Breathing in the Mercury Bay air - Issue 926 - 1 December 2020 - The Mercury Bay Informer
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Issue 926 - 1 December 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
Breathing in the Mercury
Bay air
By Gillian O’Neill
In March this year, Whitianga student,
Fiamma Allemano, was entering her fourth
week of lockdown when she spoke to
The Informer from her apartment in Pisa,
Italy, to offer words of wisdom for Coromandel
residents as we entered Alert Level 4.
Eight months on, she is now back with her
family in Mercury Bay after what has been
a tumultuous and emotionally draining
time negotiating the rollercoaster of Italy’s
coronavirus journey.
“It feels like you are breathing air again for
the first time,” Fiamma says, describing the
simple pleasure of going outside without the
need of a mask. Face coverings have been
compulsory in Italy since that first lockdown.
Fiamma’s mum, Margherita, who flew to
Italy in September to support her daughter,
says New Zealanders have no idea of the
reality of what a severe COVID-19 outbreak
looks like. “You can go to a restaurant, but you
need to wear your mask. You can take it off
when you sit down. Then the waitress comes
and you need to put it back on again. You can
remove it when you are eating and then you
need to wear it again if you visit the bathroom.
And this is quite normal now. In Italy people
are doing it without even thinking.”
With universities all moving online,
Fiamma had been continuing her Political
Studies degree from the flat she shared
with five other girls, with no outdoor space.
“As time went on, it became extremely
stressful,” she says. “We were all away from
our families and there was real pressure
and tension.”
After a brief reprieve over the summer when
it looked for a moment as though normal
life would return, Italy’s case numbers once
again spiralled out of control and the harsh
measures returned.
Far from family and with little certainty
about what the coming months would hold, Whitianga student, Fiamma Allemano and her mum, Margherita Giampietri, graduating online on the same day in Italy.
(Continued on page 3) It is traditional for graduating students to wear or carry laurel leaves, a throwback to the ancient Romans.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Phil Dawson in one word - “special”
Hundreds of people celebrated Phil Dawson’s life in Cooks Beach on Saturday last week. Phil was of the biggest names in the business now use in and facilities. He loaned his trailer, his internet,
the proprietor of Richardsons Real Estate Cooks Beach and was by many referred to as the “mayor training their own new sales teams. his photocopier and printer, in the early days his
of Cooks Beach.” He sadly passed away on Friday, 20 November. Long-time Cooks Beach resident, Peter Thompson, principal of one of New phone and even his car if you needed it. He shut
John Steele, who knew Phil from the time he arrived on the Coromandel almost three decades ago, Zealand’s largest real estate agencies, is loud in bach windows left open after weekends, turned
provided us with this very touching tribute about a very special man. his praise. “Phil chose to make his life and career off faulty security systems, put out forgotten
Phil leaves behind his wife, Claire, and two daughters. in a beautiful place. He could have chosen to rubbish, locked open doors, reassured absentee
work in the big city where so many of his clients owners after storms, even watered tomatoes!
Those who have been around for the allotted to buyers and sellers - about price expectation, lived anyway. He would have achieved at the He never sought or would take a thank you -
three score and 10 years can always pick a method, extra work needed, timing or the highest level there as well. No doubt about that. other than an occasional lolly or pie from the
special person when they see one. Phil Dawson thousand other things which can go wrong with He won awards alongside the biggest names in Cooks Beach Store.
was one of those. His professional life as an a property sale creating agitation, frustration our business.” Family was front and centre of Phil’s life,
expert and award-winning real estate man was and disappointment. Despite winning those national prizes, Phil’s devoted to his own and always genuinely
one thing, with the enormous value he gave But he built a formidable reputation on the natural humility generally set them aside for concerned for yours. He was one of those
his clients via his skill with the market and Coromandel because of the way he handled bigger priorities in his life. For all his time in who had no wish to be obtrusive, although
its forces, absolute discretion, hard work and these things and the genuine trust and friendship Cooks Beach, he supported any local business exceptionally good company, outgoing and
optimism. But the other and probably more he generated with everyone. He was almost and fundraising charity he could. He bought always ready for fun and music.
valuable signs of someone special are the human never, ever wrong with pricing. He never created things like defibrillators for the community, We always need these balanced, genuine,
qualities which surround those skills - kindness, false expectation. He followed up religiously. acted as a one-man advertising agency, realistic and respectful types in our communities,
courtesy, generosity, humility, consideration, A rejection only fuelled more optimism. promoter and communicator of local events and with real values and perspective on life,
good humour. But since opening his business, in an area which activities. His long-time support and fundraising who happily stand back in the crowd and
Over the years, Phil (or Alton as he was also might have scared most others off at the time, efforts have helped to raise inordinate sums for who don’t need to be centre stage to achieve
known) like all in his industry, had his fair for more than 25 years he set examples of real Whenuakite School, the Cooks Beach Volunteer prominence. In fact we need many more of
share of disappointments needing to be broken estate sales and marketing practice which some Fire Brigade, environmental groups, causes them. Phil was a special person.
Photo left - Phil Dawson overlooking Mercury Bay in earlier years. Photo right - Phil outside his real estate office in Cooks Beach in mid-2019.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 2 December to Wednesday, 9 December - Jupiter and Saturn are still visible high in the western evening sky, but are setting
earlier each night so becoming ever harder to see. They are, however, rapidly getting ever closer to each other in preparation for their “Great Conjunction”
on 21 December. Meanwhile Mars is now high overhead in the evenings, but getting a bit fainter each week as it moves ever further away from us.
Venus is very bright low in the pre-dawn eastern sky. The International Space Station (ISS) makes some low passes with its seven astronauts on board
very late at night or early in the mornings this week. The Geminid meteor shower occurs from 4 to 17 December and they are best viewed well after
midnight towards the north. However, the bright Moon will make them a bit hard to see until next week. Friday, 4 December - The ISS makes a very early
pass as it pops out of the Earth’s shadow at 3:04am low in the south and moves rapidly towards the SE. There might also be a few Geminid meteors Astronomy Tours and B&B
visible at that time as well coming from the NE. Saturday, 5 December - Late owls will have a chance to see two ISS passes tonight with the first starting Phone (07) 866 5343
at 2:18am very low in the southeast next to the Southern Cross and the second from 3:51am low in the SW. Monday, 7 December - Another very low
ISS pass in the south tonight from 2:18am. Look for some Geminid meteors as well tonight... their numbers should slowly increase each night. 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 926 - 1 December 2020
Breathing in the Mercury
Bay Air
(Continued from page 1)
Fiamma says there was a definite emotional had the thought at the same time. I just said
toll. “I decided I needed to pretty much to Mum, what if I came back to New Zealand
restructure my life. I went to live with my with you. It just seemed to make sense.”
aunt in a beach area in Tuscany where I also Margherita says it felt like a huge relief
had some friends and it felt much better. having Fiamma come home with her. “It is
There is a real contrast between how people amazing what she has managed to achieve this
are coping in rural areas compared to those in year, in spite of everything. She even did two
cities. Just having the ability to get outside, exams while we were in managed isolation
get some fresh air and go for walks, it makes in Auckland. She had to do them at around
such a difference. I had also decided to move midnight because of the time difference.”
to Florence to do my Masters.” The family is now planning a big family
However, with case numbers returning to Christmas, with an Italian twist of course.
levels seen in March, including upwards of “I want Dad’s pizzas, it might not be traditional
800 deaths per day, the prospect of moving but they are just the best,” Fiamma says.
to a new city alone was extremely daunting. “Other than that, we’ll just be enjoying the
“I really didn’t know what I was going sunshine and spending lots of time outdoors.”
to do, but then Mum came to save me,” Even after just a few months in Italy,
Fiamma says. Margherita says despite talking Margherita says she sometimes feels naked
to her daughter daily and doing her best to going outside without her mask. “You have
give her support, she could tell the situation that feeling you have forgotten something.”
was wearing Fiamma down. Fiamma is open Fiamma too says the pandemic has altered
and honest about how poorly she was feeling. her own natural behaviour. “I’m still keeping
“By the time Mum arrived, I was pretty my distance from people when I’m out
fragile,” she says. walking. I don’t tend to go in for a hug straight
Mother and daughter headed to a quiet area away. It’s definitely pretty remarkable to see
in north Tuscany where they spent their time how different things are here.” She is watching
relaxing and studying, amazingly both of them and willing for things to improve in Italy,
graduating in their respective qualifications but plans to stay here until at least March or
on the same day. “If there has been a positive April next year.
to all this, it has been having that time with While acknowledging that the coronavirus
Mum,” Fiamma says. “I can’t remember us had not left New Zealand unscathed, both ladies
ever spending that long together before.” urged people to try and focus on the positives.
With Fiamma’s studies, a Masters in “When you look at what’s happening around
Political Science and International Relations, the world, New Zealand has done really, really
continuing online for the immediate future, well,” Fiamma says. “We can get very hung
the solution on what to do next was suddenly up on what we should or shouldn’t be doing,
obvious. “It was about two weeks before but things could be so much worse.”
Mum was due to leave,” Fiamma says. Margherita agrees. “It’s like another world
“Things were still escalating in terms of cases. here, I think we should feel extremely lucky,”
We were having lunch and we both almost she says.
699 - 127December
Issue 926 July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Final winner of “Support Local/
Buy Local” campaign drawn Board Talk
By the Mercury Bay Area School Board of Trustees
Greetings, I would like to draw the was held at the school a few weeks ago,
community’s attention to the new portal with the middle and primary schools’ prize-
which is available on the Mercury Bay givings yet to come.
Area School website. We are the first New I congratulate all the senior students
Zealand school to partner with Barnados whom have been awarded prizes and wish
(NZ) to give access to the 0800 What’s our younger ones every success in their
Up child helpline through our website. upcoming events.
This provides a confidential 24/7 phone I am pleased to be able to advise that the
call or online chat service for children and Board of Trustees has ratified the purchase
teenagers. It is important that our young order for the new modular classrooms to
people have options for seeking help in be installed at the primary area of our kura.
a form that they are comfortable with. Manufacture of the classrooms will soon be
Students are also able to make appointments underway and it is expected that they will be
to visit the school nurse or a school counsellor delivered and located on site around the end
via our website. of Term 1 in 2021.
The senior school students have now These classrooms will provide a significant
completed their school year and are busy boost in capacity to help the school cope with
studying for NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3. I wish our ever-growing roll.
these students all the best with these important Kane Jones
On Saturday last week, Sheryl Hayson (pictured), the final winner of The Informer’s “Support Local/ exams. A very successful senior prize-giving Board of Trustees Parent Representative
Buy Local” campaign, popped into our offices to discuss her prize. According to the rules of the
campaign, Sheryl can choose up to four regular Informer advertisers with whom to spend the $1,000
she has won.
The campaign started just after the COVID-19 Level 4 restrictions were lifted and continued for 22
weeks. Every week a lucky shopper won $100 to spend with one of our advertisers. At the beginning
of October, the more than 10,000 local invoices and receipts entered during the course of the
campaign went into a second draw for the ultimate prize. Three finalists were drawn.
Sheryl’s name was drawn from among the three finalists during a dinner at the Whitianga Town Hall
on Friday, 20 November where well-known psychologist, Nigel Latta, was the guest speaker.
“I’m ecstatic, I’ve never won anything before,” Sheryl said on Saturday. “My husband and I are
big believers in shopping local. Thank you to The Informer for running and putting up the money
for the campaign. Hopefully it motivated many people to support our local businesses as much as
they could.”
Sheryl and her husband, Lance, are both members of the Mercury Bay Community Patrol.
Sheryl’s winning purchase was made at Mercury Bay Pharmacy on 21 August. She will let us know
during the course of this week where she would like to spend her $1,000.
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 926 - 1 December 2020
Issue 926 - 1 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Local Flavour
By Joanna Mannington - Food and nutrition teacher at Mercury Bay Area School
October 2020 - National Food Hui
On 19 and 20 October, I ventured beyond between communities. while generating a better return by spearfishing the hills. This is a costly way of dealing with
Mercury Bay and attended the National Food David Eaton, director of cybersecurity for and line fishing, and delivering directly to resources which do have value. Can we compost
Hui in Wellington. It has taken me several Datacom, asked us, in the event of a cyber the consumer. locally? Can we use these resources in and
weeks to digest the scale and quantity of disruption incident, how fast could we restore Can everyone access food locally? on our non-existent local community market
information provided by more than 70 key our critical business functions? Did we even Do we grow/produce enough food for our gardens? Thames-Coromandel District Council
movers and shakers. The hui was the first step in know what they are? He recommended that immediate community? The Coromandel has is currently working on a new refuse centre
the process to formulate a national food strategy businesses prepare to operate at pen and paper areas of concentrated high wealth, yet we still for Whitianga. Is there space for a community
focusing on sustainability and regeneration, level at some stage in the future. This was a have need. garden and orchard to surround the space?
prosperity, social equity, and increasing health when, not if statement. What happens when there is disruption? How can we generate prosperity with a local
and wellbeing What does this mean for Whitianga? Our roading is notorious for being interrupted food system?
I am going to ambitiously attempt to condense What do we produce locally? Crays? Kiwifruit? by weather events and traffic congestion. The consensus at the hui was that we generate
my notes and share the most relevant points of Honey? Avocados? We have great growing We have less water available during the summer prosperity with, by and for the community,
what I have learnt. conditions, but no market gardens, grain crops months. The possibility of food insecurity is that new Zealand sustainability comes first,
Melissa Clark-Reynolds, independent or non-mono orchards in our area. The irony, very real on our Peninsula. supported by export dollars.
director of Beef + Lamb NZ, is also a member Susan Kilsby, agricultural economist for ANZ
of the Ministry if Primary Industry’s Primary Bank, said that there is a strong demand for
Growth Panel and is a food futurist. She has New Zealand food as a result of our COVID-19
two science degrees. She pointed out that the action. She called it the “halo effect,” but said
food industry intersects every sector of our we had lots of work to do to improve and
economy and provides interesting and well- maintain that reality.
paid employment, directly and indirectly, for a Ruth Isaac, general manager at the Ministry
significant portion of our population. She rated of Business, Innovation and Employment,
the hospitality industry as a nursery for young and frustration for local restaurants, is that our Does everyone know how to use food to create said that the future of restaurant dining and
people, setting them up for life by teaching seafood is immediately trucked out of town on health and wellbeing? staffing is food tourism and our heritage,
them “…how to work hard (and not whine), landing, only to have it trucked back to us after “New Zealand generates huge wealth from defining manaakitanga (heartfelt hospitality).
developing the soft skills the world requires and we have ordered it. food, but we can’t feed ourselves properly,” Customers, both domestic and international,
providing a platform into further careers.” How do we produce food locally? Angela Clifford from EAT NZ. demand a connection to local stories and
What impacted me the most was the Do we grow food in conditions that are “There is so much misinformation and experiences to give value and meaning to
acknowledgement from higher-level sustainable and regenerative? Can we do better? confusion around food,” Nickie Hursthouse their visits. COVID-19 has taught hospitality
organisations about the need to prepare for What are our contingency plans if we cannot from the Heart Foundation. businesses to look within, streamline and offer
the next world event, that in truth COVID-19 access seed and chemicals nationally and even Does our community know how to feed genuine experiences of connection.
is good practice for the massive disruptions internationally? New Zealand has a history of themselves healthfully? Consumer education There is definitely room for Whitianga to
heading our way. producing high volume v high value. Can we do is key. Do we have any independent education become more self-sufficient and sustainable in
Charles Erhart of KPMG told us that profound better with both? in place? so many areas.
disruptive changes are coming in the next 30 This was illustrated by two fishing businesses, Are we controlling our local waste? I will be hosting our own food hui in the New
years and that it is critical that communities Gravity Fishing and Tora Collective, who have From packaging to food waste, all the waste Year. Please contact me at manningtonshahei@
create self-sufficiency and synergies reduced volume and increased sustainability generated in Mercury Bay is trucked back over gmail.com if you wish to participate.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 926 - 1 December 2020
Christmas dinner inside the museum The team of Mercury Bay Museum volunteers celebrated the end of a difficult year with a traditional Christmas dinner inside the museum on Friday last week. “We’ve had ham and all the other Christmas favourites on the menu,” says Rebecca Cox, museum manager. “Our volunteers are crucial in what we do and the dinner was a great opportunity to get together in an environment we all love. It was a great evening.” Pictured are those who attended the dinner. From the front left (around the festive table that was set for the occasion) - George Steele, Sue Steele, Kim Allan, Caroline Wakelin, Rebecca Cox, Allen Anderson, Heather Anderson, Steve Tutty, Nicky Hewlett, Noel Hewlett, Sherryn Maud, Kate Palmano, Gavin Hedwig, Janet Mitchell and Mark Henwood. Issue 926 - 1 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Hahei to go hard and early on Ashley Toma latest Art
water restrictions Escape Scholarship recipient
With record numbers of visitors expected to rules or restrictions just for the sake of it,”
descend on the Coromandel over summer, Terry said. “It is about helping people understand
one community is already taking action in order that there is not a limitless supply of water and
to prevent what could potentially be a serious we need to be very careful over that busy period.
water shortage. Then hopefully we will be able to relax things
Rather than wait until the situation becomes after that.”
critical, a decision has already been made to Mrs White commended the Hahei community
impose a full ban on the outdoor use of water for being extremely proactive to make sure
in Hahei over the Christmas and New Year’s water conservation messages and awareness
period. The preventative move is designed to went out well in advance of visitors arriving.
preserve stocks during what is historically the “They’re preparing letter drops, visiting
peak time in terms of visitors and therefore homes and chatting to people door-to-door,
consumption. as well as monitoring the water levels on a daily
In addition, members of the Hahei community basis,” she said. “This is all in addition to the
have begun a pre-season campaign under the information being provided through our council
banner “Every Drop Counts” to prepare both communication channels.”
full-time and part-time residents for what There are four separate water supply
lies ahead and engage them in helping to systems, as well as private bores, delivering
conserve water. water to Hahei - TCDC, the Hahei Water
“Water is a precious commodity and we’re Supply Association, the Grange Road Water
trying to raise awareness about demand and Association and Hahei Beach Limited
supply, and managing that over peak summer,” (the Hahei campground).
said Thames-Coromandel District Council’s What has been described as a Red Alert water Year 12 student, Ashley Toma, was announced as the recipient of the annual Mercury Bay
Communications and Economic Development status - the highest available - will commence Art Escape Trust Scholarship for 2021 at the Mercury Bay Area School prize-giving ceremony
Group Manager, Laurna White. “Hahei is a in Hahei on 24 December and remain in effect last month.
classic example where water demand can be until at least 5 January when it will be reviewed. The scholarship programme, now in its sixth year, gives support and encouragement to young,
higher than what can be supplied from bores. Under a Red Alert no hoses, garden watering, emerging artists and allow them to progress to the next level of artistic development. “A major
This means without implementing conservation water blasting, and house, car or boat washing component of their scholarship package is the opportunity to observe and learn different
measures our reservoir levels will drop is permitted. There can also be no filling of techniques and skills from a selection of talented Mercury Bay Art Escape artists,” said Anne
fairly rapidly.” paddling pools or playing under sprinklers. Innes, one of the Art Escape trustees.
Terry Gould, deputy chair of the Hahei Water Other measures such as full loads only in
Supply Association, which operates one of three the dishwasher and washing machine, faster The scholarship is awarded to the top MBAS Year 12 student who shows serious promise within
private water schemes serving the area, said showers and using the half toilet flush option the arts and would benefit from additional guidance. The programme runs for six months and
the early action was about providing clarity, and only when necessary are also encouraged. includes tuition and mentorship, provides an opportunity to attend workshops and art courses,
and taking a realistic and practical approach. Mrs White says more than ever this year as well as assisting with setting up and curating exhibitions. The student can also have their
“We know that we had issues last year,” TCDC needs the community’s assistance in work displayed as part of the Mercury Bay Art Escape’s annual Showcase Exhibition.
he said. “We didn’t want that to happen again, sharing the message around water. “We would Ashely said she was both shocked and excited when her art teacher told her she had been
so we have gone out to our membership as well love to work with groups from our other local selected. “I have loved art since I was four or five,” she said. “It is definitely my favourite
as the residents in the TCDC database to let communities,” she said. To get in touch, email subject at school and I will be continuing to study art next year. Mostly I do painting. This year
them know what needs to happen so we don’t customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz or phone I did a folio on symbols and cultures with images representing lots of different cultures.”
have the same problems as last year.” (07) 868 0200. Information on water restrictions
Essentially that means targeting the major across the Thames-Coromandel District will be She said the opportunity to learn from other local artists was what she was most looking
surge period in late December and early available on the TCDC website and publicised forward to.
January. “This is not about us bringing in via the council Facebook page and local media. Pictured is Anne and Ashley when they visited The Informer offices on Thursday last week.
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Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 926 - 1 December 2020
Issue 926
699 - 127December
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
The Fire Siren
Sponsored by Safety + Apparel - tel 0800 726 726
November was a steady month for the team and served 40 years. He was at one
Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade with 12 time the officer in charge of the Cooks Beach
calls for assistance. Volunteer Fire Brigade.
We responded to one car fire and backed up
Frank, Shirwin and Robbie, you have
the Coromandel Town Volunteer Fire Brigade
all three served you community well and
once, but weren’t required and came home.
We went to two motor vehicle accidents and your experience will be greatly missed.
assisted St John Ambulance twice. Our brigade and I’m sure the people of
We’ve also responded to a power pole Whitianga thank you.
that caught fire and a fire on the beach. Because the Whitianga Volunteer Fire
In addition, we investigated three private fire Brigade has had a number of our members
alarm activations and a gas leak. leave recently, we are looking for people
I would like to acknowledge three members who would like to be a part our wonderful
of the Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade who organisation.
are leaving us. Frank Dyer, Shirwin Lee and If you are a motivated person who
Robbie Yeomans have been a huge part of would like to give something back to your
our team over the years and between them community and be part of a great team,
accumulated nearly 89 years of service. come and have a chat with me at Whitianga
Frank served us for 12 years, became a Sports or come along to one of our trainings
leader of our brigade and is leaving us as every Wednesday night at 7:30pm.
Acting Station Officer. Shirwin served 36 Be careful and stay safe.
years and has been a very active member of Deputy Chief Fire Officer
our operational support team. Robbie was Derek Collier
also a member of our operational support
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 926 - 1 December 2020Letters to the Editor
See page 10 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Art centres, museums and Dear Editor - Thank you Also, it could portray unhelpful and complies with the law. The people of the
water issues We would like to thank some of the younger dysfunctional messages to children who were Coromandel need an efficient, compliant
Being a resident of Whitianga, I have been people in our community for helping a couple watching. And the chicken nuggets were in Council, not a broken council costing
following with interest the saga of our yearly of retirees on Tuesday, 24 November. all likelihood produced from caged miserable ratepayers dearly.
water shortage and, from my thinking, We were unaware that we had a flat tyre chickens fed antibiotics and hormones. Hayden Woods
Thames-Coromandel District Council’s lack of coming down the Kuaotunu Hill towards Helen Falla Te Awamutu
solutions to rectify it. Whitianga. A young man signalled to bring Thames
Was I surprised to read in The Informer of our attention to the tyre. We stopped in the Dear Editor - Violence in children’s
10 November that council has now pretty much rain to change to the tyre. A couple of young Dear Editor - A new skatepark in Tairua television programmes
decided to install water meters into our homes? men travelling to Matarangi turned around Tairua is being subjected to what can only Through no fault of my own, I was the other day
Not at all. Water meters is not going to rectify and helped us. They were awesome. We went be considered in my opinion as a dictatorial awake at 6:00am and turned on the television.
the water problem, but will give us ratepayers in Whitianga to Bridgestone Tyre Centre. onslaught by Thames-Coromandel District It was screening a children’s programme.
another bill to pay. There the tyre was replaced by some very Council as they steam ahead with their ill- With the passivity that watching TV brings and
If financing is the main issue holding TCDC helpful young men. We then went to have a conceived proposal for a skatepark at Cory the remote a metre out of reach, I watched the
back from rectifying our water problems, much needed coffee at Espy Café where we Park Domain. entire programme.
how come they found $1,050,000 to buy 2 were served by some very cheery young people. Council appears to be stonewalling the If this was an example of what is being
Monk Street (the building known as Arlingham They made our day. concerns from the immediate neighbours screened for our children’s entertainment,
House)? In a reply to an information request So, thank to the young people of Whitianga and doing everything within their power to then it’s no wonder reading and involvement
I made, council confirmed to me that having and Mercury Bay. We should all be proud avoid consultation with those affected. This is in society has plummeted. The amount of
bought the building to demolish it, the building of them. clearly observed on the TCDC website and I violence and destruction of property is massive.
was found to have a high content of asbestos in John and Rachel Boyd quote, “A Certificate of Compliance has now The dialogue is simplistic. The dominant
it. I should think specialist demolition due to Opito Bay been lodged, but in the meantime…” This in culture is American with repetitious plots of
the asbestos will probably be another $100,000. Dear Editor - Speed-eating chicken nuggets itself speaks volumes. TCDC has, in my view, villains being vanquished by heroes. But only
Council also told me that the building was On Wednesday last week, I was disappointed no intention to observe the people’s right to after the crooks have held the upper hand for
bought as it would be an ideal site to build a that a current affairs programme on national object as it is clearly illustrated in their statement most of the episode. The end is always the
new civic centre to house TCDC’s offices, television highlighted a young woman speed- that they are formalising proceedings with the American way - a fight where “might is right”
a library, arts centre, museum and information eating chicken nuggets. acquisition of a Certificate of Compliance and is the violent solution.
centre all under one roof. The mind boggles at This practice would eventually harm in the “meantime” they will play a game of Do we want to indoctrinate our children
the cost to create such a monster. anyone's health and wellbeing. It looked charades pretending to comply with correct with this pattern of American society?
Something doesn’t quite add up to me. like active promotion of the young woman’s “policy and procedure.” Even the advertisements in between seem
How can there even be thought of art centres chosen interest. This is downright disturbing behaviour from to be corrupted towards exploiting children.
and museums (don’t we already have a very Given serious global food distribution council and a clear violation of their governing Who benefits from this violence? The armament
good one) when Whitianga still has water problems, I am surprised this activity was mandate under the Local Government Act and industry? The prison system? Do the children
supply issues? Has Mayor Sandra Goudie and presented with such gusto on the show. Resource Management Act to consult with who are watching know the difference between
TCDC not heard of the word “priority?” What would those suffering from hunger or affected parties. fantasy and real-life morality?
Roger Skipper from a depleted refugee background think and Elected councillors need to show some Peter H Wood
Whitianga feel watching the presentation? professional responsibility and ensure TCDC Thames Coast
Issue 926 - 1 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 926 - 1 December 2020
Santa Parade shaping up to be
better than ever before
The Whitianga Santa Parade to be held on Saturday this week (5 December) is shaping up to be better than
ever before.
The Kerepehi Brass Band will be the main attraction, performing not only in the parade, but afterwards
at the Whitianga Town Plaza as well. The band will be celebrating their 75th anniversary next year.
Rowen Garrett, one of the band members who will make the trip to Whitianga, has been in the band from
when it was established. “Rowen is probably the longest-serving bandsman in New Zealand,” says band
spokesperson, Luke Van Vliet.
The top floats in the parade will this year be chosen by members of the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust.
The winner will take home $200 cash, $100 for second place and $50 for the float finishing in third place.
Rivalry between the Whitianga Combined Churches and the Whitianga Sea Scouts is once again expected
to be fierce.
Spectators can also expect to see boats from the Mercury Bay Boating Club, classic and muscle cars,
the Whitianga Waka Ama Club’s waka, bicycles from the Whitianga Bike Park and Bike Mercury Bay,
and local steampunk group, The Endeavour’s Assemblage, celebrating the wonders of aviation.
Talking about aviation, the Mercury Bay Aero Club is once again planning to enter one of the aeroplanes
built by Mercury Bay Area School students and Whitianga resident and keen pilot, Peter Walton, is finalising
the logistics involved in having his Fokker triplane participating in the parade.
The Mercury Bay Area School Wellbeing Hub will have a float handing out small gifts donated by
Countdown Whitianga.
As usual, Santa will make up the rear of the parade.
Afterwards, while the Kerepehi Brass Band is performing, More FM will be sizzling free sausages at the
Whitianga Town Plaza. That will also be the location for the “world famous in Whitianga” Santa Parade
lolly scramble and where the top floats will be announced.
The parade is once again organised by The Mercury Bay Informer. The Mercury Bay Community Board is
helping out with some of the expenses. Their support is very much appreciated.
The parade will start at 12:30pm at Lyon Park and travel along Albert Street and The Esplanade to the
finish line at Taylor’s Mistake.
Pictured is the Kerepehi Brass Band during one of their first performances after this year’s Alert
Level 4 lockdown.
Funding helps fuel community’s
environmental protection efforts
More people than ever are joining in us meet our water quality improvement goals.”
community efforts to improve and protect The Coromandel projects that received
our local environment, and the work and support from the EIF include Habitat
dedication of the many groups and individuals Tuateawa, a voluntary community group in
involved has been acknowledged as making a Tuateawa who are restoring biodiversity in
huge difference. the local area mainly through predator control.
Announcing details of its latest round of Their grant of $23,754 will fund the wages
financial support for local projects from the of the project coordinator and contractors for
Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF), Waikato track maintenance and geographic information
Regional Council’s Biodiversity Project system mapping.
Manager, Judy van Rossem, said the number of The McGregor Bay Wetland Society based in
community groups and landowners undertaking Coromandel Town is focused on promoting the
environmental action was increasing. protection and restoration of the McGregor Bay
“Both the number of applications and total wetland at Long Bay. Their $12,210 in funding
of funds requested were more than double will also go towards a project coordinator to
than average over the previous three years,” undertake educational projects for the next
she said. “[The] funding is helping to provide two years.
employment for local project coordinators, hapū The Rings Beach Wetland Group will invest
and rangitahi, as well as specialist contractors the $15,507 they received in extending the
to plan and undertake animal pest control. predator control network within the Matarangi
This work is then protecting our taonga species Bluff Scenic Reserve to protect a newly
such as Coromandel brown kiwi, whio, bittern discovered kiwi population.
and New Zealand dotterel, and providing habitat Another beneficiary is the Coromandel
for our native birds, reptiles and insects.” Independent Living Trust which focuses on
Nine environmental, restoration and providing education, training and employment
educational initiatives in and around the opportunities for youth and the less advantaged
Coromandel Peninsula secured around in and around Coromandel Town. With the
$190,000 of the $418,000 distributed across help of $39,900 in EIF funds, they will be
20 different projects. establishing a native plant nursery to grow
Waikato Regional Councillor Fred Lichtwark eco-sourced plants for local projects providing
said there were many worthwhile projects which training and employment for local rangitahi.
had sought funding and decision making was Other local recipients were the
always a hard task. “We have people out their Upper Coromandel Forest & Bird Society
planting, trapping and getting rid of pest plants, ($27,078.42), the Mercury Bay Environmental
and collectively these actions help improve our Trust ($17,850), the Kapowai Kiwi Care
biodiversity by improving habitats, and with Group ($18,720), the Whiritoa Conservation
spinoffs for fresh water. We’re sorry that some Trust Board ($32,572.80) and the Western
projects missed out or that some only got part Firth Catchment Group Trust ($15,966.50).
of the funding requested. The latter is a charitable trust comprising
“Council is so grateful to everyone who farmers and landowners with the objective
applied and who are doing hard work to look of improving water quality and biosecurity
after our natural treasures. I look forward to in the 1,500ha Western Firth catchment
seeing more of this work especially if they help near Miranda.
Issue 926
699 - 127December
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Connie and Gladys Harsant -
“Not lost, but gone before”
By Meghan Hawkes
Around the time Constance Harsant would By 1923, Gladys, the third daughter of Walter
have turned 30, her parents placed a notice of and Mabel, was on the cusp of turning 13.
remembrance in the newspaper. She had a particularly bright and sunny
Connie, as she was known, had died on nature which was somewhat dimmed when
2 May 1912 when she was almost four she stood on a nail while walking across some
years old. She had been with other children boards that had been laid over a muddy patch
who were lighting some paper over an open on the farm. The injury appeared to heal,
fireplace. Connie’s clothes caught fire and but a few days later Gladys began to complain
she was badly burnt. She died the next day at of toothache, and then her face turned stiff
Mercury Bay Hospital. and uncomfortable.
For her parents, Walter and Mabel, Mr and Mrs Pocock were asked to take
the world seemed to come to an end, but life her to Mercury Bay Hospital in their launch.
had to go on. They were in the midst of the Mrs Pocock, a nurse, saw immediately the
purchase of a farm at Hahei and made a long symptoms of tetanus. Despite losing a patient
miserable horse ride to Neavesville to discuss to tetanus not long before, the hospital had
the transaction, arriving feeling wretched as no tetanus antiserum. There was a nightmare
night fell.
wait getting the antiserum and a doctor
Walter and Mabel had run the Gumtown
from Coromandel Town. The antidote was
store for several years which they bought
unsuccessful, though, and Gladys died a few
in partnership with Walter’s brothers,
Horace and Fred. The brothers also farmed in hours after the injection.
collaboration with Harry Wigmore at Hahei Gladys’s parents were overwhelmed with
and this was the farm Mabel and Walter grief and Mabel felt that a part of herself
bought. had been taken away. In a further blow,
Walter and Mabel had five children when the cause of Gladys’s death was
they all finally came to live in the Big House misreported as “peculiar,” being caused by a
at Hahei in 1915 - Gladys, Dorothy, Muriel, slight cut from a seashell received when she
Sonny (Walter Jr) and Fred. The loss of was playing with her sister on the beach a
their little daughter was never far from their week earlier.
minds, but the years rolled by busy with their Gladys was buried beside her sister,
dairy herd and supplying the Gumtown Store Connie, in the Mercury Bay Cemetery at
with farm produce, including pigs, fruit and Ferry Landing where their headstone reads,
crayfish. Life was a challenge in the area, “Not lost, but gone before.” Twelve years later,
and even an ordinary outing involved a their mother, Mabel, joined them. Walter died
horseback ride to the river and calling loudly in 1956, aged 74, and is also buried in the
for a boatman to ferry them across. Mercury Bay Cemetery.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 926 - 1 December 2020Outstanding results for local Master Builders at House of the Year Awards Four local Master Builders did outstandingly well in the House of the Year Awards for Auckland, In the New Homes Over $2 Million Category, Hot Water Beach Design and Construction received Northland and the Coromandel that were announced on Saturday last week. The awards ceremony gold for a home at Hot Water Beach and Cove Construction received a third gold for a home at the was live-streamed as a virtual event. Whitianga Waterways. In the New Homes up to $450,000 Category, Cove Construction received gold and was announced the “It was a very successful night for our local builders, they should be very proud,” says Richard category winner for a home at Flaxmill Bay (pictured left). Warwick, branch chairman of the Coromandel and Southern Auckland Master Builders. “This is the In the New Homes Between $1 Million and $1.5 Million Category, Cove Construction received another first year North Coromandel Builders and Hot Water Beach Design and Construction have entered, gold for a house at the Whitianga Waterways. They were joined by North Coromandel Builders for a a great result for them. An especially outstanding achievement for the crew of North Coromandel home at Whangapoua (pictured right) and Dyer Construction for a home at Hot Water Beach. To top Builders to take out one of the biggest categories.” things off, North Coromandel Builders’ entry was also announced as the category winner. Issue 926 - 1 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15
School welcomes new
laws to prohibit vaping
Mercury Bay Area School principal, John Wright (pictured), has welcomed new laws banning
vaping in places of education as another tool to address what has become an increasingly
challenging issue within the kura and in the wider community.
As and from 11 November, the existing prohibition on smoking at schools, early childhood
education facilities and care centres was extended to include vaping. The Ministry of Education
now requires schools to take “all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no person vapes
in any part of the premises, whether inside or outside, at any time of day.”
Mr Wright said the goal of MBAS was always to create a smoke free, drug free, bullying free
and vape free learning environment. As part of their work towards achieving this, the school
Board of Trustees noted the following, “We are now aware that there have been increases in
the availability and supply of... vape devices and vape products both within and beyond our
community, and we are seeing this inside our school. There are several resolutions that we have
undertaken so as to retain our status as a learning institution that is free of all substances that
interfere with learning and behaviour.”
These resolutions include educating young people about the health impacts of vaping as well as
a staged process of disciplinary action for repeat offending. “We will continue to approach this
matter from the platform of educating our young people about vaping and vape products, ie in
a prosocial manner,” the board resolved. “Vape instruments and vape products are prohibited
from our school site. Students (and staff) are not permitted to have neither the vape instrument
nor vape products at school, on school excursions [and] on school buses.”
In addition, the new policy states, “As and when young people are involved in vaping, or
supplying or being in possession of vape products, this will be treated very seriously.” Potential
consequences will include stand down and even suspension in the case of multiple breaches.
From May next year, all schools, early childhood education facilities and care centres will be
required to display no vaping notices in addition to or in combination with their existing “no
smoking” signs. These notices must be prominently displayed at or immediately inside every
entrance to every building or enclosed area on the premises, excluding buildings and areas not
usually in use.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 926 - 1 December 2020Issue 926
699 - 127December
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 926 - 1 December 2020
Issue 926
699 - 127December
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19Car Talk By Jack Biddle
A question for Jack? Just email us or drop us a note.
Maybe hang onto the past for a little longer and be careful moving into the future
Before sitting down to write this column, the globe are stepping up their efforts to phase generating the electricity to charge electric car replaced. Most new electric vehicles currently
I took a stroll to check out the Repco Beach out the internal combustion engine. UK Prime batteries may or may not have on the planet. come with a warranty of at least eight years on
Hop invasion of the Whitianga town centre on Minister, Boris Johnson, is reportedly due to The reality is the change is coming faster than their batteries, so anything over that time you
Thursday last week. A large number of vehicles announce the ban on the sale of new petrol and we initially predicted and for many it needs would have to think is heading into unknown
from the 50s and 60s with loads of polished diesel cars from 2030 some five years earlier some clear thinking on how best to deal with it. territory as far as range availability goes.
chrome work and noisy and large V8 engines than previously planned. In the motoring world, One option is to do nothing and simply If you were to purchase a 2010 electric
tucked under long bonnets, were being paraded 10 years is not that far away, so we can expect continue driving your petrol or diesel vehicle vehicle, driving distances between charges are
and parked up in the main street for the crowd to see rapid change and new technology hit the for the conceivable future. Fuel will still be potentially going to be a lot lower than you
to soak in. market well before the UK’s 2030 deadline. available, as will parts and service, and as we may expect. No problem if it’s only short runs
A common theme throughout the festivities And don’t be fooled by thinking we are totally tend in New Zealand to keep our vehicles for and you can top up on a daily basis from home,
was the smile these vehicles bought to isolated from overseas trends in the motoring longer than most other countries, the changeover but range anxiety will slowly creep in if longer
their petrolhead owners along with an world. Because our market is so small, period will take considerably longer to filter its drives are undertaken.
appreciative crowd. New Zealand new vehicle distributors don’t get way down to the pay grades of many, so those There are ways to check a battery’s state of
It was plainly evident that while these vehicles health before purchase, but the bottom line is
broke all the modern day standards in terms of the older the electric vehicle, then the closer
fuel efficiency, safety and noise, it meant little to it is to the end of its life and the harder it will
those in attendance, replaced instead by the look become to on-sell.
and feeling of wellbeing, a word we hear a lot The consumer affairs TV programme,
about these days. Fair Go, recently screened a segment where an
There is no doubt that an occasional trip back owner of a used Nissan Leaf was told her battery
in time is a great way to help deal with the was going to cost over $100,000 to replace.
present day challenges we all face. When you only paid around $12,000 for the car
On my way home I happen to walk past two initially, it’s clearly only worth sending to the
vehicles that are looking more and more likely tip rather than buy a new genuine battery. While
to represent the future of motoring. One was in hindsight there may have been some initial
a Tesla and the other was a Nissan Leaf, both confusion over the price from the Nissan dealer
fully electric. They were both sensible in terms and far less costly options may be available,
of overall size. There were no big rear fins, the warning is out there - buyer beware.
large bonnets or polished chrome work, and both A Nissan Leaf fully electric vehicle travelling along Albert Street in Whitianga a few days ago. No doubt the desirable high-end fully electric
would travel on our roads in complete silence too much say when it comes to the make-up of owners won’t be left out on a limb in the short cars will also filter down into the second-hand
and emit zero harmful tailpipe emissions. new vehicles which will be heading Down Under to mid-term. market in greater numbers as owners want to
But it’s hard to imagine a Beach Hop in years to in future. For those looking to avoid filling up with move on to the latest technology. These vehicles
come with these types of vehicles representing While petrol and diesel will still be sold petrol or diesel sooner rather than later, and will command higher prices than a Nissan Leaf,
the past days of motoring. to accommodate the existing vehicles using are on a limited budget, some caution may be but at the end of the day, the battery will also
In comparison to what was going on a few fossil fuels, its use will be heavily reduced required. It’s the used car market they will need have a limited life and who knows what a
hundred meters down the road, these electric over time. Like the horse and cart, the days of to look at and there are potential pitfalls and replacement battery may cost for these vehicles.
vehicles were in fact pretty boring and hardly mass production of petrol and diesel cars look eventual tears. For many shopping at the lower end of the
worth a second look. like being numbered a lot sooner than many You don’t have to be a car nut to know any used car market, keeping to the tried and true for
But whether we like it or not, we are ever thought. battery’s life is limited. From TV remotes to a little while longer has its merits.
definitely heading closer to a transition period I won’t get into the arguments and opinions devices implanted into humans to help keep As most owners of the Beach Hop cars will
in the motoring world as many countries around many have about the environmental impact that them alive, their batteries eventually have to be tell you, it’s OK not to be a trendsetter.
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 926 - 1 December 2020You can also read
