Life and lifestyle in earlier times - Issue 906 - 14 July 2020 - The Mercury Bay Informer
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Issue 906 - 14 July 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 7,750
Life and lifestyle in
earlier times
By Suzanne Hansen
Both at the ripe old age of 90, George and
Joy Simpson share 180 combined years
of wisdom and fun. On a sunny Kuaotunu
morning earlier this month, I met with the
couple and their daughter, Paulette, and heard
a few yarns about their 73 years together in
and out of Mercury Bay. We touched on many
stories of life and lifestyle in earlier times.
The couple met only a few years after the
end of World War II and by Joy’s account,
she was not all that impressed with George.
The new policeman’s daughter, 18-year-
old Joy moved to Whitianga “kicking and
screaming,” forced to leave her boyfriend in
Taumarunui. It was clear to George that Joy
had no interest in him, but he did work out
that she was keen on horses.
As a tactic, George set about to impress Joy
by riding his horse up and down the street in
front of the Police Station, until she finally
at least took notice of his horse. The pair
both worked at the Smith and Ross general
store, where George kept up his campaign to
woo Joy.
After some effort and time, Joy warmed
up to George and the couple became an
item. Three years later in 1951, they were
married at St Andrew’s Community Church,
with their wedding breakfast at the Whitianga
Town Hall. In those days, with roughly 500
people living in Whitianga, everybody in
town was there.
George talks fondly of the days when the George and Joy Simpson, both 90 years old, enjoying the sunshine on their property in Kuaotunu earlier this month.
whole community knew each other by first The movie concessions consisted of peanuts George reckons that the community was rugby club and fishing club. The balls were
names and where everyone was welcome into in their shells rather than lollies, making quite looking for excuses to celebrate, especially pretty much compulsory events, not to be
every house. a mess on the floor. So once the movie ended, through the winter months when the town missed, and the ladies would work for months
The town hall was the centre of the the chairs were moved and the floors were was free from the busy summer campers. on making their dresses. The ladies would cut
community with movies shown on Friday cleaned for the dance by parents dragging There were three or four balls per year a huge number of sandwiches and provide all
nights, followed by a dance, where people of their children around on sacking. with live bands like the Bruce Brothers manner of other food. MCs like Merv George
all ages would dance to lilting tunes played Through the 50s and 60s, the dances (Ray, Dave and Alan) which were organised Senior were the hosts.
by Mrs Rose on her piano accordion. became more organised and more formal. by local organisations, including the RSA, In the early years of their marriage,
(Continued on page 3)
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Volunteer efforts help Coromandel
kiwi find new ground
The revival of the Coromandel’s kiwi the next two years to collect baseline data, become a breeding ground means a heightened Chris Twemlow, a ranger with the
population has received a significant boost but my expectation is the data will show birds level of vigilance in terms of potential threats. Department of Conservation’s Coromandel
with the discovery of a new population of the are living in the reserve, not passing through.” “Breeding pairs mean baby chicks and present District, says the confirmation of kiwi in the
bird in a previously uninhabited area of bush. Paula says the strong likelihood breeding us with the knowledge and the challenge to reserve demonstrates the value of Rings
Conservation groups working along the east pairs are among the reserve’s kiwi population provide a level of predator control where Beach Wetland Group’s conservation effort.
coast of the Peninsula are celebrating the major is a particularly positive sign. “Breeding they will flourish and go on to breed too,” “Conservation volunteers put in a huge
success, after identifying at least two breeding pairs also tell us the habitat is good enough Paula says. amount of work and make contributions the
pairs in an area of scenic reserve at Rings in terms of year-round water supply and food The reserve’s new status as a habitat for wider public doesn’t always see,” he says.
Beach between Matarangi and Kuaotunu. source for a pair to inhabit and raise chicks,” New Zealand’s national bird will connect “We’re delighted to see such a great result
Representatives from Project Kiwi and the she says. Pairs also help anchor a population, the Kuaotunu and Whangapoua Forest kiwi as this illustrates the power of sustained
Rings Beach Wetland Group spent several so it is likely the reserve will retain some of populations. Having the ability for separate collaborative effort.”
consecutive nights in the reserve last month its wandering juvenile kiwi and the population populations to mix is a core part of the People can find out how to support the work
conducting audio monitoring for kiwi calls. will self-seed. strategy for growing the number of birds on of the Rings Beach Wetland group by emailing
This essentially involves sitting quietly and However, the potential for the reserve to the Coromandel. ringsbeachwetlandgroup@gmail.com.
recording kiwi calls, noting time, sex, distance
and direction of the calls between 6:00pm
and 8:00pm.
Dave Fitzgerald, secretary of Rings Beach
Wetland Group, says the confirmation of the
kiwi is the culmination of a long period of
commitment and work by volunteers and
supporters. “We’re really excited, it’s very
encouraging,” he says. “It really shows the
efforts of a number of people over many years
is really paying off.”
Dave was involved in the recent monitoring
and says the number of calls gradually
increased, with female birds heard responding
to their male counterparts on the second
night. “We’re presuming there are at least two
breeding pairs in there,” he says. “We noticed
on one night an old pine tree stump which
had been heavily carved at by kiwi, and kiwi
droppings around that - they’d been looking
for insects.”
Project Kiwi spokesperson, Paula Williams,
says the confirmation that kiwi are in the reserve
is significant on numerous levels. “It shows the
reserve is a suitable habitat for kiwi and kiwi
have arrived of their own volition,” she says. Members of the Rings Beach Wetland Group during a pot-luck dinner last week where they celebrated the discovery of kiwi in an area of scenic
“We will conduct surveys in this reserve over reserve at Rings Beach. From the left - Jill Goodall, Kathy Speirs (treasurer), Ian McDonald, Carrie Parker (chair) and Dave Fitzgerald (secretary).
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 906 - 14 July 2020
Life and lifestyle in
earlier times
(Continued from page 1)
George and Joy owned a dairy in Monk walked to the closest telephone. With help the
Street opposite the Whitianga Town Hall. bus was righted and with a little tweaking it
They owned the business for eight years. was back on the road.
They couple had three daughters, In spite of the serious situation, the area’s
all delivered at the Mercury Bay Hospital kids still got to school that morning and were
by Matron Mary Hollins, who always only an hour late.
encouraged speed of delivery so as not Ironically, not 10 minutes after the incident,
to suffer the interference of the district the County foreman arrived with a tray full
doctor. When Joy’s last daughter was what of metal to spread on Bluff Road. He was a
Matron Hollins deemed “slow at coming,” little late.
she dragged a mattress into the birthing suite When it was time for their daughters to
and slept on the floor next to Joy to move go to high school, George and Joy sold their
her along. Matarangi farm to Ken Wood and bought a
From Whitianga, the family moved to farm outside of Whangarei. They stayed in
Matarangi where they stayed for 14 years. Whangarei for more than 15 years pursuing a
Matarangi was then a farm with the family wide variety of careers ranging from farming,
home plus a bach, and was incredibly remote. possum management, longline fishing and
The farm could only be reached via Bluff even office work for Joy.
Road from Rings Beach. Bluff Road has On the verge of semi-retirement, the couple
always been a rural road, but in those days moved to Te Aroha for 10 years, which they
it was not even covered in metal. It was left called “beautiful but cold.”
in clay which lacked traction in wet weather. When they were ready to retire, they moved
“The road was built by real men with pick, to Kuaotunu and rented a house just above
shovel and gelignite,” George said. their own section of land on which they
In the early 60s, when the couple needed were meant to build a house. They stayed in
to get their three girls to school in Whitianga, the neighbour’s rental for almost 20 years,
resourceful Joy did a deal with Alf Simpson using their own property to house visitors.
and bought his 33-seater bus, which she They are living on their section now in
would drive along Bluff Road twice daily semi-permanent sheds, citing the process of
to take her daughters, the Mayclair kids building a house to their original plans too
from Rings Beach, and the Grays and other hard and too expensive.
children from Kuoatunu to school. George and Joy are incredibly happy
Joy only had one accident over the time and a pleasure to be around. They are also
when on a wet day, she gently slid over the amazingly young for a pair of 90-year-olds.
soggy clay surface at the Rings Beach side of As Joy mentioned, they never expected to
Bluff Road and tipped the bus over. live this long.
Joy and her only passenger, daughter Tina, “When we were younger, we thought that
got out of the bus through the windscreen and 80 was ancient,” she said.
699 - 14
Issue 906 27 July 2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Tenth “Support Local/ Solomon Islanders say
Buy Local” winner drawn thank you to Mercury Bay
A contribution by St Andrew’s Community Church parish secretary , Dorothy Preece
A group of Solomon Islanders would Thames), said the agency had trucked
publicly like to express their gratitude over many boxes of food to the Solomon
for the help they were receiving from Islanders at Riverglen and had covered
the people of Mercury Bay and from the cost of accommodation for the group.
government agencies during and after “No foreign nationals caught by COVID-19
the COVID-19 lockdown. The group, need have any fear of being abandoned,”
19 women and four men, had been living she said. “This support is now in the hands
at the Riverglen Holiday Camp at Coroglen of the Department of Internal Affairs and
since March, when they first arrived to start will continue as long as there are migrant
work at Seeka’s Peninsula Packhouse. workers still in New Zealand.”
Their planned employment finished The Solomon Islanders said they were
on 28 May, but like hundreds of other comfortable at Riverglen and were grateful
migrant workers in New Zealand, for all the help they were receiving,
Congratulations to Piki Heta, the tenth winner in The Informer’s “Support Local/Buy Local” campaign. they were stranded by the COVID-19 “But we miss our families very much,
Piki’s entry was drawn on Friday last week by Mark Warren (pictured) of Bridgestone Whitianga. crisis and had no idea when they might we just want to go home,” they said.
During the campaign, which will continue until the end of September, we’re giving away $100 every week be able to fly home. In the meantime, they On Sunday, 5 July, the group got the news
(to spend with an Informer advertiser) to someone who supported a local Mercury Bay business.
had no means of supporting themselves. they wanted to hear. They would leave
Piki’s winning purchase was made at Fagans Flooring Xtra in Whitianga.
When their situation became known, Riverglen by bus at 2:00am on Monday,
The campaign started in the second week of May. In early October, all entries received during the 22 weeks
of the campaign will go into a second draw, where the winner will win $1,000 to spend with one or more
the support ball started rolling. 6 July and fly home. They were reported
of our advertisers. The appeal went out first to the local to be “overjoyed and very excited to be
Every now again, the weekly winner also receives an additional prize provided by a generous local churches and op shops, and Whitianga finally going home.” Then, on Tuesday
business. In addition to $100 from The Informer, Piki has also won a $100 Countdown voucher. Social Services, all of whom responded last week, the news came through that the
Next week’s winner will receive $100 from us as well as a $50 voucher from Longshore Marine. with donations of money, warm clothing, Solomon Islanders had been turned back at
To enter is easy. Simply email us proof - in the form of invoices or receipts - of your local purchases, blankets and supermarket vouchers Auckland Airport and were to be housed in
or drop your invoices or receipts into the blue bin on the front porch of our office in Whitianga or in the for food. Katikati. They were bitterly disappointed
many “Support Local/Buy Local” counter boxes around Mercury Bay.
At that time, the National Emergency and confused, saying the Australian
Please write your name, surname and phone number on all your entries.
Management Agency (NEMA) was tasked authorities would not allow them to transit
The philosophy behind the campaign is simple - the more you buy local, the better chance you have of
winning.
with the role of welfare for foreign nationals through Brisbane.
during the COVID-19 crisis and was Last weekend, the group was still in
Local businesses need our support more than ever. Make sure to check out The Informer’s “Support Local/
Buy Local” video on YouTube, starring a well-known Whitianga family (search for “Informer Support Local/ soon in action. Katitkati, still with no idea when they
Buy Local”). NEMA officer, Pamela Balt (based in might fly home to their families.
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 906 - 14 July 2020
Issue 906 - 14 July 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Scott’s Thoughts SeniorNet Update
By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel By Mavis Hicks
Community conservation projects are many Term 3 is about to start and our course excellent resource. SeniorNet classes are
and varied around the Coromandel. schedule has been sent to our members. possibly the most cost-effective way to master
At the heart of each project is a determination Non-members are very welcome to phone the digital age in New Zealand.
by hardworking volunteers to make a positive Lorna on (07) 866 4215 to find out more This coming term we are hoping to
difference to our natural environment. about SeniorNet Whitianga and how our arrange a workshop on understanding and
So, news that a thriving kiwi population courses may be able to help you make easier using Zoom for group communication.
has been confirmed on Department of and better use of your various information Though Zoom is mainly used by business,
Conservation land so carefully looked after by technology devices. there is a mini free Zoom available that
the Rings Beach Wetland Group is fantastic We will always run courses for people enables family and friends to meet and chat.
news. It’s a terrific acknowledgement of starting out on the IT path, but now so many The SeniorNet Whitianga committee has
years of hard work and effort. of our age group have computer literacy used Zoom to experience how it works.
My late cousin, Bruce Smith, and a small experience, either self-taught or through
Our former chairman, Peter Bethell,
team started working in the regenerating work, that we are changing our approach
now living in Tauranga, led the meeting and
bush behind Rings Beach more than a decade from learning in classes to meeting in interest
has offered to be our class leader to share his
ago. Since then, volunteers have done a groups or workshops. We already have several
interest groups - genealogy, MacBook, knowledge. We are hoping to have this set
huge amount of work, planting native trees,
iPad and iPhone, Android smartphone and up as part of a long distance communication
controlling predators, laying waste to wilding
Windows 10. workshop.
pines, developing a magnificent walking track to others working on projects all around the
If a sufficient number of our members have Fibre is due to switch on in Whitianga in the
and, of course, restoration of the wetland. Peninsula. Your work is important and it is
an interest in a certain topic, please contact next few months. There have been the usual
All this work has made the area a favourite making a positive difference. Thank you
with thousands of people who visit and us and we will consider how we can set up a “nays and yeas,” but we most certainly will
again.
enjoy the much-enhanced bush wonderland. user group. have better and
Perhaps it’s projects like Rings Beach that
It’s one of my favourite walks. We are hoping that by changing our faster internet, and
have helped Coromandel property prices rise
Following Project Kiwi’s recent kiwi and buck the general nationwide trend to approach, we will attract more interest from the school holidays
listening and monitoring survey, it has been be one of the most vibrant in New Zealand. Whitianga/Mercury Bay residents and be slowdown will be a
confirmed there is a population of kiwi living Recent data shows the average asking price able to continue to offer the community an thing of the past.
in the reserve. It’s a wonderful outcome and for Coromandel properties is over $800,000.
vindication for all those people who have I guess it’s a combination of a relative
worked so hard to turn what was once a shortage of properties available for sale
predator and wilding pine infested piece of and the fact the Coromandel Peninsula is a
pretty scrubbing DOC land into the beautiful much-admired and sought-after destination
and flourishing community asset it is today. for property buyers. It confirms for me that
Congratulations and thank you to everyone while we are facing a huge economic crisis
who has been involved. I hope the success in New Zealand, our region is a standout
at Rings Beach will spur volunteers on to performer and has a lot going for it as we face The members of SeniorNet Whitianga meet at the Whitianga
even greater heights and give encouragement the challenges ahead. Social Services Building at 2 Cook Drive.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 906 - 14 July 2020
Issue 906
699 - 14
27 July 2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Roger Beasley - a man for all ages
By Jack Biddle
Some people are born with a natural gift for
being able to communicate well with others
regardless of their standing in the community,
along with having a kind heart. The ones who
are truly blessed are those who use their
talents to provide natural inspiration to the
young, support for those facing hardship,
and comfort and compassion to the elderly
and the frail.
It’s like helping to prepare for the future
while at the same time respecting the efforts
of those who have done the hard yards in the
past, some of whom have fallen on difficult
times through no fault of their own.
Roger Malcolm Beasley, who passed
away peacefully on 23 April at his home in
Whitianga, aged 80, was all of the above.
He was a truly unique individual who will not
only be missed dearly by his wife of 59 years,
Sylvia, and their extended family, but by the
wider Mercury Bay community as well.
Talk to the people who knew Roger well
and they all have the same admiration for
him, in particular his work with the students Roger Beasley (sixth from the right at the back) was part of the group of community mentors who assist the students
involved in Mercury Bay Area School’s participating in Mercury Bay Area School’s aeroplane build programme. This photo of mentors and students was taken in February 2018,
on the day the building of the programme’s fourth aeroplane commenced.
aeroplane build programme and his role as
welfare officer at the Mercury Bay RSA. Bruce Collier, immediate past president of our mobility scooter go-to man, picking them Roger in 2014 when I came on-board with
“I remember Roger attending a funeral for the Mercury Bay RSA, says Roger’s role as up when breakdowns occurred and spending the school’s aeroplane build programme,”
a returned serviceman,” says Ian Diprose, welfare officer was one he took very seriously. hours in his garage carrying out repairs. George says. “He was a very calm and patient
the RSA chaplain. “It was extremely hot and “Roger had a personality that fitted perfectly He was extremely obliging and never turned man who had an eye for detail. His passion
he was standing by the hearse alone. When with the role and our veterans appreciated the his back on those who needed support, even if for working with our young people was a real
I suggested he move inside out of the heat, tireless work he carried out on their behalf,” it was to simply sit down for a long chat and credit to him. He would often be heard telling
he said a soldier should not be left alone until Bruce says. “He also stayed in touch with provide some much-appreciated company to student’s stories of his days in the Navy and all
it was time to say their final goodbye. It was widows and often said we were one big those living on their own.” the lessons life had taught him along the way.
a moving moment and in my eyes showed family and needed to look after each other as MBAS teacher, George Fletcher, saw Roger He was especially generous to the MBAS
Roger’s true character.” much as we could. By default, he also became from the other end of the age scale. “I first met engineering classes and often supplied bits
4
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 906 - 14 July 2020
Roger Beasley and pieces that would help out many student and living on-board their 45ft ferro ketch for and staff projects. We will remember Roger around 18 months. Roger also helped deliver for his humility and his ability to get on with boats back to New Zealand from the Pacific everyone, regardless of their age.” Islands and Australia. Roger was an engineer by trade and ran his After selling the business in Whakatane, own business in Whakatane for around 20 Roger and Sylvia moved permanently to years. He learned his trade as an apprentice Whitianga in 2003 and both became involved fitter/welder with the Royal New Zealand in community work soon after. Navy, which he joined as a 17-year old in “Roger’s other loves and interests over 1956. “In those days apprenticeships within the years were gliding, which he did a lot of the Navy were undertaken abroad and Roger in Singapore, and snorkelling and fishing, ended up in Rosyth, Scotland which was while in recent years it was his vegetable close to my home town and was where we garden which kept many a family well fed,” first met,” says Sylvia. says Sylvia. “I knew little about New Zealand and Roger was to battle skin cancer for many thought it was a short ferry ride from years and underwent numerous surgeries Australia initially. We married in 1960 for major skin grafts. While he faced his and while Roger headed back to New own battles, he continued to carry out his Zealand on-board the new frigate, HMNZS community work whenever he was able. Taranaki, later that year, I took on the four- Sylvia can’t speak highly enough of the week journey aboard a passenger liner support she and Roger received from both solo. The Taranaki eventually arrived in the visiting Hospice nurse and Whitianga New Plymouth the following October, Continuing Care in the five months leading so it was quite an unusual introduction for me up to his passing. “Roger was able to to married life and settling in New Zealand, come home during the day, but returned to both of which I have never regretted for Continuing Care at night,” she says. “They one minute.” were incredibly supportive during what was Roger was to go on to spend several long a very difficult time.” spells at sea with the Navy, including two Roger Beasley won’t be forgotten any time trips to the Antarctic. In 1967 he was based in soon. He leaves behind rather large boots Singapore along with his family for two years to fill at the RSA while his work with the before finally leaving the Navy after 13 years students at MBAS will be remembered and of service. appreciated for many years to come. Life at sea wasn’t over, however, with A service to commemorate Rogers’s life will Roger and Sylvia packing up the family and be held on Sunday, 19 July at 11:30am at the travelling around the New Zealand coast Mercury Bay Club in Whitianga. Issue 906 - 14 July 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Erosion at Buffalo Beach - Boating Club
clubhouse may be forced into managed retreat
By Suzanne Hansen
On our frequent morning walks along In other words if the erosion continues,
Whitianga’s beautiful Buffalo Beach, the clubhouse will have to be moved
over several years my husband and I (manged retreat). The building was designed
normally approached the beach from to be relocated, but at a cost the Boating
the launch ramp at the clubhouse of the Club cannot afford.
Mercury Bay Boating Club. The launch Immediately to the north of the Boating
ramp and the boating club surrounds were Club clubhouse, two large pohutukawa trees
popular access points for many local and are literally hanging onto life by a thread
visiting beachgoers. with their root systems exposed and drying
Unfortunately, with the easterly weather out. The property on which the trees are
and wave patterns over the last few years, situated has lost a large chunk of land as
the launch ramp no longer exists. have the next couple of properties, which are
The beautiful dune plantings, access trail not currently being shielded by a privately
and a big chunk of the dunes in front of the funded rock wall protecting their northern
clubhouse also no longer exist. They have neighbours. The homes behind the rock wall
all been replaced by a 1.5m metre high cliff all appear to be safe at this point.
of sand. The rock wall was built under urgency
Sadly - although there have been a huge in 2000 by a group of desperate property
amount of dune restoration carried out by owners, known as the Buffalo Beach
endless volunteers working with Thames- Homeowners Association, in response
Coromandel District Council and Waikato to the damage caused by three back-to-
Regional Council, and “sand push up back cyclone systems which took at least
work” by diggers trying to stabilise the 10 to 12 metres of dunes. Since 2008,
dunes - Jonathan Kline, commodore of the the group has been working with TCDC and
Boating Club reckons that after maybe 10 WRC to reconsent and improve the wall,
more easterly weather events, the dunes possibly extending it a short distance to
will be totally gone. While Jonathan praises their unprotected neighbours to the south.
the efforts to push the sand up from the It has been a long and complicated process.
waterline at low tide to brace the dunes, Any extension of the wall will in all
he says these efforts are further lowering probability be too late to save the pohutukawa
the beach, making it even more prone to the from toppling into the ocean.
wave impact from large easterly weather The underlying problem in layman’s terms,
systems, of which we have had quite a few is that Buffalo Beach is quite long and does
over the last couple of years. not offer much in the way of natural curves
Apparently in 1997, when the Boating Club to build up sand deposits caused by the
clubhouse was built on TCDC land, the club continual counter-clockwise lateral flow of
provided a waiver that if affected by erosion, sand. At Buffalo Beach this current of sand The erosion at Buffalo Beach in front of the clubhouse of the Mercury Bay Boating Club in
then council carries no responsibility. moves out into the Bay towards a burgeoning Whitianga. The pohtukawa trees in the distance are at risk of toppling into the ocean.
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Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 906 - 14 July 2020Erosion at Buffalo
Beach
ebb tide sandbank which is growing offshore. about what is happening. Unfortunately,
At the same time as the sand is moving out, there does not seem to be consensus on the
the shape of Mercury Bay makes Buffalo way forward.
Beach prone to northerly and easterly wave Groynes have been proposed at various
actions and storm surge effects. times and even trialled in the 1980s in the
This coastal process is not new and erosion form of gabion baskets which were reported
at Buffalo Beach is not new. According to a to successfully deposit sand along the beach.
report by WRC in 2006, which included a Those temporary groynes had to be taken out
historical perspective on the management after some deterioration of the baskets.
of the erosion, before the 1960s there were In 2015, TCDC engaged consultants,
reports of erosion, but the dunes were ample Tonkin and Taylor, to look at obtaining
and the beach much wider to protect Buffalo consent for the trial of wooded piling and
Beach Road (then a state highway) and lagging groynes. The result of the consent
Whitianga town. After the well-documented process, according to council, was that some
tsunami event in 1960, the erosion - likely negative community feedback was attracted,
caused by offshore seabed changes and the groynes were not favoured by WRC
a seaward widening of Buffalo Beach
and DOC simply would not approve them.
Road - caused central government to place
Thus, there was a shift from harder options
rock armour along the waterfront to protect
to softer options like dune planting and
parts of the road and The Esplanade area.
restoration, and the funding shifted in
From the mid-1990s, the northern end of
Buffalo Beach started to retreat significantly. that direction.
That led to the action taken by the Buffalo TCDC is expecting that their wide-ranging
Beach Homeowners Association, and more Shoreline Management Plans project,
recently extension of the rock wall initially which is currently underway, will contain
placed by the government and construction plenty of information on erosion and
of a sand bag wall at Brophy’s Beach. inundation hazards along Buffalo Beach.
There have been numerous studies of The information will be used when
the erosion at Buffalo Beach - initiated by management of the hazards are being
TCDC, NIWA, other government agencies, considered in the next six to nine months.
academic institutions and the desperate How the stretch of beach in front of the
property owners of the Buffalo Beach clubhouse of the Mercury Bay Boating Club
Homeowners Association. TCDC has a will look in the next six to nine months, is of
timeline on their website of 23 such reports course anyone’s guess.
and action plans since 1979. See below for a statement by Councillor Denis
Outside of the academic institutions, most Tegg, the Thames-Coromandel constituency
have been prepared by consultants, funded by representative on Waikato Regional Council,
tax and ratepayer money. There is consensus on the erosion at Buffalo Beach.
Statement by Denis Tegg
on Buffalo Beach erosion
Advice taken from coastal hazard experts at Waikato Regional Council confirms that there are
a number of processes at play which make the erosion at Buffalo Beach in Whitianga a complex
situation. Hard structures such as the Buffalo Beach Homeowners Association seawall impede
public access to the beach and can potentially cause more erosion at each end. Coastal erosion is
a natural process with shorelines varying between periods of sand erosion and accretion (building
up). If there was a quick, easy, inexpensive fix, it would have happened by now.
A team of world-renowned New Zealand climate scientists lead by Professor Tim Naish, who have
just won the Prime Minister’s science prize, confirm the following -
• Global heating has already caused around 20cm of sea level rise and the rate of rise is
accelerating.
• A further 30cm of sea level rise by around 2050 is “locked in” due to greenhouse gas emissions
already in the atmosphere.
• 30cm of additional sea level rise will mean present-day damaging storm surges of one-in-
100-year intensity will occur annually.
• If, globally, we continue the current “business as usual” emission pathway between 1m and
1.5m of sea level rise is projected by the turn-of-the-century.
• This is expected to worsen the trend for shoreline erosion.
• Coastal flooding is projected to be an even greater problem, threatening many coastal cities,
towns and settlements.
The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement is binding on all local councils. The policy requires
councils to consider the latest science on climate change and sea level rise over at least 100 years,
and to avoid activities which increase the risk of coastal hazards, ie not allow such activities.
WRC has jurisdiction on the seaward side of mean high-water springs. Thames-Coromandel
District Council has jurisdiction inland from that line. The status of the land potentially impacted
by erosion, whether it is private or public, has no bearing on these joint responsibilities.
Unfortunately, much of our coastal development on the Coromandel Peninsula has occurred too
close to the sea and now our communities are facing massive costs as the impacts of climate
change and sea level rise start to bite. Measures proposed for the length of one rugby field at
Flaxmill Bay are estimated to cost close to $1 million for a standard rock revetment wall and
groynes. Local residents prefer a “naturalistic” wall which would push the cost out closer to
$2 million.
WRC is collaborating with and providing expert assistance to TCDC’s Shoreline Management Plans
(SMP) project. Community panels will soon be formed and these will help inform the project.
The panels will recommend responses at Buffalo Beach, numerous other sites in Mercury Bay and
scores of sites elsewhere around the Peninsula where coastal flooding and erosion is a threat.
The SMP project will first need to assess which areas around the Coromandel’s coast are most
at risk and prioritise action. The panels will have some tough decisions to make because fully
protecting all the at-risk areas is unlikely to be practicable or affordable for TCDC ratepayers.
Issue 906
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2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Monday Meals are back - takeaway style Monday Meals, the Mercury Bay Community Trust initiative that provides a home-cooked meal each week for those in need, is back but with a new look. From Monday, 20 July, the meals will be available for takeaway in frozen format from the kitchen window between St Andrews by the Sea Community Church and the Church Op-shop in Owen Street, Whitianga, with those who would like a meal being asked to complete an order form in order to help the trust get a better understanding of the demand. Monday Meals were suspended during the COVID-19 lockdown and the trustees of the trust have used the time to reflect on the future of the service and how best to continue helping the community, while also simplifying the task for those who volunteer their time to help produce and serve the meals. Trustee, Sandy Herbert, says organising the previous sit-down dinner at St Andrews was a massive task for a small number of people and it was never clear from week to week how many people would want to make use of the service. “We are just wanting to have a look at how we can best use our time and resources,” she says. “By preparing and freezing the meals in advance, we will not only reduce waste, but we can involve more of our trustees and volunteers in coming together to cook and package up the meals ready for collection. “Providing a frozen meal will also give those who receive them a bit of flexibility so if they don’t feel like having it straight away, they can enjoy it later in the week.” Regulars will not need to book each week and can simply place a standing order. The order form (published below) can be completed and dropped off at the Church Op-shop. Orders can also be placed by emailing mercurybaycstrust@gmail.com or texting (021) 064 5684. “We will of course have some spare meals each week so people will still be able to turn up even if they haven’t put their order in,” Sandy says. “We certainly don’t want anyone to miss out, but the trust thinks it is important for us to take the time to get to know what the needs of the community are at this time.” Dedicated cooking sessions will happen once or twice a month with healthy, filling, high quality meals planned and prepared by the trustees and other volunteers. Sandy is asking for the community’s support in helping to deliver meals to others who may appreciate receiving one. “If you are coming to pick up a meal, may you have a neighbour who finds it hard to get out and you could drop one off for them,” she says. “This is a new way of working for us, so I’m sure there will be some things that we need to figure out as we go Mercury Bay Community Support Trust volunteers, Sandy Herbert and Alistair Rogers, are ready to along, but we are delighted to be back and look forward to seeing everyone help with preparation of the frozen Monday Meals that will be available for takeaway from the kitchen window between on 20 July.” St Andrews by the Sea Community Church and the Church Op-shop in Owen Street, Whitianga from Monday, 20 July. Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 906 - 14 July 2020
Mental Health First Aid
workshops in Whitianga
More than 40 people attended a further two St John Mental Health First Aid workshops at the Mercury Bay
Boating Club in Whitianga on Wednesday and Thursday last week.
The workshops were presented by St John tutor, Brian Blumhardt (pictured), and were fully funded by the
St John Mercury Bay Area Committee.
Through videos, scenario-bases practical activities and group discussions, the workshops taught the
attendees how to recognise signs of mental distress in others, how to ask people if they are OK and how
to point them to available professional support.
All the attendees found the workshops to be highly valuable, with one of the attendees at the workshop on
Thursday saying their expectations and more were met.
The St John Mercury Bay Area Committee is planning to fund more of the workshops in the future.
In addition to their GP, the following support is available to people who are concerned about their
mental health -
• 1737 - Call or text to speak with a trained counsellor at any time (this number is from this week
included in The Informer’s weekly “What’s that Number” column).
• Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or text 4202 - Talk to a trained counsellor for support or to ask
any questions.
• Healthline 0800 611 116 - Call to speak with a registered nurse for advice.
• Samaritans 0800 726 666 - Confidential, non-religious, non-judgmental support to anyone who may
be feeling depressed, lonely or even be contemplating suicide.
• Lifeline 0800 543 354 – Trained counsellors dealing with many kinds of issues, including psychological
and emotional distress, financial and work issues, marriage and family problems, and callers who
are lonely, ill or depressed, or the victims of violence or abuse.
• Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797, text 8681 or online chat at www.alcoholdrughelp.
org.nz - Assistance and information for people who are concerned about their own or someone else’s
drinking or drug use.
Issue 906
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27 July 2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Local beach houses stand out in
architecture awards
Three Mercury Bay beach houses are among designers Crossan Architects. the critique for Scarlet Architect’s “Hot Water “Hill House” at Hahei stood out to the judges
the winners in the 2020 New Zealand Institute “Externally clad in reclaimed totara, Beach House.” for its quirky, clever design courtesy of
of Architects (NZIA) Awards for the Waikato/ three separate living spaces are unified “In response to the orientation, slope Felicity Wallace Architects.
Bay of Plenty. by uniquely sculptural, off-grid skylights and unusual shape of this site, this home “The architect’s response to a brief for a
The regional honours were officially projecting above the roof, referencing the is organised around a triangular courtyard pole house has resulted in a holiday home
announced at the end of June and, mine shafts of this former gold-mining town,” flanked by verandas and a central breezeway,” that winds its way up, over and through a grid
if shortlisted, the winners may be considered the judging panel noted. the judging panel commented. “As a result, of variable-height tanapoles,” the judging
for the national awards which will be judged “Inverted into sculptural shafts, sea views are available from every space, panel said. “Part fort and part tramper’s hut,
later in the year. A total of five out the 14 the skylights allow sun and starlight to enter maximising the home’s connection to its the robust house is playful and surprising,
awards in the Housing Category came to the each room, and they also function as thermal environment. With its predominantly dark revealing and concealing views over Hahei
wider Coromandel area, with properties at shafts. The highly crafted timber interiors of exterior and elemental interior scheme of pale and the headland.
Hikuai and Bowentown also selected. this private sanctuary open out to expansive timbers, this house is a worthy replacement “With its series of indoor and outdoor
“Light Mine” at Kuaotunu added to its list views of the sea.” for an old family bach and should ensure spaces punctuated by poles, the design
of credits, having already secured the title The relationship with its surrounding beach flexible occupancy by multiple generations succeeds as a strong and idiosyncratic shelter
of HOME Magazine’s Home of the Year for and ocean landscape was a crucial element in for many years to come.” against the elements.”
Photo left - “Light Mine” at Kuaotunu by Crosson Architects. Photo centre - Scarlet Architects’ “Hot Water Beach House.” Photo right - Felicity Wallace Architects’ “Hill House” at Hahei.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 906 - 14 July 2020Issue 906
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27 July 2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Labour candidate for
Peninsula Past - 1888
Coromandel announced
A collection of interesting snippets of history way and started down a flooded creek,
uncovered by Informer contributor, Meghan but slipped and was swept away. He often
Hawkes, when reading through newspapers said he would follow a creek if he ever got
that circulated in Mercury Bay and on the lost and five months later his remains were
Coromandel in 1888. indeed found in a creek.
An unruly passenger on the ship, Iona, At the Upper Landing, Tairua, Mrs Agnew
attempted to shoot a steward on a trip from and her two children became seriously ill
Auckland to Mercury Bay. On the journey, through eating preserved meat. A family
the man had remained out of his berth in Thames also had a narrow escape from
disturbing others. He was told to go to bed, being poisoned by eating tinned meat
whereupon he drew a revolver. The steward around the same time. The cans of preserved
then sprang upon him, wresting the revolver beef had been supplied by a well-known
free. The passenger was secured and put Auckland butcher.
in custody on the boat until they reached Affairs were anything but bright in
Mercury Bay when the police flag was run Tairua. The Union Sash and Door Company
up the masthead. had changed hands and employees were
Constable Williams answered the paid off. There was no word on what the
“New opportunities for people throughout the Coromandel electorate, unlocking our potential through summons and going on board took new owners intended doing. If they decided
improved infrastructure, wise management of our environment and resources, and adding value to what charge of the passenger. The prisoner was to shut up the mills there would be 40
we produce.” That’s the mission statement of the Labour Party’s election candidate for the Coromandel,
Nathanial Blomfield (pictured), who is focusing strongly on his party’s health and environmental policies returned to Auckland to have the case dealt heads of families and 20 single men out of
in a bid to dramatically shift the dial in what is traditionally a strong blue constituency. with there. employment and some of the families were
This is the Tairua father of four’s second tilt at the MP job, which has been held for nine years by the All hope of finding William Cumming, pretty large.
National Party’s Scott Simpson. missing for a fortnight in the Mercury Bay The people of Whangamata, who were
In the 2017 general election, Nathanial earned in excess of 8,700 votes, which accounted for almost 21 bush while prospecting, was lost after no mainly engaged in gumdigging and mining,
percent of the overall vote and a comfortable second place behind the incumbent who secured his third trace of him was found. Parties of men felt very badly off in the matter of postal
term with a clear 55 percent majority. However, a major surge in the Coromandel party vote appeared to searched every day, but discovered nothing facilities. Their nearest post office was at
reflect the mood of the country with Labour increasing its share from 15.7 percent in 2014 to 27.8 percent
in 2017. and the search was abandoned as hopeless. Hikutaia, a distance of 16 miles over rough,
Nathaniel believes that New Zealand’s House of Representatives should truly represent New Zealand’s
There were many old shafts overgrown with rugged country and nearly impassable
diverse cultures, communities, regions and social demographics. With his varied work experience - bush, down which it was thought he may roads. The inhabitants of this rising little
including chef, landscaper, labourer and hospital orderly - and a solid Labour family upbringing, he says have fallen. Mr Cumming was a powerful community had twice petitioned the postal
he can be a true representative for the working people of the region, with the beliefs and values he was man, of strong constitution and endurance authorities for a remedy, but it was slow
raised with. and was used to the bush. He was camped in coming. There were around 280 people
“My work-life experience means I can genuinely represent the varied communities of the Coromandel and and prospecting with two others when he in the district and the storekeeper was
its working people, those who care for the environment, small business owners, people involved in fishing,
agriculture and horticulture, and people without secure jobs,” Nathanial says. Action on climate change, took a gun and said he was going to shoot agreeable to acting as postmaster for them.
kaitiakitanga, a living wage and access to high-quality healthcare are among his key priorities. a bird or two, and was never seen again. Beyond a steamer calling about once a week,
At number 78 on the Labour Party list, Nathanial is likely to need to take the electorate seat in order to Later that day it rained very heavily. Whangamata was completely isolated and
secure a ticket to Wellington. Another theory was that he lost his cut off from the outer world.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 906 - 14 July 2020JULY 2020 UPDATE
The big dry is well behind us now as Mother Nature brings everything back into balance working from home is a real option.
with a prolonged wet spell. Despite the weather, there seems to be a good number of Summer Concert
visitors in town during the school holidays. Great to see so many getting involved with Early next month will see the line-up released for the upcoming 2021 Whitianga
the fun events on offer. Summer Concert. As previously reported, the concert will return to the Whitianga
Medical Facility Waterways Arena for what will be the last time. Delays in finalising the design and
Many would have read the article regarding the Mercury Bay Medical Facility in the layout of the future Stage 11 meant that we could host the event again. The event
previous issue of The Informer. Whitianga Waterways Limited would like to thank all has become a very important date on the wider area’s calendar and plays a key role
the members of the Mercury Bay Medical Facility Trust and others who have put time in showcasing Mercury Bay. An economic impact report was undertaken on the event
and effort into the project. and will be released at a future date.
Joan Gaskell North
The new section of canal is open to the sea, however the new section will only open to
boat traffic once dredging of the remnants of the dam is complete. This is programmed
for September. The stonemasons have completed one of the rock walls join-ups.
The eastern side is to happen this week.
Hopper Construction is making solid progress on the civil works. Road construction
is underway along with the installation of utilities. These sections (stage 12) will be
released to the market in the coming weeks, with completion due in the final quarter
of the year.
Market
The Whiti Village Market is creating quite a buzz at its waterfront location. Fantastic to
see so many taking the opportunity to sample our local delights. This is a great local
initiative and a big thumbs up to the organisers.
New Builds
The construction of new homes is very strong at present, with new foundations
seemingly going down every week. This is all positive for the local construction industry
and local employment.
There has been a big increase in enquiry from the main centres as people look to
make a lifestyle choice and move to Whitianga. Recent events have shown that
Our sales office is open 7 days, Weekdays 9:00am - 4:00pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10:00am - 2:00pm.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact our sales team on (07) 866 0164.
Email - wwloffice@whitiangawaterways.co.nz Website - www.whitiangawaterways.co.nz
Issue 906
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27 July 2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Lighting Whitianga up for
mid-winter Christmas cheer
Businesses and homeowners around Whitianga are being encouraged to embrace some mid-winter
Christmas cheer and light up their premises for a week to give the community a lift after some very
tough weeks.
Terry Bibby (pictured) from Esplanade Apartments came up with the idea and has been canvassing
neighbours and others around town with many showing enthusiasm. “We are going to call on all the
businesses in town to see if they will join in. Grace O’Malley’s Irish Inn is on board and we hope the rest
of The Esplanade will be too,” he says.
The main inspiration for the idea came from watching the empty playground opposite Esplanade
Apartments at the height of the COVID-19 restrictions. “We think the kids in town were very restrained
over lockdown. This would be a great way to reward their efforts. During lockdown, Whitianga was quite
social, with families on their bikes and lots of people walking their dogs. Hopefully people will consider
leaving their cars at home and walk and bike instead when they look at the lights,” Terry says.
The mid-winter Christmas light display challenge will run from 20 to 26 July. “We want to challenge
everyone to dress up their house or place of business with Christmas lights and decorations and see if we
can be kind to everyone with festive cheer,” Terry says.
Neighbourhoods could also organise their own best house or best street competitions or community
groups could adopt a shop and help deck it out.
If the event is successful, Terry says the concept could be developed even further next year through
possible additions like a parade, prizes and a light trail with a map guiding people around the displays.
However, this year it is purely informal. “It’s a little like putting a bear in your window over lockdown.
There’s nothing you need to do to get involved except plan how to make your place look as festive as
possible and join in the mid-winter spirit of kindness,” he says.
4
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