MenzShed's first "Sheddie of the Year" - Issue 954 - 15 June 2021 - Mercury Bay Informer
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Issue 954 - 15 June 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
MenzShed’s first “Sheddie of
the Year”
By Stephan Bosman
At the Whitianga MenzShed AGM on
Thursday last week, Trevor Smedley became
the first recipient of the Malcolm Brown
Memorial Trophy as the shed’s “Sheddie of
the Year.”
“Malcolm Brown, our inaugural chairman,
passed away just more than a year ago,”
shed president, Brian Mearns, said on
Thursday. “Our AGM is an opportunity to
remember him as the man who was at the
forefront of the group of men who were
responsible for our very existence as a
MenzShed. We acknowledge Malcolm’s
enthusiasm, humour and drive, and his legacy
will be remembered at our AGM annually
through the presentation of a memorial trophy
carrying his name.”
The trophy was made by Whitianga
MenzShed member, Dave Key, and was
presented to Trevor by Malcolm’s wife,
Pauline Brown.
“Our first Sheddie of the Year is a man
who never misses a day’s work at our shed,”
Brian said, before announcing Trevor as the
winner. “Trevor Smedley is usually first to
the shed to open up and to get us all ready to
go. He is often seen cleaning up, getting rid of
the rubbish and doing all the menial tasks that
are so important, yet often overlooked by the
rest of us. He’s a worthy winner.”
Trevor is a retired refrigeration engineer
who moved three years ago from Auckland
to Whitianga to be closer to family. “I had no Whitianga MenzShed president, Brian Mearns (left), with Pauline Brown, wife of the late Malcolm Brown, and Trevor Smedley,
idea I was in the running to become Sheddie winner of the Malcolm Brown Memorial Trophy as the shed’s first “Sheddie of the Year,” on Thursday last week.
of the Year,” he said. “Winning the trophy time is occupied by fishing from the shore or Brain said. “We have earmarked a suitable the MenzShed’s building project and will
was a real surprise. I was introduced to the taking his boat out on the water. “I like fishing site and hope to have sign-off in the not too be donating the proceeds of the art expo
Whitianga MenzShed by a neighbour and on Lake Taupo too,” he said. “I’m a member distant future that we can build something they ran over Queen’s Birthday Weekend to
joining up was one of the best things I’ve ever of the Tongariro and Lake Taupo Anglers suitable to our requirements on the site. the shed.
done. It’s something I love to be involved in, Club and enjoy spending a few days every Insofar as our building fund is concerned, The Business Support Community Trust is
there’s never a dull moment.” now and again in the Central North Island.” things are ticking along nicely, but we’ll also in the process of organising a golf day
Trevor also helps out at the Whitianga Bike The Whitianga MenzShed is in the process never say no to anyone who would like to fundraiser for the shed - to be held on Sunday,
park, mostly fixing the bicycles the park has fundraising for a bigger shed. “We’ve help us out with a few dollars.” 22 August. Word is that a brand-new ute will
available for patrons to use. Some of his spare outgrown the space we’re in at the moment,” The Whitianga Lions are supporting be up for grabs for a hole-in one.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
MBAS students set to shine and entertain in
new musical production
By Suzanne Hansen
Mercury Bay Area School is getting ready by some of New Zealand’s greatest artists and Actor, Maria Davenhill (Year 9) says that her the closing night.
to present its first musical stage show in five bands. The production will definitely appeal to biggest challenge was learning all the lines MBAS principal, John Wright, says the
years, “For Today - the 100% Kiwi High School those who love Kiwi music. and cues and how it all works together in production has been a huge undertaking and
Musical,” and everyone involved is bursting The cast and crew are made up of a wide mix a performance. One of 11 dancers, Indaria the effort gone in from the students has been
with excitement. The 76-strong cast and crew of students from the MBAS middle and senior Bainbridge-Davies (Year 10), who has been remarkable. He encouraged everyone in the
are busily honing their last-minute lines, cues, schools, including those studying performing dancing since she was two years of age, community to come along and support them.
dance routines and songs for a production arts technology, dance and music. But because says that the challenge for her has been the Opening night for the show is this Thursday,
which will have their audience toe tapping to the production was open audition, it has been unpredictability of working with a live band and 17 June at 6:30 pm in the school hall. A matinee
Kiwi classics from the likes of Dave Dobbyn, an opportunity for all students wanting to give live music as opposed to recordings. performance earlier that afternoon is already
Bik Runga, Fred Dagg and Split Enz. it a go. The lead male is not even into drama, All say the best thing about taking on a sold out. There are further evening performances
For Today - written and scored by Kiwi, but he is putting himself out there. In fact, all the
production like this is the camaraderie that on Friday 18 and Saturday, 19 June at 6:30pm.
Hamish Arthur - is loosely based on “High students are putting themselves out there.
I spoke with a few of the cast and crew, has been built through the many rehearsals Tickets are $10 for children and students,
School Musical,” with a story that speaks of
an ex-rugby star who has been involved with including student conductor of the band, Charli and teamwork, which is bringing students who and $15 for adults. Children under five are
an accidental loss of a friend. On returning to McDougall (Year 12), who has the massive previously had no connections closer together. free. Tickets can be purchased at Mercury Bay
school, rather than play rugby, he has joined the challenge of keeping the band and ensemble Many new friendships have formed that will Pharmacy in Albert Street, Whitianga or at the
school choir so that he can meet and get close all in sync in a large production. Ironically, endure well beyond when the curtain falls on MBAS front office.
to a new and popular girl, who was previously her biggest challenge is getting the students to
involved with another boy connected to wrap their heads around music that some had
the accident. never heard. I say ironically because what is Mercury Bay Area School would like to thank the following sponsors and
The show is full of action, romance and unfamiliar music to these guys are classics to individuals for their support of “For Today - the 100% Kiwi High School Musical”
drama, all set to a score of contemporary songs most Kiwi adults. Pounamu Sponsors - The Mercury Bay Informer and Peninsula Roofing and Scaffolding.
Gold Sponsors - Connected Electrical, Ideal Building Coromandel, PlaceMakers Whitianga, Peanuts
Childcare, Bayleys Whitianga, Mercury Bay Optometrist, Dive Zone Whitianga, En Pointe Dance Studio,
All About Whitianga and Guthrie Bowron Whitianga.
Silver Sponsors - Fun Zone Whitianga, Richardsons Real Estate, Percival Construction, OP Columbia,
Evolution Fitness, Nautical Holmes, HAMR Home, The Lost Spring, Accounting By Design, Mercury Bay
Medical Centre, Peninsula Test & Tag and STUDIO 77.
Pewter Sponsors - Van de Ven Builders, Cyber Research, PC Electrical, Subway, Wild Wood Mini Golf
Chops Landscaping Maintenance Design, Q’s Plumbing, Black Jack Surf, East Coast Automotive, Willis
Electrical, Elements Construction, Gathered Co, Diode Electrical Services, Peninsula Auto Electric &
Marine, Coro Oyster Co, Remax, New World Whitianga, Colenso Café Shop Orchard and Coastal Signs.
Bronze Sponsors - Mercury Bay Pharmacy, Jenny Bloom, Mercury Bay Museum, Marguerite Muellers
Counselling, Korimako Creative, Hula Café, The AutoBarn, Reina Cottier Art, Planners Plus, Whitianga
Tractors, Firefly Graphic Design, Kempaint, Mercury Bay Marine, Advanced Auto Electrical & Marine,
Good Energy, Mercury Bay Club, Ohlson & Whitelaw, Evolution Tattoo Studio NZ, Love It Bakery, Dekker
Construction, Stronglite Event Hire, Peninsula Business Services, GJ Gardner Thames/Coromandel,
JTEC Consulting, Gold Collective and Dave Rhodes Productions.
The cast and crew of “For Today - the 100% Kiwi High School Musical,” the Mercury Bay Special Thanks - To our bright memories: Dorothy and Duncan McDonald, Joanna Mannington,
Area School musical stage show that will be performed from Thursday this week. Mark Irwin, Creative Mercury Bay, Ace Panel and Paint, Coromandel FM and A1 Towing.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 16 June to Wednesday, 23 June - Venus makes a lovely sight low in the west after sunset. As the twin of Earth in many respects,
it appears very bright with its perpetual cloud cover. The US Magellan satellite launched back in 1989 used radar to penetrate the clouds and revealed
a very active surface covered in volcanoes, many flat topped like Mt Tarawera or Ngongotaha near Rotorua. Later satellites have suggested that many
of the Venusian volcanoes may still be active. The only other place in the solar system known to have active volcanoes today is Jupiter’s moon, Io.
The International Space Station (ISS) makes some bright evening passes this week too. Wednesday, 16 June - Bright Venus, reddish Mars and the
crescent Moon all form a line in the dusk sky as they travel along the ecliptic with the Moon high up in Leo. Friday, 18 June - The ISS makes a brief pass
from 6:49pm in the NW. Sunday, 20 June - The ISS makes a bright pass from 6:52pm in the NW and disappears into the Earth’s shadow just past the Astronomy Tours and B&B
Southern Cross near to Alpha Centauri, our closest star. Monday, 21 June - The ISS has a lovely pass starting from 8:04pm in the NW right next to Venus, Phone (07) 866 5343
passing high overhead and disappearing next to Scorpio’s tail at 8:10pm. Wednesday, 23 June - The ISS makes a bright overhead pass from 6:07pm
starting in the NW near to Venus again. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
nzwindows.co.nz
4 Dakota Drive
Whitianga
Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021
Conversations must continue
about the future of our oceans
Organisers of a public meeting aimed at shining the spotlight on the distressed state of the Hauraki
Gulf is urging Coromandel residents to continue the conversation in order to build momentum
for action.
Sharyn Morcom, one of a team of people behind the “Our Oceans - Our Future” meeting which
attracted more than 200 people to C3 Church in Whitianga on 5 June, says the large turnout and
seeing the display of passion over the issue made her hopeful that the will is now there to find
solutions. “The feedback we have had is that people really appreciated the educational aspect of the
meeting, hearing the science and were now asking where to from here,” she says.
A diverse panel of experts, and environmental and community leaders came together at the event
to paint a dismal picture of a deteriorating marine environment, including declining stocks of many
species, pollution and damage. The case was made that large sections of the Gulf need to become
marine reserves to afford the sort of protection required to promote recovery.
However, Sharyn says there is still a long way to go. “Because of the large numbers in attendance,
we didn’t get to have the kind of open discussions that I would have liked to see and I think are
necessary,” she says.
Sharyn is hoping a new Facebook group, “Coromandel Ocean Protection,” which has been set up to
continue the conversation will be a good forum for this. There has already been a significant level of
engagement in the group where a video of the hui can also be viewed.
The action was inspired by Ngāti Hei’s rāhui on the scallop beds at Opito Bay which garnered cross-
community support.
“We want to hear from our locals about how they feel as regards what is happening, what their
observations are, the changes they have seen and what they would like to see happen going
forward,” Sharyn says. “I think it is clear we cannot just keep going down the road we are on,
we need to change course. We cannot accept that what is happening in our oceans is just normal,
it is not. I hope we are now on a road towards identifying solutions.”
Pictured is the audience at the meeting on 5 June. Photo courtesy of the Coromandel Ocean Protection
Facebook group.
699 - 15
Issue 954 27 June
July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Anita Prime shocked and humbled to receive Queen’s Service Medal By Gillian O’Neill “We’re not on this earth for very long, so I Her main focus currently is Na Ihowa Ahau, just feel like I want to do the best I can while a weekly life skills and Christian values- I am here.” based youth group in Whitianga which It’s a simple philosophy that Whitianga now attracts up to 50 students each week. singer-songwriter and volunteer youth Anita runs the sessions with a team of worker, Anita Prime, says inspires her. volunteer helpers and Countdown have also However, it has fuelled an extraordinary helped out with sponsorship. “We have some passion and commitment that has been food and we play games, we sing songs, recognised at the highest level with her sometimes we have videos and we talk about being awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for positive skills that we can use in our everyday services to youth and the community in the lives,” Anita says. recent Queen’s Birthday honours list. Anita believes the wider community has a “I couldn’t believe it,” Anita says. “I knew role in “linking arms” with whānau, especially that I had been nominated by a student of when it comes to teenagers. “Having raised mine, but I never thought for a second I would three teenagers, I know from experience they be selected. There are so many others, even get to the stage where they often don’t want to in the circle of people I work with regularly, listen to their parents, so it is important they who could have received this, so I am blown have other supporters and role models around away and totally humbled.” and places where they feel they belong.” The singer, songwriter and CEO of Prime Previously, Anita helped establish Team X Music Academy has undertaken charitable in Palmerston North which partnered with work in several New Zealand communities local schools to provide life skills through and performed at numerous charitable peer education, particularly for at-risk youth. Whitianga singer-songwriter and community worker, Anita Prime, who was awarded concerts. Having enjoyed success in her This team became the second most utilised a Queen’s Service Medal in the recent Queen’s Birthday honours list. musical career, she says she has a strong youth agency in the Manawatu supporting Despite only making the permanent move a community that believes in looking out for desire to give back through supporting young around 600 young people. few years ago, Anita says she has felt like one another. This, along with her deep faith, people to feel connected to their community, In 2008, Anita worked with a group of part of the Mercury Bay community for a continually motivates her to try and make including understanding and taking pride young Māori to write and produce a song that lot longer. “My grandparents had a place at a difference. “There are amazing people in the role they can play within it. “Since received radio air play. Wharekaho and we came here every summer,” here doing incredible things,” she says. moving to Whitianga five years ago, that has She has also established a community she says. “I also have cousins who are Ngāti “They certainly aren’t thinking about getting really been my main priority, I do just enough gospel choir in Whitianga, provides free Hei. I remember going over the hill when it a medal when they do what they do, in fact work to pay the bills and then the rest of my singing lessons for children from low-income was just a track and all the dust would fly they don’t seek any reward. They are just time I can spend volunteering and working households and sponsors children with everywhere. I have many great memories.” trying to do the best they can and that’s what with the kids,” she says. musical potential. Anita says she feels lucky to be part of a I’m doing too.” Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021
Issue 954 - 15 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
St John to benefit from
Town Garage Sale
As is every year the case, the Mercury Bay Area School primary school leaders were given
the opportunity to choose the charity that will receive this year’s Whitianga Town Garage Sale
registration fees. The garage sale took place over Queen’s Birthday Weekend and an amount of
$225 was available to donate.
After some deliberation, the students decided on Friday last week that the money should go
to St John Whitianga. They said they know how busy St John is and they are aware of news
reports highlighting the ambulance service’s plight for more funding.
Pictured are the students who made the decision. Back, from the left - Ward Coleman,
Theo Costello, Tia Samuel, Te Atakohu-Hine Rhodes, Annabelle Kline and Marlie Candelaria.
Front - Riley Flynn, Skye Condon, Sasha Lim and Charlotte Allen.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021
Letters to the Editor
See page 10 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Meeting about the wellbeing of our moana was declared unlawful by the High Court, with a clear direction that public consultation
A huge shout out to the almost 200 people who packed the C3 Church hall on Queens Birthday should occur.
Saturday to attend the community meeting about the wellbeing of our moana. I was proud that When consulted, the public can point out that some emission reduction actions will save
we were all able to meet together in such a spirit of goodwill. ratepayer funds. For example, the installation of solar on Waikato Regional Council’s Paeroa
We heard from speakers representing Ngāti Hei, recreational and commercial fishers, regional office roof will have a net saving of $101,623 and avoid 83 tons of CO2 emissions.
government, the Hauraki Gulf Forum, Sea Change, marine reserve science and conservation Denis Tegg
initiatives. Many viewpoints and a lot of data to absorb, but for me it was the karakia and Thames
opening by the youngsters from Mercury Bay Area school who really made the strongest plea
for us adults to seek collective solutions to ensure future generations can experience a healthy Dear Editor - Sedimentation caused by pine forests
sea filled with marine biodiversity. Ideas are already flowing for positive follow up actions. In March 1995, an exhausted cyclone passed down the eastern coastline of the Coromandel.
In the meantime, please make a submission to the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan review It brought with it non-damaging rain and a two-day period of a strong easterly going south-
(this round is closing on Friday, 18 June.) Find details of the review and keep in touch via the easterly that lashed Northland, Coromandel and the East Cape coastlines. It created a period of
“Coromandel Ocean Protection” Facebook page. If you were unable to attend, a video of the five to six metre swells that poured into Mercury Bay in the usual spectacular fashion.
meeting is also posted there. In a way, that south-easterly storm was not unlike the beating that we have just experienced,
Anna Horne perhaps not quite as strong but with a very different outcome. After the first 24 hours of that
Whitianga 1995 gale, Wharekaho/Simpsons Beach was littered with thousands of displaced shellfish
of all varieties along with starfish coral, sponges, crabs etc, but dominated by thousands of
Dear Editor - Why do we live in Mercury Bay? mussels all struggling to stay alive after being left high and dry by the falling tide. It looked
We live in Mercury Bay in an environment the rest of the world envies. We are flooded with like a bombsite.
people who want a taste of what they believe they may have lost. If we ignore what brings I have a very rough idea of the number of mussels washed up because with my mate, Mark
people here, we lose that. Our way of life is enviable and we are in danger of throwing it away. Savage from Washington, USA, we gathered 24 fish boxes of live mussels and returned them
There is a concern that we don’t entice our youth to stay, but we buy their loyalty with to the Simpsons Beach reefs.
concrete. Let’s re-evaluate whether skateparks and other urban developments are our best In complete contrast - as far as I can ascertain with my family’s search efforts along with
solutions. Surely, we can show them why we came or stayed in the first place. Let’s show our neighbours friends and beach wanderers - we have not been able to find any more than 12
youth why we live here. mussels - let alone a crab, starfish or any other marine animal - that may have existed on the
Christine Gilbert Simpsons Reef before this current storm. And we looked for three days.
Cooks Beach What possibly could be the reason for this change in outcome? It could be said that human
Dear Editor - Consultation on the climate crisis greed is to blame, but humans rarely take starfish and sponges.
Alastair Brickell thinks it is “scandalous” (in a Letter to the Editor published in The Informer I suspect that sedimentation is to blame. But sedimentation has been with us forever and it
of 8 June) that Thames Coromandel District Council is consulting the public on the climate is only in the last 20 or so years that our reef community ecologies have been falling away.
crisis - the greatest ever threat to human civilization. So could it be a change in the material of the sedimentation?
Alistair is totally out of step with public opinion. A local survey had 81 percent agreeing I therefore pose the question - could it possibly be the establishment of pine forests on the
that Thames-Coromandel District Council should reduce its own emissions and a Hawkes Bay Coromandel Peninsula that is the reason for the destruction of our coastal marine ecologies?
Regional Council survey had 55 percent saying they would pay more on their rates to address Whatever it is, we need to do something and quick.
the climate crisis. Chuck Edwards
Responsibility for costs lies with TCDC itself. Council’s previous decision-making Wharekaho
4
Issue 954 - 15 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
John Saunders - a heart for the community By Whitianga resident, Dorothy Preece Whitianga resident, John Saunders, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, 6 June, aged 80. He leaves behind his wife, Madeleine, and their two sons. John and Madeleine were married in England in 1963 and the young couple arrived in New Zealand in 1970. John taught physics at Edgecumbe College, which he continued to do when he and Madeleine purchased 20 acres of land in Otakiri in the early 1980s, where they developed a successful kiwifruit orchard. In 1995, John and Madeleine moved to Ohope Beach and John took up a teaching position at Trident High School in Whakatane where for 10 years he was head of computer studies. John and Madeleine came to Whitianga in 2005 and very soon became part of the community. John joined Evakona Language School teaching maths and science. He became the deputy head of Evakona and held that position until Christmas 2020, when he was diagnosed with a serious illness. John was keen on physical fitness and could be found working out at the gym at 5:30am most days, while spending all his “leisure hours” working for diverse good causes. John brought a clear head to many community committees. Beginning in 2010, John served as secretary for the steering committee to set up the Mercury Bay Community Bus, a project which Madeleine now coordinates. Always very generous with his time, John worked tirelessly in support of the many organisations in which he became involved, including the Whitianga Lions, the Mercury Bay Golf Club where he was men’s captain for two years, the Mercury Bay Table Tennis Club and the Mercury Bay Historical Society, where for some years he was the treasurer. With Madeleine, John served on the committee for the Mercury Bay Community Christmas Dinner, putting in endless voluntary hours. In addition, he wholeheartedly supported Madeleine in her role at the St Andrew’s Church Op-Shop. In 2014, John joined the Mercury Bay Bowling Club and found the sport that he loved the most. He organised members’ roll-up days and in November last year, he won the Club Championship Men’s Pairs with Des Dwight. On Closing Day this year (Sunday, 16 May), John was part of the winning triples team for the Margaret Jones Trophy and his name is now on the club honours board. John Saunders was a man of quiet humour, few words and plenty of action. Many in the community will mourn his passing and he will be sadly missed. John Saunders, one of Whitianga’s most dedicated volunteers, passed away on Sunday, 6 June. Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021
The Small-time Investor
By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
Lemonade
The sharemarkets are ticking along very is paid out in a claim, then it’s given back and
steadily. Currently I’m up 2.77 percent, which if it’s not part of a claim, it goes to a charity
is $133.04. My top performer is EBOS, up 50 decided by the customer.
percent, and my worst performer is Sunrun, This means there is no conflict between the
down 46.9 percent. company and the insurers. If they pay or don’t
Twenty-three of my picks are up and 15 pay a claim, it doesn’t change the profits of
are down. Last week’s pick, LAM Research, the company. This changes the conversation
is down 0.7 percent. My New Zealand shares from greedy insurance companies not paying
are carrying the day as my American growth out their responsibilities to us working
and technology shares have not yet recovered together for the greater good.
from their recent slump. I like that as a philosophy and I like the
This week I am going to purchase USD52 creative thinking that has gone into this
of Lemonade. This is a relatively new company. They are small and their shares are
American company that is looking to shake expensive, but I like the chances of a long-
up the insurance markets. term good return.
The company uses artificial intelligence
The risks are that the company doesn’t have
to set pricing for insurance and you set up
a big moat. I imagine it would be easy for
your insurance through an app. It offers
other insurance companies to pivot towards
pet, and life home and renter’s insurance.
using the flat fee model and installing artificial
The line on their website that made me giggle
was, “Replace brokers and bureaucracy with intelligence to price and offer insurance.
bots and machine learning, aiming for zero Will the large insurance companies
paperwork and instant everything.” change and copy the small newcomer or
Looking to disrupt a huge financial system will they move too late and find Lemonade a
with new ways of approaching the customer, new threat?
saving money and utilising big data to be This week I am investing my NZD75 or
more efficient, I see some real potential for USD52 into Lemonade.
this new company. They are firmly targeting Please remember that what I write in
their marketing at the millennials and when this column is all my personal opinion.
they began, they did this by only focusing on Some of my investments are losing money.
renter’s insurance. I am sharing my thoughts and strategies
Lemonade encourages everyone to look along with my results so that you can see how
carefully at their insurance. They claim a flat easy it is to invest, even a small amount, and
fee on their insurance, the rest of the money maybe learn from my mistakes. Be careful
is considered as belonging to the insurer. If it with your money.
Issue 954 - 15 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Why not join the Creative
Peninsula Past - 1923 Mercury Bay team?
Every now and again, Informer contributor, on the 13th day of the month. A contribution by Creative Mercury Bay
Meghan Hawkes, reads through the The future prospects of Tairua looked Creative Mercury Bay (CMB) is reaching team are planning events for the second
newspapers that circulated in Mercury Bay very bright. Dilapidated fences had been out to Mercury Bay residents to join its team half of 2021 and need more performing arts
and on the Coromandel Peninsula in earlier removed, plots ploughed and unpainted shacks of volunteers. enthusiasts to help carry out this mahi.
years. Here are several interesting snippets of demolished. A better class of house and modern Since 2012, CMB has delivered an annual Already on the team are, in addition
history she uncovered from 1923. bungalows were being constructed giving the programme of performing arts events and to Anusha (who’s also the marketing
A great ball of fire struck the telegraph town a prosperous appearance. wānanga to the Mercury Bay community coordinator), Cathy Aronson (trustee), Jan
Steamers were delayed in rivers due to low (music, theatre and dance). It is the only Wright (trustee), Clayton Gould (committee),
wire about a mile from the Colville Post
tides caused by constant westerlies. The tides group in Mercury Bay with a dedication Dave Rhodes (committee and treasurer) and
Office during the height of a violent storm.
interfered with the running of many of the small to creating a lively performing arts scene, Kerryn Wakelin (event administrator).
An explosion of the telegraph pole followed,
coastal craft that maintained regular services so locals don’t have to travel to the cities. “Our current team is small, but highly
splintering the insulators and the cross arm
to the river ports and out ports. The Pono, The team is looking to increase their kete motivated,” says Anusha. “We’ve got fresh
into hundreds of pieces and scattering them for
bringing cargo to Whangapoua, Kennedy’s of skills and experience, so people with new ideas, drive and ambition and we’re
many feet.
Bay and Port Charles was delayed after getting diverse skill sets are encouraged to volunteer. looking for more locals who are keen and
A spectator more than half a mile away said stuck on a mud bank and waited days for an
the noise was equal to the explosion of a case “CMB has always been a community willing to lend a hand. Naturally, you will be
opportunity to sail. initiative, run by locals for locals,” says a fan of the performing arts and will want to
of dynamite and for quite 10 minutes his ears Several areas of Crown land were lying
were full of reverberations. An insulator bolt Anusha Bhana, chair of CMB. “So any advocate for its place in Mercury Bay. Plus
idle and a road from Coroglen to Karaka at
was burnt down to the size of a two-inch nail. skills you can bring to the table would you must be genuinely passionate and willing
Thames was investigated. The proposed route
A hole nearly five feet across was torn in the be awesome.” to contribute to the Mercury Bay community.”
would climb up the Karaka and follow steep
ground at the foot of the pole. The fire ball The past 12 months were hugely successful Positions available include trustee,
grades rising to a height of several hundred feet
continued its course through a ploughed field for CMB, despite the challenges of COVID-19 committee member and casual volunteer, and
higher than the present Tapu-Coroglen Road,
and was last seen travelling towards the hills, and would require expensive formation
lockdowns and the halt on live events. some of the specific skills needed include
at an immense speed. through heavy country. Together the team produced the popular fundraising/grant writing and finance.
The full severity of the storm was felt on In view of the fact there were two trans- online performing arts series, “Bubble Bites,” “We know that most people have day jobs
the gulf of the Coromandel Peninsula and it Peninsula roads to complete - Tapu to born out of a desire to connect performing and other commitments, so we want to make
greatly damaged the road to Thames. Coroglen and Kauaeranga to Tairua - the idea artists with their audiences during the Level 4 joining our team as flexible as possible,”
The new light tower on Ohena Island, was quashed. The Thames County Council lockdown, at a time when live performances says Anusha. “This means you can give as
opposite Mercury Bay, had been completed was finding it difficult enough to maintain 15 were not possible. In February 2021, they much or as little time as a volunteer, whatever
and was to be lighted for the first time. It was to miles of coast road from Thames to Waikawau produced Whiti Fest, Mercury Bay’s first suits you best.”
be a great advantage to vessels using the inner without the addition of another road. summer busking festival, showcasing 20 If you’re unable to volunteer but are still
passage up and down the East Coast. The light Two lady visitors bound for Whangamata local performing artists of various ages across interested in contributing to CMB’s work,
showed a one second flash and was obscured reached Hikutaia but owing to heavy weather five locations in the Whitianga Town Centre. you can become a CMB sponsor or make
for five seconds. were stranded there. When they could leave, A partnership with THINK Coromandel Gig a donation.
When the Tairua Co-operative Dairy they were accompanied by a gentleman. Guide saw them stage the Ebony Lamb and To express your interest in either a short-
Company opened its 1923/24 season, They were warned of a very bad slip but Gram Antler gig in October 2020 to a sold-out term or long-term volunteer role, or to become
some large suppliers were not quite ready due decided to risk it. It presented some difficulties audience, as well as a sold-out performance a sponsor/donor, please email Anusha at
to rough weather and a total absence of grass to the ladies but they pluckily attempted it of the Auckland Youth Orchestra in chair@creativemercurybay.co.nz or call her
growth but the quantity of cream received at and managed to get over, receiving a liberal March 2021. on (022) 328 71912 for a chat.
the factory was entirely satisfactory. There was plastering of mud. The rivers had gone down Overall the year's events reached an online For more info, visit the CMB website,
some superstition, though, around the strange considerably and they finally arrived at their and in-person audience of over 20,000 people. creativemercurybay.co.nz, and stay connected
coincidence of 13 cans of cream being received destination in good heart. On the back of this success, the CMB with CMB via Facebook and Instagram.
The Mercury Bay Informer is published weekly on Tuesday afternoons and is distributed
throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. What’s that Number?
Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 24 hours .....................................................111
entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when
accompanied by the author’s name and surname, telephone number and residential address. Police (Whitianga) ........................................................................................866 4000
Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher. Police (Tairua) ..............................................................................................864 8888
Statement of scientific fact needs to be accompanied by evidence of the fact. Police (Coromandel Town) ...........................................................................866 1190
Published by Mercury Bay Media Limited Fight crime anonymously - Call Crime Stoppers .................................0800 555 111
Editor - Stephan Bosman, Chief Reporter - Gillian O’Neill Dog and Noise Control ................................................................................868 0200
Contributors - Meghan Hawkes, Jack Biddle, Anusha Bhana, Suzanne Hansen Civil Defence ...............................................................................................868 0200
and Tony Stickley Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) ....................................................866 5911
Advertiser Management - Petra Bosman and Alex Kennedy, Medical Centre (Tairua).................................................................................864 8737
Administration - Diane Lodge
Need to talk? Call/text anytime for support from a trained counsellor..............1737
Office 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Mail PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542
Telephone (07) 866 2090, Fax (07) 866 2092
Harbourmaster (Whitianga) ..................................................................027 476 2651
Editorial email info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising email sales@theinformer.co.nz Coastguard Radio Operators ......................................................................866 2883
Whitianga Social Services ...........................................................................866 4476
ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2021 Mercury Bay Media Limited
Whitianga Locksmith Services .............................................................027 446 6921
The Mercury Bay Informer is subject to the principles of the New Zealand
Media Council. Please contact us first if you have concerns about any
of the editorial content published in The Informer. If we were unable to
address your concerns to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with
ONLINE POLL FOR JUNE 2021
the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or
www.presscouncil.org.nz.
Do you have any concerns about
See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook.
being vaccinated against COVID-19?
in the night sky, and the Whitianga and
Hot Water Beach tides.
Follow us on Twitter.
Check us out on Instagram. Have your say at www.theinformer.co.nz.
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021Issue 954 - 15 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11
Museum Musings
It has been a busy time at the Mercury Bay community who gave not only the resources
Museum recently with arrival of not one or to “build” the tank we needed, but also gave
two, but now six pieces of timber that we their time to us for free to clear the site, create
believe are from the wreck of HMS Buffalo. the tank and then fill it -
Over the weekend of 28 May, we received a • Steve and Ray - Steve’s Building
total of five timbers that were collected from Maintenance.
the beach with the community’s assistance. • Peter - Ground Prep.
These pieces of wood have been laying at • Ted and the team - Carters Building
the museum under tarpaulins, staying wet Supplies.
by way of daily hosings by the museum • Matthew and Steve - Whitianga Water
volunteer team. Cartage.
Then just last week, we received another We would also like to say thank you to
piece that was found north of the Taputapuatea the members of the community who have
Stream (Mother Brown’s Creek) and we were contacted us about the timbers and for keeping
called in to pick it up. Thanks to Hirini from a lookout on the beach for any further pieces
Thames-Coromandel District Council for of wood that may wash ashore. It is amazing
helping to retrieve it. to have these wonderful pieces of our local
So what do we have to do with these history here in the museum for us to care for
timbers? While we wait for a maritime and learn from.
archaeologist and timber conservator to We will update everyone again on the
arrive, they have advised us to place the wood progress of the wood as soon as we have
in a 50/50 mix of salt and fresh water to allow the funding available to do an assessment/
a desalination process to start. conservation plan. You can also follow
We put out a call late last week for help our progress on the Mercury Bay Museum
to create the space for this and now these Facebook page.
timbers have a temporary home to lie in. Until next time,
We want to say a huge thank you to the Rebecca Cox
following members of our wonderful Mercury Bay Museum Manager
Timber from the wreck of HMS Buffalo in a holding tank that was created with
assistance from members of the Mercury Bay community.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021Issue 954 - 15 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13
Returning to their native Christchurch after
years of service to the Hahei community
By Tony Stickley
After years of selfless service to the Hahei Patrol, though they admit there was little to
community, Gilbert and Christine Bannan are do in law-abiding Hahei.
returning to their native Christchurch to be For the past eight years, Gilbert has served
closer to family. on the Grange Road Private Water Supply
Over the past 28 years, the couple have Committee and was also on the Hahei
been involved in virtually all aspects of Emergency Response Team, which produced
Hahei village life and their departure will a pamphlet telling locals what to do and
leave a huge void that will be difficult to fill. where to go in an emergency. For a couple of
After first buying a property in the village in years, he was also on the Hahei Residents and
1993, they finally made it their home full- Ratepayers Association, where a major focus
time in 2010. was on providing parking and managing
Undoubtedly, one of their greatest tourists going to Cathedral Cove, and was
achievements was the setting up four years also involved with the village’s park-and-ride
ago of a trust to construct a memorial garden shuttle to Cathedral Cove.
at Kotare Reserve, in close consultation with Now, after many years of volunteerism,
Thames Coromandel District Council and the couple have decided it is time to let
Ngāti Hei. others take over. “We are not going to be
Gilbert called on his finance background doing any volunteering in Christchurch,” said
to organise the fundraising of the $40,000 Christine. “We are going to have a rest and
to $45,000 needed to establish the garden, finally retire.”
with donations from the community, Lotto, Gilbert praised the 24 volunteer groups
Pub Charity and the council. The reserve that are being relied on to keep Hahei so
features a rock wall in a tranquil garden well-presented and appealing to tourists.
setting where people can buy a plaque to “We have unique destinations that overseas
commemorate a loved one. It is often used people would expect to pay to visit,” he said.
Gilbert and Christine Bannan are returning to Christchurch after a 28-year association with Hahei.
by locals and visitors alike as a place of “That money could be used to get facilities
quiet contemplation. there, but perhaps unknown, and once they Gilbert (who admits being unable to paint to upgraded to a good standard instead of having
This year, for the first time ever, an ANZAC were offered the opportunity, people of all save his life) was previously a trustee of the to rely on the hard work of local volunteers
Day service was held in Hahei, taking place ages came along in their droves.” Mercury Bay Art Escape, working closely all the time. I think we are selling ourselves
in the memorial garden, after Gilbert sought Most of Gilbert’s career in finance was with a coordinator who managed the artists short by not charging for people to visit some
approval from the Mercury Bay RSA. with local councils around the country and and the annual Mercury Bay-wide open of our premier destinations, because some of
But unlike the traditional dawn service, later with an Auckland share-broking firm, studios. Other volunteer activities he has been them are absolutely unique.”
it was held at 10:30am to make it more- while Christine did secretarial work and also involved with include the Hahei Reserves The couple are returning to Christchurch
family friendly and easier for people who trained as a counsellor. Group - weeding, planting and keeping for family reasons, but say they will miss
wanted to pay their respect, but could not Christine, who was a volunteer librarian roadside reserves spick and span. “We have the many friends they have made in Hahei
make it to the dawn service in Whitianga. when they first moved to Hahei, is an a nice, tidy little village because of what the over the past 28 years. “It also means that we
“It was unbelievable,” said Christine. “We had accomplished artist, having one year been volunteers do,” he said. will be able to go and watch the champion
200 to 300 people just pour into the reserve. joint winner of the “People’s Choice” award Both Gilbert and Christine have involved Crusaders on a more regular basis,” Gilbert
I think we tapped into a desire which was in the annual Mercury Bay Art Escape. themselves in the Mercury Bay Community said with a smile.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021Issue 954
699 - 15
27 June
July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15What’s On In the next few weeks
Regular Activities Phone (07) 866 5476 for more information.
Op-Shops Whitianga Art Group
• Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for
(west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information.
• The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to AA Driver Licensing
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga.
• St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga
10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga.
Justice of the Peace Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely.
Available every Monday (except public holidays) from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Check out our Facebook page or phone (027) 294 1750 for more information.
Bookings not necessary. Phone 866 4476 for more information. Cooks Beach Garden Circle
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Meet the last Thursday of every month from 11:15am - 2:30pm. New members welcome. Phone Leila on 866 3264 or
10:00am - 2:00pm. Anne on 866 0268 for more information.
Whitianga Senior Citizens Club Alcoholics Anonymous
Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone
etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.
Whitianga Playcentre Serenity Al-Anon Group
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon at 1D White Street, Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by
free entry. Visitors welcome. someone else’s drinking.
Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) ICONZ for Girls
Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Every Tuesday during the school term from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at The Dwelling, Coghill Street, Whitianga. For girls 8 - 13
Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information.
SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated ICONZ (for Boys)
Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Every Tuesday during the school term from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at The Dwelling, Coghill Street, Whitianga. For boys 5 - 10
computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information.
(027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. Scottish Country Dancing
Chinwag Café - Every Friday from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over Meets every Tuesday from 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the Supper Room of the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Phone Anthea
50s to meet other people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag. on 866 4516 or (021) 158 1522 for more information.
Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club
Meet every Wednesday at 1:00pm and every Thursday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga.
Phone Gavin on (07) 866 2343 or (021) 146 9203 for more information. Mercury Bay Area School Production - “For Today - the 100% Kiwi High School Musical”
Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club Thursday, 17 June - Saturday, 19 June at 6:30pm each night. Tickets $15 adults, $10 children/students,
Meets every Thursday at 6:45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Come along and join in or phone Alan on Under 5 free, available from the MBAS office (EFTPOS only) or Mercury Bay Pharmacy.
866 4024 or Cheryl on 0274 527887 for more information. Thames Valley First XV Rugby - Saturday, 19 June
Mercury Bay Pickleball Club Mercury Bay Area School v Paeroa College in Paeroa. Kick-off at 11:15am.
Meets every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per Thames Valley Senior Rugby - Saturday, 19 June
session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available. Mercury Bay Senior A Marlins v Paeroa in Paeroa. Kick-off at 2:00pm.
Mercury Bay Tennis Club
Mercury Bay Senior B v Paeroa in Paeroa. Kick-off at 2:00pm.
Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga.
Mercury Bay Table Tennis #UsTwo - Six Decades of Sisterhood
Meets every Tuesday from 9:00am - 11:30am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on Saturday, 19 June at 7:30pm at the Coghill Theatre, Coghill Street, Whitianga. A play by former Green Party
(07) 869 5162 or (027) 565 5575 for more information. MP and Coromandel Peninsula resident, Catherine Delahunty, and her sister, Sarah, about their respective
Mercury Bay Badminton journeys through life. Tickets $15 - $20, available at the door.
Meets every Wednesday from 9:30am - 11:00am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021Issue 954
699 - 15
27 June
July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Crossword Puzzle 954
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________
Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
their prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week
following the issue in which they were announced the winner.
ACROSS DOWN
1. Village’s population 1. Salad leaf vegetable
5. Suitor
7. Thin candle 2. Rink
8. Musical pitch 3. Learn for exam
9. Skin irritation 4. Spreads out untidily
10. Curtain
11. Restive 5. Shorter
13. Brave deed 6. Hail as
14. More effortless
18. Be thrifty
12. Witness (event)
21. Karate blow 15. Religious non-belief
22. Lessens 16. Brings from overseas
24. Circle (planet)
25. Load-bearing post 17. Hare relatives
26. Become weary 19. Male swan
27. Final figure 20. Crayon drawings
28. Rock band’s sound
boosters 22. Coral isle
29. Long-handled spoons 23. Behaved
Last week’s solution
Last week’s winner - Andrea Foster
“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week)
“Inā te reka o taua kai!” - That food was really nice!
Saying of the week supplied by Te Puna Reo o Whitianga - a playgroup with a focus on Māori tikanga and te reo Māori.
The group meets every Monday at 9:00am at the old dental clinic at Mercury Bay Area School. All those with pēpi or young tamariki are welcome to join.
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021“Covid refugee” says goodbye
Scott’s Thoughts with golf tournament
By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel
Over the past few weeks, three community our remote coastal communities still do not
meetings have been held in Whitianga to have reliable connectivity and some people do
discuss important issues facing our region not have cell phones. A system that is entirely
now and into the future. digital is too prone to technical failures.
I and about 200 others were at the “Our My preferred outcome is the continuation
Oceans - Our Future” meeting to discuss of the current sirens alongside the proposed
the state of our marine environment. Sadly, digital alerts.
the meeting reinforced what we already Finally, last month I held a community
knew - by every measure the Hauraki Gulf meeting at the Mercury Bay Boating Club.
is declining. Fish stocks are lower and water And even with the huge sea swells outside,
quality is worse. There was much frustration it was good to catch up with everyone.
at the meeting, especially as there has been We had a great turnout and people were
a lot of work done over the years to create rightly concerned about the level of
a plan for the Hauraki Gulf’s restoration centralisation we are seeing from the
and reinstatement. This resulted in the “Sea government. Changes that are taking place in
Change” plan released in 2017, but the education, health and local government are
government has done nothing with the report removing decision making processes from
and issued no response to it. local communities. We’ve had centralised
So, if nothing else, the meeting highlighted systems before. They didn’t work then and
that lack of action. People at the meeting they won’t work now.
fronted up to the fact that situation is bad
for the Hauraki Gulf. Now we need the
government to act with urgency and take
the necessary steps to protect our marine
environment. Mercury Bay Golf Club’s “Covid refugee” - George Still, who came to Whitianga from the UK for an extended
Last Saturday, a meeting in Whitianga holiday before the coronavirus pandemic struck - will be returning to his home country on Thursday
discussed the future of tsunami sirens on this week.
the Coromandel Peninsula. People are really During his time in Mercury Bay, George became a passionate golfer and won several club competitions.
upset with Thames-Coromandel District To thank the club members for their hospitality over the past 19 months, George hosted a men and
Council’s decision to remove the tsunami ladies stableford tournament called the “Covid Refugee Cup” last Sunday. Thirty-eight club members
siren alert system. This change was signalled participated in wet conditions.
earlier this year and I have had many people George designed the cup - with its pedestal arguably the heaviest trophy in amateur golf in New
contact me with their worries about turning Zealand - himself.
the sirens off. I share these concerns. The Once the scores were finalised, Richard Schofield was declared the winner of the trophy with a score of 41.
plan now is to just rely on the digital warning He was followed by Brett Proctor on 40 and Graham Dun on 38.
system that goes to cell phones. Too many of Coromandel MP, Scott Simpson. Pictured is George (left) and Richard with the Covid Refugee Cup on Sunday afternoon.
Issue 954 - 15 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19Sudoku
Sudoku Puzzle 954
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________
Win two Trumpet ice creams. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
their prize from Buffalo Beach Four Square directly before the Wednesday of the week following
the issue in which they were announced the winner.
Last week’s solution
Last week’s winner - Peter Merz
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 954 - 15 June 2021You can also read
