Coromandel has fastest growing property prices in New Zealand - The Mercury Bay Informer
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Issue 909 - 4 August 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 7,750
Coromandel has fastest growing
property prices in New Zealand
By Gillian O’Neill
The Coromandel experienced New Zealand’s
largest increase in residential property prices
over the past year, more than twice the
national rate, sending the average cost of a
home to just over $866,000.
The remarkable statistics from the latest
Monthly Property Report of property website,
realestate.co.nz, show asking prices on the
Peninsula are up a massive 27 percent since
July 2019, eclipsing areas such as Northland
(17.6 percent), Hawke’s Bay (8.8 percent)
and Auckland (6.6 percent), as well as the
countrywide average of 13 percent.
Realestate.co.nz spokesperson, Vanessa
Taylor, says despite a boost in the number
of new properties coming onto the market,
demand was still far outstripping supply and
consequently driving the numbers north.
While the figures will be welcomed by
homeowners who were concerned about a yet
to materialise post-COVID-19 slump, it’s not
the best news for would-be first home buyers
trying to enter the market.
“Currently there are just 375 homes on
our website for the whole of the Coromandel
Peninsula,” says Vanessa. “So, although 96
homes have come onto the market last month
(twice as many as the number that came up for
sale in July 2019), a far greater number have
been sold. The pool is getting ever smaller
and that’s when we see prices climbing.
“If you think about the people who are
looking to purchase on the Coromandel, Whitianga as seen from Whitianga Rock.
you can begin to get a picture of what’s According to property website, realestate.co.nz, the town is the most searched location on the Coromandel Peninsula.
happening. In July this year, there were also the most searched location on the Looking ahead, Vanessa predicts, even if was getting harder to find, it is out there.
21,500 unique user searches on our website Peninsula, overtaking Whangamata which there were some market repercussions when “So, for instance on the Coromandel the
for the Peninsula. Of these, 10,000 of them traditionally has topped the popularity stakes. factors like the end of the government wage average asking price for a two-bedroom
were by people in Auckland. The majority On average people spend nearly 15 minutes subsidy kicked in, it was likely to be minimal house is $536,000 whereas a three-bedroom
of these people are in the 55 to 64 years age on realestate.co.nz looking at Coromandel and would not impact the Coromandel. is $839,000,” she says. “Often Coromandel
bracket and the second biggest group is 65 properties, compared to the average viewing “Again, if you look to who is wanting to buy properties can have quite large sections,
plus. Typically, these people are in a position time of eight minutes. “When people are on the Peninsula, those groups are likely to be so someone could look at buying a two-
to cash-up, move to the Coromandel and still looking at the Coromandel they are very far less impacted,” she says. bedroom and look to extend over the next four
have money in the bank depending on the engaged, they love the seaside towns and For those grappling with the daunting or five years. Admittedly it is getting harder
extent of their mortgage.” they really take the time to have a good look task of getting onto the property ladder on and people do need to do their homework,
For the first time Whitianga is now around,” says Vanessa. the Peninsula, Vanessa says while value but it’s not impossible.”
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Students lose $64,000 after insurer refuses
to pay out for cancelled trip
By Gillian O’Neill
A Tairua student and her classmates are pursuing the insurance claim in the Australian “We are committed to supplying you with situation was starting to emerge,” says
fighting to try and reclaim almost $64,000 Federal Court. “We have received strong timely updates. Be assured, we will be Maria. “We wanted to ensure that our money
after an overseas school trip was cancelled legal advice that the reasons to deny coverage transparent while being as accurate as was safe.” In response to that query, on 17
due to COVID-19 and the insurance company provided by the insurer are unjustified and possible.” Fifteen days later, the company February Antipodean’s Operations Manager
refused to pay out. we intend to fight their decision in every went into liquidation. for New Zealand, Tony Church, told the
Stella Cory-Wright was scheduled to depart way necessary,” Daniel Donati, Antipodeans “We even questioned the insurance Cory-Wrights via an email, “Any discussions
for Vietnam on 28 June for a three-week General Manager, promised in the letter. situation when the whole COVID-19 around change of destination would be done
tailor-made tour organised by Thames High
School through Australian educational travel
firm, Antipodeans. Individually, each student
had paid $7,100 for the expedition, handing
over the final $1,300 instalment at the end
of February.
Stella and her parents, Mark and Maria,
say they were shocked to learn that 360
Accident & Health, who underwrote the
insurance for the trip, was claiming the group
was not covered after a change in policy
conditions between the time the trip was
booked and when they were due to travel.
However, the family’s concerns escalated
when Antipodeans recently repeatedly failed
to respond to communication. Matters took a
turn for worst last week when they learned the
company had entered voluntary liquidation
on 8 July.
“Only a couple of weeks earlier they told us
they had taken legal advice and were confident
they would succeed in getting the insurer to
pay,” says Maria. “They never mentioned
anything about going into liquidation.
Now we cannot get in contact with anyone,
we have just been left to fend for ourselves.”
In a letter dated 23 June, the company told
the families it was under “immense financial
hardship” and was not in a position to make Stella-Cory Wright from Tairua is part of a group of students who lost $64,000 after an overseas school trip
any refunds. However, it committed to was cancelled and the insurer refused to pay out.
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 909 - 4 August 2020
Students lose
$64,000
in consultation with the school. If Vietnam is the insurance dispute. However, as yet it
not deemed a safe travel destination by the is unclear if this can proceed or be funded,
NZ government (MFAT) then we would look with the claimant (Antipodeans) now in
at alternate options, and yes these would be liquidation. Liquidator, Richard Lawrence,
covered by insurance. If the entire trip were advised those who had paid by credit card
not to go ahead, again directly caused by an to speak to their bank about the option of a
event unknown (such as the coronavirus) charge back. He confirmed no money could
at the time of booking then it would also be refunded by Antipodeans as “the company
be insurable.” is insolvent with liabilities far exceeding its
The families, and it appears Antipodeans realisable assets.”
as well, were left stunned when 360 claimed A meeting for all the affected families,
the policy covering the group, which including some from other schools who
provided up to $10,000 for cancellation for have had similar experiences, will be held
any “unforeseen circumstances outside the on Wednesday this week to discuss how to
control of the insured or insured person” move forward.
expired at the end of May 2020. The credit card option is not open to the
Antipodeans informed the group that,
Cory-Wrights as Stella had paid for the
although the cancellation was made while the
trip herself through work and fundraising.
earlier policy was in place, 360 was claiming
“She worked so many hours, especially over
they did not have to pay as the dates for the
the summer,” says Maria. “She was given
students’ trip were within the period of their
$500 from her granddad for her birthday
new policy which did not provide cover for
cancellation due to Covid-19. which she put towards it and the rest she
“It’s just not right, it really feels like this raised through the support of the community
is a situation where the intention is to find with markets and raffles. People donated fruit,
a way not to pay,” says Maria. “They know artwork and all sort of things for her to sell.”
that these are just students and ordinary hard- Stella says she feels really sad about what
working families who don’t have the time has happened. “I feel really bad for all the
or resources to be able to fight them. If they people in the community who supported
fob them off, they’ll eventually get tired and me,” she says. “Everything people did,
go away. It’s a gut-wrenching life lesson in all that work and effort, it’s all just gone.
how the world works for a bunch of 15 and It’s so upsetting. We feel like we did
16-year-old kids.” everything right. This was an experienced,
Hopes for a positive resolution now appear well-known company with a good track
to rest with the liquidators from accounting record who talked about their insurance cover
firm Hall Chadwick who have written to and support as one of their biggest selling
the group undertaking to further investigate points. We’ve just been totally blindsided.”
699 - 427August
Issue 909 July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Family histories waiting to be uncovered in The Treasury archives “A message in a bottle washed up at Preece’s package of miners’ wages taken. Letters were research reveals. records, burial records and cemetery maps. Point, Coromandel in October 1907 contained also missing. Mail was lost in the Mercury “If your family were mentioned in print There are parish records, military records, a note from the missing ship, Constance Bay area again in 1920 when the scow Te in the past, the information has probably jury lists and school rolls. A pioneer family Craig. Written in pencil on a piece of unruled Teko was wrecked on Slipper Island during been clipped, collated and collected in this register documents the names of the ships paper it said, ‘We are quite disabled and heavy weather. Some cargo washed up on extraordinary repository,” Meghan says. early settlers sailed on, where they sailed there is very little hope for us being saved. Slipper Island shores, but all the irreplaceable The collection includes records of births, from, the port of their arrival and the place Our masts have been carried away and letters to family were gone,” Meghan’s deaths and marriages, census and probate they settled. all boats swept overboard, and six men, Folders headed “More About People” but there is no damage to her hull. The captain include newspaper accounts of weddings says we must be 900 miles off New Zealand. and anniversaries, handwritten memories and So goodbye dear friends. Yours truly, hand-drawn family trees. There are folders James Smith, Sydney.’” of mesmerising manuscripts, folders on The intriguing fates of ancestors such businesses, churches, events and transport, as this lie in the archives of The Treasury along with phone books, street directories and Family Research Centre, which is and newspapers. encouraging Coromandel Peninsula locals The Treasury is accessible to anyone and to come and delve into their heritage during volunteers are on hand to assist. The online August’s Family History Month. database is free, although not all records are Based in Thames, but with an easily indexed. An hourly fee applies if you would accessible online database, The Treasury like a researcher to help, however, a free first houses a vast collection of historical items hour of research will be offered on Thursday, relating to the families and businesses of the 13 August or Saturday, 22 August. Thames, Coromandel and Hauraki regions. The archives are the result of many Local historian (and Informer contributor), hundreds of hours spent by volunteers from Meghan Hawkes, has already been combing all corners of the community. through the treasure trove of records to During Family History Month, reveal snippets of fascinating information The Treasury will host an exhibition of about the people who once called this area portraits of families from around the area home, with tales resurfacing from all parts of as well as two lectures designed to spark the Peninsula. people’s interest and showcase the incredible “A thief in the night at Kuaotunu left a resource that is at their disposal. “Just a mystery for postmistress, Miss O’Brien to Fragment of Old Newspaper,” takes place on find in October 1910. The bag containing One of the photographs that features in the Family Portrait Exhibition being held as part of Sunday, 9 August and “Build a Family Tree” mail brought down by steamer from The Treasury’s celebration of Family History Month. It features the seven daughters of Alfred Price. on Thursday, 13 August. More information is Auckland had been cut open and a registered Alfred and his brother, George, were the founders of well-known engineering company, A & G Price. available at thetreasury.org.nz. Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 909 - 4 August 2020
Issue 909 - 4 August 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Letters to the Editor
See page 13 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - One-lane bridges not normally a major issue
The recent announcement by the National Party transport spokesperson, Chris Bishop,
that if successful in the upcoming election, a National government would replace three one-
lane bridges at Hikuai and Tairua with brand new two-lane bridges was to be commended for
intent, but not for thought. The enthusiastic support the announcement received from local MP,
Scott Simpson, could also be commended for intent only.
The one-lane bridges are generally not a major issue, although they can disturb Aucklanders
during the holiday periods. What disturbs locals, however, is having roads blocked,
often making travel impossible or greatly extending travel times. The most common cause
of these blockages is flooding, generally at the same spots at Wade Road and at Hikuai. A far
better promise from the National Party would be to do something about this, to keep our roads
open. This would involve projects to build up these roads or bridge floodways, so that we are
able to travel no matter what the rainfall. Far more useful and better for the local economy.
The National Party announcement did not make it clear whether work on the Coromandel
would be carried out before or after the rebuilding of the 10 one-lane bridges in Northland they
promised some years ago. Being concerned about this, I thought I should send a copy of my
letter to the Act party, who are surging up the polls on the back of much intelligent work and
comment from their leader, and look like they may be more of a force next term. The Tairua one-lane bridge across the Pepe Stream.
On perusing the list of general election candidates printed in The Informer of 28 July however,
it would look as if Act has done a deal with the local National candidate, guaranteeing him a examples of bad storms coupled with a king tide when the waves were of course going to come
place in parliament, so I am sure the message will get through. over the land.
Trevor Ammundsen When I was a little girl in the 1940s, my family would take me down to roads along the
Whitianga Auckland waterfront to watch the waves crashing over the seawalls. When it happens now,
we are told that it is the rising seas. Drive along Tamaki Drive in Auckland at high tide on
Dear Editor - Rising sea levels (or not) a calm day and see where the sea level is. I have little doubt that it is the same as it has
Oh dear, I see in The Informer of 21 July that our Waikato Regional Council representative, always been.
Councillor Denis Tegg, is back on his favourite subject of “rapidly rising seas,” except he Sand dune beach erosion is natural and has been happening in storms along Buffalo Beach
cannot show us where this is happening. for the 35 years I have been living in Mercury Bay because people will not do the sensible and
On the other hand we have Alastair Brickell, a geologist with many years’ experience dealing logically thing which is evident in many other areas around the world. That is to build a rock
with the land and the seabed, explaining to us in a Letter to the Editor in The Informer of 28 wall which is permanent, instead of dune plantings that wash away in the first storm.
July that the tidal gauges around the world are not showing any rapid rise in sea levels close So, I say to everyone out there to do their own investigations and look at both sides of
to shore. every argument.
I think I would rather believe the tidal gauges that have been recording the rise and fall of My regret is that I do not have enough years left on this amazing planet to see the egg on
sea levels for more than 100 years. some people’s faces.
When making his statements, Mr Tegg does not show us pictures of the Buffalo Beach Gloria Humphries
waterfront in Whitianga with waves inundating properties in 1987 or thereabouts, or use other Coroglen
10
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 909 - 4 August 2020
Tips for Business Owners
By Christine Petrie
While many businesses have reported a post- Similarly, there is a proper process to
lockdown “bounce,” there are predictions follow when considering restructuring and
of a prolonged slump starting later this year redundancy. New legislation will soon allow
after the temporary government support workers in female-dominated industries to
packages end. make a pay equity claim using a collaborative
With the borders closed, businessowners process and comprehensive work is underway
should be planning how to navigate a to address the shameful exploitation of
downturn while also looking for opportunities migrant workers.
to help them get through. Wage subsidy scheme audits are being
For some, support can be found through a conducted to ensure compliance with the
training fund offering free apprenticeships.
provisions, including the decline in revenue,
ACC are assisting business cashflow
this decline being caused by COVID-19,
by delaying invoicing for three months.
Callaghan Innovation is administering a loan retaining employees, using best endeavours
scheme for businesses whose ability to fund to pay employees at least 80 percent of their
research and development activities has been normal wages and taking steps to mitigate
affected by COVID-19. the impact of COVID-19 on your business.
While employers may be struggling, they Businesses are advised to keep evidence of
must comply with employment legislation. their calculations and repay the money if they
Employers cannot change employees’ no longer qualify.
contracts, including reducing hours of work, Information included in this column is of
rates of pay or position descriptions without a general nature and is not a substitute
negotiating these in good faith with the for tailored legal, accounting and other
employee and documenting them. professional advice.
Christine Petrie, the author
of this column, is the owner
of Shifting Focus Business
Consulting. She can be
contacted on telephone
(021) 775 571 or email
christine@shiftingfocus.co.nz.
Issue 909 - 4 August 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Volunteers rise to the task of getting 30,000 plants into the Coromandel’s sand dunes By Gillian O’Neill Volunteers from communities across the Regional Council. Around 20 different groups Coromandel are rising to the challenge of operate across the Waikato region. “Our getting thousands of new plants in the ground dunes are fragile,” says Waikato Regional before Labour Weekend to help protect and Council site restoration advisor, Moniqua stabilise our vulnerable coastline. Nelson-Tunley. “More than 75 percent of The annual Coastcare Waikato planting our region’s beaches have been modified or season, which each year sees volunteers destroyed by removal, grazing or trampling collectively dedicate 1,500 dune planting of native plants. That’s why the work by our hours, was delayed by about six weeks due Coastcare volunteers is so important.” to the COVID-19 lockdown. The race is now Restoration planting is largely focused on on to get a massive 30,000 plants into the two areas - stabilising the loose foredune foredunes and backdunes of the Coromandel areas with kowhangatara/spinifex and Peninsula with a further 40,000 destined pingao, both native sand-binding grasses, for the Waikato’s west coast beaches, and recreating native coastal ecosystems including Raglan. Warmer temperatures, through backdune plantings of grasses, shrubs and low rainfall in late spring and summer and trees. Moniqua says it is vital work as prevent any extension of the planting season dunes play a critical role in protecting beaches beyond October. from coastal erosion caused by storms and Local Coastcare coordinator, Tanya Patrick high tides. Dunes also provide a home of Thames-Coromandel District Council, for endangered insects, lizards and birds, says the response to date from around the Some of the 32 volunteers who turned out last Saturday morning for Kuaotunu’s first which in turn help pollenate and fertilise the Peninsula has been really positive and Coastcare Waikato community planting bee for several years. dune plants and spread native plant seeds more help will be required in the coming those who came to help along with Luke’s year on maintenance and remediation of across the landscape. weeks. “We’ve already had two very Kitchen for providing a post-planting snack some existing sites which suffered due to the Encouraging more people to get involved, successful planting days, including one to everyone.” extended drought. “One of those spots will be Moniqua says the planting bees are a great at Opito Bay where 28 people of all ages With thousands of plants still to go, the next The Esplanade area of Buffalo Beach Reserve way to connect with the community and contributed to getting 2,000 plants out in planting bees in Mercury Bay are scheduled in Whitianga,” she says. “The drought was the environment. “Connecting with people what was an incredible team effort,” she says. for Cooks Beach on 8 and 22 August, particularly harsh this year, so it is important and getting outdoors are two very important “And on Saturday last week, we planted Matarangi on 14 August, Buffalo Beach, that we carry out any repair and replacement things for our health and wellbeing, and this just under 900 plants at Kuaotunu with a Whitianga on 15 August, Whangapoua on work to ensure that the hard work we’ve done was highlighted quite well to many of us whopping 32 volunteers in what was the 29 August, Otama Beach on 30 August and in the last year or two is not lost.” during lockdown,” she says. community’s first dune planting bee for some Brophys Beach, Whitianga on 27 September. The Coastcare programme is a partnership More information is available at the years. The rain also held off and we had As well as looking at a few new areas, between communities, iwi, district councils, Coastcare Waikato Facebook page or fantastic weather. A huge thank you to all Tanya says there is also a strong focus this the Department of Conservation and Waikato www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/coastcare. Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 909 - 4 August 2020
Issue 909
699 - 427August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Thirteenth “Support Local/
The Small-time Investor
Buy Local” winner drawn By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
Congratulations to Zanna Crighton, the 13th winner in The Informer’s “Support Local/Buy Local” campaign.
Zanna’s entry was drawn on Monday this week by Buddy and Billie Hunter (pictured) of Evolution Fitness Last week I bought $105 of Fisher and Paykel global pandemic.
in Whitianga. Healthcare shares. Those were the first shares Mainfreight shares are in the $42 price
During the campaign, which will continue until the end of September, we’re giving away $100 every in my Sharesies account. A week later and it bracket. This means that I will be able to
week to someone who supported a local Mercury Bay business. The prize has to be spent with an has gone down to $100.65. A loss of 4.14 per purchase two and a bit shares. Before it was
Informer advertiser. cent. That is not great. However, a week is possible to buy parts of a share, I would only
Zanna’s winning purchase was made at Mercury Bay Pharmacy. a short time and I am hoping for long term have been able to buy two shares. Part share
growth. I feel that concerns about coronavirus purchases is a new development in share
The campaign started in the second week of May. In the first week of October, all entries received during
the 22 weeks of the campaign will go into a second draw, where the winner will win $1,000 to spend with have pushed the market down over the trading that allow us to decide how much
one or more of our advertisers. last week. money to spend rather than how many shares
This week I am going to purchase $100 to buy. I bought 2.34 shares of Mainfreight at
Every now again, the weekly winner also receives an additional prize, provided by a generous local business.
In addition to $100 from us, Zanna has also, coincidentally, won a gift hamper from Mercury Bay Pharmacy. of Mainfreight Limited. Mainfreight is a $42.79 a share.
shipping/transport company. A big one, Please remember that this is just my
To enter is easy. Simply email us proof - in the form of invoices or receipts - of your local purchases, or
drop your invoices or receipts into the blue bin on the front porch of our office in Whitianga or in the many
with a market capitalisation of $4.1 billion. personal opinion. Some of my investments
“Support Local/Buy Local” counter boxes around Mercury Bay. So, my $100 will buy me about a 41-millionth will lose money. I am sharing my thoughts
of the company. and strategies along with my results so that
Please write your name, surname and phone number on all your entries.
I often see Mainfreight trucks on the road, you can see how easy it is to invest, even a
The philosophy behind the campaign is simple - the more you buy local, the better chance you have of so I can see them doing business. I believe small amount, and maybe learn from my
winning.
that online shopping is a growth area and all mistakes. Be careful with your money!
Local businesses need our support more than ever. Make sure to check out our “Support Local/Buy Local” these online items need delivering. This is I will be funding my account each week
video on YouTube, featuring a well-known local family (search for “Informer Support Local/Buy Local”). one way I pick investments. I look for trends with $100, so that I am ready to invest the
Remember, when you buy local, an actual person does a happy dance. or shifts, and try to match companies with following week. Remember with Sharesies
these shifts. you can invest as much or as little as
The risks that I see with this investment you wish.
are the COVID-19 situation, both directly on Financial Summary after the second week of
Mainfreight’s business and on the markets buying shares -
overall. If COVID-19 has an impact on • I have put $300 into Sharesies.
international shipping, then Mainfreight • I have invested $205 in two companies.
may suffer. If the entire market drops due to • I have made $10 in referrals (which I am
COVID-19, then the price will also fall. not including in my returns).
Mainfreight has almost 20 percent of its • My shares have lost $4.12.
shares held by insiders. This means that the • My returns are currently -1.33 percent.
people who are running the company are also If you want to invest in shares with
investors in the company. Having a financial Sharesies, use this link - https://sharesies.
incentive to do a good job running the nz/r/KHQQWP. For a limited time, you will
company makes me feel that they may work get $15 into your account to get started with
harder and make better decisions. and I will get $5.
Mainfreight is a large company with a long This column is not financial advice, it is an
track record of steady growth. I am hoping opportunity to explore the workings of the share
this growth will continue. Being a company markets in New Zealand and the overseas on a
that will benefit from online shopping, small scale. Remember to only invest what you
hopefully it will be well placed to ride out the can afford to lose.
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 909 - 4 August 2020COVID-19 hits TCDC mayor and
senior managers’ pay packets
Thames-Coromandel District Council has confirmed that the organisation’s top executives will
be part of a widespread pay freeze introduced to help cut operational costs and minimise rates
increases during the current financial year.
Public sector pay - particularly for those in senior roles - came under intense scrutiny during the
COVID-19 lockdown with a raft of national and local government bodies announcing pay freezes
or in some cases cuts. A freeze on wages across TCDC, along with a reduction in recruitment,
saved council an estimated $1.16m this year and helped halve a proposed 10 percent rates hike
to just under five percent.
TCDC disclosed that, in the year to June 2019, chief executive, Rob Williams, earned a total of
$363,954, which included both financial and non-financial benefits. This was up from $345,835
in 2018.
Council’s Annual Report for the year to June 2020, which contains detailed personnel costs,
has not yet been made public, however, figures released a year ago showed a further six senior
staff were at that time earning between $180,000 and $239,000, six received between $140,000
and $179,000, 13 were paid between $120,000 and $139,000 and 15 had a salary between
$100,000 and $119,999. In total council had 219 full and part time-employees, 82 of whom earned
less than $60,000. Total staff related costs came to $17.5m.
TCDC confirmed to The Informer that its chief executive along with the organisation’s four group
managers, who are described as holding “tier two” positions reporting directly to Mr Williams,
would be among those subject to the pay freeze. These are senior roles with overall responsibility
for four specific areas of council activity - Communications and Economic Development,
Operations, Strategy and Governance/Corporate Services. The two Area Managers - North and
South - are also included in the pay freeze.
For privacy reasons council would not provide exact amounts paid for specific roles other than
the chief executive, which is matter of public record. While Communications and Economic
Development Group Manager, Laurna White, confirmed the potential “salary range” for group
managers is $137,845 to $204,847 and the area manager salary range is $136,014 - $160,017,
she would not give any further indication of where within those scales the current salaries sit.
Pay for elected members - including mayors, councillors and community board chairs -
is independently set by the Remuneration Authority and details are publicly available.
New legislation has been introduced allowing the authority to temporarily reduce salaries for six
months in response to COVID-19. However, only those earning in excess of $100,000 are subject
to any reduction. Therefore, in the Thames-Coromandel District, only Mayor Sandra Goudie will
be impacted having $3,250 taken off her $130,000 salary, which has already been increased by
$4,000 when compared to council’s previous financial year.
Payments for other councillors vary depending on whether they sit on any committees.
This financial year, Deputy Mayor Murray McClean will earn $65,226, two other councillors will
get $61,226, one will receive $55,226, with a further three on $46,069. The remaining councillor
will receive a salary of $35,226. Additional fees are paid for attendance at certain meetings,
along with expenses for costs such as travel.
TCDC, the mayor and councillors have no role in determining elected members’ remuneration.
“The Daylight Atheist”
is coming to Whitianga
Actor Michael Hurst (pictured) is set to wow Whitianga audiences once again, this time in
“The Daylight Atheist,” written by award-winning satirical cartoonist, Tom Scott.
Creative Mercury Bay is delighted to work with Arts on Tour NZ to bring Mercury Bay residents
and visitors this wonderfully inventive and fiercely funny play, providing a stirring portrait of
Tom Scott’s father, a deeply flawed yet charismatic bloke.
Danny Moffat Senior is an ageing Irish raconteur who has retreated from the harsh light of the
world to his bedroom. There, under hoardings of old newspapers and beer bottles, he sorts
through a lifetime of memories and regrets, from growing up as a boy in Ireland, to the hopes
and disappointments of immigration to New Zealand.
Michael Hurst delivers another powerhouse performance filled with gusto and exceptional
technical skill in his portrayal of Danny Moffat Senior. Those who were lucky enough to catch
Michael in “No Holds Bard,” performed at the Whitianga Town Hall in August 2018, will be keen
to see him again in this not-to-be-missed show.
With comedy, pathos and charm, The Daylight Atheist probes at the broken heart of a family
and draws the audience into the truth of a profoundly tragic figure who rejects any need for
tenderness or normal human intimacy.
The play is currently touring through the South Island to sell-out audiences and attracting
rave reviews.
The show will be performed at the Coghill Theatre in Coghill Street on Thursday, 20 August at
7:00pm. Tickets cost 25 each and are available from Mercury Bay Pharmacy in Whitianga or
online at Eventbrite.
Issue 909
699 - 427August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 909 - 4 August 2020
Conservation projects supported with
$1 million in funding
Efforts to protect and grow the population of Care Project will get $248,707 over the the Department of Conservation, communities, Charles Rat Attack programme, and rodent
kiwi, and other native birds and wildlife on same period while Te Ara Hou Kennedy local councils and local businesses, and all and cat control at the Waikawau wetland.
the Coromandel have been boosted with the Bay Limited’s Pukewharariki Ngahere and include volunteer labour ranging from 300 “This funding will enable us to sustain our
allocation of more than $1 million to three Wai Landscape Restoration Project has to 6,000 hours per year,” WRC said in a long-term environmental gains and operations
community groups operating in the top half of secured $390,038. statement. “This funding will create at least protecting more biodiversity for longer,”
the Peninsula. The projects, in combination with two others six full-time jobs a year for four years to help said chair, Lettecia Williams.
The money will come from Waikato - one in Raglan and one south of Tokoroa - support economic recovery in the Waikato.” Whenuakiwi Trust fundraiser and trapper,
Regional Council’s Natural Heritage Fund and will provide pest control for 25,000ha, which The Natural Heritage Fund was set up to help Janice Hinds, said, “This is our forever project.
was approved by the newly formed Community equates to one per cent of the Waikato’s total with the council’s commitment to preserving We love what we are doing. This money
Restoration Committee. land area, including some of the region’s most the natural heritage of the Waikato region, will sustain us for four years and keep our
Moehau Environment Group will receive ecologically significant locations. including native plants and animals, threatened kiwi safe.” The group has been protecting
$400,000 over four years for field operations, “All the projects are collaborations between ecosystems, outstanding landscapes and the Coromandel brown kiwi across 3,554ha since
the Whenuakiwi Trust’s Whenuakite Kiwi many parties, including landowners, Māori, natural character of waterways and the coast. 2000. The area is a stronghold for kiwi with
The fund is built up by a targeted rate of $5.80 per about 133 pairs and also has large populations
property in the region, with unallocated funding of kereru, kākā, bittern and pateke.
carried over to the following financial year. The project has about 30 active volunteers
The balance for the year ending 30 June 2020 and the funding has been allocated to help
was $1,029,000. cover the operation manager’s wages and the
Community Restoration Committee chair, cost of materials such as replacement traps
Fred Lichtwark, said the grants would allow a and bait.
lot of mahi to be done into the future by the Te Ara Hou Kennedy Bay Limited is the
recipient groups. “I can see the heart and soul environmental arm of Te Ahi Kaa (Ngāti
that all these groups put into their projects, and Porou’s Hauraki training and social service
you just can’t put a financial value on the time unit) and was established in 2019. Its new
and effort that goes into what they do,” he said. mountain to the sea project is on 1,179ha
“Someone has to do this work and a lot of it of Māori, private and public conservation
is done by volunteers because there is just not land. The funding will pay for two manager
the funds available or it’s not deemed as paid positions, administration, staff training,
work, but the biodiversity gains we all get out traps, bait stations, bait and contractor time,
of this is just outstanding.” and willow control.
Moehau Environment Group has been Te Ara Hou Kennedy Bay Limited manager,
undertaking community-driven, large-scale Nicholas Hamon, said the funding would
pest control and biodiversity management support the Kennedy Bay community to step
projects in the northern Coromandel for up and look after their own environment and
over 15 years on about 15,000ha of private restore their cultural identity. “We have some
landowner and public conservation land. of the best history around, and by training and
Around 50 active volunteers are involved upskilling our people we can turn our scenery
and the funding allocation will help pay into mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and
New volunteer, Evan Davies (left), getting trained in setting predator traps by for staff on the ground, 3,200ha of possum create tourism opportunities,” he said. “It’s a
Moehau Environment Group’s operations manager, Paul Johnson. control, 11,950ha of mustelid control, the Port true kaitiaki vision.”
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Issue 909
699 - 427August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Hot chips by candlelight at
The Lost Spring
By Gillian O’Neill
The Lost Spring in Whitianga provided the connections within the wider community,” simple outing or experience - like going many people in our community who really
setting for the most recent social event of a says Karen. “Experiences like these really to The Lost Spring - can require quite a bit understand the children and their families,
group of Mercury Bay Area School students, help. It is also really important that these of thought and planning, depending on the and want to support them.”
teachers and families who were treated to an kids have a profile, that people see them out situation. By being able to do this as a group, Last Thursday morning, Mercury Twin
evening in the pools, along with drinks and and about doing things, and that they are parents felt supported and just seeing some of Cinemas hosted a special movie showing
hot chips. recognised as part of our community.” the mums being able to relax and unwind was for the group, something they have done
The five students - Jakob Topp, Reuben The experience has also help to foster wonderful. They also got to see their children on a number of occasions. “The school was
Davis, Paige MacPherson, Indy Catran and bonds between the students themselves extending themselves, pushing their own closed for two days for parent interviews,”
Kieran Clayton - are all keen participants and their families. “It gave the families an boundaries, but in a really safe environment.” says Karen. “However, we decided to
in the school’s learning support group opportunity to get to know each other and see Exploring capability, and developing design a special program for those days for
which supports students who have special how the children interact with each other, the interests and skills that can extend beyond our students so they could still come in if
needs. The event was organised by CEO of bonds and friendships they have formed and the classroom and into the “real world,” they wanted to. So, the movie trip was part
The Lost Spring, Alanna Kline and her how supportive they are of each other, that is a core part of the learning support group’s of that.”
husband, Jonathan. was really special,” says Emma Mudgway, focus. Karen says this is only possible by Student Kieran Clayton said the movie,
Jonathan, who is the commodore of the who also works with the group. having partnerships and relationships across “The Big Trip,” was “really good.”
Mercury Bay Boating Club, has previously Karen says for students who have special the local community and in that respect The 19-year-old is especially looking forward
organised two sailing days for the group needs, being able to extend support to the she feels incredibly supported. “I’ve been to the school ball which takes place at the end
allowing them to experience some water- whole family where possible was crucial. doing this job for let’s just say quite a while of August, telling The Informer he will be
based activities. With the weather currently “For parents of children who have a special now and whenever I go out there with an idea, travelling in style in his dad’s Mustang.
deemed a little too cold for sailing, the couple need, sometimes what might seem like a the help is always forthcoming. There are so “We have three students attending the ball
instead offered to host the group at this year, which is a huge event for
them,” says Karen. “We are all very
The Lost Spring.
excited and at the moment there
“Hot chips by candlelight,
is a lot of discussion about it and
it was such an amazing treat,”
in particular what we are going to
says Karen Johansen, Learning
wear. This will be another great
Support Coordinator at MBAS. social opportunity for our families.
“There were about 15 of us in total Our plan is to meet at Smitty’s
and we all had a wonderful time. beforehand - they are also huge
Jonathan and Alanna were the most supporters of our learning group -
amazing hosts and their children, and we will also invite some of
Noah (11) and Annabelle the other people like Jonathan and
(9), who are also students at Alanna who have all been part
MBAS, helped out on the night. of the learning journey for these
We were all made to feel so young people.”
special.” The current group of students are
The outing and others like aged from 12 to 19 and they can
it are not just fun experiences, remain at school until they are 21.
they also provide huge learning “After that it can be challenging,
opportunities for the students but we are always working with the
in terms of both knowing their community to find new opportunities
community, and growing their for work or further training,
confidence and independence so we can support the students
in new and unfamiliar settings. Current and former students from Mercury Bay Area School’s learning support group, with that transition process,”
“A major goal for our kids, particularly the along with their teachers and whanau, were hosted by the Mercury Bay Boating Club last year. says Karen. “Again, that’s why building
senior ones who will be starting to think about The group were also recently treated to a visit to The Lost Spring and enjoyed these connections and relationships is just
what comes next after school, is creating a movie at Mercury Twin Cinemas. so important.”
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 909 - 4 August 2020Issue 909
699 - 427August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Volunteers urged to Brave the Shave at school’s Daffodil Day fundraiser It’s shaping up to be an action-packed of cookies to sell on the day to help raise Daffodil Day at Mercury Bay Area School further funds. All the money raised will go this year with what could be a long line of to the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society, students ending the day with whole new look who will be providing us with material we in a bid to raise funds for the Waikato/Bay of can use to decorate the school hall, where Plenty Cancer Society. the event will be held, and hopefully create a The school’s wellbeing leaders, fun atmosphere.” Hannah Murphy and Summer Power, Hannah and Summer emphasise that the have stepped up to revive the school’s “Brave event is as much about showing support the Shave” event which was originally and solidarity, and raising awareness as it is started by a former student whose mum was about money. “We know that these are tough fighting cancer. times, so we are really just encouraging “I took part in the event myself a couple of people to get involved however they can,” years ago, that’s why my hair is still pretty says Hannah. “Come along on the day to cheer short,” says Hannah. “I thought it was such on the kids, we’d love to see as many people a great way to show support for the many as possible joining in. It will also be a mufti people in our school and wider community day, so everyone will be coming dressed in who are impacted by cancer. Summer and I yellow and making a gold coin donation.” decided we wanted to bring it back and the The girls say the invitation to shave or whole student leadership team has gotten donate hair is also extended to staff and behind us to help make it happen.” parents. “We would love it if any of them The girls have already recruited expert wanted to take part, that would be awesome,” help from The Cut Hut, Whitianga, as well as says Hannah. Board of Trustees member, Teresa Kereopa, The action is expected to get underway ensuring that those students who sign up from around 1:30pm on Daffodil Day - Friday, will be putting their heads in the hands of 28 August - and donations can be made professionals. “Students can decide to shave on the day or via bravetheshave-waikato. or they can also donate their hair for other everydayhero.com/nz/mercury-bay-area- purposes. So even if they don’t want to go school-cancer-fundraising-event. as far as fully shaving their heads, they can “It’s always great to see young people in still get involved and make a contribution,” the community, like Hannah and Summer, says Hannah. who want to make a difference for people Forms will be distributed this week with impacted by cancer,” says Nicky White of students from Year 7 and up who have the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society. parent/caregiver permission allowed to take “The enthusiasm and leadership they’ve part. “Our fundraising page is already open Wellbeing leaders at Mercury Bay Area School, Hannah Murphy (left) and Summer Power, shown to get their school community involved so people can donate there,” says Hannah. with the support of the student leadership team, is organising a Brave the Shave in Daffodil Day has been phenomenal. I have “Subway Whitianga is also giving us a tray event at the school on Daffodil Day - Friday, 28 August. no doubt it will be a great day of fundraising.” Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 909 - 4 August 2020
“Flat Plate Society”
passionate about Hahei
Thursday morning last week saw another very well-attended gathering of the men making up the Hahei
“Flat Plate Society” at Hot Waves Café in Hot Water Beach.
The society members meet each Thursday at 9:00am to enjoy a breakfast served on a flat plate, no bowls
allowed.
The weekly breakfast allows the men to discuss their programme for the following week.
Under the guidance of leader, Sam Verran, members of the society, along with other community volunteers
(both male and female), meet each Monday morning at 9:00am to undertake work in and around Hahei.
“We are passionate about our village and look for opportunities to tidy up many public areas and keep
Hahei beautiful,” says Sam. “We also help older members of our community, and others having difficulty
doing it themselves for whatever reason, who need work done around their properties.”
Usually a maximum of two hours is spent working and afterwards a coffee at one of the cafés in the Cooks
Beach/Hahei/Hot Water Beach area is essential.
Anyone wanting to help out can phone/text Sam on (027) 258 1763. “No experience needed,” says Sam.
Pictured are some of the men who attended breakfast at Hot Waves Café on Thursday.
Issue 909
699 - 427August
July 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Catherine’s Column
By Catherine Delahunty - Coromandel Peninsula resident and former Green Party MP
Matariki reflection
The winter feels real. I hurry inside to sit by in Europe in the 1930s and now in a number of
the fire. Here under shelter and warmth, there parts of the world.
is time to remember all the people we have Distracted by COVID-19-spreading cell tower
lost in the past year, all the endings and the narratives and narcissist populists jockeying
beginnings. for the desperation vote, it’s possible to ignore
It’s exactly a year since a very good friend died, the actual trends and risks. Climate change is
so we gathered last weekend in Whitianga to marching steadily through all the records and
remember her (and to eat the great food she statistics, melting the ice caps and destabilising
loved and cooked), to recall the dignity of her the food chains we have already stressed into
passing and the many things we miss. It felt weakness. The COVID-19 experience should
quite strange to be in a rented house high above be inspiring a new realism about what a resilient
the beach in Whitianga, looking south towards economic system looks like and the role of
the town and the estuary, raising a glass to the the state. Now could be the time to welcome
past and considering an unknown future. The dual sovereignty and constitutional change in
truth is that the future is always unknown, but Aotearoa. We could move way beyond kindness
somehow in the winter of 2020 many of us feel into caring economies that redistribute wealth
this with particular intensity. and protect natural resources, or we could try
The world is closed down in a physical sense, and force business as usual to keep on failing to
with borders closed and a raging pandemic, but deliver basic living standards to large swathes of
the internet connects us like nothing we have the population.
known. We are in a literal bubble of relative Despite a lot of Zooms and chats of a good
normality while all around us chaos ebbs and standard of creativity and even radicalism, Catherine Delahunty is a Coromandel Peninsula resident and a former Green Party list MP.
flows. It almost feels like a bad year to have an I’m not seeing the political leaders with actual She contributes a monthly column to The Informer.
election because it produced a larger number of power articulating a transformative approach. need us older people to be engaged and keep the people the status quo has taught us to see as
conspiracies than I have ever seen and a greater However, leadership comes from below and supporting them as the times keep changing. successful and wise. Behind them are thousands
risk of fear-based voting than usual. After 10 even as the first bulbs of the spring appear above We need them to give us hopeful energy. of unknown people who tried to hold on to their
minutes on Facebook, it’s possible to feel quite ground, parts of the younger generation will not Matariki and the starry skies remind us that
dizzy with the speed of the escalating paranoia. be stopped from making positive change. As humanity when all around them the chaos and
huge change is part of being alive, and we can conflict pushed them towards the inhumane. To
I always wish conspiracy theorists would work the season shifts and the polarisation continues, make and will make sense of this time if we
on their focus and read more history. History beating hearts with sharp minds are coming understand more about this, I urge you to read
keep reflecting and we keep engaging without
has never been a coherent struggle between the through the maze of confusion and greed. paranoia, but with realism. the words of a man who has just been accepted
illuminati and the enlightened freedom fighters. On Friday last week, I watched some young So, let us raise a glass to all the people who as a refugee in Aotearoa, Behrouz Boochani,
It has been more of a series of accidents and Hauraki rangatahi teach some Japanese students have gone before us and who went through whose book written via Whats App in prison,
opportunities used by empires of money men how to sing a waiata and understand tangata times of extreme change and extreme risk, but “No Friend but the Mountain” is a modern
to chisel advantage with varying success. It’s whenua culture, and I saw the light of their who left us markers of the path to follow. The classic. Grace and courage in the worst of times
prone to repeat itself, note the rise of fascism leadership as part of the hope we need. They people we remember with respect are often just make light for others around you.
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 909 - 4 August 2020You can also read
