Blind Little Blue Penguin found at Matarangi Beach - Mercury ...
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Issue 922 - 3 November 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
Blind Little Blue Penguin found
at Matarangi Beach
By Gillian O’Neill
Mercury Bay optometrist, Brett Howes,
had a pretty unique appointment on Thursday
last week when he was called in to examine a
Little Blue Penguin found on Matarangi Beach
disoriented and seemingly blind.
The tiny bird was found on the Tuesday after
Labour Weekend by a couple walking along
the beach and was taken to Kuaotunu Bird
Rescue for examination. “The two people saw
the penguin coming out of the water during the
day and it is very unusual to see them on land at
that time which suggested there was something
wrong,” said Annemieke Kregting, who’s
running the centre. “They described how he was
disoriented and walking around in circles.”
Examining the fledgling, Annemieke and
volunteer, Dr Sue Grieg, were both concerned
about what they discovered. “He was in great
condition,” Annemieke said. “He was a good
weight, there were no signs of any injury,
it was exactly what you would want to see in a
bird of this size.” However, the hugely dilated
pupils and the penguin’s inability to react
to any light or movement in front of his eyes
was troubling.
“His pupils were absolutely huge when he
came in, they have decreased quite a lot since
then, but he is still not responding to any
visual stimulation,” Annemieke shared with
Brett before the patient was brought out for his
eye exam.
The penguin, estimated to be around four
to six months old, was a little sleepy when Kuaotunu Bird Rescue volunteer, Dr Sue Grieg, holds onto a seemingly blind Little Blue Penguin
he first came out of his temporary home in
while optometrist, Brett Howes, conducts an eye exam.
the centre’s dedicated room for native birds,
but quickly sprang into action when given “It looks perfectly fine. There is no sign of any penguin and otherwise in good health, there is a Auckland will be taking the penguin,” she said.
the opportunity to gulp down some fish. eye injury and that being the case, my best guess strong possibility that he will recover,” he said. “They have wildlife vets on site.”
“He is eating well, we have him on a short at this stage is he has suffered a thump or a bang “I think there is a good chance we will see the The penguin will be monitored for a few
course of anti-inflammatories just in case there to the head, or potentially has had a little stroke, pupils continue to reduce in size and then the weeks to see if his sight improves and this will
is anything going on that we cannot see, but although given his age I would say that is eyesight will improve.” determine what happens next in terms of his
there is just nothing obvious that would explain less likely.” On that positive note, the Little Blue Penguin, future. “It would be cruel to just release him
what is going on here,” Annemieke added. Brett said it is was very common in birds fresh from his consultation and with a full if he cannot see,” Annemieke said. “He would
In the end it was a brief and reasonably for systemic issues, a wider health problem, tummy, was returned to his nesting box for have no idea where he was going and no ability
stress-free time under the optometrist’s scope, to impact the eyes. He also described how some well-earned peace and quiet. to defend himself, so we will just have to wait
with Brett concluding the penguin’s eyes the extensive dilation is normal for penguins, Although hopeful that the patient will recover and see.”
were unlikely to be the cause of the problem. essentially exposing parts of the eye that enable sufficient sight to return to the wild, Annemieke Annemieke also thanked Brett for coming
“So what I’m looking at is the retina and right them to see when in the water. The pupil then decided, given the likelihood that an injury to assist. “We are really lucky to have such
through to the back of the eye to see if there is restricts again to enable them to see on land. had been suffered, that some specialist vet care fantastic support from our local community,”
anything amiss and there is nothing,” he said. “I think if it is an injury, as this is a young was appropriate. “Green Bay Bird Rescue in she said.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
MBAS “Lifers” assembly a truly
unique occasion
On Wednesday last week, Mercury Bay Area School farewelled 19 “Lifers,” students who Teacy, Floyd Ross. Isabel Lunn, Alice Robinson, Corbin Duerre, Rory Trebes, Woody Teacy and
spent all 13 years of their school career at MBAS. “Thirteen years ago, when these students Vincent Dowling. New entrants, from the left - Jasper Beck, Seazyn Tansey, Levi Szparagowski,
started out with us, our roll was only 700 students, now we’re over 1,000,” school principal, Fisher Moody, Marlo Cosgrove, Kaleesha Davies, Willow Pepper, Mackenzie Williams, Brandon
John Wright said at the whole school assembly. “We’re New Zealand’s largest area school and Carse, Addison Davidson, Hannah Ribet, Sylvia Faiva, Rosie Wylie, Marli Jarvis, Mila Taylor-Dean
the number of Lifers we’re acknowledging today makes this a truly unique occasion.” All the and Lizzy Van Tonder.
Lifers who attended the assembly were handed a certificate by one of the new entrant students In the photo on the right are the new senior student leaders for 2021. From the left - Ava Lamason
who started their school careers this year. (deputy head girl and learning leader), Alban Ribet (learning leader), JJ (John) Twemlow
During the assembly, the Year 13 student leadership team also handed over their responsibilities (hauora leader), Austin Morcom (head boy), Georgia Land (communications leader), Jasmine
to the senior student leadership team for 2021. McCleery (deputy head girl and sports leader), Tiana Tiro (sports leader), Louisa Murie
In the photo on the left are the Lifers who attended Wednesday’s assembly with the new (head girl), Keegan Wright (communications leader), Finlay Archibald (Board of Trustees
entrants who handed their certificates to them. Lifers, from the left - Shayla Taylder, representative) and Ibuki Nishida (deputy head boy and hauora leader). Absent from the
Dana Ohlson, Olivia Brown Douglas, Kenjia Campbell, Julia Williscroft, Zoe Smith, Levi Driver, Jake photo - Paige MacPherson (arts leader) and Izzabella Park (arts leader).
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 4 November to Wednesday, 11 November - This is a good week to try and spot the International Space Station (ISS) as
it will be making some bright passes early in the evenings. The ISS, like other satellites, is only visible for a few hours after sunset (or for a few
hours before sunrise) as outside these times it will be in the shadow of the Earth. Sometimes we get a chance to see two passes on the same night
as it only takes about 90 minutes for the ISS to go around the Earth travelling at 8km per second. Jupiter and Saturn remain very noticeable high
overhead in the early evenings, with reddish Mars conspicuous lower down in the east while bright Venus is unmistakable low in the eastern dawn sky.
Wednesday, 4 November - Two ISS passes tonight with the first brighter one from 8:23pm in the SW, followed by a very low pass from
10:01pm in the west heading northwards. Thursday, 5 November - A low ISS pass tonight from 9:12pm in the SW and heading northwards. Astronomy Tours and B&B
Friday, 6 November - The brightest ISS pass of the week tonight from 8:25pm in the SW and passing right beside Jupiter and Saturn high overhead. Phone (07) 866 5343
Sunday, 8 November - The last ISS pass for a few weeks tonight from 8:27pm low in the west. Wednesday, 11 November - Mercury will be at its furthest
from the Sun today (its “greatest elongation”), but still very hard to pick in the dawn sky as it will be very low on the horizon and quite faint. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
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Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020
Uncertainty about Destintion
Coromandel and i-SITES future
Uncertainty is emerging about the future said. “I am a firm believer too that this council
of Destination Coromandel as doubts are cannot afford the $625,000 that goes into
raised about continued funding of the tourism Destination Coromandel.”
marketing organisation by Thames-Coromandel TCDC’s current contract with the marketing
District Council. body runs until June 2021.
Council’s $625,000 annual contribution to Mrs White said all the information centres
Destination Coromandel is one of the things on the Coromandel Peninsula had been put on
ratepayers will be specifically canvassed on notice that their continued funding would be
during upcoming Long Term Plan consultations. a matter for discussion during the Long Term
However, funding issues have already emerged Plan consultations. Apart from the i-SITES,
with TCDC warning that the two Destination several local information centres are supported
Coromandel-operated i-SITES in Whitianga by council through annual grants.
and Thames are under threat as the organisation In a statement to The Informer, Destination
is battling to meet its budgets. Thames may even Coromandel chair, John Sandford, provided
close before summer and alternatives are already no further clarification on the future of the
being explored. i-SITES in the wake of the council decision,
In a written letter to council, Destination but emphasised the importance of tourism
Coromandel asked to reduce the weekly marketing in a post-COVID-19 environment.
opening hours of the Thames i-SITE “Questions around the benefits of tourism
from the contract-stipulated 48 hours per marketing are not unusual, particularly in times
week during the peak holiday period to 25 of pressure,” he said. “And, from a Destination
hours, something TCDC said would have Coromandel perspective, we welcome the
financial consequences. opportunity for our function and role in our
“If the operating hours are to reduce, the level communities to be questioned and tested.
of funding would need to reduce accordingly,” “While many people appreciate the
Laurna White, TCDC’s Economic Development economic significance of visitors to the region,
and Communications Group Manager told $459 million for the year ending 30 June
elected members in a report tabled at last 2020, the wide range of beneficiaries is often
Tuesday’s council meeting. “This would be a not recognised. In simple monetary terms,
further threat to the operation and likely cause service stations and supermarkets are bigger
the i-SITES to be closed, as it would not be beneficiaries of visitor spend than standard
economically viable to continue to operate.” ‘tourism businesses.’ Tourism is a job-rich
However, during discussions she clarified and highly dispersed sector. Jobs that might
that the immediate concern was around the not exist otherwise bring a social benefit to
Thames i-SITE. our communities.
Councillors unanimously rejected the “The impacts of COVID-19 have hugely
request from Destination Coromandel to alter increased competition among the New Zealand
its contract. There were also warning bells for regions. Now, more than ever before, it is
the tourism organisation about where it will sit vital that Destination Coromandel continues
on the priority list as TCDC slashes spending promoting the region as a preferred place to
across a variety of non-essential activities. visit. We are confident this summer will be
“I am firmly in the camp that industry strong, however beyond this period we need
could fund the i-SITES,” deputy mayor and to maximise every opportunity that the visitor
Mercury Bay councillor, Murray McLean, market presents.”
699 - 327November
Issue 922 July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
A war zone, a treehouse and
Rescue Helicopter Update a rainbow in LEGO challenge
We are pleased to resume our monthly year - has been requested to provide a written
update in The Informer after a break of submission to the Health Select Committee of
several months. Parliament. We are working with Stephan on
The one thing everyone would like to know the submission. We all plan to have it with
is what is happening with regard to a rescue Parliament by 13 November.
helicopter being based in Whitianga. We are At our AGM in July, former chairman,
in discussions with the Auckland Rescue Brian Bowering, stepped down after eight
Helicopter Trust about a chopper operating years of service to the Coromandel Rescue
from Whitianga during the upcoming Helicopter Trust. I was elected in his place.
summer season. They have agreement Joining me on the board were existing trustees
from the National Ambulance Sector Office
Walter Russell, Jennie Turner (Tairua)
to base a third helicopter in Whitianga,
and Andrea McCarthy (Thames), and new
but need to continue to operate two
helicopters from Auckland. This requirement trustees John Stephenson from Whitianga,
is creating a number of obstacles, including Nigel Strongman from Coromandel Town
their financial ability to base a chopper and and Doug Walters from Whangamata.
crew in Whitianga. Please be assured that we are working
Construction skills and creativity shone at Te Rerenga School’s recent LEGO Masters competition with an
We hope to have a clearer picture on the tirelessly to have emergency care on the impressive line-up of structures vying for honours on judgement day.
way forward by the middle of this month. Coromandel restored to the levels it used
The event, now in its second year, was organised and run by Year 7 student, Ryley Youl, who is passionate
In the meantime, Stephan Bosman - owner to be. about LEGO.
of The Informer, who spearheaded the rescue Merv George
Among the imaginative displays entered were a war zone, a treehouse and a rainbow.
helicopter petition that was presented to Chairman Coromandel Rescue
the House of Representatives earlier this Helicopter Trust The children were challenged to design a LEGO masterpiece that fitted the theme of “My Imaginary World”
and work on it during the last school holidays.
“Ryley has done such a good job, he organised the flyers and made sure everyone knew what they needed
to do,” says school principal, Mary Kedzlie. “We love seeing students stepping up and showing initiative
like this, we were all very impressed.”
Former bus driver, David Blake, made a return visit to the school for both the honour and tough task of
selecting the prize winners with individual awards in three age groups as well as the top Family Team and
top Friends Team.
The results were as follows -
Year 1 - 2 Individual: 1 Rosie Adams, 2 Evie Martin, 3 Kruz Drake, Highly Commended Robbie Lendrum.
Year 3 - 5 Individual: 1 James Waugh, 2 Stella James, 3 Mekhi Follas, Highly Commended - Hunter Jones.
Family Team - 1 Sophia and Darrell Adshead, 2 Ben and Emily Aston, 3 Charlie and Danny Bay,
Highly Commended - Isabella and Violet Comer, and Tula and Bruna Guy.
Friends Team - 1 Simon Wilson and Lachlan Waugh, 2 Ava Hendrikson and Ivy Baylis.
Pictured is James Waugh, winner of the Year 3 - 5 individual category, with his creation.
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020
Issue 922 - 3 November 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Whitianga teen experiences his big OE
COVID-style
By Gillian O’Neill
Long-haul flights, lengthy layovers and says. “But when I got to Charles de Gaulle was closed, I had no Euros, no food or water. he was approached by a group of people
rapidly changing plans are staples of the and went to the Lufthansa desk to get my I decided to try and find somewhere to sleep calling themselves an “awareness party.”
big OE for every young Kiwi who flies the connecting flight, they told me I couldn’t get and I eventually found a little booth and I tied “They explained to me they were trying to
nest. But throw in the added complication on the plane.” my bags onto me and put all my valuables in raise awareness about the plight of people like
of a global pandemic and things really got It was May and Germany had extended my pants.” me who were stuck sleeping in airports and
interesting for one Whitianga teenager. its ban on all but essential travel from Expecting a hungry and uncomfortable asked if I wanted a meal,” he says. “They had
Nineteen-year-old Timothy Brown Douglas neighbouring countries. “I had no idea what night as he waited until morning to reassess a trolley with food and water, it was amazing,
is back on Coromandel soil after a memorable to do,” Timothy says. “It was late, everything his options, Timothy was stunned when I couldn’t believe it.”
six months that was frequently shaped
by plain and simple timing - some lucky
and some not quite so lucky. On Saturday,
24 October, Timothy was finishing up his two
weeks of mandatory isolation at the Novotel
at Auckland Airport, just four days before
Germany, the country he had just flown in
from, announced its second lockdown.
“I do feel relieved to be back in New
Zealand,” Timothy says. “I didn’t want to
leave Europe, I loved it there, but the COVID
situation is pretty bad and it was clearly
getting worse. I just felt there was no way that
I could stay any longer.”
While he might feel fate was kind to him
on this occasion, the pandemic gods haven’t
always been on his side. Deciding earlier this
year to forge ahead with his plans to travel
to Germany, the former Mercury Bay Area
School student found himself stranded at
Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
“I had been in the US travelling for a bit
and I just assumed they wouldn’t let me
board there if there was any issue,” Timothy Timothy Brown Douglas at Berlin’s famous Checkpoint Charlie during his recent OE.
Thumbs
Up
To a lady by
the name of
Jackie who,
without having met her
before, helped an elderly
Whitianga resident move
a large load of firewood
that was delivered in the
resident’s driveway.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020
Whitianga teen’s big OE With no way into Germany, Timothy made the “We weren’t allowed to touch anyone else’s decision to take a taxi to the train station and luggage. Someone from the Defence Force head south to Lugano in Switzerland where gave us a briefing on how managed isolation he had relatives, his Swiss passport ensuring would work, what we could and couldn’t too. him easy passage. About a week later after He was really clear, but also friendly. It just border restrictions began to ease, he was felt very well organised and from what I saw, back on the rails - literally - and headed for they are really doing an excellent job.” Germany, arriving just days after the lifting Daily health checks via phone and two of lockdown restrictions. COVID-19 tests were part of the procedure. “It all felt very normal,” Timothy says. “You would be notified when your test was “No-one was wearing masks, except in the and what time to report to the COVID centre, shops. They also had restrictions on large which was on a separate floor,” Timothy says. events and there were limited numbers at the “The test was pretty uncomfortable, but both major tourist sites, but it didn’t feel like there mine were obviously negative. The food was a pandemic going on, people were just was great, you could choose from a number getting on with things.” of options, you were given vouchers to get After an exciting summer of soaking your laundry done. We were very well looked up the culture, travelling around and even after. I honestly couldn’t say a single bad working making plates in a plastics factory, thing about it.” Timothy made the tough call to come home Back on home turf in Whitianga, while after Europe’s second wave really began to finding a job is now his top priority, Timothy take hold. “There were only six of us on the is already dreaming of a potential return to flight into Singapore and 35 into Auckland,” Europe sometime in the future, possibly even he says. “On the first flight those of us to study. “I’m interested in filmmaking or connecting onwards were kept separate from possibly music, and there are just so many those who were just travelling to Singapore. opportunities there, not just for study but also Once we got to Auckland, we were given after you qualify,” he says. clear information before we even got off However, Timothy recognises it’s a not a the plane about what would happen. We did realistic option for now. “We’ll have to see our health checks and were bused literally how things go over the next few months,” across the road to the Novotel and escorted to he says. “As of now I do feel relieved and our rooms. happy to be home in New Zealand.” Issue 922 - 3 November 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020
Issue 922 - 3 November 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Car Talk By Jack Biddle
A question for Jack? Just email us or drop us a note.
Land Rover - still a shining light of the former British motoring industry
Without sounding unkind, history shows Leith, who is the manager of the rescue
the once proud British motoring industry helicopter base in Whitianga, doesn’t do
ended up becoming a complete shambles things in half measures, however, and over
which would ultimately led to its demise. the two years it took to complete the project,
It was an industry that initially got off to a the Land Rover has undergone a major
great start, but over time was plagued with overhaul, including a total strip down of the
worker unrest, poor build quality, ongoing aluminium body to bare metal, chassis repaint
reliability issues, government intervention, and anti-corrosion sprayed internally into the
inefficiencies, mergers and finally the failure chassis rails. The body colour was formulated
to adapt to change. using the long-outdated original factory
While the British did produce some real paint code.
gems like the iconic Mini in their time, The Land Rover’s engine is one of the few
it was sadly surrounded by some very average major mechanical components untouched
stablemates. The Austin Allegro and Morris during the restoration. Leith says apart
Marina, for example, are often referred to as from a tune up, it ran like a Swiss Watch.
some of the worst built passenger vehicles to Apart from adding a brake booster and
ever roll off the assembly lines in their day. relocating the battery away from the heat of
But out of the doom and gloom there still the engine, the vehicle is totally genuine.
stands a vehicle which is rich in English
Leith doesn’t plan on keeping the Land
history and is still very much revered to
Rover for too long. He says the pleasure is
this day as an absolute classic and virtually
in the journey, not the destination. “For me,
unbreakable. It is the Land Rover, a vehicle
originally designed by Rover’s chief designer, there was nothing more satisfying to do at
Maurice Wilks, to be used as a cross between night but sit down with a cold beer and start
Whitianga resident, Leith Jackson, with his most recent Land Rover restoration project, dismantling the entire instrument cluster,
a light truck and tractor. It was to become an
a 1963 Series 2A SWB 2,286cc petrol engine ute. repairing any faults and then over time
instant success from its birth in April 1948,
with the name tag still in bright lights some Rover fanatic, Leith Jackson, is one of the 1983 until 2005, before being relocated from cleaning each individual component before
72 years later. committed faithful and judging by his recently Christchurch to Whitianga where it sat for a beginning the reassembling process,” he says.
The secret to its success was in its simplicity finished restoration of a 1963 Series 2A SWB further two years without hardly ever turning “I have to say it took more than a few beers,
and ability to go where many other vehicles (short wheel base) 2,286cc petrol engine ute, a wheel. “I’m not sure of its exact history, but I enjoyed every single one of them.”
and their owners would fear to tread. It would the passion burns bright. “Over the years, but the registration was placed on hold the Leith already has his eyes set on his next
go on to become the go-to vehicle for the I have owned around 17 vehicles with the whole time it was in storage, which means the project, which will of course be a Land Rover
many adventurous types desperately wanting Land Rover, Range Rover or Discovery badge original number plates have been retained,” of some description.
to undertake overland trips around the globe and the current one is my sixth restoration,” says Leith. While there are other British vehicles that
where there were no roads, only rough tracks. says Leith “The early models are really easy “From my research, I also believe the are sought-after for restoration projects,
At one stage it also appeared as if the British to dismantle, repair and put back together, odometer reading of only 29,640 miles to the original Land Rover must win the prize
Army and the Land Rover were joined at the which is helped by a huge aftermarket be genuine. It certainly wasn’t in showroom for being the one that won the most acclaim
hip with one never venturing too far from business both here and in the UK to call on.” condition when I came across it, but it had around the world for its toughness, durability
the other. The amazing thing about this particular solid bones and only needed a bit of TLC and longevity. Yes, it still is a shining light of
Whitianga resident and diehard early Land Land Rover is that it sat idle in storage from rather than a full-on major rebuild.” the former British motoring industry.
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Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020Issue 922
699 - 327November
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11The Small-time Investor
By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
Infratil - dividend investing
Last week I reviewed all my investments the companies that provide the infrastructure
and since then there has been a bit of a that we all use - electricity, power grids, ports,
drop across the markets. Currently I am data centres roads, water, etc.
up $25.43, which is a 1.66 percent return. These are services that people require
Five of my investments are up and five are in positive financial times as well as hard
down. The value of the US dollar has also financial times.
fallen, which has impacted my returns as two Infratil owns and runs energy generation,
of my investments are in American dollars. data centres, mobile networks and airports.
Things were looking much better last week, Airports are a concern in the COVID-19
however it is the long term that counts. environment.
With current interest rates so low, it doesn’t This week I bought $100 worth of shares in
make sense for people to put their money Infratil - 17.6 shares at $5.66 a share. Infratil
in the bank. Many people are looking for has a gross dividend yield of 3.79 percent. I am
other places to invest their money and get a hoping that this dividend level will continue
better return. This money looking for returns over the next few years. I am also hoping that
has pushed up house prices, commercial others will think the same and will also want
investments, the share market and a range of to invest in Infratil. I am hoping this will push
other investments. As more and more term the share price up, which will then also give
deposits finish, I believe one of the places me a capital gain on my investment.
people will be looking to put their money is Please remember that what I write in this
dividend share investments. column is just my personal opinion. Some
Dividend shares are shares in companies of my investments will lose money. I am
that have consistently provided a dividend sharing my thoughts and strategies along with
pay-out. These tend to be well-established my results so that you can see how easy it is
companies. They prioritise paying their to invest, even a small amount, and maybe
shareholders a percentage of their profits and learn from my mistakes. Be careful with
they have consistently done this over a long your money.
time period of time. Remember, with Sharesies you can invest
You can see the dividend yield of a company as much or as little as you wish. If you
within the Sharesies app. It is essentially a want to invest through Sharesies, please use
percentage return on your investment. this link - https://sharesies.nz/r/KHQQWP.
Focusing on infrastructure companies can You will get $5 into your account to get
be a good idea in uncertain times. These are started and I will get the same.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020District Plan appeals cost
Catherine’s Column
TCDC $4.3 million to date By Catherine Delahunty - Coromandel Peninsula resident and former Green Party MP
Drinking the Kool Aid
Its a tricky situation when you have no leverage The fact that the Greens hold the Climate
and you are negotiating with a mammoth. Change ministry should mean radical and
The Greens mostly believe the deal they are inspiring action, but during the last term of
signed up to with Labour is a victory. I would Parliament we got a toothless Zero Carbon
really like to drink the Kool Aid and support Bill which set voluntary targets. The work
this view, but I cannot. I understand why people for consensus watered down the possibility
want the Greens in Parliament and possibly in of real change. Therefore I am not hopeful
this government, but some people do not have that a centrist, populist government with full
much idea about leverage and the way power spectrum dominance over Parliament will
operates behind the scenes where the public allow any kind of radicalism on climate change.
never goes. Sometimes incrementalism is necessary,
Behind the scenes, politics is about fighting but not when the house is on fire.
tooth and nail, and the rhetoric of kindness I do understand the importance of issues like
is left far behind in the public domain. homelessness and domestic violence, but while
Do not get me wrong, unlike many voters in allowing the Greens to have a ministry on
this electorate I am deeply relieved we do not those issues there is nil commitment to raising
have a National government. The pandemic benefits or a wealth tax.
is not over and inside our bubble of relative So call me cynical and jaded, but I was hoping
calm we should thank Jacinda Ardern and the the Greens would take a very independent
More than $4.3 million of ratepayer money has been spent in the past four years dealing with challenges Ministry of Health for protecting our nation. position this term and call out the weaknesses
to the latest Thames-Coromandel District Plan, with several appeals still be to resolved. It could be so much worse. But as a former of populism. The risk of compliance and
The money does not include the costs of preparation, submissions and hearings which took place between Green MP, I cannot celebrate the nil policy submission inside the mammoth Labour
2013 and 2016, or the staff time Thames-Coromandel District Council has allocated to their District Plan gains and the two co-leaders being ministers machine is high. I know the Greens have
Appeals Centre, which has to date fully resolved 65 of the 72 appeals received. without real control of their budgets. It is a some great people with an utter commitment
Legal expenses accounted for $3.1 million of the $4.3 million total. A report provided to council members recipe for the wrong kind of cooperation. to change and I wish them very well, but
at their most recent meeting says the costs were calculated from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2020, with the Climate change is the most drastic crisis of history teaches us painful lessons about power
July date chosen because this was when the appeal period closed. our human experience on our planet. Created and leverage.
The list of appeals covers a range of aspects of the plan, from zoning issues to environmental concerns. by our dislocation from the natural world and My dear and much-loved friend, Jeanette
Of the seven remaining appeals, two are awaiting an Environment Court decision and thee relate to the obsession with growth, we have a terrifying Fitzsimons, once turned down a ministerial
plantation forestry and Significant Natural Areas. These are still “live issues” according the report. future which we collectively can barely position because of the risk she saw.
The other two unresolved appeals relate to structure plans with agreements close to being finalised. acknowledge. People are understandably The Greens will do their best, but Labour
While TCDC chief executive, Rob Williams (pictured), assured elected members that the volume of appeals overwhelmed. But the politicians talking about can now blame them for the climate failure.
and associated costs would be typical for a council of TCDC’s size, he also supported a staff proposal the “nuclear moment” are not acting on the We cannot allow any more failure on climate
to review the plan by section in the future, rather than as a whole document. Members noted that much emergency in terms of leadership for a change issues and Labour will only take strong steps
of what was now being agreed would need to be amended again once spatial plans and shoreline in economic behaviour. We have to stop if there is pressure from the outside, so back to
management plans for the Thames-Coromandel District had been finalised. “growth” if we want to survive as a species. the streets we go!
Issue 922 - 3 November 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Whitianga Marina looks to
the future with new fuel dock
A major upgrade of the fuel dock at the our marina users. We are also seeing more
Whitianga Marina will be completed next and more petrol-powered vessels now,
year, with construction expected to start so having petrol available at the marina will
in May. also be a real asset.”
In a significant investment in the future of If construction moves ahead on schedule,
the marina, the revamped fuel dock will allow refuelling will not be possible at the marina
up to six vessels to refuel at any one time. during the months of June and July when
A new 70,000 litre fuel tank will almost pipe-laying work is underway. “It is important
double the volume of diesel at the marina, for people to be aware of that and to fill up
while petrol will become available for beforehand if they intend to do quite a bit of
the first time. winter fishing,” says Dave.
“This is a very exciting development and “Once in place, the new tank will hold an
it is part of a long-term focus,” says marina additional 40,000 litres of diesel and 30,000
manager, Dave Munday. “We are not just litres of petrol. Up to four 20m boats will be
talking about the next five years, we are
able to refuel at the same time along with two
looking 20 years down the track to ensure
smaller power boats. This triples the current
the Whitianga Marina is ready to meet
capacity and will be fantastic for our users,
the increasing and changing demands that
lie ahead.” especially during the busy summer period.”
The new tank will be located beside the The marina’s development team are also
existing 40,000 diesel tank which currently working with Ngāti Hei to install a unique
serves marina users. Where possible, art piece at the outermost point of the narrow
local contractors will be used during strip of land beside which the fuel dock will
construction and the goal is to have the be located. “We’ve been talking to [Ngāti Hei
work complete by September to avoid any kaumātua] Joe Davis who has always worked
disruption to the Whitianga Scallop Festival closely with the team here and supported
which uses the adjacent site. us,” says Dave. “From what we understand,
The increasing number of larger boats he is consulting with other Ngāti Hei members
using the marina is the main reason for the and with artist, James Webster, to come up
development. “Some of these boats take with a suitable design and we are very much
5,000l at a time,” says Dave. “We want to looking forward to seeing what I think will be
be able to continually cater for the needs of a special piece.”
An artist’s impression of the new fuel dock at the Whitianga Marina.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020Issue 922
699 - 327November
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020
Issue 922
699 - 327November
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Festive flavour for Bellyful’s latest cookathon Bellyful Whitianga’s latest cookathon on Saturday last week had a distinctly festive flavour of the children at Peanuts Childcare and Education Centre in Whitianga. as the volunteer chefs and bakers conjured up some tasty Christmas treats. Fran says the carrots were added to Bellyful’s beef Bolognese recipe. “Having young people As well as 120 community meals, the crew turned out 1,200 mince pies and 120 cookie jars from the community supporting us like this while also learning about nutrition and the value which will be sold as a fundraiser for the charity. of growing their own food is awesome, and we are very grateful to all the team at Peanuts,” Bellyful delivers ready-to-heat meals to families with with newborn babies or young children she says. struggling with illness. Bellyful will also hold a “Pictures with Santa” fundraiser at Grace O’Malley’s Irish Inn in The mince pies will be sold in packs of six for $10 with the jars of cookies available for the Whitianga on 28 November. same price. In the photo on the left are some of the volunteers who baked mince pies on Saturday. From the “We are very excited about this new project,” says Fran Jack, one of the Bellyful Whitianga left - Fran Jack (Bellyful Whitianga coordinator), Ella Mae Powell, Sandra Brown, Emily Pavey coordinators. “A big thank you goes to our wonderful volunteers and our cookathon sponsors - (Bellyful Whitianga coordinator), Karen Barr and Johanna Walker. In the photo on the right are Coromilk, Mercury Bay Marine, The French Fig and New World.” Peanuts children and staff showing off their home-grown carrots. From the left - Letti Kennedy, The latest batch of community meals also features some organic, home-grown carrots courtesy Amanda Roche, Sadie Grason, Julie Coughey and Blake McLeod. Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020
Issue 922 - 3 November 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19
What’s On The next few weeks Regular Events Mercury Bay Creative Fibre Op-Shops Meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information. (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Whitianga Art Group The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. for a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information. St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Cooks Beach Garden Circle 10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets the last Thursday of every month from 11:15am - 2:30pm. New members welcome. Phone Leila on 866 3264 or Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Anne on 866 0268 for more information. 10:00am - 2:00pm. AA Driver Licensing Whitianga Senior Citizens Club The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Mercury Bay Table Tennis etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. Meets every Tuesday from 9:30am - 11:30am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) 869 5162 for more information. Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Mercury Bay Badminton Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. Meets every Wednesday from 9:30am - 11:00am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Phone (07) 866 5476 for more information. Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Mercury Bay Pickleball Club computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on Meets Every Tuesday from 4:00pm - 6:00pm and every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School 866 4215 for more information or to join. gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available. Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga Tour de Friends Biking Meets every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive , Whitianga. A 23km ride social ride around the flat areas of Whitianga. Meets every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 9:00am Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. opposite Taylor’s Mistake, Whitianga. Followed by coffee. Phone Lance Cook on (021) 048 8475 or John Gregory on Check out our Facebook page or phone 869 5648 for more information. (027) 278 0002 for more information. Serenity Al-Anon Group Mercury Bay Tennis Club Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. someone else’s drinking. Dog Walking Group Meets every Thursday at 2:00pm at Lovers Rock, Robinson Road, Whitianga. An opportunity to socialise your dog. Specific Events Phone Jenny on (021) 186 5797 for more information. Whiti Village Markets - Friday, 6 November from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at Buffalo Beach Reserve, Buffalo Beach ICONZ for Girls Road, Whitianga. Every Tuesday from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish Town Road. For girls Whitianga Coastguard Open Day 8 - 13 years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information. Sunday, 8 November from 11:00am - 3:00pm at the Coastguard Shed, Dundas Street, Whitianga. Have a look at the Whitianga Playcentre rescue vessels and incident room, and discuss joining as a crew member if you are interested. Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon and every Friday from 12:00 noon - 2:45pm at 1D White Street, Mercury Bay Big Band Jazz Concert (followed by the Whitianga Dixieland Band) Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, free entry. Visitors welcome. Sunday, 8 November at 3:00pm at C3 Church, Coghill Street, Whitianga. Great tunes and refreshments. Tickets at Matarangi Craft Group the door, $10 adults, children free. Meets fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Presentation on a Loop Bus for Whitianga Cooks Beachcare Group Tuesday, 10 November at 4:00pm at the Monkey House Theatre, Coghill Street, Whitianga. Please phone Make new friends, learn about conservation and make a difference. We meet Thursdays for hands-on weeding and (021) 619 952 for more information. To RSVP, email whitiangarra@gmail.com. planting, 9:00am - 11:00am. Register on our website, www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz or phone Adele on (021) 201 6625. Whitianga Santa Parade Scrapbags Quilting Group Saturday, 5 December at 12:30pm. Float entries now open (free entry this year). Please phone (07) 866 2090 Meets every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome. or email office@theinformer.co.nz for an entry from. phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information. Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020
Construction of new toilets at Pepe Reserve delayed The long-awaited upgrade of the public toilet facility at Tairua’s Pepe Reserve will no longer be carried out before the summer season with COVID-19 being blamed for the delay. Work on what is one of the most heavily used toilet blocks on the Coromandel Peninsula was initially due to begin in March this year, but was subsequently rescheduled to last week and has now been postponed until after the 2021 Waitangi Weekend. The postponement will ensure the facility is not out of action during the busiest time for Tairua in terms of local visitors and through traffic. “While we are disappointed that we haven’t been able to complete the upgrade ahead of the peak summer period, this is the impact that COVID-19 has had on our infrastructure programme,” a spokesperson for Thames-Coromandel District Council said. “Two factors were in play, a supply chain problem for the toilet contractor securing equipment and a backlog in the planned construction programme while the contractor finishes other planned works. “The current facility is still completely functional and meets health and safety requirements. As a busy facility, it is one that will be cleaned more regularly over peak summer, thanks to a grant from the government’s Responsible Camping Fund.” TCDC was awarded $646,000 from the Responsible Camping Fund to manage the impacts of freedom camping across the Coromandel. The government also contributed $412,00 through the Tourism Infrastructure Fund towards the construction of the new Pepe Reserve facility which will contain eight toilets. Pictured is an artist’s impression of the upgraded toilets. Issue 922 - 3 November 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21
Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Crossword Puzzle 922
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. Lamp 1. Hoisted
2. Grasp
7. Daily (occurrence)
3. Across
8. Pasture 4. Body-search
10. Economic slump 5. Prudent
12. Action-packed 6. Swan chick
9. Decompose
14. Manner of walking
11. Annoying
16. Clap (of thunder) 13. Sick
17. Illuminated (arena) 15. Hip or knee
20. Perceiving wrongly 16. Face blemish
18. Taunted
23. Violent criminals
19. Yields
24. Clemency 21. Ethnic group
25. Used axe 22. Clarified butter
Last week’s solution
Last week’s winner - Brian Codyre
“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week)
“E mea ana koe” - You bet/certainly
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 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 922 - 3 November 2020Letters to the Editor
See page 10 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Sewage odours at the northern end the Wharekaho dwellings increase. Now that Later, when a new sewage system was Dear Editor - Thank you
of Brophy’s Beach summer is again approaching, the odours will operating, a few of us were invited to the new On behalf of the Department of Conservation,
Since Christmas 2019, we have been worsen and the frequency will increase as beach plant to “taste” the recycled water. As far as I’m I would like to thank all those who came
experiencing a strong, regular, pungent and houses in the area increase in occupancy. concerned, it was fit for humans to consume. together in an effort to refloat the pilot whales
offensive sewage odour in Stormont Lane, I have contacted the Ministry for the I think some procedure with blue light was which stranded at Colville Bay last month.
Whitianga. Feedback from residents on Environment, MP Scott Simpson, Waikato used. It’s a well-known fact that recycled water The stranding, which took place over two
Harbour Lights Terrace and Buffalo Beach Regional Council, TCDC Chief Executive Rob is used worldwide. For example, Londoners use days and nights between 17 and 19 October,
Road confirmed that they experience regular Williams and TCDC Mayor Sandra Goudie. the “stuff” multiple times over, I know this from demonstrated the great community spirit of the
sewage odours as well. I have had replies from all but Mrs Goudie, my brother who was in that line of business. northern Coromandel, with local community
The odours have become increasingly more but sadly still no effective remedial action or a But if this isn’t the “flavour” of the month, members first on the scene in an immediate
pungent and more frequent. The odours cause specific action plan, with timelines, has resulted. so to speak, here’s another thought - desalination response which largely contributed to the
much distress among residents and I believe Whitianga is in growth mode. As the could surely be a way to alleviate the problem. successful refloating of the pod.
it is also a public health issue that needs town grows, so does the need for effective Whitianga is allowed to grow like the proverbial I would particularly like to thank Hauraki
immediate remedy. I have sent Thames- infrastructure to cope with current and future topsy. Water is the most important problem we iwi, Dave Hamon, members of the Colville
Coromandel District Council considerable growth. I would encourage residents to have, it has been that way for a very long time, community and the area’s rural fire brigade,
correspondence in relation to the odours and contact TCDC when they experience odours. it’s not going away any time soon. the Colville Sailing Academy, MEG, Project
have more recently requested specific planning This is a public health issue and it is completely Water meters won’t be the fix-it remedy. Jonah, the Waikato Regional Council
information via the Local Government Official irresponsible for council not to effect The longer we are kept waiting, the more costly harbourmaster, Massey University, James
Information and Meetings Act. immediate remedy. to us, the ratepayers, it will be. Drainage and the Mahamudra Centre for
The correspondence and telephone Steve Williams It is my sincere opinion that Thames- Universal Unity for their collective efforts
conversations I have had with various council Whitianga Coromandel District Council has had more during the stranding.
representatives have not produced any specific than enough time to solve this very serious, Marine mammal strandings are difficult
Editor’s Note - We have passed Steve Williams’s
dates or timelines for remedy of the odour escalating issue. I wonder if thought has been and emotional events. People have a strong
letter on to Thames-Coromandel District
issues. TCDC has recently advised me that given to approaching our sitting Member of connection to these animals and whales in
Council for comment. We will publish their
they intend to install an extended flue vent and Parliament. He would be aware of this growing particular. Pilot whales are notorious for
reply as soon as it comes to hand.
carbon filter in the Harbour Lights Terrace area dilemma we, the residents of Whitianga, are multiple strandings and with both tide and
to neutralise the sewage gas odours, but when Dear Editor - Water supply in Whitianga finding ourselves in year by year. One of his time against our efforts, it was a remarkable
asked for commencement and completion dates Thank you for publishing both Peter Mackenzie duties is to look after his constituents’ interests. achievement to save the majority of this pod.
these were not forthcoming. and Corinna Mitchell’s Letters to the Editor Come to think of it, Waikato Regional Council I am continually humbled by the passion,
The odours are a result of pumping raw in The Informer of 20 October regarding the also has a great amount of muscle. They are also commitment and dedication shown by those
sewage from the new Wharekaho subdivision. serious problem we have with our water supply paid by us ratepayers. They should be aware of who support these efforts. The events that
I understand that raw sewage from the dwellings in Whitianga. the predicament we are facing in Whitianga. unfolded over the course of the stranding
on Centennial Drive are also being pumped by For many years water, or the lack of, Recycling and desalinating water would be became a superb demonstration of cooperation
the same facility. The raw sewage pumping has been of grave concern. Back in the 1970s of advantage to the environment as well as and a commitment to conservation of wildlife.
displaces air in the sewage pipes and this air is and 1980s, a few Whitianga residents took the human wellbeing. Thank you all.
then discharged into the atmosphere (without bull by the horns and had a bore drilled some A long overdue wake-up call is very timely. Nick Kelly
resource consent). 30 feet (10m) to source water good enough for Karen Campbell Coromandel District Operations Manager
The odours have become more pungent as human consumption. Whitianga Department of Conservation
Issue 922 - 3 November 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23You can also read
