Spending under scrutiny during Annual Plan hearing - The Mercury Bay Informer
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Issue 896 - 6 May 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 7,200
Spending under scrutiny during
Annual Plan hearing
By Gillian O’Neill
Councillors are being told to be responsible,
prudent and compassionate as the public
deliver their views on both a rates increase
and how they want money to be spent in
the coming Thames-Coromandel District
Council financial year.
A hearing into council’s draft Annual
Plan 2020/21 is taking place this week with
submitters addressing councillors via video
link. A total of 233 written submissions were
received, most opposing a proposed 10 per
cent rates increase, with 54 people choosing to
speak at the hearing.
A desire to see TCDC stick to budgets
and slash spending on non-essentials is a
strong theme in both the written and oral
submissions, with several submitters also
raising questions about trust and confidence.
The latter is fuelled by what some view as poor
financial management, as well as the failure of
councillors to reveal the true picture in relation
to TCDC’s books before last year’s local
body elections.
Council’s most recent financial statements
estimate a $6.6 million operating expenditure
overrun in the current financial year.
Among those to appear on Monday this week The culling of proposed developments of $270,000 at the Mercury Bay Multisport Park in Whitianga was mooted during
was part-time Hahei resident, Ian Collinson, this week’s hearing into Thames-Coromandel District Council’s draft Annual Plan 2020/21.
who compared TCDC to councils around the
during Monday’s hearing sessions, with Mr $150,000 themselves in order to give the we are all on the same page. We all know 10
country, most of which he said were imposing
McLean admitting the skatepark - currently one young people of Mercury Bay a skatepark. per cent at this particular moment in time is a
rates freezes or more moderate increases.
of council’s largest capital expenses in Mercury “If you want to tell those kids who have raised really bad figure, but also on the other side of
He warned TCDC could be in the dubious Bay for the upcoming year at $465,000 - the coin we have some financial issues that we
position of having the highest rates rise in the $150,000 that they can’t have a skatepark,
was something he was wrestling with, saying it then be my guest,” he said. have to resolve.”
country. “That is not a league table ratepayers was clearly a “want” and not a “need.” The revised Annual Plan options are
would want to be at the top of,” he said. While councillors are required to consider
Mr McLean specifically raised the issue the submissions in making their decisions, expected to be presented at a council meeting
However, there was collective acceptance with Whitianga Residents and Ratepayers next Tuesday, 12 May with the councillors
that the proposals in the draft Annual Plan they are likely to face significantly revised
Association chairman, Len Salt, who on behalf approving the final Annual Plan - including
were put forward pre-Covid-19 and as deputy- Annual Plan proposals than those the public
of the organisation’s members, advocated for any rates increase - on Tuesday, 23 June.
mayor, Murray McLean, said, “The ground has have submitted on, with TCDC staff currently
the retention of the skatepark while arguing Councillors and senior executives at TCDC
shifted by some quantum,” in the weeks since. for widespread culling of other local projects, re-doing the maths in light of the ongoing have not indicated if salary reductions will
The thorny question of what could be including developments at the Mercury Bay implications of Covid-19. form any part of the alternative proposals,
sacrificed or delayed in order to achieve cost Multiport Park ($270,000), re-roofing of the At a recent council meeting, chief executive, as has happened in other districts.
savings brought the fiscal spotlight onto some Whitianga Town Hall ($150,000) and new Rob Williams, said staff did not want to put Speaking at the public hearing on Monday,
traditional spending items as well as several footpaths ($293,000). councillors in a position of having to ignore Tairua ratepayer, retired bishop Bruce Gilberd,
high-profile capital projects, among them Mr Salt said other nice-to-haves, such as what the public was saying. “Staff are working urged councillors to consider this option.
the Community Grants Scheme and the new boat ramps, had been fully funded by TCDC to come up with some options to suggest “We are all travelling into a complex and
skatepark in Whitianga. Both were discussed previously, whereas the community had raised ways through,” he said. “We are all hearing it, unknown future,” he warned.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Spat farm decision will “undoubtedly
be appealed”
By Stephan Bosman
Resource consent for the development of a 30ha the Department of Conservation, the Surfbreak Plan - the commissioners found that the farm a community-based fishery and aquaculture
mussel spat farm 1.6km off the Double Bay/ Protection Society Incorporated, the Opito will not unduly impact on marine mammals economy,” he says. “Compared to other
Whawhau coast in Mercury Bay was granted on Bay Ratepayers Association, the Kuaotunu (especially bottlenose dolphins, orcas, southern economic practices such as farming, forestry
Thursday, 23 April. Residents and Ratepayers Association and the right whales and Bryde’s whales), seabirds, and land development, aquaculture is having
An application to develop the farm was “Save Mercury Bay Group.” and the visual amenity and natural character the smallest environmental impact caused
lodged with Waikato Regional Council by One of the arguments raised by the opposing of the surrounding landscape. They have also by humans.
well-known Coromandel businessman, Peter submitters was the option to develop a better taken the view that it will be possible to manage “It’s our view that the spat farm will help to
Bull, and Ngāti Hei kaumatua, Joe Davis alternative in the form biosecurity risks “to sustain Ngāti Hei, the Coromandel Peninsula
(on behalf of Ngāti Hei), in November 2017. of a land-based spat the point where it is, and our environment for generations to come.”
The application attracted 204 submissions, hatchery. The applicants, at most, minor.” Thomas Maxwell, a Whitianga-based fishing
of which only nine were in favour. Of biggest in return, informed the The resource consent charter operator, is also pleased with the
concern to the submitters were the way the commissioners that the was granted for a period decision. “The proposed mussel spat farm will
farm will impact the visual amenity and intellectual property of 20 years and made act as a massive fish aggregating device that will
natural character of the surrounding landscape, for hatchery spat isn’t subject to a wide variety hold large schools of baitfish sheltering among
biosecurity and the effect of the farm on marine available outside a single of conditions, most the ropes and buoys which, in turn, will attract
mammals and seabirds. New Zealand commercial notably implementation many predatory species such as snapper and
The applicants anticipate to develop the fishing company and that of biosecurity and
kingfish,” he says. “The farm will help close a
spat farm in three blocks of 10ha each. the estimated cost of $30 marine mammal
huge gap we have here in the tourism market in
The spat catching infrastructure will comprise million to develop such a management plans, and
Mercury Bay.”
of “backbone lines,” floats, anchors and “drop hatchery is prohibitive. continuous monitoring.
Warwick Wilson, spokesperson for the
lines.” According to the applicants, the farm The commissioners The conditions of the
will contribute significantly to a reliable supply took the view that the consent will be reviewed Whauwhau to Double Bay Opposing Submitter
of mussel spat to the New Zealand aquaculture proposed spat farm will for the first time in the Group, says the spat farm is not the right thing
industry and will create eight full-time not cause any significant second half of 2024 for Mercury Bay. “The commissioners’ decision
equivalent jobs. adverse effects and they, and thereafter on a two- to grant the resource consent will undoubtedly
A hearing on the application took place in accordingly, weren’t yearly basis. be appealed,” he says.
Whitianga in December last year, followed required to consider any The commissioners’ “More than 5,000 people signed a petition
by the independent hearing commissioners, alternative locations. The Double Bay/Whawhau coastline. decision is open to opposing the Double Bay/Whawhau spat farm.
Gavin Kemble and Antoine Coffin, visiting In considering the appeal until the middle We’re trying to keep the area as pristine as we
the proposed site of the spat farm, the Double requirements of several of this month. possibly can.
Bay/Whawhau coastline and existing mussel statutory and non-statutory planning documents Joe Davis says Peter Bull and Ngāti Hei “Mercury Bay is an important recreational
farms along the west coast of the Coromandel - including the Resource Management Act, are pleased with the fact that the application area of outstanding natural beauty. A 2km
Peninsula earlier this year. the Operative Waikato Regional Policy has been approved. “From my perspective, underwater wall of ropes, the size of 30 rugby
Among those who submitted in opposition Statement, the Operative and Notified Thames- the commissioners’ decision is a ‘balanced’ fields... will impact mammals that visit the area,
to the application were the “Whauwhau to Coromandel District Plans, and the Sea Change outcome that meets key competencies, such as the biosecurity of the area and the recreational
Double Bay Opposing Submitter Group,” - Tai Timu Tai Pari Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial environmental impacts, shellfish sustainability, use of the area for future generations.”
What’s happening in the night sky?
Week of Wednesday, 6 May to Wednesday, 13 May - Four planets are readily visible this week. Venus continues to glow brightly in the northwest Night sky information
just after dusk. Jupiter, Saturn and Mars put on a good show very late in the evening or early in the morning. Jupiter is by far the brightest of the three provided and sponsored by
and rises first, to be followed shortly by Saturn and finally Mars in the east just before dawn. Lucky early risers might also be able to spot a faint comet,
Comet Swan, very low in the dawn sky just before the Sun rises. It will appear as a fuzzy blob in binoculars about the same distance below Mars as
Jupiter is above it and along the same line, just above the horizon, and might even have a bit of a tail. However, be very careful to never point binoculars
anywhere near the Sun or blindness can result. The Eta Aquarid meteor shower also occurs this week. Although there will be a bright Moon in the sky,
this year up to 10 meteors per hour might still be visible. These are tiny bits of dusty debris that has been left behind over the eons from Halley’s Comet
on its 76 year path around the Sun. Wednesday, 6 May - Have a look for the Eta Aquarid meteors tonight. They will form quick streaks across the sky,
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 896 - 6 May 2020
“Support Local/Buy Local” this Mother’s Day This Mother’s Day on Sunday, 10 May, is an ideal opportunity for all Mercury Bay residents to not only show their mothers how much they appreciate them and the sacrifices they’ve made for their families during the Covid-19 lockdown, but also to “Support Local/Buy Local.” A wide variety of gifts can be purchased contactless (including online) from Mercury Bay businesses and instead of relying on mum for lunch or dinner, why not treat her with her favourite dish from a local café or restaurant. Most cafés and restaurants accept online and telephone orders for takeaways, and several can deliver. In addition, all your purchases from Mercury Bay businesses, including your Mother’s Day purchases, can go into The Informer’s weekly draw to win $100 to spend with one of our advertisers. All you have to do to enter our “Buy Local/Support Local” campaign, is to email is a photo/scan of all invoices or receipts of your local purchases to us, or drop proof of your purchases into the blue bin on the front porch of our office in Whitianga. Please remember to let us have you name and phone number with all your entries. We will do a weekly draw until the end of September and in the first week of October, all entries received from when we started the campaign will go into a second draw, where the winner will receive $1,000 to spend with one or more of our advertisers. On Saturday last week, Brad Rolls (pictured), co-owner of Fagans Furniture Bed & Homewares, drew the winner of the mega crossword competition in our Summer Magazine 2019/2020. Congratulations to Whitianga bach owner, Murray Hansen, who won $200 to spend with one of the cafés, restaurants or bars that advertised in the magazine. As we’re working our way through the Covid-19 alert levels and economic recovery, remember this saying, “Every time you buy from a local small business, an actual person does a happy dance.” Issue 896 - 6 May 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
MV Whai - A pipe dream that became a reality By Jack Biddle It almost sounds disrespectful to say that one were no plans. Apart from a desired length, would form the keels, and would also be the centre section to complete the hull proper. of Mercury Bay’s most recognised fishing, beam and height, Peter judged everything else divided and made into fuel and water tanks. Funding the project during the build was diving and cruising charter vessels, the 48ft on what he would later call “being sensible They were then placed on wooden blocks set a major issue. There appeared to be no end catamaran MV Whai, was initially conceived and in proportion.” 13ft (3.9m) apart where the main body of the to the spending with motors, hydraulic and designed around a couple of large sewage The first job was to manufacture two boat was built. The bows and sterns were then gearboxes and general fit-out equipment pipe off-cuts, but it’s a true story. steel cylinders 16ft (4.8m) in length that fabricated and hoisted up and welded against soaking up more money than ever envisaged. The boat’s original owner and builder, It was because of this situation that a decision Peter Spurdle, who was an engineer and was made to change the Whai from an a decorated fighter pilot in World War II, owner’s play toy to a working charter boat. came up with his own unique plan for the Because it had been designed for cruising Whai after being shown a trimaran while the open seas and fishing in general, Peter felt crewing on a sailing ketch in the New it made for an ideal charter boat. Hebrides in September 1965. The trimaran It all sounded fairly straight-forward, but it was built on a limited budget and centred meant the Whai would need to be surveyed around 4ft diameter sewage pipe off-cuts and signed off as a charter boat by what was, joined together. One end was stretched, at the time, the Marine Department. flattened and welded to form the bow, While the Whai would comfortably pass the other end formed to resemble the stern. any necessary steel-work specifications, Its main appeal, that only an engineer like the authorities asked for build plans and were Peter could appreciate at the time, was the told there weren’t any. They asked how much fact the boat was strong, simple and safe. water the vessel would draw and were told While taken by the trimaran, Peter finally by Peter he had no idea. They were told the decided that a powered catamaran was the boat was a catamaran and the reply was they way to go - two hulls for stability and two don’t survey such boats. They asked for a motors for reliability. completion date and were told the Whai was Four months later and back in his already good to go. hometown of Whanganui and operating his It went on and on, the official rule book own business, the dream started to become under which the surveyors worked simply a reality with construction of the Whai did not cover this particular scenario or its beginning in the open yard of a production persistent owner. But it was what it didn’t motor company. It was a build that would say that gave Peter hope. Nowhere did it take four years to complete. What made specifically exclude multi-hulls. the task all the more challenging was there MV Whai owner, John Ellwood, at the helm of the vessel. The big breakthrough came when the chief Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 896 - 6 May 2020
A pipe dream that became a reality surveyor said the boat would have to pass Apart from being far more environmentally thorough and stringent seaworthiness tests. aware, little has changed on the Whai over the If the comment was made to make Peter years says John. “The original four-cylinder finally go away, it didn’t work and an engines were replaced some time ago with agreement was reached to undergo a long very reliable twin Cumming diesels,” he says. voyage to Japan and back. If the Whai “The boat is subject to full marine survey and returned in one piece, then basically the green runs to a Maritime Operator Safety System. light would be given to allow the boat to go Sleeping quarters can cater for 10 to 16 into charter. persons comfortably or we are surveyed for Long story short, it was mission 24 persons on day trips. It’s a home away accomplished with relative ease and on her from home and is often described as a floating return home, the Whai began life as a charter holiday bach.” boat in Whitianga with Peter Spurdle at When asked what he loves most about the helm. his chartering work, John is quick to reply. That was over 50 years ago and the Whai “I love to see the enjoyment people have on is still in Whitianga and still in popular the water catching fish and being responsible demand, operated for the last 16 plus years by fishermen along the way,” he says. current owners, John Ellwood and Ann Ward. “Each trip is different and I get to meet some They took over the family charter business very interesting people.” from John’s parents, Mick and Dulcie. The Whai has also completed many Mick was only the second owner of the successful trips to Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and boat and ran charters out of Whitianga for New Caledonia over the years. “Whai” is the more than 25 years before handing over to Māori name for a short tail stingray flattened John, who has been the sole skipper since. and slightly wider than long. According It was an easy transition, John had grown to John, it also means to seek and to find. up in Whitianga, learning to fish and dive in All worthy attributes for MV Whai. the local waters. He had extensive experience No doubt there are many tall tales to be told and contacts in the local boating, fishing from those who fished, dived or spent time and diving scene. He was also well known cruising on-board one of New Zealand’s most through work on other charter boats and successful and long-serving charter boats. working commercially on wet fish, gamefish, But the story on how it all began is certainly crayfish and scallop boats both locally and no pipe dream and will be one told for many around the South Pacific. years to come. Issue 896 - 6 May 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Court issues concrete set of
rules for rural subdivisions
By Brent Trail
It can be a long and complex journey to all landowners and encourages rehabilitation,
create new subdivision rules in a district plan. rather than just maintaining, quality ecological
After a nine-year process, the Environment features.
Court has recently ruled how rural subdivisions While there is a requirement for increased
are to continue on the Coromandel Peninsula. areas of lowland forest to be protected in
Thames-Coromandel District Council’s order to qualify for subdivision compared to
Proposed District Plan was initiated in March past rules, this is balanced by reduced areas
2011, notified for public submissions in of other forest as well as the introduction of
late 2013 and council’s final decisions were some additional categories. The development
released in April 2016. of these conservation lot rules has seen
Many people objected to council’s decisions, significant input by some of New Zealand’s
resulting in several appeals to the Environment leading ecologists to create, what I consider,
Court. These were heard over the subsequent an approach that could be beneficially
four years. The rural subdivision rules, adopted nationwide.
as confirmed by the court, hold opportunities Features qualifying for protection to create a
for many. subdivision now include wetland and dune land
The court determined that the boundary (half a hectare minimum), floodplain forest
adjustment provisions contained in the (1ha minimum), coastal forest (5ha minimum),
previous TCDC District Plan will carry on, coastal escarpment forest (2ha minimum) and
removing council’s proposed limit to the lowland forest (10ha minimum). Larger areas
amount of land that could be exchanged. This of protection are needed in order to subdivide
eliminates significant uncertainty for many. multiple lots and there is a limit of two new
Another rule reinstated by the court permits lots in the Coastal Zone, with four in other
an average block size of 20ha for a rural rural areas.
subdivision. It is a rule that has been used for After a wait of almost a decade, we now
many years under the previous District Plan. have a concrete set of rules to work with.
Given the potential for protection of vast Brent Trail is the managing director of
tracks of forest throughout the Coromandel Surveying Services, a firm of surveyors with
Peninsula, the most significant deviation from offices in Whitianga and Thames.
council’s decisions is the reintroduction of The Surveying Services team can assist
rural conservation lot subdivisions across the with resource consent applications for
entire Thames-Coromandel District. Council’s subdivisions, building set-outs and defining
decisions allowed these subdivisions in certain land boundaries across the Coromandel,
priority areas only. I believe that the final Bay of Plenty and the Waikato. Brent can be
outcome is significantly better when it comes contacted on telephone (07) 866 0088 or email
to the management of land. It is much fairer to info@surveyingservices.co.nz.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 896 - 6 May 2020
Covid-19 restrictions through the eyes of a “closet cartoonist” Whitianga local, Peter Grant’s take on the first day of Alert Level 3. Issue 896 - 6 May 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
“Don’t hold your breath,” says mayor as TCDC keeps “shovel ready” projects under wraps By Gillian O’Neill While local councils across New Zealand asked for details of the shovel-ready projects are talking up their ambitious wish-lists TCDC had sought funding for, council said it ahead of a major government decision would only make that information available around funding local and regional projects, if one or more applications were successful. Thames-Coromandel District Council’s “We were well aware from a briefing priorities remain under wraps with council from the Crown Infrastructure Fund panel refusing to say what support it has sought. that there was going to be thousands of A total of 1,800 proposals have been received applications from both the public and private by the Infrastructure Industry Reference sector,” said TCDC’s communications and Group, who will make a recommendation to economic development group manager, cabinet on which projects to help finance from Laurna White. “So we don’t want to put a dedicated $800 million cash pool. The aim any unrealistic expectations out to the of the “shovel-ready” projects scheme is to public until we have some indication as to help kick-start economic recovery across all whether any project from our district is being regions by providing funds to local councils seriously considered. When and if that is the or the private sector to enable an immediate case,then we will be able to share start on construction that is ready to go. something publicly.” Whanganui District Council submitted 12 TCDC’s response follows a distinct lack different projects worth $260m, including of enthusiasm about the funding scheme several upgrade projects at Whanganui expressed by both Mayor Sandra Goudie and Airport and a roof for the local velodrome. Mr Williams at a special council meeting A plastics recycling plant is top of the list on 21 April. When asked specifically by in Manawatu District Council’s application. one council member about government- The facility would accept all grades of funded projects, Mrs Goudie advised her plastics, including agricultural plastic, from fellow councillors not to get their hopes up. around the lower North Island and reprocess “Listen guys, don’t hold your breath about it into pellets or flakes. Flood protection those, we’ve been down this track before with schemes and wastewater upgrades are the [Provincial Growth Fund] and I’ll believe among Wellington City Council’s 10 items it when I see it to be quite frank,” she said. which they claim would collectively create Mr Williams appeared equally sceptical 2,200 jobs. about the prospects for success. “We’ve seen However, despite TCDC chief executive, an awful lot of rhetoric from Wellington,” Rob Williams, saying staff had spent long he said. “… they are borrowing $55 billion hours drawing up lists, when The Informer to fund this economic stimulus, which is Thames-Coromandel District Council chief executive, Rob Williams. Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 896 - 6 May 2020
“Don’t hold your breath,” says mayor fantastic in many regards to try and get the after the deadline for funding submissions industry moving. The big difficulty is that - TCDC staff members would not give while [Regional Economic Development any specific details about the projects to Minister] Shane Jones is very good with his councillors, undertaking to send out a list. rhetoric, saying I’m going to get rid of the However, it was confirmed to The Informer Resource Management Act, we’ve probably last weekend that such a list was not yet received three emails from the Ministry sent out. for the Environment reminding us of our Mr Williams’s view is in stark contrast obligations under the RMA to make sure that to the approach of others local councils we are still following due process. in the Waikato region who have worked “So while we’re seeing a lot of rhetoric collaboratively to develop and publicly that we are going to spend billions of dollars promote their goals. The Waikato subgroup and we are going to make things happen, which includes Hamilton City Council, I think it’s mixed messages coming out of Waikato District Council, Waipā District Wellington, which we always see.” Council, Waikato Regional Council and Specifically on the subject of the shovel- Waikato‐Tainui among others, described ready project initiative, Mr Williams accused their joint proposal as “ambitious and the government of moving the goalposts in transformational.” relation to criteria and creating extra work “The projects presented in the proposal for staff. “We’ve had an awful lot of staff will provide the stimulus needed to support work very hard, very long hours to put lists the region and the country as we recover together,” he said. “We’ve pulled those lists from Covid-19,” the group said. “They will apart because the criteria have changed, modernise the economy and they will enhance even within a two-week period. We’ve been productivity. Most of all, the proposals will told they need to be shovel-ready and now deliver sustainable jobs. Here in the Waikato, we’re told they need to be shovel-worthy, we’re ready.” which is a very different thing, so it’s a The group’s combined 27-item shopping moveable feast. We have to be careful not list includes a cycleway between Hamilton to waste an awful lot of time on this and so and Cambridge, upgrades to major tourism we’ve tried to minimise the amount of time routes and floodwater management schemes. by being as ready as much as we can be, The Infrastructure Industry Reference but ultimately the rhetoric seems to be Group is due to present a priority list of outpacing the reality.” projects to cabinet by mid-May, following At the meeting - which was held a week which funding decisions will be announced. Issue 896 - 6 May 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Tourism operators urged to work together to help
promote the Coromandel
“Turn up and take it easy.” That’s the invitation going forward.
the Coromandel will extend to the rest of Destination Coromandel has wiped all costs
New Zealand as the Peninsula fights for a associated with advertising on their platforms
share of what will be a larger but increasingly over the next 12 months - including listing
competitive domestic tourism market. on www.thecoromandel.com website - and
Local tourism operators are being urged is urging tourism operators to come on board
to work together in order to offer ready- to collectively enhance the shop window for
made packages to visitors looking for an easy prospective travellers. Hadley said it was vital
getaway option. Regional tourism organisation, for industry providers to get active and creative
Destination Coromandel, will promote these in terms of their product offerings and then
offers at no cost using existing as well as some utilise the marketing resources Destination
new promotional channels. Coromandel could make available to get their
Around 70 industry representatives from message out there.
across the Peninsula met online on Thursday In addition to Destination Coromandel’s
last week to hear Destination Coromandel set summer promotion, several other campaigns will
out their strategy for attracting visitors in the run over the coming months - including “Good
coming months, which features a series of for Your Soul,” with a strong focus on wellness
seasonal campaigns. A strong focus will remain and relaxation over winter, and “Take it Easy,”
on the drive markets of Auckland, Hamilton which will promote recreational opportunities
and the Bay of Plenty, which already account such as hiking, walking and cycling during
for around 95 per cent of the Peninsula’s spring/autumn. The latter is expected to have a
domestic visits and around 70 percent of total strong appeal for those seeking an escape while
tourism revenue. also maintaining physical distance and staying
Hadley Dryden, general manager of within their bubbles.
Destination Coromandel, also announced the However, the timing of these campaigns
organisation would for the first time ever run a will hinge largely on guidelines around travel
Opportunities for outdoor recreation such as the Coromandel Coastal Walkway will be at
summer campaign. While he said traditionally as we move through the Covid-19 alert levels.
the heart of “Take it Easy,” one of a series of marketing campaigns that will be run by Destination
summer had looked after itself, the region did While Destination Coromandel said it wasn’t
Coromandel to target domestic tourists. Photo courtesy of Destination Coromandel.
not want to risk losing ground to other areas directly involved in campaigning for regional
who are expected to compete aggressively for businesses and communities.” our communities. travel to be permitted under Alert Level 2, it was
tourism dollars. “Where Kiwis Holiday” will be Asked about the risk of putting further “If we can sustain summer activity, aware that sectors within the tourism industry
the tagline for this initiative. pressure on local resources during the summer this will bring some security and confidence were engaging directly with central government
“We see this period being the lifeline for peak, Hadley said he expected any boost in for the industry to work towards the on the issue. All marketing would be done
the visitor sector,” Hadley told The Informer. the volume of domestic trips would be offset following summer.” responsibly and in-line with what was permitted
“Most tourism businesses in New Zealand by the absence of international visitors during Keeping a presence in international at any given time.
will be feeling the same way, hence an this time. “If we’re fortunate to see any markets is also seen as vital and Australians, To receive information about how to
increase in competition for domestic visitors. international visitors over the summer period, the Coromandel’s largest group of overseas participate in Destination Coromandel’s
With businesses in survival mode, an increase it’s highly unlikely we’ll have anywhere near visitors, will be a particular focus. Currently of marketing campaigns, tourism businesses are
in domestic competition, the loss of the valuable the same numbers we’ve had in the past,” the 11.6 million overseas trips our neighbours encouraged to sign up for the organisation’s
international market and a stalling economy, he said. “International visitors contributed make each year, only 1.5 million of those are newsletter at www.thecoromandel.com.
we need to maximise our best opportunities between $15 million and $21 million to our to New Zealand. The prospect of trans-Tasman Visitor spend added $503 million in revenue
in the short term. We feel to do nothing over local economy each month from December travel becoming available as a safe, alternative to the Coromandel economy in the 12 months
summer is to exacerbate the risk to our to March. This represents a significant loss to option is seen as a significant opportunity ending January 2020.
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Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 896 - 6 May 2020Issue 896
699 - 627May
July2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Hello Omokoroa,
Museum Musings
By Becs Cox, Mercury Bay Museum Manager farewell Te Aroha!
What an unprecedented time we are currently It was fantastic to see all the photos of how
in. Working and learning from home has been we commemorated ANZAC Day this year
an experience that we are all getting used to and that a large part of our community took
after five weeks or so. part in the “Stand At Dawn” event. This is
With the move to the Covid-19 Alert also a time that we would like to collect for
Level 3 restrictions, the Mercury Bay our history.
Museum still remains closed to visitors, This is an ANZAC Day that we will not
but we have been popping in and out checking forget. So once again, if you have photos of
on our collections and collecting more work you and your bubble members standing at
to do at home. your gate, or the poppies that you placed in
Thank you to everyone who has so far your window or at your letterbox, please send
taken part in our “Recording the Lockdown” those to us.
programme. We have received several stories, As soon as New Zealand move to Alert It has been confirmed that residents of Omokoroa (pictured), 21km north of Tauranga, will be welcomed
poems and photos come in already, but we Level 2, we will re-open. We are supporting into the Coromandel Electorate this year although it is a reluctant move for some.
would love to see more. The piece below has “Shop Local,” so come in and do a little Seven of the beachside town’s 6,800 residents formally objected to the Representation Commission’s
come in from 10-year-old Molly Casey from browsing in our shop or take a look through reclassification of the town from the Bay of Plenty Electorate. A review of electoral boundaries is carried
Whitianga. Thanks Molly! the museum and go into The Informer’s out after each census to ensure electorates have a similar number of voters. The Coromandel Electorate’s
Please send us your photos or videos, weekly “Support Local/Buy Local” draw. population is now 64,568.
stories or poems so we can add them to our There will be some exciting changes Omokora (pictured) was previously part of the Coromandel Electorate (more than a decade ago)
archive of this time in our history. Also, happening over the next few months in a and returns because of the growth in the Bay of Plenty.
do not forget the teddy bears - if you have certain bird room. Watch this space! “The Bay of Plenty Electorate was over quota and had to lose population, which has been achieved by
photos of your teddy bears taking part in the We look forward to seeing you at Alert moving the area around Omokoroa Beach into the Coromandel Electorate,” the Representation Commission
“Great Bear Hunt,” then please send those to Level 2. said. “In turn, the Coromandel Electorate had to lose population, which has been achieved by moving the
us as well. Becs Cox area around Te Aroha into the Waikato Electorate.”
The change had been signalled last November and opponents resident in Omokoroa sighted distance from
the Coromandel’s main centres, access to their MP and the fact that their town was more economically
Covid-19 and socially aligned with Tauranga.
The ups about Covid-19 is that we get to spend time with our mums and dads, and our “[We have] not been able to accommodate these objections as there was no viable alternative way of
sisters and brothers, but the downs about Covid-19 is that we can’t see our friends and moving the necessary numbers out of the Bay of Plenty Electorate without more disruptive changes
family, and adults can’t work. affecting neighbouring electorates where no changes were proposed,” the commission said.
What I have been doing while in lockdown is I have been making tiktoks, building Lego, There were no formal objections submitted regarding the change for Te Aroha.
playing board games with my family and homework. We have been doing fitness and we This year’s general election is scheduled for 19 September when the Coromandel Electorate will vote on
have been sleeping in the lounge. whether to return current MP, National’s Scott Simpson, for a fourth term.
As New Zealanders in our fight against Covid-19, we must stay at home and keep safe! Boundary changes in 2014 saw the Coromandel’s north-western boundary extended into the Hunua
My name is Molly Casey. I am 10 years old from Whitianga. Ranges, thus incorporating the coastal communities north of Miranda.
Photo courtesy of the Omokoroa Community Facebook page.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 896 - 6 May 2020Issue 896
699 - 627May
July2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Coromandel distillery is bottling hand sanitiser instead of gin By Gillian O’Neill When exploring an idea for a boutique their business and also support the local remains high. that is probably going to be required in the distillery on the Coromandel, Dr Paul community’s efforts to stop the spread of “This is 100 per cent led by a desire to do community for quite some time, so we’re Schneider never envisaged the role he and his Covid-19. our bit to help keep our community safe,” happy to be able to help.” partner, Daniela Suess, were going to play in “We are in a unique position in that we Paul says. “We already had the equipment Paul says the production of hand-sanitiser combating a global health pandemic. already hold a licence to manufacture and here anyway and by selling directly to will continue for as long as the community Paul and Daniela, both environmental handle alcohol and so, after some discussions customers, we can keep our costs low and needs it, even after Coromandel Distilling scientists, recently embarked on a new to see if there would be a demand, we have pass that on. When we looked at the prices Company gin is back on the menu. “We will business venture producing premium spirits adapted to develop and produce a hand being charged online, we found we could sell keep this going as a side operation as along as using mostly local produce. However, sanitiser,” Paul says. our hand sanitiser at least 50 per cent cheaper, it is required,” he says. for the past three weeks, instead of delightful An initial order from Thames-Coromandel which we are really pleased to be able to The hand sanitiser is being sold under gins such as Damson Plum and wood-aged District Council has been followed up with do. With an 80 per cent alcohol content, the brand name “Eliminator.” More Manuka, the still at Coromandel Distilling enquiries from medical centres, schools the quality is also much better than some information and online sales are available at Company in Thames is now churning out and businesses right across the Peninsula, of what is out there. This is something www.localscience.co.nz. something currently far more sought after and Paul says scaling up to meet demand on the Peninsula and beyond - high quality has been a whirlwind. “We had to try and hand sanitiser. source containers and some of those were “We opened at the end of last year and going to take three weeks to arrive,” he says. we were just about to get some distribution “We also had to get labels organised, deals going when it all came to a standstill,” which of course need to be compliant and Paul says. also look reasonably good. I suppose being a The couple moved to Thames 13 years fledgling company our plans weren’t so set in ago taking up roles with the Department of stone, we were flexible enough to be able to Conservation. “We’ve both done other things adapt. It has been a challenge, but it has also since, I went back to do my PhD and we now been very exciting.” have an 11-year-old daughter,” Paul says. Ensuring as many people who need it can “We wanted to start our own business and purchase the product, is important to Paul. when we set about thinking of ideas, distilling Sales are currently in five-litre bulk containers, seemed to fit the bill, it has that combination 500ml spray bottles and 100ml plastic bottles of nature and science that appealed to us.” and are open to individuals and families, Their passion for experimentation led the as well as businesses and organisations. couple to produce their unique flavours - “We will try and look after as many people including a Coromandel Dry Gin, which as we can, so if anyone has a particular need have been popular during cellar door sales please get in touch with us and we will try our as part of the regular Thames Markets - and best to help,” Paul says. they have been working with marketers and A new division of the business has been designers around branding and distribution. created for the hand sanitiser, aptly named However, with currently zero demand “Local Science.” While just Paul and Daniela from key markets like restaurants and bars, currently work in the business, there may Dr Paul Schneider, owner of Coromandel Distilling Company in Thames, which has moved Paul and Daniela saw an opportunity to pivot be a need to employ more staff if demand from producing gin to hand sanitiser in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 896 - 6 May 2020
Issue 896
699 - 627May
July2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Letters to the Editor
See page 10 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Spending lockdown in Wharekaho
In March, our family of five left Edinburgh to travel around New Zealand for six weeks. One of
Crossword Puzzle 896 our planned stops was Whitianga, where we planned to visit Cathedral Cove and go to Hot Water
Beach, and spend some time relaxing and enjoying the surroundings with our three young children.
Little did we know we would end up spending lockdown in Wharekaho!
Just for fun this week We were lucky enough to have stayed in a gorgeous beachside house when we first arrived, and
See next week’s Informer for the solution managed to rebook it when lockdown was announced. We spent over six weeks living in paradise.
Walks on the beach, paddling in the ocean, playing games together and enjoying the stunning
scenery, it has been incredible. While we couldn’t spend too much time in the Whitianga town
centre, we did manage to visit some of the cafés and shops before lockdown.
I just want to thank the people of Whitianga for having us. You live in one of the most spectacular
places we have ever been to all around the world. It will hold a very special place in our hearts and
very special memories for us and our children.
I also want to thank The Informer for keeping us updated with your paper and your Facebook
page, it was lovely to see what a wonderful community you have.
We will be back when international travel is allowed again, but for now we have to leave on
repatriation flights, much to our sadness. We would have stayed forever!
You have a very special community and location and we hope that all the businesses and people
get through this very difficult time together. We feel incredibly fortunate to have spent our lockdown
among you.
Kia kaha,
Karina Reinhardt
Edinburgh, Scotland
Dear Editor - A tale of two campaigns
It is interesting to note that the Mycoplasma bovis attack on New Zealand’s bovine population
has been almost repulsed, eliminated in the latest government jargon. There remain 29 farms to be
cleared up with the other 218 affected farms now back into production.
This is a success that was achieved without locking up the country, sending all cows to the house
paddock and collapsing the milk, beef and lamb industries. On the contrary, these industries are
booming and we need them to be in these current times. It is noticeable that this defensive campaign
was managed by a man with a military career behind him, who understood strategy and understood
he had to protect the population.
It is unfortunate the Covid-19 attack was not given to such a person to manage. Instead it was
ACROSS DOWN given to a medical man. This was the first key mistake made by the government when responding
1. Genetically altered 1. Squandered to the pandemic. Many will feel he was appropriate as it was a health-based attack, however if it
was a land grab attack, would you want your defence managed by a real estate agent or property
4. Rubbed lightly 2. Not sinking developer? Obviously not, although some often display strategic brilliance.
7. Protest banner 3. Haul
8. Pass (legislation) 4. Broad
9. Heathens 5. Royal homes
6. Song for two
12. Pants
10. Hard iron alloy
15. Fishing vessels
11. Loud
17. Deeply desires 13. Bright weather
18. Ear test, ... 14. Bearer (of disease)
examination 16. Thin biscuits
21. Citrus fruits 18. Wheel shaft
22. Strange 19. Taste defeat
23. Enormous 20. Coconut tree
Last week’s solution - Mega Crossword
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 896 - 6 May 2020Letters to the Editor
See page 10 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
The result of this mistake is that the focus of this defence has been defeating the enemy, Dear Editor - The passing of Gwen Young
not protecting the population. And that lack of protection for the population is horrendous, resulting Sadly former Whitianga resident and author of the book, “A Life Well Lived,” Gwen Young, passed
in the decimation of our economy - mass unemployment growing daily, collapse of whole sectors away at 2:00am on Tuesday, 21 April.
of the economy, huge public debt and incredible stress on small business owners. Around the middle of March, Gwen realised she had lost the battle with cancer. When she was
An interesting comparison - both successful campaigns in terms of the battle, but in terms of initially told she only had a month to live, she decided she wanted a bit more time to say her
the war, the M bovis campaign, while obviously incurring some local damage, far surpassed the goodbyes and lived a further five months. Right through she was expressing her great fullness for
outcome of the Covid-19 campaign with its fields of devastation and ruin. everything in life.
This does show that we need professional people who are appropriate for the job. Gwen was happy with the life she lived and was ready to leave this world when she did. She was
This requirement extends also to our top servants, the government, and they must take responsibility dearly loved and an inspiration to many. She will be missed.
for the economic problems we face. Our prime minister was as proficient as we have come to expect Wendy Young
with her symbolic empathy routine. However, her government failed. They were very slow to start Whitianga
the defence - failing to close the borders when the first cases of Covid-19 were reported, failing to
Dear Editor - The zoning of industrial land in Whitianga
quarantine returning Kiwis, failing to protect regions that at that time were unaffected and failing to
As a Thames-Coromandel District councillor from 1998 to 2010, I was proud to be part of a vibrant
protect our most vulnerable in rest homes.
council and what was achieved for Whitianga.
And due to these failures, the only tactic they had was to put us all under house arrest with the
During this period four major projects were undertaken and changed the face of the township
resultant economic carnage becoming obvious.
forever. These are listed in no particular order -
But what can we do about this? Well we can vote at the appropriate time for whoever we think
• Upgrade of the Whitianga wastewater plant.
can manage us out of this mire the best. And the other thing we can do is laugh at Auckland.
• Upgrade of the Whitianga water system.
After all, I hear the Green influence in Auckland City has arranged cones to be placed to divide
• Commencement of the Whitianga Waterways concept in 2000.
several significant streets into lesser laned roads so pedestrians and cyclists can self-distance safely.
• Commencement of zoning planning for Whitianga in 2002 - with rampant growth needing
That will help the parking lot move at peak hour.
clear guidelines.
Trevor Ammundsen
The first three points were achieved with much success, but the fourth point - zoning - has not
Whitianga
been actioned. That is unacceptable in today's climate.
Dear Editor - The passing of Gwen Young The zoning recommendations back in 2002 included future urban zoning restricted to Racecourse
Through this letter we express our love for former Whitianga resident, Gwen Young, who passed Road only (the Wells Farm) and Moewai Road (right of the main road going south) to become an
away on Tuesday, 21 April. She unconditionally loved and supported the people here at The industrial zone, with full reticulation of water and waste water.
Embassy of Peace. The joy and vibrancy that she brought into our community has been her greatest These were the main zoning changes from a comprehensive list of proposals and did not include
contribution to our lives and in all certainty the memories of her will be with us continuously. Waterways as they submitted their own proposal.
Gwen had a wealth of ideas and initiatives that she shared with us in some of our gatherings and I recall the people were very excited about the industrial zoning as it would have opened up
meetings. She wholeheartedly loved this place, the people and what we stand for. Her support was opportunities for factories, learning centres, glasshouses, horticulture, boat building, engineering,
a great source of inspiration. etc, but while the wastewater pipeline runs down Moewai Road, it is not hooked up to any premises
Gwen will always be, in spirit, part of our lives and achievements for us to continue to contribute in that area, they are all on septic tanks.
towards inner peace and social harmony in the future. I do not know the reason for delaying the zoning for so long, but Covid-19 has changed our
We will always remember her and the good moments we shared together. community forever and we must, as responsible citizens, give people the opportunity to recover.
For her friendship and love, we stand in eternal gratitude. By zoning our industrial land, we can all care to dream.
The family and friends of The Embassy of Peace Noel Hewlett
Whitianga Whitianga
Issue 896 - 6 May 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17You can also read
