updateGDP. facebook page. meaning per Jo cent of New 12%Inc. of Coromandel’s Whitianga.98 Phone on 021 264 Zea3753. 111 calls.Meditation Classes –Spiritual, heart, soul 12.30pm every Wednesday morning your skills using smart phones, etc. in a friendly landers will be I’m hoping that there will be chakra activations, at the Hahei Community Centre. Ages The economic ripple effector of Tairua Market takesable placetoon access the 1st Sunday setting. Call Carol Wood on 021 022 62504 development. Sacred energy, newborn-5years. We invite all parents, of the month all year at Tairua Bowling Club, even more support for similar major events is huge, supporting these services within one hour’s email Carol on seniornet.whitianga.admin@ working with spiritual guides. Open forum carers, visitors and grandparents. Contact 9am tillof1pm. Starting 1stOne Sunday gmail.com.our local businesses and growing projects around our Thursday, region and drive their home. of in theOctober conversation, 6.30pm at Flat 1, 15 until June 2027 (closedwas for winter). Food,the fruit Mill Rd, Whitianga. Cost $10. Contact Verna 027andwhenuakiteareaplaygroup@gmail.com Scott Simpson Chris Penk; Oceans Festival. initiatives funded a pilot rest of the country in the comeconomy.” Whitiangaour Bike Park – 144 Moewai Rd, and veges, crafts, clothing, home decor, plants, Whitianga Art Group – Every Thursday and 320 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com. Whitianga. Open 24/7.such Manyas bike programme to enhance urgent ing year. People in rural areas can “Events thetracks Whitianga furniture, books and much more. Friday 10am-3pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and Mercury Bay Badminton – Every Wednesday available, picnic areas, BBQs and walking and after-hours healthcare in six often travel long distances for couple of weeks ago alongside the Addition to Scott’s column Excerpt Oceans Festival don’t just trails. bring new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 9-11am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Donations welcome on entry. If you wish to care and rely on small teams supvisitors; they bring life and energy rural communities, including CorAssociate Minister of Emergency from his Press release Wed 11 Feb. 027 635 1615 for more information. Street. Social badminton. Casual players and FORTNIGHTLY volunteer or for programme enquiries, contact WhitiangaChris Menz Shed – 18 Abrahamson Drive, Jon Maud 027 regions, that’s Players why ofManagement to our omandel and Colville. and Recovery visitors are welcome. all levels, 366 region 4606. and to our towns Greeting Card Making – The second andporting large Open Tuesday and Thursday, 9am-12 noon. GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR ages 16+. Carol 027 474Penk. 7493 for more I was thrilled to hear the this is Phone so important. which helps create vibrant fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at Stinvestment Whitianga Gun Club – Forto information, phone Glennfrom 027 495 2015. All welcome. OCEANS FESTIVAL Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials announcement from Associate In otherinformation. news, our region is still We received a Phone briefing communities and unforgettable 027 495 9477 or 021 276 2169. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tuesdayand Fri Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports – 92 provided.Minister Contact Rev.Matt GillianDoocey Reid on 021recovering 781 Health from January’s heavy the Club Thames-Coromandel Dis“I’mSt.excited that the CoromanWhitiangaexperiences.” Community Patrol – Monitors the 9am-12 noon, 1F White Contact whitianga@ Cook Drive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday 081 or just turn up. but it’s encourag“This funding isIf interested a significant that these pilots have been rolled weather event, trict Council, which outlined the del will once again host the and township neighbourhood. in playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947. & Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Nirie Reddy 021 Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays volunteering, ph Gary 027 391 3043. and the out and have shown the positive ing to see communities rebound impact of the storm and the work Whitianga Oceans Festival in Sepboost to Whitianga Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor 292 0197 of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Whitiangawider LionsCoromandel, Club – We welcome newlookbowls and card games. Mondays at theattracting visitors impact that7locally so on quicklyMercury and contractors ahead. It was stressed throughtember 2026, and I’m Bay BridgeworkClub – Every Wednesday Fisherman, Dundasled St. approaches Phone Gillian Reid Dinners first Thursday of every hostWhitianga Town Monkaround St, 1pm-4pm. at 1.00pm every There Thursdayout at 7.00pm can faster details, care, better ingup. to stabilise ourand roads. these atvisits that support isHall,from New Join Zealandmembers. and ing forward to our region 021 make, 781 081with for further or just turn month, 6.00pm at The Mercury Bay Club. for a fun time andoverseas, afternoon tea, 55+ age and which Sports Club, Cook Drive, Mercury Creativeand Fibre – Spin, knit,are partsthe access toBay treatment, stronger of MB theBowling Peninsula available, such asusCivil Defence as part of the national ing027 another great which Contact John 248 0779. Emailevent whitianga@ group. Phone Lionel Lawrence (president) on Whitianga. For more information contact Gavin weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday by storm damencourages locals and visitors to links between rural health ser- are still affected payments through the Ministry of $70 million Major Events and lionsclub.org.nz 027 274 6964 for more info. 146 9203. every month, 10am-1pm, supper room ofage, the and 021 vices. I visited these areas a Social Development. Tourism Package. “ celebrate all that we have offer.” Whiti Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every

Hon Scott Simpson

18 || The The Coromandel Coromandel Informer Informer – – 17 29February September 2026 16 2026

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

Real life business experience at Parawai Market Fair

Macy Phillips & Elloquent Reynolds, both year 7; Luca Edmeades & Kaitlyn Hutton, both year 7. Photos: @GarryBrandonNZ

BY ERIN BERGERSEN Pārāwai School’s annual Market Fair was once again a highlight of the school calendar, with Year 7 and 8 students putting their learning into action to raise funds towards their camps and activities this year, including Tōtara Springs and their recent day trip to Snowplanet. In the lead-up to the fair, students have been devel-

oping their financial literacy and business-planning skills, creating their own products, food and crafts, working out costs and pricing, and designing marketing and promotional material. The result was a fantastic range of stalls and plenty of enthusiasm from our young entrepreneurs. The Market Fair is an annual tradition at Pārāwai School and provides our senior students with a valu-

able opportunity to learn through a real-life business experience while working together towards their camp fundraising goals. A huge thank you to our whānau and wider community who came along and supported the students. It was wonderful to see such a great turnout and to see all of the students’ hard work come together on the day! Erin is Deputy Principal at Parawai School.

Would you like to pack a shoebox?

his is for underprivileged children in other parts of the world who rarely receive any kind of gift. around the world during the school holidays? This a great activity to do with your children/ grandchildren during the school holidays- children like to give to others in need. Simply collect a shoebox. Pick what age group to pack for: 2-4, 5-9,10-14 years old, boy or girl. Pack new items including: hygiene items (flannel, toothbrush, comb, etc), stationary (notebook, pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener), soft toy, hot wheel car, yo-yo, ball, doll, etc. Check out more ideas of what to pack in a shoebox: occ.samaritanspurse.org.au/home/pack-a-shoebox/what-goes-in-my-shoebox/

WHITIANGA TRADE

• Antifouling and Propspeed • Boat maintenance • Minor repairs

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

Monthly specials and gold card discounts

WE’RE YOUR LOCAL FOR:

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

Contact Brad on 028 400 8693 Email mbvula.amanzi@gmail.com

225 South Highway, Whitianga P: 07 866 2457 E: whitiangatrade@hammerhardware.co.nz

BOBCAT - Truck Hire

*Building Site & Driveway Preparation *Post Hole Boring *Trenching *Metal & Topsoil Supplies *Section Clearance/Landscaping Experienced Owner/Operator

Covering Whitianga, Coromandel and surrounding areas

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

We clean curtains!

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

WE MAKE THE EARTH MOVE

Local Whitianga agents covering Coromandel to Whangamata

Mobile: 0274 934 212 A/Hrs 07 866 0505

Advertise your trade or service in The Informer every week Contact us for rates. Call 07 866 2090 or email sales@theinformer.co.nz

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

www.theinformer.co.nz

DROP OFF LOCATION: Whangamata Baptish Church, Pauanui isite And St Andrews Op Shop (Tuesday – Saturday 9.00am-1.00pm) Last drop off date: Saturday 24 October.

Trades & Services

VULA AMANZI

HAMMER HARDWARE

COLLECT A SHOEBOX FROM: • Whangamata Baptist Church, • Pauanui isite, Mercury Bay Area School, • Te Rerenga School, The Informer • Coghill Café, Whitianga Elim Church, • St Andrews Church & St Andrews Op Shop • Whitianga Baptist Church, C3 Church • Crossroads Church opp New World, • Whitianga Catholic Church

BEFORE

AFTER

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

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

Newspaper Layout: Debbie Morgan 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 – 29 September 2026 | 19

Trades & Services STUMP GRINDING SERVICES Servicing Whitianga & the surrounding area.

MRS MOW-IT-ALL

Maintenance & Landscaping PHONE: OLIVIA 021 713 900

Call Jon 021 0254 3570 or email jonmacca4@gmail.com

FARRIER AND HOOF TRIMMING SERVICE

KICKSTART MOTORCYCLES WHITIANGA

Agents for

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

SALES - SERVICE - REPAIRS

Peninsula Home Kills

ROAD, FARM AND TRAIL

SERVING THE WHOLE PENINSULA - 2011 LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED IN THE COROMANDEL

Call Leanne

0800 102 345

leisurepools.co.nz

BJOLI BUILDERS Contact John 0276 425 654

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

Processing beef, sheep, pigs & all game

027 726 3797 211 SOUTH HIGHWAY, WHITIANGA

Top quality sausages, bacon, ham & salami

kickstartmotorcycles211@gmail.com

Bookings essential

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

LTD COVERING THE PENINSULA

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

LOCAL SERVICING FOR THE COROMANDEL

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

House Floors Driveways Pathways & Patios Vehicle Crossings Concrete Cutting

Warren Carla

Phone Email: info@concreteworx.co.nz

www.concreteworx.co.nz

Any queries or quotes please contact Nathan

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

WHITIANGA

- New builds & renovations - Replacement joinery in existing homes

- Aluminium & glass balustrades

Photo: FernVision

07 869 5990 | nzwindows.co.nz 1 Abrahamson Drive, Whitianga (Mon-Fri, 8-4)

Call 027 557 7023 shorelinepainters23@gmail.com

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

07 867 1772 (24hrs)

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

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

20 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

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

Call Bill for a free no obligation quote. 027 2714803

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

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

Safe as 0274 571 436 Houses 0800 007 366

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

• 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

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

www.theinformer.co.nz

Classifieds PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

RUBBISH REMOVAL

STORAGE AVAILABLE

Now Leasing:

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

ALTOGETHER YOUR

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

EXPERTS

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

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 NZ-OWNED & TRUSTED ACROSS THE COROMANDEL & NORTH ISLAND

Your Bach, Taken Care Of MyStays offers full-service holiday home management with local care, professional standards & clear reporting.

Arrange an obligation-free chat today | mystays.co.nz

Church Services 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

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

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

Trish’s Bible Gems

PHONE 021 132 4091

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

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

WANTED!

RUBBISH REMOVAL

“The Lord is good to them that wait for Him; it is good that a person should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Laminations 3:25-26

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.

3.6m high doors

Tea tree $250 or Pine $150 load per metre2 delivered. Phone (07) 866 3026 or text (027) 866 3026

For all your storage needs?!!

HOLISTIC HEALTH

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!

INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER TAROT CARD READER

• 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

VERNA (027) 320 0079 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com

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

ACCOMMODATION OFFERED

STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage, opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 SITUATIONS VACANT

WANTED TO BUY

TAIRUA INFORMATION CENTRE MANAGER

WANTING TO BUY

Are you a natural leader who loves people, thrives on variety, and enjoys making things happen? We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable fulltime Manager to lead our team of volunteers. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, organised, customer-focused person who can confidently lead day-to-day operations, develop the business, support the local community and create positive experiences for visitors and customers. If you enjoy a busy and varied environment and are excited by the opportunity to develop and grow our Information Centre, we would love to hear from you. An Information Pack is available on request from the Tairua Information Centre. To apply: Send your CV, and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you would be a great fit for the role, to The Chair, Tairua Information Centre, PO Box 76, Tairua, or email sally.davisjowett@gmail.com Applications close: 4pm, 7 October 2026.

the cut hut the cut hut the cut hut the cut hut

HAIRDRESSER HAIRDRESSER Full or part time Full or part time HAIRDRESSER orcutting part time IfIfyou love hair..... HAIRDRESSER youFull love cutting hair..... Full or part time

Looking negotiable hours..... If youfor love cutting hair..... Looking for negotiable hours..... Looking for negotiable hours..... No weekends..... No weekends..... If you love cutting hair..... No Looking forweekends..... negotiable hours..... Please phone Sally 0276 849 Please phone Sally 0276 849050 050 No weekends..... Please phone Sally 0276 849 050 Please phone Sally 0276 849 050

x www.tongariroriverretreat.com

3 to 4 metre aluminium boat with outboard on a trailer. Ph 07 866 0426

book@tongariroriverretreat.com 26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi. Ph 07 386 8949

MARKETS

DEATH NOTICE

WHITI CITI MARKETS

STARTING BACK! Downtown Whitianga THIS SATURDAY 9AM-1PM Weather permitting See page 8 for article

NOBBS, Kevin David (Kev) Peacefully at Auckland Hospital, surrounded by his family, on 20th September, 2026. Dearly loved husband of Pam. Much loved Dad of Martin, Veronica and Olivia. Father-in-law of Georgina, Nicholas and Alex, and loved ‘Pops’ of Victoria, Henry and Parker. A celebration of Kev’s life was held in his favourite place, Whitianga, on Monday 28th September.

Advertise with us

Ph 07 866 2090 or email sales@theinformer.co.nz

LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

PETER’S QUIZ ANSWERS Answers to quiz 22 on page 23 1) 46

2) Dept. for Motor Vehicles 3) TCDC

4) A test for acidity or alkali 5) No

www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026 | 21

Motoring Passenger vehicle sales on the up – but commercial sales have declined BY JACK BIDDLE

he latest new vehicle registration figures for August released recently by the Motor Industry Association (MIA) would indicate a definite change in purchasing trends rather than hard accurate numbers. The MIA, which is the collective voice of the country's new vehicle sector, says the August result should be interpreted with some caution due to the Typhoon-related disruption to shipping schedules from the Asian region. “Some vehicle departures were delayed and then pushed into the final days of the month, which is likely to have influenced registration volumes across parts of the market, making individual brand and model movements less representative than usual” says MIA Chief Executive Aimee Wiley. Putting all that aside, the August result would strongly suggest passenger registrations continue to strengthen this year with battery electric and plugin hybrid vehicles having a continued positive and noticeable influence while commercial activity remained somewhat subdued. The change in buying patterns year to date has also become very clear according to the latest numbers. Battery electric vehicle

The MG S5 was the third top seller in the BEV category in August.

(BEV) registrations are up 158.7 percent and plug in hybrids 160.8 percent, with their combined share rising to 27.9 percent from 12.3 percent. One doesn't have to look too hard these days to find an electrified vehicle of some sort on our roads, including the greater Coromandel. Another interesting statistic in August was new private, and rental registrations were 17.2 and 32.8 percent higher respectively while business registrations were broadly unchanged. For some, hiring an electrified rental vehicle is not such a bad way to experience the positive and potential negatives of ownership. Call it a long-term road test

and carried out without a salesperson in your ear doing their best to get a signature on a sales agreement. The hire costs may well become insignificant once a decision is made whether an electrified vehicle is fit for purpose or not. Overall new vehicle registrations rose 4.2 percent year on year in August to 12,216 vehicles. Passenger registrations increased 13.1 percent, while light commercial registrations fell 14.7 percent, and heavy commercial registrations declined 18.8 percent. Year to date, total registrations remain positive and 9.7 percent ahead of 2025. Passenger registrations are up 14.8 percent mainly due to the growth in bat-

Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides

Wednesday 30 September

Thursday 1 October

Friday 2 October

Sun: Rise 6:53am Set 7:20pm

Sun: Rise 6:52am Set 7:21pm

Sun: Rise 6:50am Set 7:22pm

Moon: Set 8:24am Rise 11:28pm

Moon: Set 9:07am

Moon: Rise 12:41am Set 10:00am

Moon: Rise 1:47am Set 11:02am

High Tides:10:25am 10:43pm

High Tides:11:13am 11:32pm

High Tides:12:04pm

High Tides:12:24am 12:59pm

HOT WATER Low Tides:3:53am 4:14pm BEACH

HOT WATER Low Tides:4:39am 5:03pm BEACH

HOT WATER Low Tides:5:28am 5:56pm BEACH

Sunday 4 October

Monday 5 October

Tuesday 6 October

Sun: Rise 6:47am Set 7:24pm

Sun: Rise 6:46am Set 7:25pm

Moon: Rise 2:45am Set 12:11pm

Moon: Rise 3:33am Set 1:24pm

Moon: Rise 4:12am Set 2:36pm

High Tides:1:19am 1:58pm HOT WATER Low Tides:7:13am 7:52pm BEACH

High Tides:2:20am 3:01pm HOT WATER Low Tides:8:12am 8:55pm BEACH

High Tides:3:24am 4:04pm HOT WATER Low Tides:9:15am 9:59pm BEACH

guess just when things in the new vehicle industry will settle down to more normal levels.

SALES FOR AUGUST Top 5 Passenger new vehicle sales overall Toyota Hilux.................................. 890 Toyota RAV4.................................. 886 Toyota Corolla Cross.................. 597 Ford Ranger................................... 571 Mitsubishi ASX............................. 475 Top 5 BEV vehicle new sales BYD Atto 3...................................... 107 Tesla Model Y...................................81 MG S5..................................................69 BTD Sealion......................................56 Jaecoo J5.............................................51 Top 5 Plug-in Hybrid new vehicle sales Toyota RAV4.................................. 485 GWM Haval H6................................79 Jaecoo J7.............................................68 Geely Starray EM-1........................50 BYD Sealion 6 ..................................45 Top 5 Hybrid new vehicle sales Toyota Corolla Cross.................. 597 Toyota RAV 4................................. 401 Toyota Yaris Cross....................... 222 Kia Sportage.................................. 186 Kia Carnival................................... 153 Top 5 Commercial new vehicle sales Toyota Hilux.................................. 890 Ford Ranger................................... 571 Mitsubishi Triton........................ 337 Toyota Hiace.................................. 194 BYD Shark 6......................................93 Astronomy Tours and B&B Phone (07) 866 5343 www.stargazersbb.com

Saturday 3 October

Sun: Rise 6:55am Set 7:19pm

Sun: Rise 6:49am Set 7:23pm

tery electric and plug in hybrid vehicles, while light commercial vehicles are down 2.2 percent and heavy commercial registrations remain almost stagnant. The overall new vehicle market therefore remains somewhat positive, but at what levels moving forward seems to be far from certain. Putting aside the increase in overall electrified motive power, once again Toyota was the dominate player in the market overall in August, having almost every base covered once again in terms of motive power and model configuration. They topped the passenger sales charts in August in every class sector except for pure electric models which seem to be dominated by the Chinese brands these days including Tesla, which has a Chinese influence. The industry as a whole and the buying public in general, is still facing a constant wave of all-new arrivals from China which won't be pushing overall sales number up in big numbers. Instead, the question is more about what damage and disruption they will create to some of the more well-established vehicle distributors and brands. Combine that with current ongoing world disruption and uncertainty and its anyone's

HOT WATER Low Tides:6:19am 6:52pm BEACH

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS Sponsor the tides column

For details email: sales@theinformer.co.nz

STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2026 – your guide to the night sky Tuesday, 29 September: 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 September: There will be a Tiangong pass in the west from 8:28pm moving right beside Venus. Thursday, 1 October: Faint Mercury has now risen to lie half way between brilliant Venus and the bright star Spica at dusk. Friday 2 October: Venus lies above faint Mercury in the western dusk sky. Saturday, 3 October: The Moon lies well above faint Mars and bright Jupiter at dawn while the ISS makes a good pass in the SW from 6:00am. Sunday 4 October: Mars lies half way between Moon and bright Jupiter at dawn. Monday 5 October: The Moon now sits directly to the left of Mars at dawn with Jupiter lower down while the ISS makes a

good long pass from the SW at 6:02am. Tuesday 6 October: The Moon is now half way between Mars and bright Jupiter and there will be a Tiangong pass in the west starting beside Venus at 9:00pm. Wednesday, 7 October: The Moon lies midway between bright Jupiter and the star Regulus in Leo and we have a long Tiangong pass from 8:01pm in the west ending right beside Saturn. Brilliant Venus gets ever lower in the western dusk sky as it rapidly sinks towards the Sun. It will reappear on the other side right at the end of the month in the dawn sky. It is accompanied by much fainter Mercury which can be seen to quickly rise higher up from night to night. Mercury has to move quickly to get around the Sun in only 5 months compared to Venus’ seven.

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

22 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

www.theinformer.co.nz

Sports

Proudly sponsored by TAIRUA BRIDGE 3 Alderman Pairs Monday 21 September North/South: 1, Jocelyn Taylor & Robyn Waters 57.75; 2, Judy McKenzie & Jim Buffett 54.17; 3, Christine Meinhold & Peter McNeil 53.75. East/West: 1, Chris Death & Doreen Wernham 60.00; 2, Jean Myles & Robyn Hunter 55.00; 3, Lee Hughes & Johanna Bonnar 52.08.

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB Championship Singles round 3 Wednesday, 23 September North/South: 1, Alison Tichbon & Gavin Hedwig 57.8; 2=, Giorgio Allemano & Ischelle Stevenson, Val Dwight & Johanna Bonnar 50.0. East/West: 1, Terri Lipanovic & Geoff Jervis 55.0; 2, Pat Doube & Anne Knowles 53.8; 3 Jenny Layton & Sue Gill 50.6. Championship Singles Round 6 Thursday, 24 September 1, Faith Stock & Hillary Scott 70.6; 2, Gavin Hedwig & Geoff Jervis 67.5; 3, Bryan Patterson & Ischelle Stevenson 56.4. MERCURY BAY CLUB INDOOR BOWLS Monday 21 September Triples played 1, Ray Rout (what a surprise) Lionel Lawrence and Sue Webb. 2, Alan Henderson Judy Cullinane and Betty Simpson. Good sports, Ian Pudney Cheryl Henderson and Jan Harvey.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Wednesday 23 September A great turn-out of players was whittled down to two players remaining undefeated after 3 rounds of section-play. Dave Colman and Rob Reilly contested the play-off final which ended with a comfortable win to Rob. Highlight of the day was seeing a delighted Wayne Lester after his sinking of a difficult black to win a frame against his more illustrious and experienced opponent Brian Codyre. Those with two wins each were Ken Gibson, Ian Pudney, Greg Murphy and Ian Baumgren with Ken scoring the highest break of the day with 20.

Saturday 26 September A round robin was played and it was Ian Baumgren with 3 wins out of four games who took out the day’s honours. Rob Reilly, Greg Murphy and Phil Jones each had two wins. Bob Haase scored the highest break of the day with 22.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Thursday 24 September Last evening club members competed for the “Eddie Chaney” Drawn pairs. After 3 games of very competitive play, 3 teams were even with 3 wins and 15 ends each. This required a roll up of one bowl by each skip, the closest to the kitty being the winner. Lee Pudney was right on it. Winners: Lee Pudney & Alan Henderson. Runners Up: Cheryl Henderson and Ian Pudney. Missing out by just a fraction were Merle Ward and Colleen Holmes. It was very close in the end. Good Sports: Lionel Lawrence and Ray Rout. MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS 25 players this week, so 501 doubles were played. Only one team went through unbeaten in all four sets to be our outright winners and they were Rex Donaldson and Charlie Best. Highest finish for the ladies was 103, scored by Ness Walton. No finishes over 50 for the men. Looks like the men need some coaching on how to hit a double. Two players scored a 180 this week and they were Jo TAIRUA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 9 hole Round 5 Putting Tuesday 11 August Div 1: 1, Sue McDonnell, 12; 2, Gabrielle Tucker, 13; 3, Annette Eltringham, 15; 4, Dennis Rundle, 16. Div 2: 1, Ruth Crossman, 12; 2, Kay van Lubeck, 15; 3, Jan Stanely, 16; 4, Sue Poland, 16. 9 hole LGU Net/Shootout Tuesday 18 August 1, Jan Stanley, 32; 2, Gabrielle Tucker, 33; 3, Frances Reid, 35; 4, Kay van Lubeck, 35. 9 hole Stableford Thursday 20 August

Peter’s quiz Issue 1229 – Quiz 22

1) How old was Pres. J.F. Kennedy when he was assassinated?

1, Kay van Lubeck, 18; 2, Shona Russell, 17; 3, Jan Stanley, 16. 18 hole Stableford 1, John Fraser, 34; 2, Tony Anderson, 33; 3, John Reid, 31; 4, Robyn Hayward, 30. 18 hole Tee Net Shootout Saturday 22 August 1, Jenny Tawa, 71; 2, Steve Habershon, 72; 3, Nat Hoskin, 72; 4, Maree Jamieson, 73. 9 hole Stableford Thursday 27 August 1, Sue McDonnell, 19 2, Annette Eltringham, 18; 3, Kay van Lubeck 17. 18 hole Stableford 1, Tony Anderson, 37; 2, Connie Graham, 36; 3, Terry Kingham, 35; 4, Robyn Hayward, 34. 9 hole Stableford Tuesday 1 September 1, Kim Kelly, 19; 2, Garielle Tucker, 19; 3, Annette Eltringham, 18. 18 hole Stableford Thursday 3 Sept 1, Connie Graham, 70; 2, Tony Anderson, 70; 3, Maree Jamieson, 75. DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB Men’s 9 hole 3-club day Monday 21 September Stableford: 1, Mark Deutsch 22; 2, Alex Fox 19; 3, Harry Karl 16. Ladies 9-hole Stableford Tuesday 22 September 1, Barbara Bradley 20; 2, Maree Cabaret 20; 3, Christine Godden 20; 4, Pip Kery 17. Nearest the Pin: Maree Cabaret Longest Drive: Glenda Philpott 18-hole Men’s Nett Haggle Tony Cotton

Wednesday 23 Sept Nett: 1, David Gaskell 65; 2, Robin Fleming 70; 3, Barry Bowen 72; 4, Tim Barlett 74. Twos: Nick Lambert #14 and 18, Mark Hall #14, Russell Barnett #18. Nearest the Pin: Wally Hayes Best Gross: Paul Barnard 18 holes ladies Stableford Choose Your Tee Day Thursday 24 Sept 1, Kayleen Smith 36; 2, Sandra Bowen 34; 3, Marie Murphy 33. Twos: Marie Murphy #18. Men’s 9 holes Stableford Thursday 24 Sept 1, Ray Green 19; 2, Mark Deutsch 18; 3, Noel Rogers 18. Nearest the Pin: David Griffiths Saturday Haggle Saturday 26 Sept Nett: 1, David Todd 65; 2, Russell Barnett 67; 3, Kayleen Smith 70. Nearest the Pin: Craig Batty PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 9 hole Stableford minus putts Tuesday 22 September 1, Catherine Borlase; 2, Dave Gibson; 3, Mark Bell; 4=, Richard Duckworth, Frank Geoghegan. 18 hole Nett Saturday 26 September 1, Tim Bartlett; 2, Neil Vowles; 3, Steve Borlase; 4, Di Gilmour. 4BBB NETT: Di Gilmour and Callum Murray.

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

2) What does DMV stand for?

3) Which building is next to The Informer’s office? 4) What is a litmus test?

5) Was Shane Jones elected? For solutions see pg 21

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 – 29 September 2026 | 23

Sports

What a way to finish!

he Swamp Foxes got the job done on home ground. Last Saturday, 26 September at Lyon Park Whitianga was aa thrilling Round 7 Hilux Heartland Championship game with Thames Valley versus South Canterbury . It was a super cliff hanging finish with Thames Valley winning 43 points to South Canterbury with 42 points. Thames Valley narrowly outlasted their visitors by a single point. Connor McVerry led the Swamp Foxes and Quinn Collard kicked the defining goal, taking the score from 41 to 43 in the last minutes. There’s no better feeling than doing it in front of a home crowd! What a way to finish! COMMUNITY AUCTION: The fixture featured the annual Goldfields Jersey Auction held after the match, with proceeds supporting new equipment for Goldfields School, this region’s outstanding special needs school. POINTS TABLE AND FUTURE GAMES There are several future games remaining in the 2026 Hilux Heartland Championship.

Proudly sponsored by

43-42

It was a cliff hanger finish with the Swamp Foxes winning by one point, with a winning goal kick by Quinn Collard.

The overall winners of the championship trophies – the Meads Cup and the Lochore Cup – will be crowned during the finals weekend on 17–18 October 2026. There is one full round of the regular season left before heading into the knockout playoffs. • Round 8 (Final Regular Season Round): Saturday, 3 October • Semi-Finals: Saturday, 10 October • Grand Finals: Weekend of 17–18 October

Following Round 8, the 12 provincial teams are split into two separate playoff brackets based on their final standings:

CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES • Meads Cup: The top 4 teams play in a knockout bracket to crown the ultimate champion of the tournament. • Lochore Cup: Teams finishing 5th through 8th compete in a secondary knockout bracket for this silverware.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER

TOP 4 LEADERBOARD TEAMS The top 4 teams positioned for the Meads Cup playoff brackets are: 1. King Country 2. Mid Canterbury 3. Whanganui 4. Thames Valley

2026 SWAMP FOXES SQUAD: Mercury Bay – Adam Coyle, Connor McVerry; and wider squad Colville Green, and Evan Coyle. Waihi – Chad Bracey, Mari Fifita,

Photos Togo Kubota

Sam Halalilo, Tavita Vaea, Josh Tye, Dylan Horne, Keenan Gillson, Finley Devonport, Kirk Ngatai, Quinn Collard, Dylan Bower, Tairua Junior Malielegaoi, Beau Neels, Max Baker. Cobras – Wesy Akauola, Sergio Schiller, Sioni Etoni, Ethan Dromgool. Thames Taniwha – Bryson Williams, AJ Lagalaga-Slade, Laulea Mau, Oneone Faafou. � Next week Thames Valley face Mid-Canterbury.

- Advertise with The Informer PICK YOUR COPY UP FROM THE NUMEROUS DROP BOXES

The Informer – telling your stories, keeping you informed

To advertise - email: sales@theinformer.co.nz, or phone: 07 866 2090 If you’d like to have The Informer delivered phone or email us.

Whitianga Boat Repairs & Chandlery Mitch has over 45 years experience with an Advanced Trade Cert Wooden Boat Building qualification to back it up We specialise in woodwork repairs & maintenance, including teak decks & platforms, insurance and rot repairs, plus we fit new transducers, anchor winches, bow thrusters and more.

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

Phone or email for info: info@whitiangaboatrepairs.co.nz info@whitiangaboatchandlery.co.nz Mitch 027 4852046 | Phyll 027 4852036 24 | The Coromandel Informer – 29 September 2026

From start to finish everything you need under one roof

Call us now for a free, no-obligation measure and quote GUTHRIE BOWRON WHITIANGA 2/9 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga 3510 07 866 0035 | sales@gbwhitianga.co.nz facebook.com/gbwhitianga | guthriebowron.co.nz OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 7.30 AM - 5 PM & SATURDAY 9 AM - 1 PM www.theinformer.co.nz