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Issue 944 - 6 April 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
Beach monitoring to better plan
for the future
By Tony Stickley
Beach art created over Easter at the southern end of Buffalo Beach in Whitianga, close to the Whitianga Harbour Entrance.
Records showed that there had been a significant build-up of sand at this part of the beach over the last 40 years.
Changes to the shoreline of 17 beaches along have occurred over the years. storms and changes in climate patterns It said that local councils needed to
the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula In a recent indicator update report, over longer time periods. “Houses and understand the extent of natural beach change
are being regularly monitored in a bid to WRC said that its database of shoreline infrastructure that have been built close to “sustainably guide” existing and new
help local authorities better plan for the change helped planners considering the to the sea are vulnerable to these natural developments in these areas.
future. Recently a Waikato Regional Council impact of developments near the coast. fluctuations,” the report said. “Engineered A key focus of New Zealand’s Coastal
survey team was busy measuring the dunes It noted that many of the Coromandel’s coastal structures such as seawalls are sometimes Policy Statement was reducing and, where
along Buffalo Beach in Whitianga, one of housing developments had been built close to placed on the beach to protect at-risk assets, possible, avoiding coastal hazard risk and
the beaches forming part of the monitoring the shoreline. but these can damage natural and recreational this was an important part of regional and
programme. The information will be fed into Sandy beaches were naturally prone to values of the beach and can transfer the district council plans. “Shoreline change
a long-standing database to see what changes changes in shoreline position due to major erosion risk to the adjacent coastline.” information is one tool that can be used to
(Continued on page 3)
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Memories abound as family members
remember Val White
By Gillian O’Neill
A talented, determined lady with a wicked sense quilting and her 25-year involvement with the
of humour is how the family of the late Val RSA, including serving as treasurer. “She was
White have been remembering the 99-year-old meticulous about that,” Erica says. “She was
former Whitianga resident who passed away in never out by as much as a cent.”
October last year. Val’s quilts were regularly donated to
With planning underway to have a plaque for fundraising drives for the likes of the SPCA
Val installed on the RSA memorial wall at the or St John. A true survivor, she recalled being
Mercury Bay Cemetery, her daughter Erica, son at school and looking around to see all her
Bob and their respective partners, Stan Dungan classmates lying on the ground after the Napier
and Heidi Jeary, met up with Des Gyde from the earthquake struck in 1931. Her teacher was lost
Mercury Bay RSA in Whitianga on Wednesday in the disaster.
last week, sharing photographs and a colourful Driven by a desire to fly, Val joined the
array of memories. New Zealand Women’s Auxiliary Air Force,
From being crowned Miss New Zealand in reaching the rank of WA2 which Des describes
1940 to serving in the Air Force, there’s lots as someone who was experienced and “on the
to chat about and Erica and Bob are rightfully way up.”
proud of their mum’s accomplishments and Seven years ago, just before leaving Whitianga
general approach to life. “She had it tough to move to Gisborne to be closer to her son,
growing up,” Erica says. “Her mother died when Val spoke to The Informer and described her
she was just three so she didn’t have it easy but time assisting with the building of Hudson and
she never let it hold her back, her attitude was Hinds bombers as part of a team of 20 women
always to just get on with things.” based at Ohakea who hand stitched linen over
“She had no problem telling people what she the plywood frames of the aircraft. “I got invited
thought, she had a strong mind and was very up in one of the planes I had helped to make
independent,” Stan adds. and the captain asked me if I’d like to take the Val White (nee Des Landes) who passed away in October last year.
The family say this resilient streak was part controls,” she remembered. “I flew it for about quilts. “She trained as a milliner and she would involved,” he says.
of what kept Val in such good health until she half an hour, along the beach near Tangimoana. make the most amazing hats,” Erica says, As a result, Des is also looking forward to
passed away peacefully in Gisborne. “She It was a wonderful experience.” Bob says it was noting how her mum took huge pride in her being able to install plaques for several other
never had any medication, she was never sick,” one of the highlights of his mum’s life and her appearance, always endeavouring to look her former servicemen from the Whitianga area who
Erica says. “She nearly made the hundred but eyes lit up whenever she talked about it. best. “Whenever there was a special occasion, have died in recent years. Erica says Val would
just not quite.” If she was precise with her bookkeeping for she would make herself a new one.” have been delighted to know that her passing
Born Valayo des Landes in Napier in 1921, the RSA, Val was equally conscientious about Des says he has loved getting to know Val’s had helped instigate others being recognised
Val lived in Whitianga for 30 years, moving to her quilting. “If she wasn’t happy with it, family and learning more about her history alongside her. “She was clear about where
the town with her husband, Bob, of the well- she would redo it,” Bob says. “Or she might which he has worked hard to research with she wanted to be on the wall too,” Erica says.
known White family. “His predecessors had want a very particular colour and if she couldn’t assistance from a friend. “She was a remarkable “She said don’t put me on the edge because it
built the stone store down by the Robinson find it, the quilt would go away in the cupboard. lady and since her family have been in touch might be cold.”
Road boat ramp so they had a lot of history with It could be months later and she’d spot what she with me, I have also been finding out more Des has obliged and Val’s plaque, which will
the area,” son Bob says. was looking for and then she’d get the quilt out about the process of getting plaques for the RSA be in place within the next few weeks, will go
Val’s life in the Whitianga community and finish it.” wall at the Mercury Bay Cemetery made and the directly underneath her husband, Bob’s and
particularly centred around her passion for But Val’s craft talents didn’t stop at just best people to deal with for the particular skills happily one in from the edge.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 7 April to Wednesday, 14 April - The Moon can help us find the constellations Capricorn and Gemini this month. Venus is
now lost in the Sun’s glare until May, but early risers can see the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn very close together before sunrise low in the east.
In the early evening, try comparing the colour of reddish Mars sitting very low in the NW just to the right of the red giant star Aldabaran in Taurus.
Wednesday, 7 April - Saturn lies above and to the left of the Moon while Jupiter is directly below its crescent in the pre-dawn sky. All three lie in Capricorn
today. Thursday, 8 April - Jupiter and Saturn sit above and to the left of the Moon in the morning sky. Saturday 10 April - A crescent Moon lies directly
above faint Mercury low on the eastern dawn horizon with Jupiter and Saturn high above and with the International Space Station (ISS) joining the show Astronomy Tours and B&B
from 6:01am in the SW before eventually passing just beside Saturn. Sunday, 11 April - Faint Mercury lies just below and to the left of the thin crescent
Moon just before sunrise. The ISS will suddenly pop out of the Earth’s shadow about 5:15am just below the Southern Cross. Monday, 12 April - The ISS Phone (07) 866 5343
makes an early pass from 6:03am in the western sky. Tuesday, 13 April - Another early but bright ISS pass from 5:18am in the NW moving high overhead. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
nzwindows.co.nz
4 Dakota Drive
Whitianga
Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 944 - 6 April 2021
Beach monitoring
(Continued from page 1)
understand which areas of coastline are at Coromandel that form part of the monitoring
risk from erosion due to natural processes programme are Whiritoa, Whangamata,
over decades,” the report said. Onemana, Opoutere, Pauanui, Tairua,
While the data showed that, in general, Hot Water Beach, Hahei, Cooks Beach,
the position of the dune toe along the Maramaratotara (Front Beach), Buffalo Beach
Coromandel’s east coast beaches fluctuated, (including Brophy’s Beach), Wharekaho,
there was “no clear widespread long-term Opito Bay, Kuaotunu East, Kuaotunu West,
(permanent) shoreline change.” “While most Matarangi and Whangapoua.
beaches seem quite stable now, a long-term In Whitianga, the recent indicator
trend for erosion may occur in response to report said that Brophy’s Beach had been
climate change, due either to accelerated influenced by human activities, including
sea level rise or a modified wave climate,” stormwater drainage and more recently by the
the report said. construction of a geotextile seawall.
Monitoring along the east coast of the At the northern end of Buffalo Beach,
Coromandel began at some beaches in 1979 severe erosion occurred in the winter of 2000.
and there are now 46 monitoring points “The shoreline in this area was then artificially
spread over the 17 beaches, though some of rebuilt and seawalls have prevented any
them no longer required to be monitored. significant erosion since,” the report said.
WRC’s coastal and marine team leader, The shoreline had been able to fluctuate
Michael Townsend, told the Informer, more naturally further south, though this area
“Understanding how shorelines are changing had experienced erosion partly caused by
is a key component of our coastal monitoring. effects of the seawalls. “This site is located
We expect the need for this type of information north of the Taputapuatea Stream (“Mother
to grow in the future with sea level rise and Brown’s Creek”) and has experienced
changing climatic conditions.” over 25m of erosion since the late 1990s,”
Mr Townsend said WRC staff used various the report said. “Historic aerial photographs
methods to measure shoreline change, taken in the 1940s show this shoreline has
including GPS technology to measure beach fluctuated significantly over periods of
height. “The recorded beach height can then many decades.
be compared with previous surveys to see “While the shoreline at Buffalo Beach
how the shape of the beach changes at that has not recovered since the erosion in the
location,” he said. late 1990s and in 2000, the beach has been
Other techniques included operating relatively stable at most sites in the last
cameras at beaches, including Tairua, 20 years, with fluctuations of no more
in conjunction with NIWA, to compare how than 10m.”
the beach changed over the years. Historic No monitoring point was located at the
aerial photographs also provided an important southern end of Buffalo Beach close to the
record of coastal change. Whitianga Harbour Entrance, but other
The next indicator report is expected to be records showed that there had been significant
released later this year or early next year. accretion (sand build-up) over the last
The 17 beaches along the east coast of the 40 years.
699 - 627April
Issue 944 July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Pet Rock Day in Kuatunu Pet Rock Day, every year a major fundraiser for the Kuaotunu Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten, The artists of Mercury Bay North supported the event exceptionally well with several highly was held last Sunday at the Kuaotunu Reserve. A large number of beautifully painted and creative entries. decorated rocks was once again entered into the decades old event. Unlike previous years, We’ll let the photos do the talking. no age group winners were chosen, but the bidding at the rock auction was as spirited as ever. Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 944 - 6 April 2021
Businesses affected by power cut may seek to recover costs Many Whitianga businesses, mainly in Monk Street, were taken by surprise when their power was cut on Monday last week. According to Powerco workmen in the street at the time, it was a planned outage. The power was cut at 9:30am and only came back on at 4:00pm. None of the affected businesses were aware that the outage was going to happen. Several of the businesses were forced to close and some had to dispose of perishable products. On enquiry from The Informer, Powerco released the following statement - “Powerco apologies for an error in its notification process which meant that 64 customers were not informed of its work in Whitianga [on Monday, 29 March], ahead of time. The work, which involved replacing a transformer, required a planned outage to allow the field crew to work safely. “Unfortunately, customers were not notified of the planned outage due to human error in the planning process. Usually outage information is provided to [power] retailers who in turn notify their customers of the upcoming outage. In this instance, the correct information was not provided to the retailers. “Powerco is sorry for the inconvenience caused and advises residents and businesses who may seek to recover costs resulting from the outage to contact them through customerexperience@ powerco.co.nz. Pictured is the new transformer that was installed. Issue 944 - 6 April 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
The Small-time Investor
By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
Tesla self-driving
My returns are steady this week. I’m up sensors. They use digital cameras only.
2.59 percent, which is NZD99.89. It’s not a Their reasoning is that humans can drive
great return, but give it time. Many of my perfectly well with only the sense of vision.
investments are long-term opportunities and If we can do that, then it should be possible to
I am not concerned about the short-term create code that can do the same.
price action. Tesla cars have cameras in all directions
Currently 10 of my picks are up and 18 and they believe the stream of data coming
are down. My biggest winner is Mainfreight, into the car is enough for it to autonomously
up 39 percent, and my biggest loser is still drive safely.
Plexure, down 40 percent. Tesla does not rely on pre-created maps of
Long-time readers will be aware that I the environment. Using the cameras, Tesla’s
am a huge Tesla bull. I really like what the artificial intelligence senses the environment
company is doing and I’m an avid follower and responds to that input alone. It may use a
of Space X and the Starship progress. Elon map for navigation, but not for self-driving.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is driving amazing This means that Tesla self-driving will be
companies and doing amazing things.
able to drive on any road, anywhere at any
Earlier this week, I watched a fascinating
time. Even if an alien spacecraft lands in the
discussion with Andrej Karpathy who is
middle of the road, the car will not crash.
the head of autonomous driving at Tesla.
Of the two approaches, one seems so much
It made me eager to grow my investment in
the company. better to me than the other. Liking what I
There are two approaches to solving the heard, I decided to invest another NZD100
self-driving problem. The maps and sensors into Tesla this week.
approach is being used by Waymo (formerly Please remember that what I write in this
the Google self-driving project) and others. column is just my personal opinion. Most of
It involves placing expensive LIDAR and my investments are currently losing money.
other sensors onto a car. It then uses very high- I am sharing my thoughts and strategies
precision digital maps of the environment. along with my results so that you can see how
The cars can only autonomously drive within easy it is to invest, even a small amount, and
these maps and they need to be updated to maybe learn from my mistakes. Be careful
stay relevant. These cars will cost a lot more with your money.
and only be able to drive within certain If you want to invest in shares or funds
geo-fenced areas. through the Sharesies online platform, use
The other approach is that taken by this link https://sharesies.nz/r/KHQQWP.
Tesla. They don’t have any expensive new You and I will each get $5 to invest.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 944 - 6 April 2021
Letters to the Editor
See page 30 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Surface of the Fund, to another Whitianga Scallop Festival. from the waters around Little Barrier Island immediately. It is truly time to support
Tapu-Coroglen Road How can Destination Coromandel be so as there were so few scallops left in our sustainable tourism only. The Scallop Festival
I live on the Tapu-Coroglen Road with my unaware of the crisis not only for scallops immediate area. The calls for a broad rāhui on certainly does not fit in that category.
family and at present have to travel twice a but most other fish stocks in the Hauraki Gulf scallop collecting definitely has merit, but not Why not simply have a Whitianga Festival?
day on a very dangerous road. For three or Marine Park? if it just places pressure on stocks elsewhere. Anna Horne
so weeks numerous people have complained My understanding is that the scallops for Meantime I call on Destination Coromandel Whitianga
to Thames-Coromandel District Council, the last Scallop Festival two years ago came to withdraw this Scallop Festival funding
Dear Editor - Boaties bearing the brunt of
but nothing has been done. council greed
It became a problem with the first rain after It is really disappointing to see boaties bear
the last road maintenance. The mud surface the brunt of proposed increases in Thames-
becomes extremely slippery and before I was Coromandel District Council’s charges in
aware of the danger, I nearly crashed into their budget. Clearly seen as a soft target
another car, fishtailing past it with my child with a whiff of “let’s hit the rich pricks,”
in the car. Now whenever it rains, I have to the 150 percent increase in launch permits is
drive 30km an hour or risk my life. eye watering. The majority of council’s other
It looks like a low priority with council. charges have no increase which further rubs
Hopefully no one is badly hurt before repairs salt water into the open cut.
are done. In keeping up with the consumer price
Kuika Illingworth index, we all need to pay a bit more.
Coroglen This should be borne by all folk in the
Reply from Thames-Coromandel District community for services accessed… maybe
Council to Kuika Illingworth’s letter some a little less , some a little more… but a
We have received a complaint about the little more is not an eye watering 150 percent.
Tapu-Coroglen Road in wet conditions, some So boaties need to rail against this
weeks after the most recent regrading works. and demand council look at treating its
All road surfaces are more hazardous when constituents fairly and get a more equitable
it rains, and the surface conditions of unsealed solution.
roads can vary considerably between wet and Don Barry
dry conditions. We will investigate the issue Cooks Beach
and if a problem is found, we will undertake
Reply from Thames-Coromandel District
remedial works.
Council to Don Barry’s letter
Dear Editor - Funding for the Whitianga The increase in boat ramp launching charges
Scallop Festival or the daily and annual rate is a proposal in
I just want to express my absolute dismay our Long Term Plan. The best way to give
that Destination Coromandel has allocated feedback in support or against is by making a
$12,000 of my taxes, via a Regional Tourism The Tapu-Coroglen Road after recent maintenance work was done. There is concern that submission by Monday 12 April at tcdc.govt.
Operators’ Signature Events Marketing the work caused the road to become unsafe. Photo by Gemma Richards. nz/longtermplan2021.
4
Issue 944 - 6 April 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Thousands needed for repairs The sound of taiko drums on
at Coghill Street Op-shop Mill Creek Road
A fundraising drive is underway in order to raise money to address a leaky roof and the installation of a
new ceiling at the Whitianga Community Services Trust’s Coghill Street Op-shop (pictured).
The roof leak has developed in the join between the original building and an extension which was added
a few years ago, and is causing major issues for the op-shop volunteers. “The leak is over the storage
area and every time it rains, they are having to move everything out to try and keep it dry, there have
been a couple of occasions where the clothes got wet, so it’s a big problem and we need to get it sorted,”
says Peter van der Putten of the trust.
The building also doesn’t have a ceiling which can make it uncomfortably hot in summer for staff and
customers and often cold in winter. “We have had to close a few times because it just got too hot in there,”
says Peter. “Getting a ceiling put in will help us control the temperature.”
The total cost of both projects is $18,000. “The first priority is the leak and we have an estimate of $2,000
for that,” says Peter. “We’ll get that done first and then continue fundraising for the ceiling.”
One of the initiatives underway to help raise the funds is the sale of a “Healthy Eating Healthy You”
cookbook which was developed by nutrition expert, Stacey Conning, in conjunction with a course for
members of the community focusing on tips and tricks for healthy eating. The book is available to
purchase at the Whitianga Community Services Trust (also known as Whitianga Social Services) and the
Coghill Street Op-shop. The trust would also welcome any sponsors who would like to help fund the work
and a fundraising barbecue is being planned for June.
MaryAnn Arnold and Catherine Williams, participants in Stacey’s course, which was delivered through
the trust, say the sessions had been extremely worthwhile. “Getting an understanding of food labels and
how to read things like salt and sugar content has been one of the most helpful things I have learned,”
says Catherine.
MaryAnn says she enjoyed that the course wasn’t focused on dieting or weight loss, but on simple
guidelines to help people consistently make sensible decisions for eating better.
Several members of Haere Mai Taiko from Auckland spent Easter weekend practising their Japanese
drums at the Koru Dojo on Mill Creek Road, South of Whitianga.
According to dojo owners, David and Hisae Lynch, the normally quiet rural valley echoed with
the rhythmic beat of the taiko drums all weekend, but the comments received were all positive.
“No complaints from the neighbours, there’s something amazingly stimulating in the sound of these
drums in expert hands,” said David.
The group have visited The Coromandel every year since 2011, but missed last year due to COVID-19.
They usually put on a free concert in Whitianga, but this year decided not to do so as they had been
very busy performing at cultural and sporting events around the country. “We felt we needed to go
back to basics this time,” said Jonathan Hopcroft, one of the leaders of the group.
The drummers enjoyed practising in the dojo because of its special atmosphere and connection with
Japanese culture through aikido. “Although taiko is a Japanese art, it’s also international and we
have nine different nationalities in our group,” said Jonathan.
Haere Mai Taiko was formed by the New Zealand Japan Society of Auckland, a non-profit organisation
that works to create a bridge between the people of New Zealand and Japan.
Pictured are those who attended the weekend. Back, from left to right - David Lynch, Jonathan
Hopcroft, Wendy Liew, Naoki Yajima, Karino Ito and Loryn Barbarich. Front, from left to right - Michiyo
Mori, Hisae Lynch, Fumiko Goodhue, Nick Wood, Vanessa Chang, Chikako Takayama and Helen Au.
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ONLINE POLL FOR APRIL 2021
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Are you in favour of a temporary ban on all scallop
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Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 944 - 6 April 2021
Issue 944
699 - 627April
July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Rescue Helicopter Update
The Coromandel is keeping the rescue We wish them well. a medical condition. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
helicopter busy. During March, the Auckland Our money boxes on shop counters across 13.03.2021 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a girl suffering a medical complaint.
Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT) flew 20 the Coromandel remain a good source of She was flown to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
missions into the Peninsula. funding. Thank you to everyone who are 13.03.2021 Colville - Crew tasked to Colville to assist a female patient in her 30s suffering a medical
Stephan Bosman, owner of The Informer contributing. complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
and driving force behind the petition to We were pleased to make Crosby Field, 13.03.2021 Waihi - Crew tasked to Waihi to assist a female patient in her 60s suffering a medical
again have a rescue helicopter based on the our rescue helicopter base in Whitianga, complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
Coromandel over the busy holiday periods, available to the ARHT to sell tickets for the 14.03.2021 Thames - Crew tasked to Thames to assist a boy suffering a medical complaint. He was
has been invited to address the Health Select Shelby GT-H they are raffling off. flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
Committee of Parliament on Wednesday next If you would like to get in touch with us, 14.03.2021 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a male patient in his teens suffering a
week (14 April). He will be accompanied please phone me on (027) 452 1298 or email medical condition. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition.
by Walter Russell, founding chairman of crht@xtra.co.nz. 14.03.2021 Tairua - Crew tasked to Tairua to assist a male patient in his 70s suffering a medical
the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust, Visit coromandelrescue.org.nz if you would complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
and retired paediatric surgeon (and Whitianga like to know more about us and what we do. 14.03.2021 Cooks Beach - Crew tasked to Cooks Beach to assist a female patient in her 60s suffering
resident), Kevin Pringle. Please stay safe out there. a fall down some stairs. She was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a moderate condition.
Stephan, Walter and Kevin are spending Merv George 20.03.2021 Pauanui - Crew tasked to Pauanui to assist an elderly female patient suffering a fall from
this week preparing their presentation, Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust standing height. She was flown to Tauranga Hospital in a moderate condition.
including discussions with the ARHT. Chairman 25.03.2021 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a female patient in her 30s suffering a
medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
Missions flown by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust into the Coromandel Peninsula during 26.03.2021 Hahei - Crew tasked to Hahei to assist a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical
February 2021 complaint. He was flown to Thames Hospital in a serious condition.
03.03.2021 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a female patient in her 30’s in labour. 26.03.2021 Matarangi - Crew tasked to Matarangi to assist a female patient in her 20s suffering a
She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition. medical condition. She was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition.
03.03.2021 Matarangi - Crew tasked to Matarangi to assist a baby boy suffering a medical complaint. 28.03.2021 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a female patient in her 50s suffering a
He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition. medical complaint. Unfortunately, the patient died and Westpac 1 returned to base.
04.03.2021 Hikuai - Crew tasked to Hikuai to assist a female patient in her 60s involved in a motor
vehicle accident with multiple patients. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
08.03.2021 Shelly Beach - Crew tasked to Shelly Beach to assist a male patient in his 60s suffering
a medical complaint. He was flown to Thames Hospital in a serious condition.
12.03.2021 Pinnacles - Crew tasked to the Pinnacles to assist a female patient in her 30s suffering a
walking injury. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a minor condition.
12.03.2021 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a female patient in her 80s suffering a
medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
12.03.2021 Coromandel Town - Crew tasked to Coromandel to assist a female patient in her 60s
involved in a head on collision. She was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.
12.03.2021 Whangamata - Crew tasked to Whangamata to assist a female patient in her 80s suffering
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 944 - 6 April 2021Community Board says yes to paying more for some priority projects The Tairua-Pauanui Community Board is urging Thames-Coromandel District Council to proceed with the Manaia Road Hub project, the upgrade of the Paku boat ramp and more carparking for the Pauanui town centre over the next three years at an estimated cost of $680,000. While TCDC says starting these projects, along with additional money for footpaths ($67,000), street lighting ($26,000) and reserves ($50,000), would increase rates in the Tairua-Pauanui Ward by another $12.51 during the first year of the new Long Term Plan 2021-2031, it does not outline the full impact of the costs on rates for the subsequent years. TCDC has dubbed all these projects “nice to haves,” leaving it to ratepayers to make submissions during the current public consultation period to indicate if they are willing to pay the additional costs. However, it remains unclear what the full price tag will be and TCDC did not respond to a request from The Informer for this information. Under the current draft plan, $33,000 would be spent on the Paku boat ramp next year and a further $108,000 in 2022/2023. The Pauanui carparking would be completed next year at a cost of $92,000 while the Manaia Road Hub - an extension of the current library building - would cost $223,000 in 2022/2023 and an additional $229,000 the following year. The money for footpath construction, streetlights and reserves would all be spent next year. Tairua and Pauanui ratepayers are already set for an average rates bill of $4,034 per year for the next 10 years and this additional spending will add to that. The Tairua-Pauanui Community Board has made these recommendations to council in its formal submission to the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan. Ultimately it will be for TCDC to make a final decision as to which projects proceed, taking into account all the submissions received from members of the public before 12 April. Details on how to make a submission are available on council’s website. “Our Board is serving our community to the best of our ability and with transparency,” said Tairua-Pauanui Community Board chair, Warwick Brooks (pictured). The Board also said it does not support the proposed annual boat trailer parking fee of $200, but would be in favour of a $100 charge. It’s the first time fees will be implemented at the Tairua Wharf boat ramp. It is expected this will extend to the heavily used Paku boat ramp once upgrade work is completed. Issue 944 - 6 April 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11
Creativity and connections celebrated at
Art Escape Gala Evening
By Gillian O’Neill
Connecting and reflecting was the mood of The Showcase Exhibition contains an artwork
the evening at the Mercury Bay Art Escape from all the artists who are members of the
Gala Evening at Hot Waves Café in Hot Water Mercury Bay Art Escape.
Beach on Thursday last week. The People’s Choice Award was decided
Traditionally a launch party for two weeks based on more than 400 votes from members
of workshops, exhibitions, artists in residence of the public who visited the exhibition since
sessions and Open Studios, a postponement 6 March.
due to COVID-19 meant this year’s Gala The strong influences of the Coromandel
Evening became a celebration on the eve of environment are prominent in many of the
the final and bonus weekend of artists opening exhibition pieces, with the sea and marine
their doors to showcase the wider Mercury landscape featuring heavily. Among those
Bay area’s talent to locals and visitors. with flavours of the ocean were “Armoured
It was an adaptation which Mercury Bay Art Ray,” an eagle ray crafted from copper and
Escape chairman, Ian Preece, said reflected reclaimed Oregon pine by Tairua wood
how both those in the Art Escape family carver, Tim Aldrich, and “Champagne Cliffs,
and the wider New Zealand community had Hahei,” Souzie Speerstra’s acrylic on canvas.
negotiated the past 12 months. “It has been a
However, it was Raewyn Helms-Davis’s
bit of a year,” he said. “We had just concluded
extraordinary portrait, “Blue Boy,” capturing
the final weekend of last year’s Art Escape
a pensive moment of thought which won the
Open Studios when it was announced we were
coveted Artists’ Choice Award.
going into lockdown. We were all facing the
The Gala Evening also featured a talk from
unexpected. Here we are a year later and we
are still dealing with it.” guest speaker, Di Tocker, a glass artist from
Ian congratulated all the artists, sponsors Mercury Bay Art Escape chairman and winner of the Showcase Exhibition’s People’s Choice Cambridge, and the auction of several donated
and supporters for “sticking with us” for Award, Ian Preece, with award sponsor, Lea Jurkovich, of Bayleys Real Estate. art pieces, including a glass sculpture from
the 2021 Open Studios, which was planned Di, a painting “Alofa mo Oe'” from Mercury
he said. “The sense of isolation strained our to build a community,” he said. “Because we Bay Art Escape patron, Samoan-New Zealand
under the shadow of uncertainty. “We met as relationships and connections as we faced are all participating, we don’t often get the
a steering group and we made the decision to artist Fatu Feu’u, and a photograph from
fear and uncertainty about what it all meant. opportunity to go and see each other’s work
run with it, and we are grateful to you all for Greywacke winemaker, event sponsor and
When you look around, you can see what it and this had really provided a great way for us
coming on board and supporting us during means to people to be able to be here tonight, to see and enjoy what everyone else is doing.” photographer, Kevin Judd.
what has been a very challenging year,” celebrating and appreciating local art.” While highlighting the team effort that The Art Escape also acknowledged Mary
he said. Sticking with the theme of connections, goes into the Open Studios, Ian celebrated Channings and Terry Bright, former owners
Noting how lucky New Zealand was Ian cited the Art Escape’s social media focus a personal success on the night taking out of Hot Waves who were hosting the Gala
relative to other places in the world in terms for this year’s event as a particular highlight the Showcase Exhibition’s People’s Choice Evening and Showcase Exhibition for the
of being able to have such events, Ian said he and thanked Marion Manson for her work with Award for his stunning photograph of final time having recently sold the café to new
felt very grateful. “The one thing that comes that. “As well as promoting the Open Studios Kuaotunu beach, one of a series of seascape owners, Danika and Stu Fanshawe.
to my mind above everything else about the and other events, it has also been a great way works that took 12 months to capture with Ian The Showcase Exhibition continues at Hot
past year is the importance of connections,” for us to stay connected with each other and waiting for the right light and weather. Waves until Sunday, 2 May.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 944 - 6 April 2021Catherine’s Column
By Catherine Delahunty - Coromandel Peninsula resident and former Green Party MP
A roof over our heads
Recently, I went to a funding meeting in afford to live in the houses that should be
Thames with a wide range of community available. The Coromandel Peninsula is full of
groups from Whitianga and Colville to Paeroa. empty houses and holiday baches, but they are
The funders asked us to identify the greatest no use to homeless people or people sleeping
barriers to wellbeing in our communities as well on couches in a relative’s rental flat. Housing,
as what was going well. Everyone in the room like clean water and enough food, is a human
identified housing as the greatest challenge for right, not something just for the deserving
our communities, but not one of the groups middle class and the rich. We need to listen to
were actually set up to work on housing. homeless people and meet their needs.
Some of them become housing advocates by The man who was sleeping under a shelter
default through their work on other issues. in my street in Wellington was there because
When I pointed out this contradiction, he needed to be alone. He told me that flats for
I was given some useful history. Apparently, single men with no income were virtually non-
Thames had a housing forum for a while and existent and when I listened to him, I could see
people really tried to create housing solutions, he needed to have that space.
but no social housing trusts or agencies have Crowding people into motels is not the answer
been established. either, imagine being forced to live with total
I went home feeling very concerned about the strangers just so you had a roof over your head.
situation. The government is not committed to People are raising children in cars and garages
a massive state housing build which we clearly while others visit their palaces with magical
need. They are not facilitating tiny house views of our coastline, and it just feels wrong.
flexible rules or alternative building materials I would pay more taxes or rates to change the
which work, like mud brick. The rhetoric of housing crisis and would sleep better at night if
“social housing” is not something Thames- we were all under a decent roof.
Coromandel District Council leads on either. In the meantime, I am part of a network
We do need some community leadership to that collects extra fruit and veggies from my
kickstart a housing trust or model made up of neighbours in the Kauaeranga Valley and gives
some genuine social housing with affordable it to Te Whāriki o Manawāhine o Hauraki
rents or long-term leases. We need to stop who distribute it to whanau who need it.
pretending that homelessness and overcrowding We have been doing this since last March when
only happen in the cities. COVID-19 started and it’s good to see good
My mother-in-law in Opotiki set up a housing food getting shared.
trust and used quite a bit of her inheritance to One day last week, I was picking some
create affordable and secure housing for some apples for the network from a beautiful heritage
people who really needed it. I wish that we apple tree in the orchard of a very generous
had a philanthropist with her resources to kick- neighbour. A light rain fell and the scent of
start a housing trust in this area. But it’s not the Golden Delicious hovered in the soft air. There
ultimate solution. The solution includes a long- were so many apples ripening without pesticides
term state commitment to housing people in a on this magnificent tree. Abundance is all
variety of models. around us to be shared. Abundance and equity
We also need rent controls so people can equals community.
Issue 944
699 - 627April
July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Mercury Bay’s big fish have been reeling
in the visitors for almost a century
The long Easter weekend once again match - the only known woman game fishing
signalled the arrival of a steady stream of boat skipper in the world,” Illingworth writes.
trailers negotiating their way patiently via the “She is Mrs Connie Simmons, of the Ngaire,
narrow, winding roads and one-way bridges a 36-foot launch that she handles with
to reach the prize of the fishing paradise that complete skill and confidence. Connie knows
is Mercury Bay. It’s a path well-travelled plenty about fishing too, in the 1949/50
even in times when getting here presented season she boated 36 fish to become the top
an even loftier challenge, as described in Whitianga boat for the season.”
Neil Illingworth’s “Fighting Fins - Big Game However, the trawl through the post-
Fishing in New Zealand Waters.” colonial history of fishing in the area and
The book, published in 1961, devotes in particular the origins of the first game
separate chapters to five of New Zealand’s fishing club, the Mercury Bay Swordfish and
prime fishing destinations and the section on Mako Shark Club, goes back to the 1920s.
Mercury Bay opens as follows, “The road “EE Chadban, the ‘Chad’ of Mayor Island
over the Coromandel Range is steep, narrow fame, was responsible for getting game
and tortuous, climbing 1,400 feet quickly in fishing going in Whitianga,” the book says.
just a few miles from the Thames coast and “He began fishing at Mayor Island in 1922
dropping just as quickly at the other side. but left after two years to run the hotel at
It seems a little fearsome on first acquaintance, Whitianga. One day in the winter of 1924
but it has never stopped a fisherman from Harry Chapman, an old Norwegian cray
reaching Whitianga.” A photo from Neil Illingworth’s book, “Fighting Fins - Big Game Fishing in New Zealand
fisherman who lived on Mercury Island, saw
Waters.” Connie Simmons is pictured next to Koni Tamahana at the Whitianga Wharf.
Some who now regularly negotiate the a marlin alongside his boat and the next time
At the time the book was written, Connie was the only known female
holiday traffic for the privilege of getting he was ashore he went to the hotel and told
game fishing skipper in the world.
out on the water here might argue little has Chad about it. He (Chad) went out with local
changed. Those who have been long since launch-owner, Bob White, on the Vanita and felt hats to prevent their hands from being cut oil to make them supple.
connected with the town will recognise many saw marlin himself, so he made up a party of on the line. They came back that first day with “Whitianga was agog at the prospect of
of the great names that Illingworth refers to. three boats for the following weekend to try a striped marlin and a mako shark, and Chad the new sport and it was no trouble to find
His narrative of the town, the fishing and and catch them. immediately decided to get the sport going enough enthusiasts to form a game-fishing
people is a whose who of the stalwarts of the “Chad and his party did not have any game for the following season. He sent to Auckland club ready for the opening of the 1925 season.
local fishing scene. fishing gear, but they trolled kahawai baits for hooks, lines and a couple of Nottingham At a meeting held in an old fish shed on the
“The Whitianga charter fleet, like those tied to stout hapuku lines and when they had reels, and then went to the bush and cut a town wharf, Chad was elected president of
elsewhere, has its share of colourful and a strike they tied the end of the line to a four- pair of tanekaha poles for rods. These were the Mercury Bay Swordfish and Mako Shark
interesting characters, but it has one gallon drum and left the fish to fight the drum stripped of their bark, smoothed, seasoned in Club, a post he held until he left Whitianga
distinguishing feature that no other centre can until it was tired and then hauled it in, using a stream and then allowed to soak in linseed 10 years later, and Archie Wells (owner of
(Continued on page 16)
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 944 - 6 April 2021Issue 944
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2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Mercury Bay’s big fish have been reeling in the visitors for almost a century (Continued from page 14) the Dart, one of the boats used in Chad’s for much of the club’s growth,” the book anecdotes clearly acquired through an agricultural tractor as a makeshift fighting experiment) became secretary-treasurer. says. “He is Jack Crawford, the secretary, conversations with those who were immersed chair. Boy had brought in quite a few fish The first committee consisted of Harry who took over the job in 1949 and has since in the area’s game fishing activity at the time. by himself when some of the professional Gordon, Norman Gordon, Snowy Bilyeald, devoted thousands of hours to the interests “One of the most amusing stories from this skippers began to tease him about not Albert Bowman, Bill King, Jack Hovell, Roly of game fishing in Whitianga. Jack is a sort centre is about a big fish in a small boat,” boating the fish. The following weekend, Sewell and the local policeman, Tom Cannon. of organised chaos, always on the go and one of these stories begins. “Keen as mustard, Boy returned to the wharf with a stiped That winter, members built gallows on the apparently managing to do about 10 things Boy Smooth goes game fishing by himself marlin of 280lb in the boat. Some wise beach between the town wharf and the wharf at once.” in a 15-foot open boat, the Wanda, with an Whitianga heads are still being scratched at the hotel for the fish to be weighed on. Illingworth goes on to share numerous outboard motor and an old sprung seat from about how he got it there without assistance.” “By 1926, news of the new fishing grounds Also featured is Don Ross’s tale of the had spread and there were more visitors. English tourist who excitedly fought for Some of the early launches - the Renown, 10 minutes after what he believed was his the Dauntless and the Maybelle - were offering first ever gamefish strike having fished all for charter at a rate of £3 a day. But even in over world. So sure was he that his luck the second season it was mostly weekend had changed, he did not even mind that fishing in fair weather only, with the boats his catch got away. Despite his suspicions, leaving Whitianga at three or four o’clock in Don said nothing when the bait was reeled in the morning for the fishing ground.” untouched and he never had the opportunity The book goes on to chronicle the demise to tell the man what he later discovered, of the game fishing club during the war years that what the man had hooked and battled and the Great Depression in between until with was a rubber car tyre. the revival in 1947 with Roy Dale, the hotel Commenting on the new fascination for proprietor, calling the first meeting and being tuna which he describes as “the new glamour elected president. “Since then there has been story for Whitianga,” Illingworth writes, no holding the club,” Illingworth writes. “Local skippers and anglers foresee a great Membership has sprung up to almost 1,000 future for tuna fishing as knowledge of tackle in the 14 years since the club was re-formed and technique develops and the seasons when and the game fleet has grown to eight charter the fish can be found become more clear.” launches and more than half a dozen regular Amazing how far the story of game fishing private launches,” in Mercury Bay has travelled over the Well-known personalities continue to make past 100 years. Hopefully, our weekend an appearance in the Mercury Bay section A map of Mercury Bay as it appears in Neil Illingworth’s book, “Fighting Fins - Big Game visitors have left with plenty more good of the book. “One man has been responsible Fishing in New Zealand Waters.” The book was published in 1961. stories to tell. Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 944 - 6 April 2021
Issue 944
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July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Road home proved a “man trap” for
Tairua mill worker
Historian and Informer contributor, Meghan Hawkes, has again done some research to piece
together the story of an early Coromandel resident, this time Patrick Holland who was laid to
rest at the Tairua Historic Cemetery.
John Falls had spent most of a December night know. He was perfectly conscious when he
in 1877 wandering about the flat at Tairua said that, but then Patrick deteriorated and
looking for his mate, 22-year-old Patrick died at around 11:00am.
Holland. The two bush men had arrived An inquest found that Patrick Holland
from Mercury Bay the day before and had came to his death by accidentally falling over
gone drinking at Flynn’s Tairua Hotel. When a bank on to a stump of a tree. But had he?
they were ready to leave at about 10:00pm, One of the jurors protested the news report
John got a bottle of brandy and Patrick a of the verdict - the cause of death was not the
bottle of wine from Mrs Flynn. John gave one published he said. The jury had actually
Patrick the brandy to carry as he was the found that Patrick Holland was coming from
soberest. Patrick put both bottles inside his the hotel to the men’s huts when he fell over
shirt and John started for the men’s huts down a little bank and broke the bottles, causing
at the timber mill. He left Patrick standing at a wound about four inches long just below
the door of the hotel thinking he would follow the ribs. The cut was clean as if done by a
him. But Patrick seemingly vanished and
knife. They returned the verdict that “Patrick
John, befuddled by drink, eventually gave up
Holland met his death by falling over a bank,
his search.
he having bottles in his breast and the bottles
He got up about 4:00am, just as dawn was
breaking, and went to look for Patrick again. striking against the stump of a tree broke and
He then met Paddy Gibbons who told him caused the wound which was the cause of
Patrick was lying injured in a waterhole, his death.”
having fallen over a bank and being staked by The jury also recommended that the
a tea tree stump. When they reached Patrick, government, before renewing the license of
Paddy Gibbons bound him up with his shirt the Tairua Hotel, should see that a proper
and, with the help of other men, they moved road was made, the saw mill company having
him to the Tairua Hotel. obstructed the one formerly in use. The road
At the hotel, John Todd helped to wash to the hotel from the mill was regarded as a
Patrick and asked him how he came by his regular man trap for a man in his sober senses,
injuries. He answered that he got hung up on let alone a man worse for drink.
a tea tree stake. John also asked him what Patrick Holland is buried at the Tairua
made him go down that way. He said he didn’t Historic cemetery, his grave now unmarked. A grave at the Tairua Historic Cemetery. Photo by Mike Hawkes.
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 944 - 6 April 2021Issue 944
699 - 627April
July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19What’s On In the next few weeks
Regular Activities Whitianga Tramping Group
Op-Shops Meets every second Sunday at 8:30am. Phone Wally on (021) 907 782 or Lesley on (021) 157 9979 for more information.
• Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street Scottish Country Dancing
(west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Meets every Tuesday from 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the Supper Room of the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Phone Anthea
• The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to on 866 4516 or (021) 158 1522 for more information.
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. Whitianga Art Group
• St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for
10:00am - 2:00pm. a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information.
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Mercury Bay Pickleball Club
10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets Every Tuesday from 4:00pm - 6:00pm and every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School
Justice of the Peace gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available.
Available every Monday (except public holidays) from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Mercury Bay Tennis Club
Bookings not necessary. Phone 866 4476 for more information. Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga.
Whitianga Senior Citizens Club Mercury Bay Table Tennis
Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Meets every Tuesday from 9:00am - 11:30am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on
etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. (07) 869 5162 or (027) 565 5575 for more information.
Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Mercury Bay Badminton
Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Meets every Wednesday from 9:30am - 11:00am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome.
Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. Phone (07) 866 5476 for more information.
SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club
Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Meets every Thursday at 6:45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Come along and join in or phone Alan on
computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on 866 4024 or Cheryl on 0274 527887 for more information.
(027) 486 0150 for more information or to join.
Whitianga Playcentre Specific Activities/Events
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon at 1D White Street, Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, Mercury Bay Grey Power Coffee Morning
free entry. Visitors welcome. Thursday, 8 April at 10:30am in the Supper Room of the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome.
AA Driver Licensing Phone Merle on 867 1737 for more information.
The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Mito Q K2 Cycle Race
Scrapbags Quilting Group Saturday, 10 April. All distances finish at the Tairua Rugby Club, Tairua. The K2 (192km) starts in Tairua,
Meets every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome. the K1 (96km) starts in Coromandel Town and the Nicholas Browne Challenge (53km) starts in Thames. For more
phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information. information, see k2cycle.co.nz.
Mercury Bay Creative Fibre Thames Valley Senior Rugby - Saturday, 10 April
Meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, Mercury Bay A v Waihi Athletic A in Whitianga. Kick-off at 2:00pm.
Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information. Mercury Bay B v Thames B in Thames. Kick-off at 12:25pm.
Matarangi Craft Group Coromandel Town B v Waihi Athletic B in Coromandel Town. Kick-off at 2:00pm.
Meets fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Tsunami Sirens Public Forums
Mercury Bay Quilters Monday, 12 April at 12:30pm in the Mercury Bay Community Boardroom, 10 Monk Street, Whitianga (behind the
Meets the first and third Mondays, and second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10:00am - 4:00pm at Whitianga TCDC offices) and Tuesday, 13 April at 9:00am at St Francis Church, 248 Main Road, Tairua. The tsunami sirens
Social Services, Cook Drive. Members range in age from 14 to in their 90s. New members welcome to join and share their on the Coromandel Peninsula are being disconnected, but come along to see what measures are in place to keep
quilting knowledge, and help make charity quilts for the neonatal unit at Auckland Hospital and the children admitted to everybody safe.
Starship Hospital. Phone Margaret on (07) 866 0411 for more information. Whitianga Marathon
Mercury Bay Community Choir Saturday, 22 May. Four course options - 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km. Entries now open.
This “all-comers” choir rehearses every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area school Music Room. See whitiangamarathon.co.nz for more information.
New rehearsals start on 8 February. New singers always welcome. Phone (022) 643 7462 for more information.
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