Hot Water Beach in Lonely Planet's "Ultimate Travel List" - The Mercury Bay Informer
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Issue 919 - 13 October 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
Hot Water Beach in Lonely Planet’s
“Ultimate Travel List”
By Gillian O’Neill
Hot Water Beach was included in Lonely Planet’s new Ultimate Travel List - a collection of the world’s most unmissable destinations.
Photo by The Coromandel/www.thecoromandel.com.
One of the jewels in the Coromandel’s out of the 500 locations. Abel Tasman was at Nearby are the ruins of one of the earliest marketing manager, said she was delighted to
tourism crown, famous Hot Water Beach, 72 and Aoraki/Mt Cook just behind at 80. villages of the Māori Ngāti Hei tribe and the see Hot Water Beach being celebrated. “It is
has made it into Lonely Planet’s new “Ultimate This is Lonely Planet’s second edition of golden sands of Cathedral Cove.” great to see recognition for what we know to
Travel List” - a collection of the world’s most the Ultimate Travel List and includes more The beach is listed between “Zip to treetop be true - that the joy of a simple experience
unmissable destinations. than 200 new destinations among the wish adventures on the Gibbon Experience” in often makes the best memories,” she said.
Hot Water Beach is one of 13 New Zealand list of 500 places ranked in order of brilliance. Nam Kan National Park in Laos and “Cool “And isn’t that what visiting the Coromandel
locations to feature in the 500 strong line- “Dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach,” is all about?”
off in the jungle-shrouded swimming hole
up, coming in at the 261st spot, behind Lake the book suggests to readers. “On the eastern The world’s top three must-see destinations
Wanaka at 209 and the Waitomo Caves at 207, side of the Coromandel Peninsula is a natural of the Semuc Champey,” which is located according to the book are the lost city of
but ahead of Great Barrier Island, ranked 355, phenomenon unlike any other. For two hours in Guatemala and described as “a series of Petra in Jordan, the Galápagos Islands and
and Queenstown, which scraped in at 496. either side of low tide, natural hot-spring perfectly stepped pools linked by a series of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia.
Three of the country’s most noted National waters well up beneath the sand. Visitors dig natural rock bridges and with colours that Extracts from the Ultimate Travel List are
Parks topped the New Zealand destinations, in to create hot tubs, relaxing in the warm glitter from turquoise to emerald.” reproduced with permission from Lonely
with Fiordland listed at an impressive 29th sandy water as the surf breaks just feet away. Megan Nunn, Destination Coromandel Planet. © 2020.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Tickets on sale this week for Whitianga
Summer Concert
The Whitianga Summer Concert, part of the ‘Hey Ho’ and ‘I Do,’” says Amanda. “These
three-show Summer Concert Tour, returns in are just a few of the songs from albums like
2021 with a trans-Tasman line-up headlined ‘Holy Smoke,’ ‘Blood to Bone’ and ‘Gravel
by Gin Wigmore. & Wine,’ all of which have peaked at number
On Monday this week, Summer Concert one on the New Zealand Album charts and
Tour promoter, Greenstone Entertainment, helped place Holy Smoke in the Top 50 Best
has announced the dynamic list of names of All Time Albums in New Zealand.
that will take to the stage at the Whitianga “The Angels lay claim to being one of
Waterways Arena on Sunday, 31 January Australia’s longest lasting bands, dating as
(Auckland Anniversary Weekend). far back as 1976 when they first released
The Angels, Dragon, Pseudo Echo and Mi- ‘Am I Ever Gonna See You Face Again.’ Their
Sex will all feature in the highly anticipated relationship with the audience is everything
event coming off the back of a year like to them and their standard of live music is
no other for the entertainment and events sure to have every show rocking when they
industry. “It has been a waiting game to see big perform the likes of ‘Take A Long Line,’ ‘We
events back on the calendar and we’re excited Gotta Get Out of this Place’ and ‘No Secrets.’
to be among the first in the world to deliver “Dragon are the epitome of New Zealand
back to our fans the vibrancy that live events rock as we know it. The tens of thousands of
can bring,” says Greenstone Entertainment fans who come to one of the [Summer Concert
CEO, Amanda Calvert. Approval for the Tour] shows will get to sing their lungs out to
international acts to enter New Zealand has the songs we all know and love like ‘April
been given by Immigration New Zealand. Sun In Cuba,’ ‘Are You Old Enough’ and
“Staying true to everything we know and ‘Young Years’ to name but a few. “Pseudo
love about the Summer Concert Tour, we’ll Echo are one of Australia’s leading recording
be bringing some of the best of classic and touring acts, and will be sure to please
rock to our stunning New Zealand summer with their stylised look and electro sound,
holiday locations,” says Amanda. “It’s also including hit singles ‘Funky Town,’ which
our way of supporting our hometowns and reached number one on the New Zealand
Gin Wigmore will headline the Whitianga Summer Concert on Sunday, 31 January 2021.
local communities. We’re very appreciative singles charts in 1987, as well as ‘Beat For
of everything they give to the events and our website (www.greenstoneentertainment. members sale starts and 1,000 local tickets You’ and ‘Don’t Go.’
are proud that the Summer Concert Tour co.nz). This is a great way to get family and will also go on sale at the Whitianga i-SITE, “Mi-Sex have been loved by Kiwis since
generates millions of dollars of economic friends together again and we can’t wait to see Pauanui Information Centre and Info Plus the late 70s with their new wave, pub band
benefit to the regions each year. thousands of happy, smiling faces enjoying Whangamata. General sales commence at style. Known for their dynamic live shows,
“We know it has been tough for many out themselves.” 7:00am on Monday, 19 October. hits such as ‘Computer Games,’ ‘People,’
there this year, so we’ll continue to offer great Ticket sales kicked off with the Vodafone “Gin Wigmore is well known for her raspy ‘Blue Day’ and ‘But You Don’t Care’ are sure
value for money for a full day of live music 48 hour pre-sale from 9:00am on Tuesday and unique voice and will have her Kiwi fans to make for a memorable day.”
entertainment with locals’ tickets only $115 this week (13 October). This Thursday on their feet to some of her unmistakable Queenstown and Taupo are the other two
and other tickets starting from $125 through (15 October), the Greenstone Concert Club tunes such as ‘Black Sheep,’ ‘Oh My,’ Summer Concert Tour locations.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 14 October to Wednesday, 21 October - Mars and Jupiter continue to dazzle with their brightness in the evening sky this week.
Try and compare them to see which is the brighter… it is usually Jupiter, but Mars is giving it a run for its money at present. Saturn lies just above Jupiter,
but is quite a bit fainter and slightly yellowish. Venus is very low in the eastern dawn sky, but still shines very brightly. The International Space Station
(ISS) starts to reappear in the evening sky this week with some bright passes. Wednesday, 14 October - The Moon now sits below and between both
Regulus and Venus in the dawn NE sky. Thursday, 15 October - The very thin crescent Moon lies very low on the dawn horizon just below and to the
right of brilliant Venus. Friday, 16 October - The ISS makes a bright pass tonight in the NW from 8:56pm and passes high overhead between Jupiter and
Mars before disappearing into the Earth’s shadow. Sunday, 18 October - The twilight western horizon has a very thin crescent Moon just to the right and Astronomy Tours and B&B
above Mercury, which is now rapidly moving down towards the Sun every night. Monday, 19 October - The Moon sits just below and to the right of the Phone (07) 866 5343
red giant star, Antares, which is normally a similar brightness to Mars... but compare them now while they are both in the sky and Mars is so close to us,
but low in the eastern sky! The ISS appears from 8:09pm in the NW, passing high overhead next to Jupiter. 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 919 - 13 October 2020
Battle is over for ailing kauri
tree at Soldiers Memorial Park
Whitianga must bid farewell to the
kauri tree that has graced the outside
of the Mercury Bay Library at Soldiers
Memorial Park for the past 25 years.
The tree (pictured) was originally
planted at the Mercury Bay Bowling
Club in 1945 and then relocated to
its current site in 1996. However,
Thames-Coromandel District Council
says it has suffered extensive
crown dieback and is showing very
little recovery.
Crown dieback is a disease that kills
branches and branch tips generally
in the upper and outer portions of
the tree crown. “There’s still a small
amount of live growth, but not enough
to sustain the tree’s health and any
remedial pruning works to remove
dead branches will leave it in poor
form and structure,” council says in a
statement. “Our contractors watered
the root zone during the drought [this
year], however this had to stop during
lockdown and the extreme conditions
eventually took their toll.
“Like most of our native tree species,
kauri prefer a forest situation and
are not well suited to sandy soil. Any
change in conditions with extended
hot and dry periods leaves even
established trees vulnerable. The tree
will be removed before the summer
holiday period. Unfortunately, there’s
many native trees lost throughout
Whitianga due to the drought.
We’ll replace this tree with a species
better suited to the soil conditions
and will also make the felled trunk
available for community projects
such as carving.”
699 - 13
Issue 919 27 October
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Kotare Reserve Memorial Garden formally opened More than 150 people attended the formal opening of the Kotare Reserve Memorial Garden in Christine’s opening remarks were followed by Thames-Coromandel District Council mayor, Hahei last Sunday morning. Sandra Goudie, congratulating the Hahei community on yet another outstanding achievement. The event started with a short hikoi led by Ngāti Hei kaumatua, Joe Davis, from the Hahei “A very special garden in a special place and a special country,” she said. “I can already feel Ambulance Station to the landscaped garden, which features an impressive “Tree of Life” wall what lovely place the garden will be to sit and remember those who came before us.” and park benches. Overviews of the history of Ngāti Hei and the Harsant and Wigmore families, Before a plaque was unveiled by prominent Hahei residents, Peter and Rhonda Hawley, two of Hahei’s most prominent pioneering families, are displayed on Corten steel boards. Joe Davis invited everyone to join in a waiata. The boards also contain plaques remembering those who lived or enjoyed holidaying in Hahei. The last word belonged to Joe who, to the amusement of the ladies present, requested all the At the garden, Christine Bannan, chair of the Kotare Reserve Memorial Garden Hahei Trust, men to perform a haka, which, by the looks of it, was a first-time experience for several of them. welcomed everyone present. She outlined the 13-year process to have the garden established Pictured on the left are (from left to right) Christine Bannan, Gilbert Bannan (Christine’s husband and thanked the many people involved in making it happen. The bulk of the work was done by and fellow trustee of the Kotare Reserve Memorial Garden Hahei Trust), Sandra Goudie and Joe members of the Hahei community, generously donating their time and skills. Davis during the opening. Pictured on the right is the Tree of Life wall. Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 919 - 13 October 2020
Issue 919 - 13 October 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
How to generate income Upgrade work almost complete
when the OCR goes negative at Mercury Bay Community Pool Work is expected to continue on an extensive upgrade of the Mercury Bay Community Swimming
By Miles Flower of Mercury Bay Financial Services
Pool for at least another three weeks.
In addition to investing their money in fixed a percentage of the property collectively with
Gary Hinds from the Mercury Bay Community Swimming Pool Trust said the work, which is funded by
interest investments (discussed in a previous other investors. The property is professionally
Thames-Coromandel District Council, was delayed significantly due to COVID-19. “The plan was to
article) and shares, investors can also invest managed and you receive your share of the rent
start as soon as we closed for the end of the season earlier this year, but that just wasn’t possible,”
their money in property, an asset class which after management fees, plus there is potential
he said. “Then the recent Auckland lockdown caused a further delay of four to six weeks because
can provide both income and capital gain. for capital gain. There is normally a minimum
we could not get the tiles to Whitianga. It is unfortunate, but we are working as quickly as we can
The most common way to derive income amount you can invest. Commonly this is
and we are aiming for as early as possible in November for an opening date.”
directly from property in New Zealand is to own $50,000 per parcel. If you want to sell your
a residential investment property which has no share, you have to find a buyer on the secondary The work includes raising the rim of the pool by 150mm, which will increase the depth making it
mortgage or a relativity small mortgage. In this market. Returns of 6.5 percent to eight more user-friendly, in particular for lane swimming and for those who train and compete at the
way, the rent you receive exceeds the costs and percent are common with some offering up to facility. “We have also upgraded the pump system which is going to make maintenance much easier,”
can be used as income. The banks will lend up 10 percent. Gary said. “Most of the construction has now been done. The tiling will be finished this week and
to 70 percent on the price of the property to be A way to invest in commercial property with then we need to paint the whole pool to really freshen it up and have it looking great for the start of
purchased and the balance of 30 percent can be a smaller amount is through share ownership in the season.”
secured against the family home. In the current a property trust listed on the New Zealand Stock New starting blocks have also been purchased for use during competitions. “It has been a few years
low mortgage rate environment, it is possible to Exchange. Listed property trusts (LPTs) offer since we’ve done any updates, so it’s great to be able to get this done so we can make coming to the
buy an investment property that is 100 percent portfolios of properties. The overall portfolio is pool an even more enjoyable experience for everyone in the community,” Gary said.
financed with interest only loans and still divided up between investors, who then become The pool is located at Mercury Bay Area School.
receive an income after expenses. shareholders. There are nine LPTs in New
The return you receive is dependent on many Zealand, each specialising in different sectors
factors like location or number of bedrooms, such as health, commercial and retail. LPTs are
but a return of 1.5 to 4.5 percent is possible with publicly traded and regulated by the Financial
the potential for capital gain. Markets Authority. Shares in LPTs can be sold
Alternatively, you can own a commercial to others trading on the stock exchange with
investment property. The rent received can little fuss. Entry level amounts for private
be higher than on residential property and investors start at around $5,000, which makes
the potential for capital gains is also present. them a good beginner’s investment option.
Some drawbacks can be that it may be more LPTs offer investors who cannot afford to buy
difficult to find tenants, more capital may be a property outright the chance to get into the
required than for residential property and the commercial property market without the need
value of the property is often related to the rent for a massive mortgage or huge initial outlay.
received as opposed to market forces in the They have many other advantages, including
residential market. You can expect a return of ease of liquidity and professional management,
eight to 10 percent. but they do not offer the same returns as
Another way to invest in property in New syndicated properties. They potentially earn
Zealand is via shared ownership of substantial more than fixed interest investments, but less
multimillion-dollar buildings. This is typically than shares. Over time, their value tends to
in some form of syndicated property. fluctuate less than shares, but more than fixed
With syndicated property, you effectively own interest investments.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 919 - 13 October 2020
Campaign to make some driving tests available in Whitianga Lobbying is underway with the New Zealand Based on information received from NZTA Transport Agency to make it possible for outlining the tasks that need to be performed restricted driver’s licence tests to be carried during restricted driver’s licence tests, Sheryll out in Whitianga. said Whitianga would qualify. “We had testing Taking the test currently can take applicants here until around eight years ago when the up to four hours, with the nearest testing centre criteria changed,” she said. “I have asked located in Thames. Whitianga Social Services NZTA to come and do an audit. One of the manager, Sheryll FitzPatrick, has raised the major things is that testing officers need to issue with Waka Kotahi/NZTA, pointing out be able to see those taking the test changing the eight-week waiting list in Thames and lanes and I think we could do this coming up to highlighting the burden on families when a our roundabouts.” young person needs to take their test. A Waka Kotahi/NZTA spokesperson “It means taking a day out of school,” Sheryll confirmed the agency had been in contact said when she addressed the most recent with Whitianga Social Services recently meeting of the Mercury Bay Community Board “to explain in detail why Whitianga doesn’t to seek support. “And for the person travelling have restricted or full licence testing and is with them, it is a day out of work.” still in correspondence with them on their Sheryll noted in particular the Thames- request for a review of Whitianga’s testing Coromandel District Council Youth Strategy suitability.” and said this was an example of a clear gap “As the new, more challenging restricted in service provision in the Mercury Bay area. driver’s licence test introduced in February Whitianga Social Services was in a position to 2012 requires more complex driving provide both the room and the carparking for scenarios, new test routes were developed,” a testing centre if council and NZTA were to the spokesperson said. “The strengthening of give the go ahead. the class one practical driving tests included Mercury Bay Area School principal, the addition of assessable driving tasks based John Wright, backed the campaign adding his on the most significant crash risks taken from support in writing. “It is a significant matter the analysis of several years’ worth of crash for our more senior students in our kura,” data of young and novice drivers. he said. “We have 250 who are in the age “This means testing is not able to be held bracket to commence their licensing process, in some centres, like Whitianga, that do not having a regular service here would be great.” offer the necessary variety of road situations As well as noting the impact on students of or levels of traffic required by the new missing a day’s school, Mr Wright said loss restricted test.” of income for parents needing to skip work, Chairperson of the Mercury Bay Community on top of the travel costs to and from Thames, Board, Rekha Giri Percival, said the board was a concern. “Our kura totally supports this would be willing to provide a letter of support request and will do what we can to support it once TCDC staff had done some work to see if going forward,” he said. Whitianga is meeting the criteria. Issue 919 - 13 October 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 919 - 13 October 2020
Metering likely as TCDC aims
to cut water consumption
Meters in all homes and businesses to both Meters also allow water to be charged on the
monitor usage and promote conservation basis of what consumers actually use rather than
is being put forward as the best long-term a general charge.”
solution to solving the Coromandel Peninsula’s The draft strategy also includes measures
water woes. such as water storage at individual properties,
Thames-Coromandel District Council’s self-audits and better public education.
Draft Water Demand Strategy, currently out TCDC points out the current cost of water
for public consultation, effectively rules out is $ 0.003 per litre and compares this to the $6
any investment in new water supplies for the equivalent for bottled water. Despite persistent
foreseeable future, advocating that instead of calls - including from the Whitianga Residents
supplying more, the solution to water shortages and Ratepayers Association - for new and
at peak time is instead to use less. alternative water sources to be investigated,
The strategy provides a blueprint for reducing council cites environmental concerns and
the six million cubic metres of water being used prohibitive costs as major obstacles.
across the Thames-Coromandel District each TCDC currently manages and maintains
year, with those reluctant to control what comes 550km of pipeline with 11 separate water
out of their taps likely to pay the price. schemes operating in various communities.
“The best option for Thames-Coromandel is Deputy mayor and Mercury Bay councillor,
to manage its water demand to ensure our water Murray McLean says, while council would
supplies are used effectively and efficiently continue to look at all the options for alternative
and the need to impose water conservation
sources, the installation of meters would provide
measures is minimised,” the draft strategy says.
a completely accurate picture of where, when and
“This will ensure that any financial investment
how water is being used across the Coromandel.
in expanding water supply infrastructure is
“This needs to be the way forward,” he says.
driven by growth in the district.”
While there is no timeframe suggested for “We are a district of 30,000 ratepayers, we just
the introduction of universal metering and a cannot afford the tens of millions dollars that it
cost analysis has yet to be completed for such would cost to develop new supplies. The days of
a roll-out, it is clear that meters are seen as just turning on the tap and not worrying about
the key tool in order to “…reduce the pressure how much is going down the drain need to end.
on… current supplies and/or avoid the need to When metres were introduced in Tauranga,
pursue new additional water sources.” The main it reduced consumption by 20 percent. If we can
issues identified are the huge influx of tourist have good, solid information, we can then better
and holidaymakers on the Peninsula during manage our use and invest in fixing the leaks
summer, the effects of drought and water losses, within our existing network. That will go a long
estimated to be up to 40 percent, due to leaks in way to solving the issues we experience over
older infrastructure. the summer period.”
“Water meters on our supply network can Members of the public can have their say
help us track leaks and monitor the condition on the Draft Water Demand Strategy until 30
of the network and most importantly, allow us October at haveyoursay-tcdc.objective.com/
to be more conscious of the amount of water we kse. Despite water being continually raised as
use,” the draft strategy says. “It also allows us a major issue for the Coromandel, only nine
to benchmark our water use and measure how submissions had been received by TCDC as of
effective our water conservation efforts are. last Friday, 9 October.
“Ship in a Bottle” raffle
tickets on sale now
Rebekah Pearson, the artist responsible for the new Ship in a Bottle sculpture in Coromandel Town,
is raffling off two ceramic hulls of the “ship in the bottle” as a fundraiser for the New Zealand Coastguard
and the fight against Kauri Dieback.
The sculpture was commissioned to mark the bicentennial of the arrival of the HMS Coromandel
at Coromandel Town in 1820. The sculpture has been installed at Whangarahi Reserve opposite
Admiral's Arms.
Raffle tickets cost $20 each and are available from the Coromandel Town Information Centre. The raffle
will be running until Labour Day (Monday, 26 October).
Pictured in the top photo is Rebecca with architect, Rob Johnston from Thames, who was involved in the
design of the sculpture. The sculpture itself is pictured in the bottom photo.
Issue 919
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27 October
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
TCDC preparing for tough
recovery phase
By Gillian O’Neill
A decade of severe austerity has been signalled How the costings translate into services,
by Thames-Coromandel District Council as it projects and rates bills, will be clearer when
anticipates a difficult post-COVID recovery the draft Long Term Plan is released for public
period will compound an already challenging consultation. This is expected to happen in
financial outlook. February next year. Meanwhile, TCDC chief
Council has adopted a “stalled rebuild executive, Rob Williams, has given assurances
scenario” in terms of its forecasting for the that improved systems have now been put
upcoming 2021 - 2013 Long Term Plan. in place in an effort to address “systemic
“What this means is that any new services problems” which led to what he described
over the next 10 years will need to be adjusted as a surprise eight percent budget overrun in
downwards, or rates income upwards, 2018/2019.
in order to meet a balanced budget,” it said in Discussing TCDC’s latest Interim Audit
a statement. “It also means we will be heavily Report, councillors Gary Gotlieb and Terry
restrained in every aspect of our operations in Walker both raised the issue of overspending
where money is spent. Our district’s reliance and asked what was being done to ensure any
on tourism, along with a predominantly future problems were identified and resolved
ageing population puts us into the most quickly. “We’ve implemented this year some
vulnerable category.” significant pieces of software management,”
Staff and elected officials assessed the Mr Williams replied. “Those are tools, they are
recommendations of a report from economic good tools, but they still rely on good staff to
agency, BERL, aimed at providing all local do their job and so it’s an ongoing process of
councils with guidance on appropriate cost training and ensuring that those tools are now
adjustments in the wake of COVID-19. used effectively.”
The agency suggested that most districts in Mr Williams said a key goal for this year was
New Zealand would fit what they described having the processes and systems in place to
as a mid-scenario, where the local economies try and avoid a repeat of the situation last year
were likely to experience “a prolonged but
where the cost blowouts were only discovered
generally healthy recovery.”
between July and October - after the end of
However, for a small number, recovery would
the financial year, when the TCDC Annual
be slow and subdued with unemployment
Report was being compiled. “Management
remaining higher and GDP growing more
have changed the process, we are well on the
slowly out to 2031. While it was a matter for
each council to decide what scenario it should way in terms of that journey,” he said. “We still
adopt, BERL laid out a range of factors that have work to do… because you cannot solve
could lead to a stalled rebuild. These include all of those systemic problems in one year,
a greater reliance on industries hardest hit by but they are well underway in terms of being
COVID-19, such as tourism and retail, a lack fixed. We’re confident we have dealt with the
of significant infrastructure upgrades over the issue, but again it’s a continuous improvement
next decade, a slowly growing, or shrinking, focus that we have in this phase.”
more aged population, a low proportion of In the Interim Audit report, TCDC describes
employment in local and central government how it has implemented a project management
and a low proportion of employment in system - Project Online - which provides a
agriculture. tool for project managers to manage projects
Voting at a council meeting on Tuesday and “provide visibility of financial and non-
last week, elected members agreed that the financial information across the capital
Thames-Coromandel District best fits the work programme.” This was introduced in
stalled rebuild criteria and therefore those cost response to an urgent recommendation from
forecasts should be used in the development the 2018/2019 audit that council implement
of the Long Term Plan. This means TCDC “ongoing controls that would improve the
will need to plan for an estimated 24 percent monitoring and control over capital spending
increase in operating costs over the life of the and ensure improved accountability by the
plan - just over two percent per year - and a applicable project/contract managers regarding
23.5 percent rise in the cost of any capital their budgets.”
investment over the same period. It is a more This year the auditor recommended that
conservative approach than the mid scenario TCDC urgently undertakes a formal, systematic
where total spending would rise by 30 percent assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on
and the more ambitious faster rebuild scenario its Annual Report, especially the financial
where a 33.5 percent rise is suggested. statements.
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July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 919 - 13 October 2020
National promises return of
rescue helicopter
By Stephan Bosman
Those who were present on Friday last week when the National Party promised, if elected, to return a rescue helicopter based on the Coromandel. From the left - Scott Simpson,
Nigel Strongman, John Stephenson, Brian Bowering, Jennie Turner, Dr Shane Reti, Walter Russell and Leith Jackson (manager of the rescue helicopter base in Whitianga).
Scott Simpson, MP for Coromandel, was full-time based in Whitianga. hangar over the summer months and at long and Dr Reti at Crosby Field for the
and Dr Shane Reti, health spokesperson for The axing of the helicopter led to more weekends,” Dr Reti said on Friday. announcement on Friday.
the National Party, announced on Friday than 46,000 people signing a petition to “National will bring it back. This is an At the trust’s AGM at the end of July,
last week that a National government, return a rescue helicopter to the Peninsula. extremely busy area and a cost can’t be put Brian Bowering stepped down as chairman
if elected, will return a rescue helicopter The petition was presented by Mr Simpson on saving lives.” of the trust. Mr Bowering served as on the
based on the Coromandel over the busy to the House of Representatives in June this Mr Simpson said he was delighted with board of trustees for almost eight years.
summer months and long weekends. year and was allocated to the Parliamentary his party’s promise to the people of the Former Chief Fire Officer of the Whitianga
The promise was made at Crosby Field, Health Select Committee. The Select Coromandel. “The petition I accepted Volunteer Fire Brigade, Merv George, was
the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust’s Committee will consider a submission on the on behalf of the Coromandel community elected as the new chairman. Also elected or
base in Whitianga. petition once reconstituted after this month’s signalled their anger, frustration and the sense re-elected to the board were John Stephenson
An amount of $1.1 million would general election. of betrayal from the service being moved (Whitianga), Walter Russell (Whitianga),
annually be allocated from the health “The people of the Coromandel need elsewhere,” he said. Nigel Strongman (Coromandel Town), Jennie
budget to fund the service. a chopper based in [Whitianga] at the Most of the trustees of the Coromandel Turner (Tairua), Andrea McCarthy (Thames)
Up to the end of 2018, a rescue helicopter Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust’s Rescue Helicopter Trust joined Mr Simpson and Doug Walters (Whangamata).
Issue 919
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July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Young talent shines at “Chef’s Night”
in Tairua
By Gillian O’Neill
Backing their Flock whānau is part of the We are so proud of what they are all achieving.”
ethos at the popular Tairua restaurant and on Bella, who is originally from Coroglen and
Friday evening last week the young ones were also studying horticulture, described herself as
the stars of the show as they unleashed their pretty much obsessed by food. “Whenever I go
creative talents on “Chef’s Night.” eat anywhere, I am looking at what they have
Three young trainee chefs, none of them done, getting ideas and inspiration, and making
over 20, designed and prepared their own mental notes,” she said.
Asian tapas menu for more than 40 diners, For her Chef’s Night dish, Bella has put
with the feast and its creators acknowledged her own twist on a banh mi, serving it with a
with an impressive line-up of compliments kimchi mayo. “It’s definitely not traditional,
and enthusiastic applause when they bravely I’ve changed it up quite a bit, but I think it
greeted their customers at the end of the night. works,” she said.
This was the restaurant’s second Chef’s Haylee served a Malaysian inspired prawn
Night, an event aimed at providing young cooks fritter which she has researched and practised
an opportunity to push themselves creatively diligently. “I did feel nervous, it’s not something
and showcase what they can do to the wider
I have made before, so I really hoped people
community. “We know what they are capable
like it,” she said.” There was no need for her to
of, they just need to have that confidence in
have any doubt. “Haylee is an incredible cook,
themselves and that’s what this is about,” said
she just needs a little more confidence and she is
Flock head chef and co-owner, Sara Fordham.
going to do great things,” Sara said.
Eighteen-year-old Bella Ramage and
Sara said the team got through the evening
20-year-old Haylee Cammock were two of the
chefs in action on Friday. “Haylee has done together by supporting each other. “There are no
her training at Wintec, but a year ago Bella titles here,” she said. “No-one is above anyone
had never been in a kitchen before,” Sara said. else and we are all learning together. They teach
“She started here doing tables, but I could me things as well.”
see she was keen to cook, so I told her to get Looking ahead, the goal is to push these
in there.” up-and-comers to learn everything they can.
Likewise, Ziggy Heath, who is back in the “Whatever they are interested in within the
kitchen letting his cooking skills do the talking, business, there is an opportunity for them,”
has been another rising star of Flock’s high- Sara said.
trust model. “Ziggy started here two years ago The fact they may fly the Flock nest at some
washing dishes, but you can see his passion for stage is just part of the process. “When we
food,” Sara said. “His dad is a chef and he just bought this business two years ago, we wanted
needed an opportunity to be able to show what it to become part of the community,” Sara said.
he can do, to himself more than anyone else, Young chefs, Bella Ramage and Haylee Cammock, at work in the Flock kitchen “Supporting our young people is part of that and
and it’s quite amazing how far he has come. in Tairua on Friday evening last week. it’s something we believe in strongly.”
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Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 919 - 13 October 2020Issue 919
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27 October
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Planning underway for free Win tickets to see White Chapel Community Christmas Dinner Jak at the Coroglen Tavern Only 10 weeks to Christmas, and White Chapel Jak’s rescheduled appearance at The Coroglen Tavern is all set to go ahead on Saturday, now that all of New Zealand is at 24 October, a musical highlight for Labour Weekend. COVID-19 Alert Level 1, plans are The re-vamped tour “Return of the Jak - Here’s to us Nu Zuland!” has been labelled a celebration going ahead for the free Mercury Bay after COVID-19 saw the band’s original Summer Vibes tour come to an abrupt end as the coronavirus Community Christmas Dinner. “We pandemic hit. “We’re so excited to celebrate what New Zealand as a team of five million have are going forward in faith and hope,” achieved during lockdown,” says Bonnie Hurunui (pictured with the other band members), says Maureen Kerr, coordinator of lead singer and rhythm guitarist. “Like many others, our livelihoods through our ability to entertain the organising committee. “We have and perform were taken away during lockdown. Now, we’re back and we couldn’t be more excited to start planning and fundraising, and and ready to raise the roof and celebrate! Here’s to us New Zealand!” ordering provisions. We also want Known for putting an acoustic, funk-groove spin on upbeat songs everyone knows and loves, to give everyone time to arrange to the band’s 13-stop tour includes a number of North Island locations before the end of the year. come with their families and enjoy Bonnie is known and loved for her larger than life stage presence. Her soulful voice and magnetic a Christmas Day meal at midday in personality captivate every audience member. the Whitianga Town Hall. People All tickets purchased for the original 20 April date at The Coroglen Tavern are valid for the upcoming will be ready to celebrate together show. Doors open at 6:00pm with the band on stage from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. after such a trying year and we want If you haven’t got tickets yet, head to eventbrite.co.nz or buy your tickets from The Coroglen Tavern to make sure no one is left out.” directly ($37 each). This will be the third Community Christmas Dinner, organised as a We have three double passes to give away to see White Chapel Jak at the Coroglen Tavern on Christmas gift to the community and 24 October. All you have to do to win is to tell us tell on what page of this issue of The Informer funded by the generosity of local businesses, Christmas trees, clearing the hall to be ready the little guitar is hiding. You can email us at info@theinformer.co.nz or send us a private community groups and private individuals. for another booking on 26 December and message via Facebook. Please include your name, contact number and town/city of residence “We realise this has been a tough year, taking rubbish to the transfer station. in your entry. Have fun searching! particularly for businesses,” Maureen says. “Most of all, we want people to come with “It costs about $2,500 to cater for our limit of their relatives, neighbours and friends to 180 persons, but I’m sure we will reach our eat, relax and enjoy the day,” Maureen says. target again. All our sponsors, big or small, “I know some people are reluctant to accept will receive donation receipts.” anything that they see as ‘charity,’ but this is Invitations to join in the dinner will soon not. This is about bringing people together be going out to all community groups. who might never normally meet and sharing Transport will be offered to those who have the love at Christmas. If people want to difficulty getting to the Whitianga Town Hall give as well as receive, there is always a on Christmas Day. koha box.” Christmas music and face-painting for The Mercury Bay Community Support the children are in the mix of festivities Trust (which also organises Monday and residents at Whitianga Continuing Meals at St Andrew’s Church and the Care are already making table decorations. Mercury Bay Day Camp) will handle the Chefs Hendry Tainsh and Richard Shelford- funding and expenditure, and coordinate Woodcock are on board again to organise the the volunteers. See www.mbcst.org.nz for food, but this year more volunteers are needed more information on the trust. Email to help with the heavier work - transporting mercurybaycstrust@gmail.com if you are tables and a chiller, setting up furniture and willing to volunteer. Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 919 - 13 October 2020
Issue 919
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27 October
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 919 - 13 October 2020
Future follows seafaring past at the
Robinson Road boat ramp
Much has been written about Mercury of the ‘river,’ at Trelease Point about 1860,” along with six piles from a second jetty east grog shop for bush workers and gum diggers.
Bay’s long seafaring history. In 2019, Jenny Bithell wrote. Matthew Gainsford’s of the Robinson Road boat ramp, which Interestingly, it is also said that meals and
the construction of the new Robinson Road report concluded, based on several pieces of corresponded with a structure visible in a quarters were also available at the White
boat ramp prompted a piece of research that evidence - including a historic “Plan of the 1944 aerial photograph. residence for workers. Following its original
shone the spotlight on the very early days of Homestead of Mr Geo White, Whitianga,” A review of historic newspapers uncovered use, it continued use as a dairy to store milk
commercial activity in Whitianga. dated 1866 - that the White Jenny Bithell multiple articles that referred to Mr GW White in the 1890s.”
As work commenced on a longer and wider refers to is GW White, who constructed a from Mercury Bay. Furthermore, there is a While the archaeologist said the current
boat ramp to accommodate larger vessels, homestead, stone store and trading post at connection in one of the articles between the condition of the homestead could not be
Thames-Coromandel District Council, noting Trelease Point (as the area where the Robinson White family and A Trelease, which supports determined as the remains were subsurface,
the remnants of a historic homestead and Road boat ramp is located was known). the fact that the Whites owned a homestead development since the 1970s was likely to
jetty, commissioned W Gumbley Limited to The archaeologist also examined the and trading post at Trelease Point. According have had negative effects. He described the
undertake an archaeological and historical remnants of two jetties made of native timber to the newspaper articles, the Whites were still jetty posts as having high amenity value.
assessment of the area surrounding the boat in the area, once again matching what he found residing at the homestead until at least 1918. “Not only do these structures relate to the
ramp. The subsequent report provided a at the site to Jenny Bithell’s record. “A wharf Geo White’s business interests are known Whites’ and Trelease’s occupation of the area,
snapshot of early settlement and development (jetty) known locally as Abe’s Wharf, reputed to have traversed the Whitianga River to they can also be linked to a wider network of
on both sides of the Whitianga River. to be the first wharf on the western side of what is now Ferry Landing. Close to where trade and inter-personal relationships within
The author, archaeologist Matthew Gainsford, the Whitianga Harbour was constructed at the Robinson Road boat ramp is situated, Mercury Bay and possibly further afield in
noted the work of several writers, including Trelease Point by an Abraham Trelease,” he constructed a stone store, claimed to be New Zealand and internationally,” he wrote.
Jenny Bithell (in her book, “Guide to the he wrote. “Mr Trelease owned the local the first commercial building built on the So as those new modern pleasure vessels
History of Whitianga,” published in 1980) slaughterhouse, working as a slaughterman, western side of the river. “It is constructed launch at the new Robinson Road boat ramp,
who recorded a short history of the White sometimes importing cattle from Tauranga from Te Ana sandstone which was quarried which eventually opened in October 2019,
family and events preceding their arrival to satiate demand in the area. “A small cave from the opposite side of the harbour and they follow the path of some of the very first
in Whitianga. under the rock known as Lovers Rock (which bricks from Auckland,” Matthew Gainsford’s trading boats that tied up in Whitianga and
“In 1867, Bennett White was killed by the is also a recorded archaeological pā) was report stated. “This was originally part of a paved the way for the first seeds of industry
Hau Haus in retaliation for giving evidence reputed to be used as a cool store. Much of trading post constructed by GW White in the to be sown in the town.
in the Lieutenant Falloon murder case and the land surrounding Trelease Point was early 1870s. The trading post may have been This article is based on the report of Matthew
his eight children then came up the coast and owned by Mr Trelease.” ‘the first house on the Whitianga side situated Gainsford, reviewed by Warren Gumbley,
settled in Whitianga with their uncle, who was The remains of five jetty piles from the by the stone store.’ Known as the ‘Pig and and is used with the permission of Thames-
the first white settler to build on the west side probable Abe’s Wharf were identified, Whistle,’ it was said to have been an illicit Coromandel District Council.
On the left is an aerial photograph from 1944 which shows the White homestead at Trelease Point. The original site of the two jetties is just visible on either side.
The stone store is obscured by trees (source - Retrolens). On the right is the stone store as it looks today with the new Robinson Road boat ramp in the background.
Issue 919 - 13 October 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19What’s On The next few weeks Op-Shops planting, 9:00am - 11:00am. Register on our website, www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz or phone Adele on (021) 201 6625. Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street Scrapbags Quilting Group (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Meets every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome. The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information. Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, 10:00am - 2:00pm. Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information. Justice of the Peace Whitianga Art Group Available every Monday (except public holidays) from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for Bookings not necessary. Phone 866 4476 for more information. a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information. Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from AA Driver Licensing 10:00am - 2:00pm. The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Whitianga Senior Citizens Club Mercury Bay Tennis Club Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) General Election - Advance Voting Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Thames-Coromandel District Council Offices, 10 Monk Street, Whitianga - Tuesday, 13 October, 10:00am - Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. 4:00pm. Wednesday 14 and Thursday, 15 October, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Friday, 16 October, 9:00am - 2:00pm. SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Crossroads Church, 36 Cook Drive, Whitianga - Tuesday, 13 October, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Wednesday 14 and Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Thursday, 15 October, 9:00am - 6:00pm. Friday, 16 October, 9:00am - 2:00pm. computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on Tairua Community Hall, 210 Main Road - Tuesday 13 and Wednesday, 14 October, 10:00am - 4:00pm. Thursday, 866 4215 for more information or to join. 15 October, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Friday, 16 October, 9:00am - 3:00pm. Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga Coromandel Citizen’s Hall, 455 Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town - Tuesday 13 and Wednesday, 14 October, Meets every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive , Whitianga. 10:00am - 4:00pm. Thursday, 15 October, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Friday, 16 October, 9:00am - 1:00pm. Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. General Election - Voting on Election Day (Saturday, 17 October) Check out our Facebook page or phone 869 5648 for more information. Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, 9:00am - 7:00pm. Serenity Al-Anon Group Crossroads Church, 36 Cook Drive, Whitianga, 9:00am - 7:00pm. Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by Cooks Beach Hall, Purangi Road, 9:00am - 7:00pm. someone else’s drinking. Hahei Community Centre, Hahei Beach Road, 9:00am - 7:00pm. Dog Walking Group Coroglen School, 10 Rangihau Road, 9:00am - 7:00pm. Meets every Thursday at 2:00pm at Lovers Rock, Robinson Road, Whitianga. An opportunity to socialise your dog. Whenuakite School, 1055 State Highway 25, 9:00am - 7:00pm. Phone Jenny on (021) 186 5797 for more information. Tairua Community Hall, 210 Main Road, 9:00am - 7:00pm. ICONZ for Girls Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish Town Road, 9:00am - 7:00pm. Every Tuesday from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish Town Road. For girls Matarangi Fire Station, 201B Matarangi Drive, 9:00am - 7:00pm. 8 - 13 years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information. Te Rerenga School, 1229 State Highway 25, 9:00am - 7:00pm. Whitianga Playcentre Coromandel Citizen’s Hall, 455 Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town, 9:00am - 7:00pm. Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon and every Friday from 12:00 noon - 2:45pm at 1D White Street, Whiti Village Markets Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, free entry. Visitors welcome. Sunday, 18 October from 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Whitianga Waterways, opposite Mobil Service Station. Matarangi Craft Group Mercury Bay Junior Cricket Muster Meets fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Thursday, 22 October from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Mercury Bay Multisport Park, Moewai Park Road, Whitianga. Whitianga Tramping Group Fun activities, a speed gun, giveaways and representatives from Northern Districts Cricket. Mercury Bay Cricket Meets every second Sunday at 8:30am. Phone Wally on (021) 907 782 or Lesley on (021) 157 9979 for more information. Club members and coaches will be available to answer any questions. Register at registrations.crichq.com/ Cooks Beachcare Group register/274879. Make new friends, learn about conservation and make a difference. We meet Thursdays for hands-on weeding and Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 919 - 13 October 2020
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