National title for Whitianga teen whose dreams of a racing career burn bright
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Issue 936 - 9 February 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
National title for Whitianga teen whose
dreams of a racing career burn bright
By Gillian O’Neill
The dream of one day earning a living racing we’re all mates supporting each other and we
cars burns bright in the eyes of Whitianga get on really well.”
teenager, Jayden Dreadon-Manning, who is With plans to hopefully do an engineering
still on a high after winning the New Zealand apprenticeship when he leaves school, Jayden
Youth Ministocks Championship held over has also been busying himself learning as
Auckland Anniversary Weekend. much as he can about the structure and set up
Helped by grandparents, Helen and John of the cars, including working with his uncle,
Dreadon, and a tonne of family support, Andrew, whose profession involves making
the 16-year-old Mercury Bay Area School bodies for stocks and other race cars.
student has been blazing a trail in stockcar Since he started racing, Jayden has had two
racing since first getting in a car at the age different cars, both of which were modified
of 12. and improved over the years with Andrew’s
Despite an already impressive collection of help. “When there’s nothing else they need
honours, adding the national trophy is without to do, he and his uncle will get their heads
doubt a huge highlight. “This is definitely together and just decide they need to change
the biggest win I’ve had,” Jayden tells The the colour,” says Helen.
Informer. “Before this my best was two third With just a couple more races this season
places in three years in the North Island before he ages out of youth ministocks,
Championships.” which has an upper limit of 16, there are
Despite having dozens of races under his smiles and bit of eye rolling around the table
belt, after successfully emerging from his when the question arises as to what’s next
qualifying group, lining up for the final of in terms of the young man’s racing career.
the New Zealand Championship at Waharoa “Let’s just say that’s up for debate at the
Raceway north of Matamata felt extremely moment,” John says knowingly.
daunting. “I was really nervous,” Jayden While a natural progression might be into
admits. While he says experience certainly standard stockcar racing, Jayden’s aspirations
helps, adapting and adjusting throughout a are heading in a different direction and the
race are vital, as is the one thing you can’t whole arena of midgets - an entirely different
really plan for - luck. “Last year luck wasn’t on form of racing. “So these are sprint cars,
our side. Out of three races, the suspension let it’s still relatively new to New Zealand but it is
go in the first and we blew a tyre in the third. growing fast. But it’s not something you could
This year, we had better luck thankfully.” easily earn a living from here. To get a contract
When asked about what makes him and be able to go overseas and make driving a
nervous, Jayden says it’s not so much the Whitianga’s Jayden Dreadon-Manning with his New Zealand Youth Ministocks Championship full time job, that would be the dream.”
racing itself, rather the audience. “You don’t trophies which he won over Auckland Anniversary Weekend. From John and Helen’s perspective,
want to make an idiot of yourself in front of myself,” he laughs before Helen reminds him, the summer. But we enjoy it too and we’ve knowing their grandson’s commitment and
thousands of people.” “He could barely see out the window, we had met some great friends through it. It is a really passion, they believe it might well be an
While contact is not allowed in youth to put a cushion under him on the seat.” positive environment, you see whole families achievable dream. However, they are keeping
ministocks, John says it can still be fairly While grandad John, himself a huge there enjoying the day out and, although they his feet firmly on the ground. “It’s a pretty
heart-stopping. “You can imagine if you have stockcar enthusiast, acknowledges his are competing, everyone is very supportive expensive road to be going down so his focus
20 or so cars all lined up and trying pass each grandson’s growing skill and talent, Jayden of each other and wants to see all the for now will need to be on having an income
other, it gets pretty competitive out there.” admits that he feels “pretty lucky” to have had kids succeed.” so he can finance this ambition, but we’ll see
Depending on the track, speeds can reach the opportunity to compete on a regular basis Jayden also highlights the camaraderie what happens,” says Helen.
up to 90 kilometres per hour, although not so and is grateful for the massive amount of time and the friendships he has made through his On that note, it’s back to school this
much in Jayden’s first race which he vividly John and Helen have given to helping him to love of racing. “I really like the atmosphere. week for Jayden with the goal of hopefully
remembers. “I thought I was going so fast succeed. “It is a commitment,” says Helen. When you are racing you are out there by accumulating NCEA credits as well as he does
and I was just so happy singing away to “You are racing nearly every weekend over yourself, but as soon as you come off the track points on the racetrack.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Time for Mercury Bay to take its rightful
place in history
Informer contributor, Suzanne Hanesn, talks past and future with Ngāti Hei kaumātua, Joe Davis
The Mercury Bay area has important and established themselves in Aotearoa. as far back as the early 1300s and indicate the area. This gave the crew a modicum of
historical status as a landing and regrouping Other international Polynesian landing the Taputapuatea area was an established protection from various subtribes around
place for epic Pacific navigators across areas - including Rapanui (Easter Island), landing area for marine voyagers to the Bay in order to carry on their research.
history. The Bay has played host to voyagers Hawaii, Moorea Island in French Polynesia refurbish and replenish their wakas before Joe says that this was a concerted effort by
from the very early Polynesians to James and the Kermedec Islands - also have sites of continuing onward. Toawaka to demonstrate the strength of their
Cook and others, and this rich history needs significance referring to Taputapuatea. With regard to Mercury Bay itself, community structure, but it also determined
to portrayed and commemorated in a more Archaeological studies of the Taputapuatea this was certainly the case much later with Cook’s early fate in the area and allowed the
prominent way. Stream (adjacent to the Taputapuatea Spit), James Cook and the Endeavour in the late start of the recorded geographical history of
This was the key theme in my recent most recently as part of the Pacific Estate 18th century when Cook and his crew were New Zealand. “In this light, Whitianga could
conversation with Ngāti Hei kaumātua, development in 2016, point to a significant given their first pōwhiri or official welcome be considered the birthplace of our nation,”
Joe Davis, about the future of the pre-European settlement of the stream’s to Aotearoa by Ngāti Hei chief, Toawaka, says Joe.
Taputapuatea Spit in Whitianga. surrounds. Some radiocarbon dates were which sanctioned the crews’ activities in Through the 19th century, Mercury
Ngāti Hei are committed to raising the
historical standing of the Mercury Bay area
on an international scale. This means the
topic of future plans for the Taputapuatea
Spit needs to be a much deeper and broader
conversation across a wide variety of
stakeholders, possibly even including other
countries with key landing points of both
Polynesian and European voyagers.
Although all iwi claim ancestry to Kupe,
there has been competition of sorts as to the
key landing points for Kupe, and Ngāti Hei
point to the Taputapuatea Spit as being the
“ka poua te toko” or first landing location
where Kupe put his staff in the sand and
put his foot on mainland New Zealand.
In doing so he named the spit Taputapuatea
after the Tahitian Taputapuatea Marae,
possibly because of its similar flora
and fauna.
The Taputapuatea Marae on the coast of
Raiatea Island is said to be the ancestral
and spiritual homeland of the waka- Discussions about Whitianga’s Taputapuatea Spit offer a pathway to a far deeper conversation about Mercury’s Bay’s role in history,
voyaging ancestors who crossed the Pacific which presents opportunities for both Ngāti Hei and others.
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 936 - 9 February 2021
Mercury Bay’s
place in history
Bay was a busy port of call for marine government ministries such as Heritage,
transportation and commerce - including Tourism and Education - academics, local
kauri, flax and milk - but Joe says that the councils, ratepayers, cultural experts and
various Northland tribes were competitive environmental advocates to get around a table
in their desires to see Northland as the main and devise a proper commemoration which
marine port of New Zealand. As time went should be a beautiful expression of cultural
on, with the increasing political instability in knowledge balanced by academic research.
Northland, the main marine port moved to As Joe says, “It shouldn’t be undercooked,
Auckland, but the competitiveness continued, and it shouldn’t be overcooked.”
eventually resulting in Mercury Bay losing Because this hui will be focused on
its visibility as a key historical and cultural Polynesian heritage, Joe sees this as
landmark. Certainly, when the documentary, something he and Ngāti Hei will need to
“Uncharted” with Sam Neill, which covered make happen and happen it will in the next
Cook’s voyages through the Pacific aired couple years, he commits. His vision is for a
in 2018, the New Zealand segment did not sharing of minds and concepts so that when
mention Mercury Bay.
people cross the Taputapuatea Stream and
Joe is adamant that the Mercury Bay area’s
walk through the Taputapuatea Spit, they
place in the history of Pacific voyagers is
will experience and understand the cultural
deeply significant and it is more than time
and spiritual links to the Polynesian and
for a level of recognition to be given to
other voyagers of the Pacific Rim.
the area to reflect this significance. As part
of this, the Taputapuatea Spit and Stream Joe understands that such a project has
need to be recognised and commemorated many dynamics that won’t all be easy to
properly for their physical and spiritual links manage, but he is optimistic. “Now is the time
to the great network of Polynesian navigators for the government and all other stakeholders
who originated from that sacred marae on to take notice of not only the past, but the
Raiatea Island. future value of our Polynesian connections
As Joe points out, such recognition is and I see signs that this is happening, such as
about more than pretty artwork or planting a the government adding indigenous history to
few trees, it is about getting the history of the the school curriculum,” he says.
area front and centre in a way that will attract Meanwhile, now that we all have access
visitors to the area with tourism seen as vital to the Taputapuatea Spit courtesy of a newly
to the future of Ngāti Hei, as indeed it is for opened footbridge, Joe simply asks that
all who call the Mercury Bay area home. we enjoy the surrounds and treat this wāhi
Creating a vision will take a group tapu area with the respect its rich heritage
of committed stakeholders - including warrants.
699 - 927February
Issue 936 July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Photographic Club members rise to “Rule of Odds” challenge Members of the Whitianga Photographic Club continue to show flair and creativity, particularly The club is finding the standard of images continues to increase, resulting in very close voting. in interpreting the group’s set monthly theme. The latest challenge spanned the two months of However, in the end, Anita Ruggle-Lussy with her “Confined Dahlia” image (pictured on the left) December and January to allow for many people being either busy or away during the holiday period. took the win with Lia Priemus in second and Wendy Pemberton third. The Open challenge in which The “Rule of Odds” challenge yielded some spectacular results. The rule of odds states that, photographers can submit any image of their choice was won by Anne Thurgood with her “Storm when you’re including a group of subjects in your photo, an odd number rather than an even number Clouds South West Queensland” (pictured on the right). In second place was Paul Schrader, with a will produce a more interesting and more visually pleasing composition. A common way of using the three-way tie for third between Tina Macrae, Wendy Pemberton and Karen Moffatt-McLeod. rule of odds is to have three subjects in the frame. Some more intriguing images are expected from the set theme for February, “Juxtaposition.” Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 936 - 9 February 2021
Can you help identify the location in this photograph? Old photographs can evoke both memories and mysteries and it was a bit of both when this image of the fact that the relative had lived a large portion of their life in Mercury Bay, they believe it may came into the possession of Whenuakite residents, William and Lorna Black. be somewhere on the Coromandel Peninsula, but they also have no idea of when it was captured. It was found among the belongings of a deceased family member who lived in the Coroglen/ With many people among The Informer’s readership who are highly knowledgeable on matters Whitianga area and, while it has inspired much conversation about the family’s past, William and of local history, we are confident that putting the photo out there will quickly provide an answer. Lorna have not been able to solve the mystery of where the photo was taken. Lorna says, because Please email us your thoughts at info@theinformer.co.nz. Issue 936 - 9 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Letters to the Editor
See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Meters won’t solve water issues but proper infrastructure will. Water leaks can
The flyer recently sent to ratepayers by Thames- be found with cheaper methods than using
Coromandel District Council advised us that expensive meters.
demand management and water supply are The flyer also states that there will be no
different issues. Maybe, but what is their point? cost to ratepayers for the meters, which is a
Turning on your tap is demand, see if water nonsense. TCDC’s income is derived either
comes out. If it does, that is supply. When none from the rating system, borrowing, reserves
comes out, the demand exceeds the supply, or a subsidy from central government.
on that basis the supply is not adequate. On the TCDC also advises that ratepayers will
other hand, if the supply is OK, the relationship not be charged for metered water for two
between management and supply is evident. years following installation. The “no cost to
One cannot operate without the other. ratepayers for two years” is a softening up
I think it is obvious that Whitianga’s current period with council hoping that many of us
water supply is inadequate and will not meet will think nothing needs to be sorted currently
the demand of an increasing population. Allow because we have two years. I encourage
me to briefly refer to the following points - ratepayers to demand a water system that is fit
supply, availability and storage. for purpose now and for the future.
Supply - Waikato Regional Council controls Dennis Jones
the quantity of water that can be taken over a Whitianga
given period based upon a TCDC application. Thames-Coromandel District Council
Availability is dependent on the amount responded to the points raised in Dennis
of water TCDC is allowed to draw from the Jones’s letter as follows, “We would like to
source. River flow and water levels are relevant refer readers to this page on our website,
in this regard. If there is a lack of rain, river tcdc.govt.nz/watermeters, where all the
levels cannot be maintained and we have water information [regarding water meters] can
restrictions. Looking forward, global warming be found.”
could cause rivers to dry up. Also, TCDC’s In addition, TCDC has advised that over the
current draw-off levels are not guaranteed, next four weeks contractors will be carrying
so an alternative source is a matter of urgency. out leak detection assessments of the water
Storage - any deficiency in the combination reticulation network in the Tairua area.
of supply, availability and storage is This includes checking fire hydrants, as well as
directly associated with the lack of forward the water network and water shut-off valves in
planning of suitable infrastructure for an domestic and commercial properties. “Leak
increasing population. detection and repair is a routine procedure to
Water meters will not solve any problems minimise unaccounted for water losses in our
caused by supply, availability or storage, network,” council said in a statement.
4
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 936 - 9 February 2021
Salon industry collaboration could see
95 percent of waste diverted from landfill
By Gillian O’Neill
A Whitianga hairdresser is driving an initiative foils provides a quarter of a meal to someone or alopecia. Sustainable Salons is the largest to explain what is involved. This has been
that could see 95 percent of waste generated by in need illustrates the extent of the value of donor of ponytails in the southern hemisphere. supported by further communications from
Coromandel salons diverted from landfill and the scheme. Mary says, while it is not always easy, Sustainable Salons.
repurposed to benefit both the environment In addition, hair clippings from the salon businesses do need to be looking at being “The aim is to create a collection route that
and community. floor are stuffed into stockings to make hair more environmentally sustainable and there would start in Waihi and travel right around the
Mary Ray, owner of Stilo Hair & Co, booms that help clean up oil spills along the was a growing expectation among customers Coromandel and through the Hauraki Plains
has partnered with Sustainable Salons to New Zealand coastline. Hair is also repurposed for them to do so. “I feel quite determined also, taking in places like Paeroa and Ngatea,”
build support for a weekly pick-up service in community gardens for composting or used to see this happen, I think it’s an exciting Mary says. “The response from those I have
that would see waste that cannot currently be in sustainable art installations to educate the opportunity for all of us in the salon industry on spoken to so far has been hugely positive.”
recycled locally collected from hair salons, community. All ponytails of 20cm or longer the Coromandel,” she says. Mary says the ability to be able to safely
beauty salons and pet groomers across both the are distributed to charitable organisations to To build support for the initiative, Mary has dispose of a lot of a salon’s chemical
Hauraki Plains and the Coromandel Peninsula. create wigs for those suffering from cancer been contacting salons across the Peninsula waste is another very important benefit for
The service already exists in other parts of the businessowners. “There is a huge focus now on
country. However, a high rate of uptake from chemical pollution and what is going down our
the local sector is required in order to make the drains,” she says. “We are aware of it and our
collection service viable. customers are too.”
Mary says she was motivated to take action Sustainable Salons is the first company
after becoming frustrated about the volume of to recycle excess chemicals in the salon
her salon’s waste that was unnecessarily going industry which are sent to chemical recycling
to landfill. “I was becoming really concerned plants where they are neutralised and turned
about the amount of waste we were producing into recycled water used in roadworks
each week,” she says. “I estimate that at Stilo and construction.
we use around 1,200m of tinfoil a month along Mary says while getting involved will
with hundreds of the aluminium tubes that require salon owners to have more processes
contain hair colour. I knew these items could in place in relation to the waste they produce
be recycled, but just not here.” and some staff training would also be needed,
Through Sustainable Salons, all aluminium, this could be easily done with the support of
foil, colour tubes, cardboard, paper, Sustainable Salons. “It really is a win-win
magazines, razor blades, unwanted tools and and I think collectively it’s something salons
select disposables are sold for recycling, and across the Coromandel could do together to
the proceeds are donated to KiwiHarvest and make a really positive difference,” she says.
OzHarvest, charities that provide meals to Stilo Hair & Co staff, from the left, Camryn Hunter, Shikiera Campbell, Any interested business can register
less fortunate people both in New Zealand Hannah Parry and Mary Ray (owner) hope sending salon waste at sustainablesalons.org/become-sustainable-
and Australia. The fact that a full head of like the items pictured to landfill could soon be a thing of the past. salon.
4
Issue 936 - 9 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Vibrant vibes at Whiti Fest -
Mercury Bay’s first busking festival
“There was a vibe” is how Whiti Fest, Mercury
Bay’s first busking festival, was described by
the many who attended and participated in the
inaugural event last Sunday in the Whitianga
town centre.
Organisers, Creative Mercury Bay (CMB),
were elated with the event’s success.
“The whole day all our team felt was genuine
pride and joy,” says Anusha Bhana, chair of
CMB. “Proud of what we had put together
and proud of every single performer that stood
in front of a crowd and shared their craft.
What a brave thing to do and what a beautiful
gift to receive as an audience member.
“This is what we do - we facilitate and
produce performing arts events like this,
so our community can enjoy everything that
the arts have to offer.”
Whiti Fest showcased 19 busking acts,
the majority of which hailed from the Two of the artists who performed in the Whiti Fest busking festival last Sunday in Whitianga. In the photo on the left is ukulele player and
Coromandel Peninsula. Each artist performed singer, Charli McDougall. In the photo on the right is guitarist, Scott Burst. Photos by Dave Rhodes.
twice during the event. Experienced circus folk/punk duo Let’s Go Descarrego, braved lineup, including singer-songwriter and Coromandel District Council, Destination
and puppetry performers from Hamilton, the heat and roved the streets performing guitarist from Coroglen, Alex Litherland. Coromandel, The Mercury Bay Informer,
Naranjarte, had one of the biggest crowds special unplugged sets, drawing smiles “I had such a great time and I’m so glad I got All About Whitianga, Coromandel’s CFM
of the day. “We absolutely loved being part wherever they went. to participate,” says Alex. “I got great vibes and the Mercury Bay Business Association
of Whiti Fest, where we not only enjoyed This is the first time in a while that CMB has from everyone who came past and everyone I for their invaluable contributions. A special
an amazing audience but also a great vibe staged a performing arts event during a busy got to see perform. I can’t wait for next year.” thanks goes to the Mercury Bay Museum for
and excellent organisation,” said Ana Lorite long weekend, and locals and visitors were And the question on everyone’s mind - supplying power and a gazebo at the Korimako
of Naranjarte. “We can’t wait for the next happily soaking up the free entertainment. will there be another Whiti Fest? “Absolutely,” stage, The Warehouse Whitianga who kindly
edition. Long live Whiti Fest!” A wide range of performances took place says Anusha. “This was our first go at doing donated bottled water for the performers and
There were five performance locations throughout the day, from a stunning display something different, and we love how well event team, and the hardworking team of
dotted around the Whitianga Town Centre of contemporary dance by En Pointe Dance it was received by people and performers. event volunteers.
- Whakau Reserve/Taylors Mistake, the Studio and moving renditions of original We believe Whiti Fest should definitely Whiti Fest was funded jointly by the
Mercury Bay Museum, Soldier’s Memorial poetry by Howard Saunders to the melodic become an annual celebration of local Creative Communities Scheme - Thames-
Park, the corner of Hannan Road and Albert chill tunes of the Wild Earth Musketeers and performing arts.” Coromandel and Pub Charity.
Street, and the Northern Reclamation at the the energetic freestyle rock ‘n’ roll jams of CMB would like to thank all the talented CMB has a great selection of performing
Whitianga Marina. guitarist, Scott Burst. performers for their enthusiastic participation arts events lined up for 2021. Stay connected
The official Whiti Fest ambassadors, Young, up and coming performers also in the event. The team would also like to thank via Facebook and Instagram for the latest
Stewart Pedley and Leo Magri of acoustic featured prominently in the Whiti Fest the Whiti Fest promotional partners - Thames- news and event updates.
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Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 936 - 9 February 2021
Issue 936
699 - 927February
July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Marketing grants The Small-time Investor
available for local events By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
A new funding scheme which will see local events receive marketing support to the value of up to Streaming puts Disney on the rise
$12,000 has been launched by Destination Coromandel as part of its strategy to continue to give
visitors plenty of reasons to visit the wider Coromandel region after the peak summer season. The sharemarkets have struggled a little movies these days and I believe this will
in the last week. The new year happiness continue to grow. Netflix is a clear competitor
The marketing agency has allocated $80,000 of the $700,000 it received through the Government’s
has been replaced by the continued grind of and the streaming space is busy and full.
Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme towards a Signature Event Marketing Fund to
coronavirus. Many people are predicting It will be difficult to pick a winner,
promote events taking place throughout the remainder of 2021.
a large correction coming. I’m cautious, so investing in two companies helps spread
Event organisers will need to apply for a share of the contestable fund with applications assessed by but as I was told, “The markets climb on the the risk and hopefully places me in the right
Destination Coromandel and its two main funders, Thames-Coromandel District Council and Hauraki worries of others.” I am sticking to my plan place for some reward.
District Council. They will also need to submit an event plan, marketing plan and budget. To be
and continuing to invest $100 every week. Disney has a great catalogue of titles and
considered, their events must satisfy a range of criteria, including not conflicting with other similar
events. They must clearly target visitors from outside of the Coromandel and there must be a means I’ve been investing NZD100 every week for has recently proven that they can make quality
of tracking participation. the last 29 weeks. shows that people want to watch. They have
My investments are currently up 13.7 amazing intellectual property to draw on,
“The event organisation must partake in some form of environmentally sustainable activity ie zero
percent. This is a five percent drop since including the Marvel universe and the Star
waste or carbon offset,” Destination Coromandel says. “Health and safety policies and marketing
plans must be provided, including a description of how the event will meet the Event Sector
last week. My best performer is Tesla, up 68 Wars universe. Disney recently released their
Voluntary Code.” percent, and my worst performer is Plexure, new live action version of Mulan direct to
down 20.1 percent. Five of my picks are up Disney+. When releasing movies to Disney+,
Applications must be completed in full by the close of business on Friday, 19 February and successful
more than 20 percent and only, Plexure is the company gets to keep 100 percent of
applicants will be notified by Friday, 12 March. More information is available from Destination
down 20 percent. the money rather than sharing profits with
Coromandel marketing manager, Megan Nunn, at megan@thecoromandel.com.
This week I am investing my NZD100 or movie theatres.
The marketing grants could help support off-peak festivals such as the Whitianga Scallop Festival USD72 into Disney. Recently, I caught up with the Star Wars
(pictured), which takes place on Saturday, 18 September this year. Disney is a company with many ways of series, “The Mandalorian.” I found the shiny
making money. I’m obviously concerned about suited Mandalorian very watchable and liked
the hotels and theme parks. COVID-19 has the television series format. The quality of
really impacted on this part of their business. the storytelling and the cinematography was
Shares in Disney dropped almost 80 percent great. I’m buying these shares for a number
when the pandemic hit. Since then, Disney of reasons, one is that I enjoyed the TV show.
has climbed back to near pre-pandemic levels. Please remember that what I write in this
I believe this part of their business will column is all my personal opinion. Some of
continue to struggle. However, with vaccines my investments will lose money. I am sharing
and the huge number of Americans eager to my thoughts and strategies so you can learn
travel, an end will at some point be in sight. from my mistakes. Please be careful.
Disney has launched a streaming service If you wish to join in and buy shares with
called Disney+. This has been growing really me through online platform, Sharesies,
well during the pandemic. I invested in Netflix you can use this link https://sharesies.nz/r/
early in December and it’s already up a percent. KHQQWP and you and I will each get $5 into
Streaming is the way we watch shows and our Sharesies accounts.
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 936 - 9 February 2021Efforts on water conservation must continue with hot weather set to stay While predictions of a hot, dry February mean water conservation remains a high priority, Thames-Coromandel District Council has congratulated the public for their efforts so far this summer. “Our council would like to thank all residents and visitors for their positive and proactive response to water conservation measures over the extended holiday period,” they said in a statement. “Water conservation awareness is something we’ve been sharing since Labour Weekend last year. While our water supplies are still under pressure due to the lack of rain, the reduction of population (since Christmas/New Year) has resulted in the decrease of demand. The spells of rain we’ve also been fortunate enough to receive means we’re easing off water restrictions for now. “Should demand increase significantly for an extended period, or the water sources fall to an unacceptable level, then it may be necessary to reimpose higher level conservation measures. But if everyone keeps up the good work and continues to conserve water, we’ll get through and enjoy this incredible summer we’re having.” TCDC had to act on that warning over the last few days as the influx of Waitangi Weekend visitors took a toll on water levels at the reservoir serving Coromandel Town. As of Saturday, Level 5 restrictions came into force, the first time a full watering ban has been required in on the Coromandel Peninsula so far this summer. NIWA’s forecasts confirm that vigilance around water will need to continue with “widespread dry- to-extremely dry soils” in the northern Waikato, including the Coromandel. They predict moderate to even large soil moisture decreases are likely to continue on the Peninsula. “This will likely result in most current hotspots strengthening and expanding,” they say. On Monday this week, Whitianga, Tairua, Pauanui and Whangamata were at Level 3 restrictions which means hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems can only be used on alternate days. Hahei, Matarangi and Thames were at Level 2 (conserve water) with residents and holidaymakers asked to keep using water carefully to ensure supply continues. Latest information is available on the TCDC website. Pictured is the Whangamaroro River, Whitianga’s sole source of water, on Monday this week. Issue 936 - 9 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 936 - 9 February 2021
Love could be in the air at Smitty’s Singles Night Valentine’s Day may be all about love, but for indicate to others if they are comfortable to those who are hoping a new romance might be be approached for a chat. “There will be lots on the horizon in 2021, it all starts with meeting of giveaways, including bar tabs and meal new people. That’s exactly what the crew at vouchers, I think it will be a really fun night,” Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill in Whitianga says Fleur. thought when deciding to host their first ever Vegas Brown will be providing the Singles Night on Saturday, 20 February. entertainment and also doubling as MC “It’s not quite Valentine’s Day but it’s letting everyone know what is happening. pretty close,” says co-owner, Fleur Clayton, While expecting most people will come with who is excited about the event which has a friend or in a group, Fleur says she will be really come as a response to continued demand keeping a special eye out for anyone who might from customers. be alone and ensuring they feel part of it. She “People have been consistently asking us for has also got a few ideas up her sleeve for playing some time now, so we’ve put a bit of thought cupid for anyone who might be feeling a bit shy. into what the evening might look like and “I could maybe drop a drink over to someone on we’re really focusing on just having a fun, their behalf or make an introduction,” she says. social environment where people can have a “It really is just about starting conversations. conversation,” says another owner of the bar, You might meet someone you like or even just Brent Prisk. a new friend, it’s just an opportunity to meet Brent says not everyone is going to embrace new people.” online dating platforms like Tinder and he If the event is a success, Smitty’s will consider hopes the Singles Night will provide the running others in the future. “We’ll see what the opportunity for more talking and less swiping feedback is, but based on what we are hearing - whether it’s left or right! “It would be lovely so far, there is a lot of interest with some people if we are celebrating a wedding in 12 months’ even travelling to Whitianga from out of town time, you’d never know, but really we just want for it,” says Fleur. people to come along and enjoy themselves,” The action gets underway from 8:00pm on he says. 20 February and entry is free. No bookings are Everyone is welcome regardless of age, required, all you need to do is turn up on the gender, or sexual preference and Smitty’s will night. As Fleur puts it, “All you really need is have a sticker or badge system so people can yourself and a little sense of adventure.” Playing cupid at Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill’s first ever Singles Night on 20 February will be staff member, Stevie Macfarlane (on the left), and owners, Fleur Clayton and Brent Prisk. Something really worth celebrating For some it’s the most romantic day of the year, for others a slightly goofy custom and for yet more of us an opportunity to acknowledge those special people in our lives who mean the most to us. The nature of 14 February has been changing and evolving since it was first declared St Valentine’s Day back in the fifth century by Roman Pope Gelasius. According to History.com, there is at least one man named Valentine who could have inspired the day - a priest in third century Rome. It seems this Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage, which came from a belief it distracted young soldiers, and illegally married couples in the spirit of love until he was caught and sentenced to death. Another theory is that the creation of Valentine’s Day was a Christian attempt to usurp a Pagan fertility festival called “Lupercalia,” which was celebrated on 15 February in ancient Rome. The day was marked by sacrificing animals and smacking women with animal hides, a practice that was believed to encourage fertility. The oldest record of a valentine being sent was a poem written by a French medieval duke named Charles to his wife in 1415. Charles penned a note to his lover while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London at just 21 years old, including the line, “I am already sick of love, my very gentle Valentine.” While the day was commonly marked by exchanging cards and handwritten letters during the 17th century, it was in the 1840s that the first Valentine’s Day cards were mass-produced in the United States and sold by Esther A Howland who later became known as the “Mother of the American Valentine.” It was during the 17th century that giving flowers also became a popular custom. It’s believed the custom was introduced to Europe when King Charles II of Sweden on a trip to Persia learned the language of flowers which pairs different blooms with specific meanings, including of course red roses symbolising love. However, despite having love at its heart, Valentine’s Day has occasionally prompted some considerably less amorous behaviour. During the Victorian era, people would send what were known as “vinegar valentines" to unwanted suitors. Also nicknamed “penny dreadfuls” they were the opposite of customary valentines because they insulted and rejected unwanted admirers. They were later sent to women suffragettes in the late 19th and early 20th century. These days, with America’s reputation for doing most things bigger than anywhere else on the planet, it’s no surprise to learn that they also excel themselves when it comes to Valentine’s Day spending over $27 billion in 2020, according to the National Retail Foundation, and sending 145 million Valentine’s Day cards. And while it might seem it’s all about romance, it’s actually teachers who receive the most Valentine’s Day cards annually, followed by children, mothers and wives. Some cities or countries have traditions specific to their own culture. For example, every Valentine’s Day, the Italian city of Verona receives thousands of letters addressed to Juliet as in the character from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which is set in the city. Volunteers from the Juliet Club respond to each letter and awards the Cara Giulietta (Dear Juliet) prize to the author of the most romantic letter. Many Latin American countries know Valentine’s Day as El Día de Los Enamorados (day of lovers) or Día Del Amor y la Amistad (day of love and friendship). While couples exchange flowers and chocolate, the day’s focus is also directed at showing gratitude to friends. And maybe that’s not a bad theme for all of us this 14 February. If the past 12 months have taught us anything, it’s that gratitude and kindness can get us through the most incredible challenges and whatever sort of love we have in our life, it is to be treasured. Now that really is something worth celebrating. Issue 936 - 9 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13
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2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15What’s On In the next few weeks Regular Activities - please contact the organisers of each group/activity to determine if meetings/gatherings Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information. have recommenced after the summer holidays Whitianga Art Group Op-Shops Meet every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information. (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Cooks Beach Garden Circle The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Meet the last Thursday of every month from 11:15am - 2:30pm. New members welcome. Phone Leila on 866 3264 or Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. Anne on 866 0268 for more information. St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Mercury Bay Quilters 10:00am - 2:00pm. Meet the first and third Mondays, and second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10:00am - 4:00pm at Whitianga Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open seven days a week from Social Services, Cook Drive. Members range in age from 14 to in their 90s. New members welcome to join and share their 10:00am - 3:00pm. quilting knowledge, and help make charity quilts for the neonatal unit at Auckland Hospital and the children admitted to Whitianga Senior Citizens Club Starship Hospital. Phone Margaret on (07) 866 0411 for more information and the days the group meets. Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Mercury Bay Community Choir etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. This “all-comers” choir rehearses every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area school Music Room. Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) New rehearsals start on 8 February. New singers always welcome. Phone (22) 643 7462 for more information. Meet the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Alcoholics Anonymous Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information. Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Whitianga Tramping Group computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on Meets every second Sunday at 8:30am. Phone Wally on (021) 907 782 or Lesley on (021) 157 9979 for more information. (027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. AA Driver Licensing Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Meet every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive , Whitianga. Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. Specific Activities/Events Check out our Facebook page or phone 869 5648 for more information. Mercury Bay Community Swimming Pool (Located at the Mercury Bay Area School grounds) Serenity Al-Anon Group Opening Hours Meet every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by someone From 10:00am - 5:00pm every Saturday (weather permitting). else’s drinking. From 1:00pm - 5:00pm every Sunday (weather permitting). Dog Walking Group From 6:00am - 8:00am for early morning lane swimming every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (weather permitting). Meet every Thursday at 2:00pm at Lovers Rock, Robinson Road, Whitianga. An opportunity to socialise your dog. Entry $4 adults, $3 senior citizens/students/children, $2 pre-schoolers. Concession cards available. Phone Jenny on (021) 186 5797 for more information. Coromandel Art Group Annual Exhibition Whitianga Playcentre Until Sunday, 14 February at Hauraki House Gallery, Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town. Open from 10:00am - Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon and every Friday from 12:00 noon - 2:45pm at 1D White Street, 4:00pm every day. Free entry. Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, free entry. Visitors welcome. Whitianga Art, Craft & Farmer’s Market Matarangi Craft Group Saturday, 13 February from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. Meet fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Coroglen Farmers Market Cooks Beachcare Group Sunday, 14 February from 9:30am to 1:00pm at the Coroglen Hall, State Highway 25. Make new friends, learn about conservation and make a difference. We meet Thursdays for hands-on weeding and Grey Power Mercury Bay Coffee/Tea Morning planting, 9:00am - 11:00am. Register on our website, www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz or phone Adele on (021) 201 6625. Thursday, 11 February at 10:30am in the Supper Room of the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Scrapbags Quilting Group Phone Merle on (07) 867 1737 for more information. Meet every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome. Whitianga Marathon phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information. Saturday, 22 May. Four course options - 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km. Entries now open. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre See whitiangamarathon.co.nz for more information. Meet the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 936 - 9 February 2021
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2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 936 - 9 February 2021
Issue 936
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2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19Positive outlook as students and
staff return for the new school year
By Gillian O’Neill
Schools across the wider Mercury Bay area and settled. “We’re all feeling very positive. will be “Identity.” “It has grown out of the The primary school re-opened with 370
have largely shaken off the disruption of The summer we’ve had here, which work we did two years ago in connection students, including 30 new enrolments.
2020 with both staff and students returning was largely uninterrupted by anything with Tuia 250,” she said. “We’ll be learning Overall, Mercury Bay Area School starts
to classrooms energised and focused on a COVID-19 related, certainly did everyone more about who we are and about our place the year with a roll of 1,025 with classes
hopefully more settled year of learning. good, I think. We are not carrying any major in Whitianga, Mercury Bay and Aotearoa.” underway for all students by Tuesday
Anne-Maree McDougall, Mercury Bay negative impacts from 2020 into the new The learning programme will include this week.
Area School Deputy Principal (Primary year, which is great.” working with others in the community, Anne-Maree said the prospect of having
Years), said students from Year 1 to Year 6 In terms of goals for 2021, Anne-Maree including the Mercury Bay Museum and to respond should COVID-19 re-emerge
had come back on Friday last week excited said the overall theme in the primary school Ngāti Hei.” in the community was no longer daunting
This fabulous contingent of New Entrants are among the 30 new primary school Some of the new students welcomed at Te Rerenga School on
enrolments who started at Mercury Bay Area School on Friday last week. The staff in the Thursday last week along with staff members
photo are, from the left, Rahira Condon (New Entrants teacher), Ellie McSorley Jennifer Commins (teacher - on the left), Fiona Watts (teacher - next to Jennifer),
(New Entrants teacher) and Jeni Candelaria (teacher aide). and Danielle Threadgold (office administrator).
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 936 - 9 February 2021New school year for staff. “We learned a great deal last year, growth needs,” said Mary. we now know what the response looks There had been some welcome structural like and we are confident we have good improvements at the school over the processes in place,” she said. “They served holidays, including a new toilet block, us well last year and they will do so again if completion of the Astroturf and a new mud we need them.” kitchen. “We have also created a fenced Principal of Te Rerenga School, bike riding area in one of the paddocks and Mary Kedzlie, was also feeling positive. we’ll be looking to collect donations of “I think we’re all excited about the new year bikes and helmets from the community for and the prospect of an easier and hopefully that,” said Mary. smoother ride than the last one,” she told From a learning perspective, the The Informer. Adding to that positivity was school would be continuing its focus on the opening roll of 110, the same number mindfulness and the environment while the school finished 2020 with. “So we’ve also identifying and developing new digital already replaced all our leavers, that’s learning opportunities. unusual so early in the year,” said Mary. Students at Whenuakite School will While some of the new students were also have a focus on “Identity” for expected, there have also been some Term 1 as well as an environmental faces who have relocated to the area over education programme that will run through summer. “We were surprised at just how the entire year. “Last year was a progressive many actually,” said Mary. “It shows there year for Whenuakite School, despite the are more and more people making the COVID-19 lockdown,” said principal, decision to leave the cities and come to our Eamonn Kelly. He said getting students little slice of paradise.” re-settled and feeling supported was a key While the increased numbers are priority for the coming weeks and teachers welcome, it does raise the issue of the would be focusing strongly on getting to mounting pressure on space, particularly know the children in their class. “We will see if the trend continues throughout the year. further progress to reinforce the success of “We are already using the school library as each and every child at Whenuakite School a classroom so we will be certainly having while continuing to develop the school some conversations with the Ministry of curriculum and ethos which promotes this,” Education about how to meet these roll he said. Issue 936 - 9 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21
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