Beachfront "a disgrace" as freedom camping review gets underway - Mercury Bay ...
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Issue 911 - 18 August 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 7,750
Beachfront “a disgrace” as freedom
camping review gets underway
By Gillian O’Neill
Overcrowding at some of the Coromandel
Peninsula’s most popular freedom camping
locations is causing a raft of problems
and generating a litany of complaints
from residents.
Thames-Coromandel District Council is
undertaking a review of its Freedom Camping
Bylaws that is likely to see designated sites
moved away from prime beachfront locations
where over peak periods there are frequently
four times as many campervans as there
are spaces.
Mercury Bay councillors, Tony Fox and
Murray McLean, were at the most recent
council meeting among the most ardent
supporters of the review, arguing that it could
not come soon enough.
“Our beachfront is a disgrace,” Mr McLean
told fellow councillors. His comment came
after Mr Fox talked about the situation along
Buffalo Beach Road in Whitianga where he
said campervans were “…taking up prime
beach space so it looks like a gypsy fair.”
“If you go for a walk or a run or a bike ride,
there are clotheslines and outside barbecues
taking up the footpaths and surrounding
areas,” Mr Fox said. “It’s not a good look
for the town and it’s a nuisance value.
The value to the town is questionable, apart
from the fact that [the freedom campers] buy
petrol and one-minute noodles.”
TCDC mayor, Sandra Goudie, said she
had a file of complaints which had been
received from almost every community,
mentioning specifically Little Bay near A freedom camping site nearby the Purangi Estuary in Cooks Beach last Sunday morning.
Waikawau and Cooks Beach. While council in 2019. past two years has shown common themes According to TCDC statistics, beachfront
reported a marked decrease in the numbers of However, the impact of overcrowding of non-compliance, including noncertified sites in Cooks Beach, followed by Buffalo
campervans visiting the Peninsula due to the at particular locations would, according self-contained vehicles, rubbish, public Beach Road in Whitianga are Mercury Bay’s
absence of international visitors, it anticipates to TCDC, provide legal grounds for their defecation, overcrowding of restricted sites table toppers when it comes to complaints,
that the demand for popular waterfront sites inclusion in the list of prohibited areas. and restricting access for other freedom warnings and infringement notices for
is still likely to be a major issue over summer. Under the Freedom Camping Act, all areas campers. freedom camping violations. However, they
Compliance checks indicate that since of the Peninsula need to be accessible, unless The review process will involve are also the most heavily patrolled.
lockdown restrictions have been removed it is necessary to exclude them in order to Community Boards, in consultation with iwi, Other problem spots that could be targeted
on 14 May, infringements and the issue protect the area, protect the health and safety examining the current Freedom Camping during the review include Paku Drive
of warnings are down with 2,143 checks of the people who may visit the area and/or locations on the Coromandel and making in Tairua (opposite the Surf Lifesaving
completed for 14 May to 30 June 2020 protect access to the area. recommendations to council on what changes Club) and Island View Reserve in
compared to 3,346 checks for the same period Council says evidence collected over the are required. Whangamata.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Ken Woodhead and his vision for Matarangi
By Suzanne Hansen
Ken Woodhead (Woody) was a “man visitors and potential investors on board some South Island investors, who sold the early in the morning and Woody said that he
among men” according to friend, Harold Freddie Ladd’s amphibious Widgeon, development to Mark Hotchin in 2000. loved to get up early and play with his assets.
Abrahamson. Another friend, Walter Russell, the very same plane Freddie illegally flew Not content with just his Matarangi And assets he had, including land on
describes Woody as a self-made man, under the Auckland Harbour Bridge in 1967. project, Ken also made some investments in Jackman Avenue and Cook Drive in
who no matter how much he enjoyed a drink Ken also bought the Grey family farm Whitianga, one of them being The Whitianga Whitianga, and parts of Lee Street. Kenneth
or played up the previous night was as “sharp running from Peebles Stream at Greys Beach Hotel, which he bought from Roy Dale in the Avenue, just off of Hannan Road, is named
as a tack” and first in the office the next day, to Bluff Road. He left the flat land next to late 1960s, and where he and his family lived. after Ken.
neatly dressed and ready to start work. the stream for a campground which is still Pam was very involved with the hospitality By all accounts, Woody was a larger than
Woody’s ambition and keen eye for there today. side of the hotel, while Ken had his office life man who stood out in any crowd for both
opportunity surfaced early after a stint in the From 1970 over the next several years, there. Harold Abrahamson recalls that many his stature and personality. He and his family
Navy. Without a penny to his name, he was Boris and Pru Abrahamson (Harold mornings when he was up and about at 4:00am eventually left Mercury Bay for the Karikari
walking up Queen Street in Auckland one day, Abrahamson’s parents) leased both Matarangi moving the excavation machinery used in his Peninsula in Northland. His final years were
still in his uniform. He saw a big “flash” car and the Grey farm from Ken, and farmed it business, he would see Woody busy in his spent in Queensland, Australia, where he died
and decided he wanted one. Heading along running stock. Pru went into Whitianga each office. He once asked Woody what he did so in 1992.
to a nearby bank he asked the manager for Sunday to cook breakfast for the hospital
a loan, saying that if they agreed, he would along the treacherous Bluff Road. Another
buy and sell the car by that very afternoon. farmer at Rings Beach would come out
They lent him the money and true his word, before first light to move any boulders which
the car was sold that same day for a profit inevitably came down during wet nights so
of $50. she could pass.
From there, Woody bought and sold many Ken, knowing what a special stretch
cars, eventually turning over numerous fleet of picture-perfect white sand beach he
cars for Rothmans in New Zealand and owned at Matarangi, started to make some
becoming a prosperous businessman. improvements, first planting pine trees and
Ken came to the Mercury Bay area in then organising electricity when it became
the mid-1960s, armed with a passion for available. He started to envision the beach
developing a beach community something community it could be, although he knew he
akin to what he saw happening in Pauanui. needed to conquer the accessibility issue.
He purchased Matarangi (Omara Spit) in the In the mid-1970s, the Coromandel County
mid to late 1960s from George and Charlie Council put in a road to Matarangi, likely
Simpson. For the first few years, Ken leased vigorously encouraged by Ken, and by
the working farm back to the Simpson family. 1978 he began to plan his vision in earnest.
George and Joy Simpson remember Woody He enlisted the resources of engineer,
and his wife, Pam, to be generous people, Graham Collins, who would later be involved
bringing their daughters lovely Easter eggs with the Whitianga Waterways, and appointed
the likes of which they had never seen. former County Council chairman, Brian
At the time, Matarangi had no electricity McMahon, as project manager.
and no road access other than Bluff Road Ken subdivided and sold at least 40
from Rings Beach, which is now no longer sections at the far end of Omara Spit,
open to vehicles. There was only one paving beautiful cycleways and amenities
farmhouse plus a bach, which Woody, with rows of trees. The development was Unfortunately neither the Mercury Bay Museum nor The Treasury in Thames
Pam and their daughters would use on later sold to Rothmans and then to Magnum/ have any photos of Ken Woodhead or his family. This photo shows what
weekends. Sometimes Ken would bring in DB. As it grew, ownership passed on to Matarangi (Omara Spit) looked like in the mid to late 1960s.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 19 August to Wednesday, 26 August - New Moon is this week, so we will have lovely dark skies all night until the weekend
uninterrupted by a bright Moon. This gives us a unique chance to observe our Milky Way high overhead in all its glory. This is our galaxy stretching from
horizon to horizon and appears much higher up than northern hemisphere observers ever see it. Every star we can see in the sky lies in the Milky Way
while the bright “milk” is the glow from billions of stars very far away along its central band, punctuated by dark lanes of dust from which new stars will
form. The stars we observe as discrete points are just the very closest members of our galaxy. Wednesday, 19 August - New Moon tonight and the
International Space Station (ISS) makes two passes in the evening. The first starts at 6:27pm in the NNE and ends just below Jupiter. The second is only
brief starting very low in the west from 8:04 and ending a minute later as the satellite moves into the Earth’s shadow. Thursday, 20 August - The ISS can Astronomy Tours and B&B
be seen from 7:16pm and moves right through the Southern Cross. Friday, 21 August - The ISS is visible from 6:29pm in the west and travels virtually Phone (07) 866 5343
overhead. Saturday, 22 August - The ISS will be very low in the western and then SW sky from 7:19pm. Sunday, 23 August - The ISS makes a low pass
from 6:31pm starting in the west and passing below the Southern Cross with a lovely thin crescent Moon also visible. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
nzwindows.co.nz
4 Dakota Drive
Whitianga
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020
Marina Society donation
to Boating Club
Last week, the Whitianga Marina Society presented a $5,000 donation to the Mercury Bay Boating Club
(MBBC) Youth Sailing Programme.
The Whitianga Marina has been supportive of Mercury Bay Junior Sailing since the MBBC re-ignited its
Learn to Sail courses four years ago. The society has provided temporary boat storage, use of the interior
ramp at the marina when needed, and financial assistance and expertise for the maintenance and repair
of the club’s aging dinghy training fleet. The donation is part of the marina’s policy to financially support
worthy local causes.
According to MBBC commodore and youth sailing coordinator, Jonathan Kline, the donation could not
come at a better time as the club is currently in the final stages of funding four double handed training
dinghies and securing additional storage options. “With the new larger boats, we need to update where
and how we store our boats,” he says. “This generous grant will be instrumental not only in updating our
equipment, but also our storage solutions.”
Head sailing coach, Russell Chaney, says, “The MBBC junior sailing programme is committed to providing
wider community access for our teen sailors who have outgrown our smaller yachts, for local adults who
want to learn to sail and for our local students with special needs who require a coach on board with them
at all times. This donation helps us do that.”
Whitianga is an ocean village and the MBBC is committed to teaching youth and adults to enjoy the sea,
be safe on the water and respect our stunning marine environment. “The group of juniors we teach will be
our future watermen and women,” says club treasurer and volunteer coach, Philip Hart. “They will one day
have launches and yachts of their own, departing from the Whitianga Marina for destinations unknown.”
Jonathan says local volunteer groups are only as strong as the community that supports them. “We are
extremely fortunate in Whitianga to have organisations like the Whitianga Marina Society that provide such
robust aid,” he says. “With their financial support to worthy causes, the Marina not only sponsors material
needs, but also breathes new life in to the volunteers who give so freely of their time and knowledge.”
Pictured are those who were present when the donation was handed over. From the left - Philip Hart,
Brian Parker (Whitianga Marina Society secretary), Russell Chaney, Jonathan Kline and Noah Kline
(MBBC junior sailor).
699 - 18
Issue 911 27 August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
National Party pledges a
The St John Siren
Coromandel National Park Sponsored by Mercury Bay Pharmacy - Tel 866 4532
July saw our ambulance response numbers together. Please phone the ambulance station on
continue to climb. St John responded to 94 (07)866 4747 and leave your details.
incidents for the month, made up of 66 medical Another St John initiative is underway in
calls and 28 trauma-related calls. This is a 10 the community. We have recently installed a
percent increase over same month last year. number of AEDs around Whitianga and now to
Our year to date total stands at 650, which is 61 go hand-in-hand with that, the St John Mercury
fewer than the same period in 2019. This is due Bay Area Committee is offering the Three Steps
to the significantly quieter period of lockdown. for Life programme in Whitianga and the greater
An air ambulance was utilised on seven Mercury Bay area. This programme is provided
occasions during the month. free of charge by our St John volunteers where,
Our staff numbers stand at 20 Volunteer in a training session lasting no more than one
Ambulance Officers and five full-time paid hour, you will be taught what is termed the
Paramedics. Two of our volunteers have retired “Three Steps for Life - three steps following
over recent months after completing lengthy a cardiac arrest that anyone can undertake to
periods of service to our community. A hearty improve a person in cardiac arrest’s chances
Details have yet to be revealed around a National Party proposal that would see a large section of the thank you to both Pat Doube and Wendy Crook. of survival.
Coromandel Peninsula designated a National Park. Four of our officers are midway to completing You will be taught how to get assistance by
The plan is a key element of the party’s conservation policy which was announced by party leader, their First Responder qualification. They have dialling 111, how to start CPR and how to use
Judith Collins last week and welcomed by Coromandel MP, Scott Simpson. If elected, National says it completed their class time and are now getting an AED.
would “…establish two new National Parks - one on the Coromandel Peninsula and one in the Catlins, on the road experience. To register your interest please phone the
alongside two new Great Walks. These will be formed on existing conservation land.” If you have been thinking about joining the ambulance station or email
However, the policy does not contain any further specifics in terms of what sections of the Department ambulance service as a volunteer, now is the toni.allies@stjohn.org.nz.
of Conservation estate would be included in the Coromandel park. The largest section of DOC land in the time to do it. Were actively recruiting and will Mike Burrows
Coromandel electorate is the Coromandel Forest Park, which contains approximately 72,000 hectares be putting together a group to train and progress Station Manager
stretching from the Karangahake Gorge almost the entire way to the north of the Peninsula. The other through the three required short courses St John Whitianga
areas are managed reserves, including a number of offshore islands and the Whanganui-a-Hei Marine
Reserve at Cathedral Cove.
When contacted by The Informer for comment, Mr Simpson could not offer any further clarity, but suggested
the logical southern boundary of a National Park would be at the Kopu-Hikuai road (State Highway 25A).
“There are no National Parks north of Tongariro and so it makes sense to upgrade the existing already
much loved and precious part of the DOC estate on the Coromandel Peninsula to National Park status,”
he said. “Doing so will mean it is protected forever and given the recognition I think it deserves not just
for us to enjoy today, but for the generations that follow.
“Just as the Hauraki Rail Trail has become such a success because it is beautiful and easily accessible to
New Zealand's big population areas of Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, so too will a Coromandel
National Park.”
The Waiau Falls (pictured), located on the 309 Road, is a popular visitor spot within the Coromandel Forest
Park. Photo courtesy of thecoromandel.com. The St John Whitianga Ambulance Station.
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020
Issue 911 - 18 August 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Letters to the Editor
See page 11 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - The erosion policy adopted by tidal gauge records of sea level rise over the last Dear Editor - Back-casting to the future misinformation being peddled by climate
TCDC and WRC is farcical 100 years. Here are some references that may The back-casters are back. Alastair Brickell change deniers.
Some interesting articles and letters have been help her. (in a Letter to the Editor in The Informer of David Haynes
published in The Informer in recent weeks Go to stats.govt.nz/indicators/coastal-sea- 28 July), Gloria Humphries (in a Letter to the Hahei
about coastal erosion in Mercury Bay. level-rise. Statistics New Zealand show data Editor in The Informer of 4 August) and Peter Dear Editor - Rising sea levels
Waikato Regional Council is responsible for collected by Land Information New Zealand Grant (in a Letter to the Editor in The Informer In a Letter to the Editor in The Informer of
coastal areas below mean high water mark and (New Zealand Hydrographic Authority) of 11 August) look back at historic rates of sea
and NIWA (National Institute of Water and 11 August, Denis Tegg implies that I do not
Thames-Coromandel District Council for land level rise as proof that forecasts of increasing
Atmospheric Research). Records have been have the right to question the peer reviewed
above this mark. As for coastal erosion policy, rates of sea level rise are incorrect. The thing
kept since about 1900 for Auckland, Wellington, story on global warming, including that put
TCDC and WRC agreed to the “soft option” about a forecast is that it looks forward,
Lyttelton, and Dunedin. Sea level rise over forward by the International Panel on Climate
to protect coastal reserve land in preference to not back.
about 120 years have been - Auckland 1.67 mm/ Change, the Royal Society, central banks,
“hard options.” This policy was adopted in 2004 I have, many times, cited peer reviewed
year, Wellington 2.30 mm/year, Lyttelton 2.21 etc. He clearly doesn’t understand that that is
by the Policy and Planning Committee and was science to these climate change deniers/
mm/year and Dunedin 1.48 mm/year. exactly how science works. People put up data
passed by a 3 - 1 vote. I was a district councillor sceptics. This peer-reviewed science shows that
Multiply these by 120 and they become and conclusions and everyone has the right to
at this time and being on this committee voted ice caps are melting and Greenland’s is melting
substantial. The rate of increase has also risen question it. Indeed, the Royal Society’s motto is
against the motion. I was appalled at my irreversibly. We do not need to discuss the cause
over the last 20 years. No doubt for many “nullius in verba” (take nobody’s word). It only
fellow councillors who, in justification of their of the melting, the melting is a fact regardless
reasons it is possible to find an area where the takes one person to show that a theory is wrong
decision, stated they had to comply with the of its cause.
trend does not show and deniers/sceptics will for the whole house of cards to come tumbling
government’s coastal policy. I have repeatedly asked Mr Brickell to
always manage to find these. down. That is how we learnt that continents
This policy was not favouring the use of explain where he thinks this meltwater will go.
More accurate sea level data is now available actually do move, the earth is not the centre
hard options - rocks or groynes - but sand He has never provided an answer, he has just
from satellites and over the last 27 years they of the universe, etc. As a scientist myself with
nourishment, dune development and managed ignored the question. If you believe in gravity,
have shown sea level rise worldwide of 3.3 mm/ over 40 years of investigating climate alarmism,
retreat of coastal properties. This policy has and there is peer-reviewed science to support
year. Go to NASA’s website climate.nasa.gov/ I feel I have every right to call out things that
caused mayhem over the last 16 years, but has its existence, then you will believe that the
vital-signs/sea-level/ to see this data. worry me when I see it.
not been changed and, in fact, is supported by our meltwater will flow downhill and end up in the
The reasons for the rise should be obvious. Having lived and worked at the only two
current WRC representative, Councillor Dennis sea. This will raise sea levels. Looking back at
Even most deniers would have to admit that land-based amphidromic points in the world -
Tegg. Ironically, the New Zealand Transport historic records of sea levels does not give us
world temperatures are rising. Records are especially the one at Fort Dauphin, Madagascar
Agency has a policy that protects their coastal a view of this future. When the Greenland ice
broken almost every year. The rising air - inspired my interest in tides and sea level
roads by whatever means, including rocks and cap melts, as predicted by the peer reviewed
temperatures cause sea level rise because water changes almost 50 years ago.
groynes. science, then sea levels will rise by many metres.
expands when heated. In order to back his claim that sea level rise
I rest my case. This won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.
The melting of Greenland and Antarctica’s is accelerating, Mr Tegg quotes data stating
Noel Hewlett We have little chance of changing the mis-
vast ice caps also cause sea level rise. Glaciers “…it has more than doubled from 1.4mm per
Whitianga held beliefs of this small but vocal group of
contribute too - check the melting of the Fox year throughout most of the 20th century to
Dear Editor - Rising sea levels and Franz Josef glaciers on our West Coast. climate change deniers/sceptics. Peer reviewed 3.6mm per year from 2006 [to] 2015.” No one
In her Letter to the Editor in The Informer of Frank Coulter science shows us that, too. claims that sea levels are not gently rising nor
4 August, Gloria Humphries says she believes Pauanui We must all remain vigilant to counter the that temperatures are very slowly rising as
(Continued on page 8)
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020
Fifteenth “Support Local/ Buy Local” winner drawn Congratulations to Lois McKay, the 15th winner in The Informer’s “Support Local/Buy Local” campaign. Lois’s entry was drawn on Friday last week by Monett Johnston (pictured) of You Travel Whitianga. During the campaign, which will continue until the end of next month, we’re giving away $100 every week to someone who supported a local Mercury Bay business. The prize has to be spent with an Informer advertiser. Lois’s winning purchase was made at Coastal Sanctuary in Whitianga. The campaign started in the second week of May. In the first week of October, all entries received during the 22 weeks of the campaign will go into a second draw, where the winner will win $1,000 to spend with one or more of our advertisers. Every now again, the weekly winner also receives an additional prize, provided by a generous local busines. Lois has won, in addition to $100 from us, a $100 voucher from You Travel Whitianga. To enter is easy. Simply email us proof - in the form of invoices or receipts - of your local purchases, or drop your invoices or receipts into the blue bin on the front porch of our office in Whitianga or in the many “Support Local/Buy Local” counter boxes around Mercury Bay. Please write your name, surname and phone number on all your entries. The philosophy behind the campaign is simple - the more you buy local, the better chance you have of winning. Local businesses need our support more than ever. Make sure to check out our “Support Local/Buy Local” video on YouTube, featuring a well-known local family (search for “Informer Support Local/Buy Local”). Remember, when you buy local, you help to make your very own community a happy place. Issue 911 - 18 August 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Letters to the Editor
See page 11 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
(Continued from page 6)
this is just what you would expect ever since Dear Editor - Rising sea and consider what the situation here could
we started coming out of the Little Ice Age levels have been. Sweden has not used the lockdown.
around 1850. However, Mr Tegg does not Those who have They have actually kept their country open and
understand that his statement fails on two very recently wrote to The operating so have not had to endure the financial
important points. Informer and who deny hit that we have taken on. Their economy is
The graph referred to great, but they have had over 5,000 COVID-19
Firstly, nine years is far too short a time to seal level rise with
in Thomas Everth’s letter. related deaths. New cases in Sweden peaked
draw any conclusion at all about sea level reference to past storm
changes. These vary on monthly, yearly and events fall for a naive in June and have now fallen off significantly
fallacy. Obviously, and it looks like they now have COVID-19
multi-decadal scales, which is exactly why only
the level of the sea in under control.
long-term records such as tide gauges from sites
any given location not What would have happened in New Zealand
free of earthquake activity are of any use. if we had taken this approach?
Secondly, his data is based on satellite only depends on the
base level of the sea, If we adjust figures for population, we can
measurement of sea levels, which cannot be as surmise that New Zealand would have had
accurate as tide gauges. Prior to satellites being but also on local storm
conditions. And just approximately 2,000 deaths if we had followed
used to determine sea level changes, the global the Swedish approach. Eighty-five percent of
rate determined by tide gauges worldwide was because there might
these being in the age group of 70 and above.
have been a storm
about 1.7mm per year. As soon as satellite data First reaction is that this would be too high,
surge in one particular century. And it is also not difficult to see that
became the favourite of climate scientists, but what the figures do not tell you is how
location in the past does not give evidence of a that the trend of the rise is accelerating in the
the rate doubled virtually overnight to about many of these deaths are additional to what
lack of sea level rise. last decades, congruent with the measured would have normally happened. According to
3.5mm per year. Trying to use a satellite 1,300km
If the same storm conditions as in 1987, global trends. the Ministry of Health, heart and lung disease
above the sea to measure changes of less than as seen in the last Informer, would happen Thomas Everth
1/100 of a millimetre a day while travelling at are two of the major causes of death among
today, the sea would be 10cm higher than back Whitianga our elderly population When you consider the
8km per second is not easy, especially when the then. We are simply very lucky that we did not
satellite’s height is not known to that level of Editors’ Note - These are the last letters prevalence of lung related deaths, would we
have a storm surge like that since. have seen 2,000 additional deaths? I would
accuracy. Therefore, to make some sense of this In fact, towards the later part of this century concerning rising sea levels to be published suggest the figure would be far lower.
data, climate scientists have to devise complex such high sea level events will become a frequent in The Informer for the time being. Ongoing I would like to point out I am not some
models to “correct” the data from the satellites. occurrence. It is therefore paramount that our letters on the issue will not be published until Millennial trying to kill off Baby Boomers,
Not one of the hundreds of tide gauges confirms local councils are now planning proactively to such time as a public statement or major other I am in fact almost in the vulnerable age group.
the supposed acceleration in sea levels at the protect our coastal towns, infrastructure and development justifies further debate. But despite this, I wonder whether our choice of
time the satellites became the vogue. After all, future investments. Dear Editor - New Zealand’s COVID-19 response reducing personal freedoms and smashing the
only “climate scientists” can interpret high tech The graph on this page can be found at As recent events make it obvious that our economy, with the ruin this brings to individuals,
satellite data whereas anyone with a ruler or a stats.govt.nz/indicators/coastal-sea-level- COVID-19 response has been more a result was too much to pay for any gains we may have
long memory can verify the tide gauges. rise, for people to see the tide gauge data for of being a remote island and having some made in life expectancy of the elderly.
Alastair Brickell themselves. The graph clearly shows the rise luck rather than government brilliance, it is Trevor Ammundsen
Kuaotunu of sea levels since the beginning of the last interesting to look at the Swedish response Whitianga
Thumbs
Up
To Peninsula Tyres
in Whitianga for
helping someone
sort out two flat
tyres, after by chance pulling in
next to the person in a parking
lot. At that time the person had
been waiting for more than
two hours for their insurance
company to respond.
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020
Issue 911
699 - 18
27 August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020
Bayden takes one last ride as Tairua pauses to
say farewell
By Gillian O’Neill
“Fly high Bayden, travel well.” He adored his younger siblings and they looked
It was the final message from a spirited Tairua up to their big brother.
community for a much-loved community Bayden’s 12-year-old sister, Ayla,
member, the ultimate nice guy who touched remembered a loving, kind, warm-hearted
more hearts than he ever knew by simply amazing father who “loved his hair” along
being, in his dad’s words, a friend to everyone with his characteristic beanie which he rarely
he met. took off. His “troops” included a tight bunch of
Last Thursday, 13 August, under sunny mates who he relished spending time with, their
blue skies, they were there in their hundreds, lives interwoven through laughs, losses and the
some at the funeral at Tairua Rugby & Sports highs, lows, joys and challenges of growing up
Club, others from a distance via video link, and together in the small coastal community where
yet more in respectful vigil on driveways and whanau extends far beyond the front door.
street corners as Bayden Joseph Glen Williams, On Thursday, they stood one last time with
son, brother, father, nephew and mate took one their mate, a guard of honour, along with
last ride around the neighbourhood he loved. Lance’s Tairua Volunteer Fire Brigade family,
For the seven days since their eldest boy had as Bayden took his leave from the Tairua
passed away, allegedly murdered on the Kopu- community, but not from their hearts.
Hikuai Road, the Williams family had been His final journey took him past the
shrouded in an outpouring of love and support kindergarten where the children shared their
that they describe as both overwhelming and collective love in a giant heart, along the
humbling. “The love we have felt has been streets he grew up on as a fun-loving and, on
huge, I cannot even describe it and it has the odd occasion, mischievous kid. And finally,
helped so much,” said Bayden’s dad, Lance. Bayden Williams was farewelled by the Tairua community at a funeral service last Thursday. a pause at the Gull Service Station where he
“Tracey and I, and the family just want to thank had worked, matured, grown and blossomed,
everyone.” “We can see how it has touched the Tracey said every day with Bayden was behind the counter, even before they finished right at the centre of the town that now gathered
whole town, everyone is feeling it, everyone is special. Seeing him flourish in his new role as asking,” remembered one former workmate. to send him on his way.
hurting with us,” mum Tracey added. a father had brought her an enormous sense of “You were awesome, kid. Tairua is not the “It only took him 20 short years to clock
For a time, as Tairua paused in unison, pride and joy. Others talked about his awesome same without you.” “A simple man with a heart this game of life,” Lance told the gathering on
the inevitable questions about why such a smile, his sense of humour and his passion of gold, an uncomplicated lad.” “A young man Thursday. “Some of us it takes forever, he was
bright, gentle soul left this world in such for fun. who had touched and enlightened so many just too good at it. He’s been promoted. He’s
tragic circumstances, were set aside. Pride, Colleagues and even customers who had just people’s lives in so many different ways.” got himself a new Xbox which you just don’t
kindness, friendship and love took centre stage the briefest encounters with Bayden, either at “Gonna miss your hugs, your laugh your smile get in this realm and he’s playing hard. And
as the Williams family - which includes sisters the Gull Service Station where he worked or - rest in love my friend,” were among the many at a time of uncertainty, when even Bayden’s
Ema-Lee and Ayla, brother Jetsyn, along with in his previous job at Surf n Sand Takeaways, more tributes paid to the loveable character final farewell was touched by the uneasy
Bayden’s 17-month-old son, Loki, and his recalled a polite, friendly young man, always who, for all his youthful exuberance, seemed re-emergence of COVID-19, Lance’s final
mum, Chloe - honoured the person his parents smiling and ever keen to help. “Whether it to understand that true joy was found, above words were maybe never more meaningful.
describe as “the perfect human.” was the seniors needing help filling up their all, in spending time with those you love. “Remember Bayden for who he is and what he
“It was an honour to be his dad, he never had car, tourists needing directions, an urgent gas Cruising in his treasured Jag, gaming has done, and how he has touched us. Live like
an enemy and everyone he came into contact bottle, or help needed with pumping tyres or oil and music were big parts of Bayden’s life, Bayden would if you can, just looking out for
with just loved him,” Lance said. refilled, you were always on your way out from but none were bigger than his family and friends. each other and being everybody’s friend.”
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Issue 911
699 - 18
27 August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Scott’s Thoughts
By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel
Delaying the date of the general election Level 2 rules mean we must now practice
until 17 October was the right thing to do. physical and social distancing. Gatherings
In reality, given the return of community of more than 100 people are not permitted
transmission of COVID-19 in New Zealand, anywhere and when we’re out in public,
it was the only decision that could have please remain 2m away from other people.
been made. We are all also advised that when out in
Auckland is at Alert Level 3 while the rest public or in places where physical distancing
of the country is at Alert Level 2. may be difficult, that we should wear a mask.
News of community transmission was not From 11.59am on Wednesday, 19 August,
what anyone wanted, but we always knew that all businesses must display a Covid Tracing
re-emergence of this virus in the community App QR code. This code must be displayed
was a real possibility. As a country,
at all entrances of a building and must be
we collectively sacrificed much during the
displayed prominently. To generate a QR
initial lockdown. It was because of efforts
code poster for your business, please visit the
made by all New Zealanders that we’ve had
the recent relative COVID-19 free lifestyle government’s COVID-19 website and follow
over the last couple of months. We were able the prompts - www.COVID19.govt.nz
to move around New Zealand freely, attend The reappearance of COVID-19 in our
large events and visit friends and family community is disappointing, but we can beat
regardless of the size of the gathering. it just as we have done before if we follow the
We can get back to this reality as a country, rules set for us by medical advisors.
but only if we strictly adhere to the advice we If you or anyone you know needs to get in
are being given. Please remember to always contact with me, please don’t hesitate to email
wash and dry your hands with soap and warm me at mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz or
water, and most importantly stay home if you call me on 0800 550 330. I’m here to help
are sick or even just feeling a little unwell. through this next uncertain period.
Coromandel MP, Scott Simpson.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020Issue 911
699 - 18
27 August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13The Small-time Investor Students hopeful after
By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
insurance U-turn
My shares have not fared very well over the share price has steadily climbed and it has
last week and I have had my first monthly doubled in value in the last 12 months.
fee. I paid $1.50 as a Sharesies monthly fee. Is there room for further growth? I am
Fisher and Paykel Healthcare is now down hoping the answer is yes.
2.58 percent, Smartpay is down 6.85 percent I bought 12.32 shares at $8.50 a share.
and Mainfreight is up 5.64 percent. Overall I It is often said you only invest the money
am sitting on a -0.98 percent return (a loss of you are prepared to lose. The company you
$5.06) and spent $1.50 in fees. It is the long are investing in can go down in value. In
term that counts, but short-term losses are some cases, down all the way to zero dollars.
always a bit disheartening. This happens if the company goes bankrupt
This week I want to invest in another or performs so badly that it gets removed
payments company, staying with the idea of from the stock market.
“the move away from cash” introduced last When you buy a part of the company, your
week. Pushpay focuses on the development money is tied to the future of that company.
and deployment of mobile payment This risk can be reduced by investing in lots
solutions. In particular, they enable people of different companies. Some companies
to give donations to charities or churches will do poorly and some will do well.
from their mobile device. Hopefully on balance more will go up rather
During the COVID-19 crisis, there than down. If you invest in lots of different
has been a move to online activities with companies, it is unlikely that all of them will
religious organisations and Pushpay has fail, so your risk is spread.
benefited from this. Being able to hold your shares in a A U-turn by a major insurer means a group of Coromandel high school students are now likely to be
The risks are that the entire market company over a long time also reduces risk compensated for a $64,000 international trip which was cancelled as a result of COVID-19.
will drop due to COVID-19 weaknesses. as current events can change the value of a The group of Year 12s, which included Tairua’s Stella Cory-Wright, were originally told by 360 Accident &
Pushpay may also have peaked in value company, however, over the long run those Health that they would not receive anything of the $7,100 they had each paid for the three-week tour of
having gone up very fast recently. Other dips and peaks should, again hopefully, Vietnam which was due to take place in June. The Informer reported two weeks ago how the insurer had
claimed the group was not covered after the company changed its policy to exclude cover for COVID-19
competitors may move into the space or the even out. enforced cancellations. Adding to the complications was news that Antipodeans, the Australian-based
company is not prepared for the growth it Please remember that this is all my tour operator organising the trip on behalf of Thames High School, had suddenly gone into liquidation.
has recently undergone. personal opinion. Some of my investments However, on 5 August, liquidator Richard Lawrence who had undertaken to follow-up on the disputed
Pushpay is a New Zealand tech company will lose money. I am sharing my thoughts claim, wrote to the affected families indicating that Lloyds Australia, the Australian arm of global insurer,
that is doing well overseas and at home. and strategies so you can learn from my Lloyds of London, for which 360 Accident & Health is a delegated provider, had overturned the original
I like the thought of investing in a company mistakes. Be careful with your money. decision to deny the claims.
that makes virtual things and exports them If you want to invest in shares with Stella’s mum, Maria, is now hopeful for a positive resolution, although the family has yet to receive any
form of contact from Corporate Services Network, the specialist claims processing company which Lloyds
overseas. It makes sense for New Zealand Sharesies use this link - sharesies.nz/r/ says will be handling the Antipodeans cases. “It’s definitely good news and we are keeping our fingers
to be making online things that don’t need KHQQWP. For a limited time you will get crossed,” Maria said.
shipping from our little islands. $15 into your account to get started and I Pictured is Stella who, with the support of the community, successfully raised the funds she needed for the
In the last six months, the company’s will get $5. Vietnam trip through various activities, including selling beanies knitted by her nan.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020Issue 911
699 - 18
27 August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Public information evening
on End of Life Choice Act Coastguard News
The winter months are generally slower for display and people will be able to see what
the Whitianga Coastguard Unit, especially and how we do things. Come along for an
as the weather interrupts the fishing trips. educational look.
This year has been the same, but several trips Our Alan Jackson Memorial Cadetship
seem to be further afield chasing tuna. cadets are progressing well with everyone
The number of radio calls that were handled passing their VHF Certificate. They have
by our unit while we had the watch increased now moved onto their Day Skipper Course
by nearly 20 percent. as well as developing practical boating skills
Call-outs last month totalled eight. using our Rescue Vessel, NZCT Rescue.
Two were urgent, one being a fisherman This classroom rocks!
having numerous issues with no A gentle reminder that when there is a
communications and five people in the water rugby match on, please do not park your
after their vessel was swamped. Our thanks to vehicle in front of the roller doors of the
both the Whanagapoua Fire Brigade and the Whitianga Coastguard building. If we receive
local St John Ambulance for their assistance a call-out and the doors are blocked, we have
during the call-outs and for their after- to await the arrival of the Police and then
action care. a tow truck before we can get a boat out.
Our AGM is being held on Saturday, These precious wasted minutes could literally
On Sunday, 23 August, St Andrew’s Community Church in Whitianga will host a public 29 August at 11:00am at the Coastguard shed be the difference between a great outcome or
information evening on the details and legalities of the proposed End of Life Choice Act. The act in Dundas Street. All members are welcome. a not so good one.
Our unit is also holding an Open Day on Safe boating,
is the subject of a referendum to be held in conjunction with this year’s general election.
Sunday, 27 September between 11:00am Stuart Brown
The meeting will commence at 6:00pm and will be led by guest speaker, Heather Major
and 3:00pm. We will have both boats on President Whitianga Coastguard
(pictured). Heather is a nurse specialising in care for the terminally ill and disabled in hospitals,
care homes and in the community.
For 14 years, Heather nursed her own husband through terminal illness. He died of a brain
tumour at age 42.
Rev John Twemlow says this is an emotive issue and many people have questions about the
upcoming referendum. “There are very strong views on both sides of the debate and we should
all take this opportunity to increase our understanding of what the act entails,” he says.
“Regardless of people’s personal views on whether assisted dying or euthanasia should
be legal, it is important that everyone be well-informed on the details of this specific act,”
says Heather.
Heather is speaking of her personal experiences at meetings all around the Waikato. She spoke
to Coromandel Town Grey Power members a couple of weeks ago and was subsequently invited
to speak in Whitianga.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020$8.2 million for new marine precinct at Kōpū Financial backing for the development of a marine precinct at the entry point to the Coromandel at Kōpū been has welcomed as a significant boost for employment and the Thames-Coromandel District economy. A total of $8.2 million has been allocated from the government’s $3 billion fund for shovel ready projects and Thames-Coromandel District Council is hopeful building will commence in the next six to 12 months. Making the announcement, Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones said the investment would support employment in Thames and provide alternative marine servicing options for vessels from the Hauraki Gulf, Tauranga, Auckland, Whangarei and elsewhere on the Coromandel. “This project will have immediate benefits for the local community by creating up to 13 jobs in the short-term,” he said. “Another 19 jobs will be created through the precinct’s construction, with potential for up to 108 downstream jobs when the project is complete. “It is estimated that the Kōpū Marine Precinct could bring economic returns of up to $58.5 million over the next 30 years. It brings fresh opportunities to the boat repair and maintenance, aquaculture, trade and transport industries.” Funding will go towards the planning and construction of a new access road, and an upgraded boat ramp and car park. A floating pontoon and mud berth - which allows boats to rest on the seabed - will facilitate in-water servicing and dismantling. While the project provides new commercial opportunities, it also features upgrades that will benefit recreational users. “We’re breaking out the bubbly to celebrate,” was the response of TCDC Mayor Sandra Goudie. “Kōpū has been a prime site we’ve been promoting for business opportunities for some time and we’re grateful to the government for recognising the potential and opportunities this area has,” she said. “This is not just good news for us and our neighbours, but also in boosting potential Māori economic development opportunities for Ngāti Maru in the longer term as Treaty settlements are finalised over the next few years.” In December 2018, central government through the Provincial Growth Fund approved $270,000 towards a business case investigating Kōpū as a centre to support marine servicing operations across the Hauraki Gulf, as well as being a connector for water-based tourism opportunities. TCDC said the next step would now be to reconvene the project team to discuss consenting and a construction plan. According to council, the project will complement the Te Ariki Wahi/Sugarloaf Wharf expansion, which benefitted from Provincial Growth Funding of $19.95 million. Issue 911 - 18 August 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17
Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Crossword Puzzle 911
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________
Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
their prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week
following the issue in which they were announced the winner.
ACROSS DOWN
1. Skewered meat dish 1. Raps
7. Housing loan 2. Dull pain
3. Hand (out)
8. Should, ... to
4. Breeding males
10. Purposely overhears 5. Wide (view)
12. Dingier 6. Japanese hostess
14. Major Indonesian 9. Brindled cat
isle 11. Wood-smoothing sheet
16. Green gemstone 13. Shady tree
17. Piercing with spear 15. Titled ladies
16. Lively
20. Full-length 18. Food retailer
23. Of sound 19. Beetle larvae
24. Quivers 21. Antlered animal
25. Proposal 22. Remove (hat)
Last week’s solution
Last week’s winner - Gail Emerson
7
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020Confident in the future of Whitianga and
the Mercury Bay area
Having owned a bach in Whitianga for more a prizewinner in the club competitions.
than 20 years, Marcus and Janelle Holmes “It’s exciting to be part of the Game Fishing
permanently moved to town early last year. Club,” he says. “Now that my business is all
Janelle joined the Bayleys Whitianga Real wound up, Janelle and I are keen to become
Estate team in an administrative capacity and more involved in the local community.
not long ago Marcus, after winding up his Club night every Thursday evening is a
building company, joined Bayleys as a real highlight. It’s great to spend time among
estate agent. people sharing the same interest.”
“We used to live in Pukekohe,” When considering what to do after spending
says Marcus. “I’ve been building since I was may decades as a builder, Marcus didn’t have
14 years of age and started my own business to think much further than selling real estate.
20 years ago. Over the years, my company “It’s almost the logical next step,” he says.
has built almost everything you can think of, “I remain very interested in all things property
from residential homes, and commercial and and have a lot of knowledge that undoubtedly
industrial buildings to retirement villages. will be useful in my new career.
I was personally involved in a several
“My previous exposure to all types of
property developments as well.
property means that I don’t have to focus on
“The last job my business took on was
selling houses and residential sections only,
the Oceania Healthcare retirement village at
I’ll be comfortable dealing with commercial
Whitianga Continuing Care. I’ve really just
project managed the job, outsourcing all the buildings and industrial properties also.
work to a local builder and subcontractors. Being a licensed building practitioner and
“Janelle and I made the move from understanding a balance sheet, I look forward
Pukekohe to Whitianga as we were looking to providing both property owners and
for a change in lifestyle. Whitianga was purchasers with solid, commonsense advice
always special to us. Although the town is on what they want to achieve.
growing, it’s still what Pukekohe used to be “Joining Bayleys Whitianga was an obvious
20 years ago. Add to that the beauty of the choice for me. Janelle working in the office
Mercury Bay area, the friendliness of the most certainly played a role, but the strength
people and the great fishing, and it’s really and reach of the Bayleys brand across New
the place where we want to be.” Zealand and overseas is impossible to ignore.
Marcus is a keen game fish angler and I’m very confident in the future of Whitianga
an active member of the Mercury Bay and the Mercury Bay area, and look forward For Marcus Holmes a change in lifestyle meant swopping a career as a builder in
Game Fishing Club. His boat, Yogi, is often to be a part of it.” Pukekohe for a career as a Bayleys real estate agent in Whitianga.
Issue 911 - 18 August 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19Fishing Report
Sudoku By Wayne Barnes of the Tairua-Pauanui Sports Fishing Club
Sponsored by Mercury Bay Marine - Tel (07) 867 1280
The inaugural Grady-White Boat Show was returned to Tairua Harbour, and have fished in
held on 8 and 9 March at the Tairua Marina with our local grid, rather than on trailer boats that
Sudoku Puzzle 911 an approximate attendance of 12,000 people. have been towed to other fishing grounds.
A great event for all concerned, long may Congratulations to junior angler,
it continue. Brady Ruthe, with his trevally of 2.555kg on
We are in the process of finalising last season’s 2kg tackle, which has now been confirmed as a
Name: _________________________________________________________________ catch records and despite the disruption due New Zealand record.
to the coronavirus lockdown, still managed a Bottom fishing continues to be quite patchy
bumper year with over 470 fish going across our when the weather permits, but the presence of
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________ scales. These included 20 new club line class tarakihi between depths of 60 and 80m is a sign
Win two Trumpet ice creams. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to records, two confirmed New Zealand records that spring is not far away.
and one pending world record. Congratulations to Betty May Daley for
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
Fishing wide this season has had a fabulous catching our first game fish of the season on
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
start with Hunter Bryce on Venator catching 13 July, a yellowtail kingfish of 17.000kg on
their prize from Buffalo Beach Four Square directly before the Wednesday of the week following our first striped marlin on 18 July, a fish of Johnny Mason’s boat, Impulsive.
the issue in which they were announced the winner. 105.600kg. There have also been four southern Whitebaiting commenced on Saturday,
Sudoku Puzzle Instructions bluefin tuna weighed, the best of these 76.700kg 15 August and I will have a Tairua River update
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of nine boxes caught by Stu Arnold on Pescador and 89.800kg next month.
by Geoff Flyger on Dopamine. Our Fish of the Month winner for July was Ian
inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
Not to be outdone by the southern bluefin Lochore with a kahawai of 1.995kg. Ian wins 1l
tuna, Brett Sample and Rodney Thomsen have of Black Heart Rum sponsored by Independent
landed albacore tuna of 15.750kg and 22.250kg Liquor. Our Fish of the Month for August is
respectively, both new club line class records. John Dory.
What is significant about these catches is they Tight lines,
have been made on boats that have left from and Wayne Barnes
Tairua-Pauanui Sports Fishing Club member, Hunter Bryce,
during the weigh-in of the striped marlin he caught on 18 July.
Last week’s solution
Last week’s winner - Michael Hyder
“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week)
“Kāti i konei!” - This ends here!
Saying of the week supplied by Te Puna Reo o Whitianga - a playgroup with a focus on Māori tikanga and te reo Māori.
The group members meet every Monday and Tuesday at 9:00am at the old dental clinic at Mercury Bay Area School. All those with pēpi or young tamariki are welcome to join.
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 911 - 18 August 2020You can also read
