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Issue 828 - 16 January 2019 Phone 07 866 2090 (07) 867 15
Telephone the Coromandel
Circulation 7,200
pport
Proud to su Helicopter Trust
Such a great experience
Rescue
By Suzanne Hansen
Informer contributor Suzanne Hansen (on the right) getting ready to board a DC3 scenic flight from Whitianga Airport on Saturday last week with, from the left, First Officer Yongxi He,
Captain Jolon Marshall, Cabin Attendant Lynn Wightwick (top of the stairs), Whitianga Sea Scouts volunteer Chrissie Reilly (bottom of the stairs) and Mark Hansen (Suzanne’s husband).
Another brilliant day dawned clear and calm the DC3 making her final approach into a busy Whitianga business, Pacific Coast in October 1944. During World War II she
on Saturday last week as my husband, Mark, Whitianga Airport. It was time to make our Marine, with her husband, John Booker. served with various units and squadrons in
and I were scheduled to enjoy a scenic flight way to the airport to meet Chrissie. We joked about what inflight entertainment continental America before being transferred
from Whitianga Airport in a beautifully Chrissie arrived just after us and was the flight might have and whether Chrissie to Japan and the Philippines for service in the
restored DC3. The aeroplane is based at as excited as we were. Nominated for the should have boned up on her DC3 flying skills Korean War.
Ardmore Airport, south of Auckland. volunteer competition by Mike Brown, in case she might be needed in an emergency. The plane had been procured from
Chrissie Reilly, the winner of an Informer chairman of the Whitianga Sea Scouts, Meanwhile I was a little pensive about Australia and lovingly restored 31 years ago
“volunteer competition,” was to join us for Chrissie is not only an active Scouts leader the age of the aeroplane. Technically the by a private group of individuals as part of
the flight. and deputy chair of the Whitianga Sea Scouts, DC3 we were about to board was 15 years the New Zealand Warbirds Association.
I knew our plane had arrived in Whitianga she has also taken on even more responsibility older than me, and I am pushing 60 this year. She is these days owned by a group
as I was hanging laundry outside and our to start a Scouts Venturer’s group in Whitianga She was manufactured in Oklahoma City of aviation professionals called “Fly
backyard darkened with the shadow of this year. She is doing all this while managing and delivered to the United States Air Force DC3.” Her professional airline pilots and
(Continued on page 3)
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Approximately $25,000 raised TCDC sign to signpost different
at Concert in the Vines access points to Cathedral Cove
An alternative track to Cathedral Cove has opened in Lees Road outside Hahei on Boxing Day last
year. The track, as well as a car park to service users of the track, were developed on private land
owned by Hahei Limousin Limited.
To access the track costs the same as making use of the park-and-ride facility operating in Hahei
Leanda Hunt, event organiser of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, estimates that this between the car park Thames-Coromandel District Council developed at the village entrance and the
start of the Department of Conservation’s Cathedral Cove track at the top of Grange Road.
year’s Concert in the Vines, held on Friday last week at Mercury Bay Estate in Cooks Beach, has
raised approximately $25,000 for the Auckland and Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopters. The Hahei Limousin track joins the Department of Conservation’s Cathedral Cove track about 200m
“I’d say we had more than 700 people at the concert,” says Leanda. from the cove.
“Our track is approximately the same distance as DOC’s Cathedral Cove track and provide walkers
The music line-up featured the bands Chaidaze, Pat for President and White Chapel Jak (Radio with an entirely different experience through a valley which is part of a working farm,” says Ian
New Zealand’s Cover Band of the Year for 2018). The energy of White Chapel Jak was infectious Carter, a director of Hahei Limousin. “We’re planning to develop mountain bike tracks on our land
and towards the end of the concert virtually everyone in the crowd was on their feet and dancing. as well.”
A highlight was when the rescue helicopter based in Whitianga (ZK-HES) arrived at the concert Thames-Coromandel District Council was initially going to develop a car park on Hahei Limousin’s
and crew members James Tayler (pilot), Marcel Driessen (intensive care paramedic) and Vasya land, but has recently reached an agreement with the company not to do any work on private land.
Makhinko (crewman/co-pilot) opened the helicopter for everyone who was interested to have a “The agreement between [TCDC] and [Hahei Limousin] is confidential,” says Allan Tiplady, TCDC’s
look. The crew were generous with their time and stayed at the concert for more than an hour Area Manager North.
and a half. When Hahei Limousin opened their alternative track, a sign has been attached to a privately-owned
“It wouldn’t have been possible to put the concert on without the support from our sponsors farm gate directly opposite the Link Road/Hahei Road/Hahei Beach Road intersection, directing
and a large group of amazing volunteers who all worked tirelessly in the blistering heat to traffic to “Cathedral Cove Car Park Lees Road.” The sign has caused some confusion among tourists,
with reports of traffic backing up at some stage more than 200m down Link Road.
make the concert a special day for everyone,” says Leanda. “I specifically would like to thank
The Informer - our main sponsor, Mercury Bay Estate, Marquee Solutions, Peninsula Roofing The sign has been taken down on Monday this week.
and Scaffolding, Murphy Buses, Alan Beagle of More FM - the master of ceremonies, JAG Audio “[We are] currently working on a permanent sign [to be erected at the Link Road/Hahei Road/Hahei
and the trustees of the Coromandel Helicopter Trust. Beach Road intersection], which will signpost the different access point to Cathedral Cove from
Hahei Village and from Lees Road,” says Mr Tiplady. “This is being discussed with the Hahei Business
“It’s clear that the Auckland and Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopters have a lot of support Association and we hope to have it finalised in the next week…”
on the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s very encouraging.”
Pictured is the valley through which Hahei Limousin’s alternative track to Cathedral Cove has
Pictured are friends (from the left) Linda Ter Huurne-Roberts, Karen Johansen and Anna been developed.
Hobcroft enjoying the concert on Friday.
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019
Such a great experience
(Continued from page 1)
experienced airline cabin crew are all family at Rings Beach said that they heard the
volunteers. She is one of only a few DC3 way before they saw her.
DC3s in the world to hold a full Airline While Linda offered us lollies, we were
Operating Certificate. treated to 1940s music by Vera Lynn.
In addition to Chrissie, six volunteers While we were looking at all the stunning
or staff members from St John Whitianga, scenery, Chrissie struck up an avid
the Whitianga Police and the Whitianga conversation with the passenger in the seat
Volunteer Fire Brigade were sponsored by next to her, long-term Hahei resident Ian
Fly DC3 to enjoy one of the three scenic Russell. They found that they had some
flights the plane undertook from Whitianga incredibly interesting connections and chatted
Airport on Saturday. away about the Mercury Bay community.
When I asked about the use of cell phones At Matarangi, we banked back out to
to take photos, Captain Jolon Marshall said sea and came back along the coast which
that none of the flight instruments would once again allowed all of us amazing views
recognise such modern technology, so we of Rings Beach and Kuaotunu, as well as
were in the clear. Otama Beach and Opito Bay. Otama looked
We were welcomed onto the plane by particularly spectacular with its crystal clear
cabin attendants Lynn Wightwick and Linda water, white sand and bucolic pastures.
Boyens. We were warned that while the Arriving back in Whitianga, we flew
engines started it might be a bit steamy inside over the the Whitianga Waterways and the
(air conditioning was not a feature in the Whitianga River Estuary to make our final
mid-1940s), but that we were all equipped approach. The landing was, like the takeoff,
with personal fans, which were called surprisingly smooth and the passengers were
Passenger Safety Cards. We all made use of commenting on how lovely the interior of the
them smartly. plane was with her ample leg room and cushy
The take-off was amazingly smooth seats. Take note Air New Zealand.
considering the size of the aeroplane, On arrival, our flight attendants apologised
although it also seemed like it took us a while in their obligatory arrival announcement that
to get airborne. Once in the air, we were they wished there had been enough time for
treated to magnificent views. We passed the them to make us a martini, but alas that was
Whitianga River and headed out towards not to be.
Great Mercury Island with Shakespeare Getting off the aeroplane and making our
Cliff and Cooks Beach on our right. On our goodbyes, the passengers for the second flight
left, Wharekaho/Simpsons Beach sparkled was getting ready to board. I was pleased to
in the sun. The water of Mercury Bay was see that two of the six emergency services
a translucent colour. All along the flight we passengers being treated to a scenic flight by
were low enough in altitude to see swimmers, Fly DC3 were Sandra Holliday of St John and
boaties and kayakers. It was almost surreal. Constable Bernie Deadman of the Whitianga
The flight path took us towards Matarangi, Police, who helped a few months ago to get
so we were able to fly low over Kuaotunu, me out of the bush behind the Whitianga Golf
which was Chrissie’s long-term home, Course with a broken ankle. It was exciting
as well as Rings Beach, where Mark’s family that that they were also going to have such a
have been going since 1977. Our friends and great experience.
702 - 16
Issue 828 17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
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Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019
10 more Vegas Live Band Reggae Festival
sleeps till BRown DJ Leon Loop 26 January
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Week of 16 January to 23 January - More images from the New Horizons spacecraft’s 1 January fly-by of dwarf planet Ultima Thule way out
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702 - 16
Issue 828 17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
A “really nice” atmosphere at the Mercury Bay Seaside Carnival By Stephan Bosman Initial indications are that the Mercury Bay steady throughout the day and at least one of the talents. Legal Issues, an accomplished band of parent, Linda Simonsen. Seaside Carnival that was held on Tuesday last dishes on offer sold out.” MBAS students, performed on the main stage A one bedroom, one bathroom sleepout the week at the Buffalo Beach Reserve in Whitianga “Dive Zone Whitianga has again sponsored a alongside well-known rock band Ekko Park and MBAS building, construction and allied trades raised more than $36,000 for Mercury Bay kayak package worth more than $1,800, which highly popular local performer, Anita Prime. students built over the course of 2017 and 2018 Area School. we raffled off over several months. The raffle More than 110 volunteers, mostly MBAS were auctioned off for $22,000 during the The funds will be used to develop an existing did exceptionally well.” parents, teachers and students, helped to make carnival. The proceeds of the auction will be quadrangle at the school into a “social” space The winner of the kayak package was the carnival a success. The names of all the used in another build project. for the senior students that will contribute to the Whitianga resident, Lisa Coster. volunteers went into a draw to win a $1,000 John Wright says the carnival wouldn’t students’ overall wellbeing. Live music was on offer on two stages. travel voucher as well as a suitcase with some have been possible without the dedication MBAS principal, John Wright, says he The smaller of the stages was a buskers stage travel accessories sponsored by Helloworld and commitment of Kay McDonald and John estimates between 4,000 and 5,000 people where MBAS students were able to display their Whitianga. The lucky winner was MBAS Skelton, the Mercury Bay Seaside Carnival enjoyed the carnival in weather that couldn’t administrator. “Kay and John have been have been better. “I think this has been the most extraordinary,” he says. “They have built on, ‘relaxed’ carnival we’ve had so far,” he says. and put together, great systems for all of us to “Folks rocked up, with families in tow, had a have a very successful day. Their involvement great day and there was a really nice atmosphere in the carnival is over and above what they both in my view. I was reminded time and again do in their busy lives. They’re special people. about the friendly atmosphere and many of the “I also would like to thank all the business stallholders commented that the carnival was owners across our community for their support. superbly organised, an aspect they loved.” Just stunning!” The 128 stalls offered a wide variety of In addition to Dive Zone Whitianga’s in products, from art and crafts to clothing and kind sponsorship, the Mercury Bay Seaside food. “Generally the stallholders were very Carnival was this year sponsored by the happy,” says Kay McDonald, chair of the following businesses - 100% Whitianga ($500), carnival organising committee. “The quickfire Cove Construction ($1,000), Dekker Construction raffles we ran on the day did really well. ($500), Espy Café ($500), Gull Whitianga ($500), The prizes were good and each raffle sold out Guthrie Bowron Whitianga ($1,000), H & M quickly. Local businesses like Blackjack Surf Pascoe ($500), Peninsula Roofing & Scaffolding were, again, incredibly generous in donating (in kind), Peninsula Party Hire ($500 and in kind), prizes to us. PlaceMakers Whitianga ($1,000), Ray White “The Funco rides and attractions were very Whitianga ($1,000), RDP Panel & Paint ($1,000), popular and the Senior Girls Football team’s RMS Surveyors (in kind), The Lost Spring ‘Dunk the Teacher’ stall was a great hit and ($1,000), The Mercury Bay Informer ($1,000), really added to the carnival atmosphere. Kay McDonald, chair of the Mercury Bay Seaside Carnival organising committee, Whitianga Waterways (in kind) and You Travel “The food stalls we manned ourselves were during the carnival on Tuesday last week. Whitianga ($500). Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019
Op shop donation to Kuaotunu
Bird Rescue
Kuaotunu Bird Rescue (KBR) now boasts a more convenient workspace, thanks in part to a donation from
the St Andrew’s Church Op Shop. KBR coordinator, Annemieke Kregting, made an application to the op
shop for funds after an article appeared in The Informer and the organisation subsequently received $300
towards new work benches.
Annemieke, a trained veterinary nurse, has worked for 20 years with wildlife. She began KBR in 2005 and
has run it almost single-handedly ever since. As her work became more widely known, people began to
bring more and more distressed birds to her.
Annemieke says birds come to KBR for any number of reasons. “They might be victims of cat or dog
attacks, road accidents, fishing hooks, migration exhaustion or simply falls from the nest,” she says.
“Some recover quickly, others might need to stay for months, and the numbers are increasing every year.”
This year, she expects to take in around 300 birds.
“I often call on my trusted neighbours, Wayne and Jo Mullen, to help care for the birds,” says Annemieke.
The St Andrew’s Church Op Shop manager, Madeleine Saunders, says the KBR initiative is exactly the kind
of thing the op shop likes to fund. “Local people doing things they have a passion for, volunteering time
and skills for a better world,” she says. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Pictured is Annemieke with a baby morepork rescued from the side of the road.
Squids Seafood
Restaurant
Whitianga’s only seafood restaurant
serving the best fish and seafood
from around the region.
Open every day for lunch 11:30am - 2pm
and dinner from 5:30pm
www.squids.co.nz Fb Squids Seafood Restaurant
Blacksmith Lane 07 8671710
Issue 828
702 - 16
17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
This year’s Peninsula Riders Poker
Run proceeds to go to St John
The 17th annual Peninsula Riders Poker Run will take place this coming Saturday (19 January).
All motorcycle and classic car owners are invited to participate in the run. The entry fee is $25.
The run is one year a fundraiser for St John Whitianga and the following year for the Whitianga
Volunteer Fire Brigade. This year’s proceeds will be going to St John Whitianga.
Registration will take place on Saturday from 9:30am to 10:30am at the Mercury Bay Club in
Whitianga. The run will depart the Mercury Bay Club at 11:00am and follow a route around the
Coromandel Peninsula, with several poker stops along the way. The poker hand winner will be
drawn at 4:30pm at the Mercury Bay Club.
The public are welcome to watch the run depart.
Last year more than 60 motorcycles from around the North island participated in the run.
Pictured are some of the riders in last year’s run.
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019
Jenny B and the Band to Getting to the guts of good
perform in Coromandel Town health with LGG ®
A contribution by Libby George of Eden Clinic in Whitianga
Do you experience -
• Uncomfortable digestive symptoms?
• Eczema, allergies, hay fever or autoimmunity?
• Do you want to reduce eczema and allergy in your children?
• Have you had antibiotics and “not been right” since?
While these conditions affect your body in different ways, they have one thing in common - they are
all influenced by the microbiome, the full complement of microorganisms (eg bacteria and yeasts)
that live in and on us. The balance of microbes in the gut (the gut microbiota) in particular plays an
important role in the health of the whole body.
If you are aware of or interested in the microbiome and probiotics, you may have heard of lactobacillus
rhamnosus (LGG®), simply because it is the most researched probiotic in the world.
For the uninitiated, probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed, impact the microbiome
and deliver health benefits to the person. Specific probiotic strains have different actions in the body,
for example LGG® plays an important role in maintaining or restoring function to the digestive tract
and regulating immunity. Your natural health practitioner will prescribe the specific probiotic strain/s
best suited to your health condition.
Beneficial for digestive symptoms, LGG® has been shown to balance the gut microbiota, increasing
well-known species lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. LGG ® helps restore the gut microbiota after
illness or antibiotic use. There is evidence that other drugs may also detrimentally affect gut function
and may also require probiotic support. LGG ® also promotes production of short-chain fatty acids, the
breakdown products of dietary fibre that feed good bacteria and helps heal the gut lining. Through
these actions, LGG® can reduce inflammation in the body, helping with conditions as simple as
diarrhoea and as complex as inflammatory bowel diseases (eg ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease).
The Coromandel Music Society’s annual outdoor summer concert will be taking place this coming
Saturday (19 January) and will feature Jenny B and the Band. The venue is the garden bar of the Admirals When it comes to eczema prevention, LGG ® is the probiotic of choice, with health benefits transferred
Arms Hotel in Coromandel Town. from the mother to the child when taken during pregnancy and infancy. Healing and sealing the gut
lining with LGG ® can also reduce reactivity from food-borne triggers (eg gluten or dairy foods) that
Award-winning Jenny Bersola (pictured) hails from Italy and is perhaps best known as the vocalist of the
can contribute to eczema, hay fever, food allergy and other immune imbalances. In fact, there is some
Italian Eurodance group Playahitty. Since arriving in New Zealand several years ago, Jenny B has been
exciting research into LGG® helping to reduce peanut allergy. LGG ® regulates immunity through the
delighting audiences with her repertoire, ranging from jazz and ballads to classical numbers.
activity of cells called Regulatory T Lymphocytes, making LGG® beneficial for calming an overactive
Jenny will be accompanied on the stage on Saturday by five leading New Zealand musicians - immune system often associated with allergy, as well as autoimmunity.
James Langabeer and Markus Fritsch on sax, Ben Fernandez on piano and keyboard, Stu Johnstone on
bass and drummer/percussionist Trevor Thwaites. It’s important to remember that the composition of your gut microbiota is very sensitive to your diet.
Aim to minimise highly refined and sugary foods which can encourage the growth of bad bacteria
Admirals Arms meals as well as drinks will be available during the concert. in the gut. Instead, opt for eating fresh wholefoods, particularly those high in dietary fibre, such as
The concert will start at 7:00pm. Tickets are available beforehand at the Coromandel Town Information whole grains, fruit and vegetables. These will feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut to help you and
Centre and www.eventfinda.co.nz at a cost of $25 per person. Door sales will be available on the day at a your microbiome to stay in the best of health.
cost of $30 per person.
WHITIANGA PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC
Robert Lindsay Dip Phty(Otago) ADP(OMT), Dip.MT.
Co-author of ‘Treat Your Own Shoulder’
and Associates
Crystal Vause BHScPhysiotherapy
Manipulation / Back and Neck Pain / Work Injuries
Sports Injuries / Post Surgery and Fracture Rehab
Acupuncture / Hand Therapy / Women’s Health Clinic
Physiotherapists with the qualifications to provide
excellence in physical health care
Dr Adam’s and Hemmes’s Surgery - Ph (07) 868 9579
Issue 828
702 - 16
17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Police Report
By Sergeant Andrew Morrison of the Whitianga Police
Monday 7 January to Sunday 13 January 2019
General jandals from Brophy’s Beach on the 7th
There have been a lot of people visiting our while the owner was paddleboarding and
community over this week, enjoying the enquiries are continuing in relation to
excellent weather. It is a pleasure to report photographs obtained.
not only the good behaviour of visitors, Fishing rods were stolen from a garden shed
but that no drunk drivers have been at a Kenwood Drive, Matarangi address on the
apprehended. 8th, while also that day a misunderstanding in
Most people are now heading back to relation to access at an Albert Street address
work, so if you are lucky enough to still be on resulted in a minor assault.
holiday, please consider your neighbours and A petrol drive-off was reported from a
keep noise levels to a reasonable level. Joan Gaskell Drive premises on the 8th and
Arrests enquiries are continuing.
No arrests this week. A truck was tagged overnight at a Lee
Street address on the 9th and enquiries are
Thumbs Occurrences
Four Family Harm incidents attended during continuing in relation to a cell phone stolen
from an Albert Street licenced premises on
Up
this week.
On the 7th a young couple arguing about the 11th.
their relationship at a South Highway address Also on the 11th a handbag and contents
were stolen from Buffalo Beach while the
To Gary were given sound advice, while on the 8th a
owner was swimming.
couple arguing at a Cook Drive address over
Fitzsimons of Go financial issues were greeted with a more LED lights were cut at a Watt Street address
overnight on the 12th.
Kiwi Shuttles direct approach.
Also on the 8th a couple arguing about their Traffic
(and the Hahei dog were separated to calm down. We have received a lot of complaints about
Park and Ride shuttle) Further advice was given to a young couple drivers failing to pull over and let other traffic
arguing about financial issues on the 12th. pass. Within reason you can travel as slow as
for assisting a tourist who On the 7th number plates were stolen from you want so that you can enjoy the beautiful
suffered a medical emergency a car parked in Pacific Parade, Matarangi scenery in our area, however please regularly
on the DOC Cathedral Cove and replaced with plates from a stolen pull over to let others pass.
vehicle, while also that night clothing was Drivers travelling slowly in front of
track during the Christmas/ stolen from a clothesline at a Marine Parade, you is not an excuse to pass dangerously -
New Year’s holiday period. Cooks Beach address. calm down and drive in the same manner you
An offender was observed stealing did when you passed your driving test.
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019A behind the scenes tour of the
Mercury Bay Museum
By Meg Tatton-Brown
Each Saturday in January beginning at either Also very interesting was the old water
11:00am or 2:00pm, the public is invited to tank of the Mercury Bay Dairy Factory
attend a behind the scenes tour of the Mercury (the building in which the museum is
Bay Museum. For only $10 per person, situated). Inside an abundance of history is
you are treated to a 30 minute-experience of preserved. Old maps, cash books and novels
all the museum’s hidden gems that aren’t on - many more than 100 years old - are waiting
public display. to be sorted through and analysed. Even the
Last Saturday, I attended the 11:00am tour museum is unsure of exactly all that’s in there.
with my sister and we’ve had a thoroughly Over time, everything will be inventoried.
enjoyable morning. A highlight of the tour We’ve also had a look through a room
was the Collection Room. Behind the hidden displaying stunning aerial photos of the
door of the room many important historical Whitianga landscape and an entire wall
items are kept. The items are also inventoried dedicated to well-known local family icons.
and maintained in the room. We were given In order to make the wall, the people whose
gloves to wear so we could handle and photos are displayed needed to have had
inspect the items. Of particular interest was family members living in the Whitianga area
a 130-year-old wedding dress and a ladies’ for at least 100 years, with a descendant still
muff accessory made from kiwi feathers. present in the area now.
There were many other fascinating items, Lastly we visited a room where a museum
including old cameras, domestic irons, keys, volunteer is busy alphabetising family records
telephones, sewing machines and swords. and photos.
Many household items donated to the We were also able to appreciate a new
museum are being kept in an adjoining room. workshop/storage room, where the museum
Egg cups and kitchen mincers are among the staff and volunteers are thankful to have a
more common items. There even are old food larger space to handle and restore the items in
packets and tins - some of which are still full their possession.
with their original contents. The museum A huge thank you to the Mercury Bay
prefers to receive items where a bit about Museum. The tour is a genuinely interesting
their history is known, such as who owned and educational adventure, an experience
the items and for how long, or what it was which young and old, locals and tourist are
used for. bound to enjoy. Some of the hidden gems that aren’t on public display in the Mercury Bay Museum.
Issue 828
702 - 16
17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Experimenting with a
CO2-enriched environment
Mercury Bay Area School science and maths in the average length of the plants growing and the software that are being used, and may radishes I’ve planted haven’t consumed much
teacher, Thomas Everth, is spending part of in the CO2-enriched environment as opposed form part of a whole separate teaching topic. CO2 in the seed phase, but that changed
the summer school holidays developing an to the plants growing in the ‘normal’ CO2 “There are possibilities for biology classes dramatically once the plants have germinated.
experiment that will enable school students to environment? The same applies to the root as well. Immediately coming to mind are “As far as I know, no other school in New
investigate questions relating to plant growth systems of the plants. Another question that stomata cells [the cells of plants that facilitate Zealand is conducting an experiment like this
in a CO2-enriched environment. may be answered is whether the acidity gas exchange]. Is the stomatal opening of at the moment.”
“I’ve created two identical boxes, level of water is different in a high CO2 plants growing in ‘normal’ conditions bigger The Informer will from time to time check
with one of the boxes connected to a environment? or smaller than the opening of cells growing in with Thomas to see what the results of
Sodastream CO2 bottle,” says Thomas. “The technology in the experiment is also in a high CO2 environment? his experiment with the radishes and other
“The bottle releases CO2 into the box to interesting to learn about, both the electronics “What I’ve already determined is that the similar experiments are.
maintain a CO2 level of 2,000 parts per
million, which is approximately five times
the CO2 level in our atmosphere today.
The CO2 level in the other box is similar to
the ‘normal’ CO2 level in the atmosphere.”
Radishes are at the moment growing in
both boxes. The radishes germinated from
seed Thomas have planted about two weeks
ago. The plants have to be watered by hand.
In order to create the experiment, Thomas
had to build a climate control unit and
develop software to record the atmospheric
data in both boxes. The climate control unit is
WIFI enabled and post data every 10 minutes
to an online database.
“The experiment isn’t only topical given
the current worldwide focus on the level
of CO2 in the atmosphere and how it may
impact climate change, but can be applied in
a variety of subjects at school,” says Thomas.
“I can use the experiment in the earth and
space science and statistics classes I’m
teaching. For example, is there a difference Thomas Everth with the CO2-enriched environment experiment he’s busy developing.
Holiday
Home Owners
you
Pick ups when
need them
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019Real estate - the Coromandel
remains a sellers market
Real estate data released by property website realestate.co.nz for December 2018 indicates that the
Coromandel remains the third most expensive region in New Zealand in terms of the average asking price
for a home. The average asking price on the Peninsula was $709,570 in December last year. That’s an
increase of 6.1 per cent compared to November 2018. The national average asking price in December 2018
was $673,043, up three per cent on the month before and up 1.9 per cent on December 2017.
Only Auckland ($953,950) and the Central Otago/Lakes region ($841,195) recorded a higher average
asking price than the Coromandel in December 2018. The average asking price in Auckland increased by
0.5 per cent compared to November last year. In the Central Otago/Lakes region, the average asking price
was down by 1.8 per cent on November 2018.
In terms of stock, a total of 531 homes were for sale on the Peninsula on 30 December last year.
That’s 10.6 per cent down on the number of homes that were for sale on the same day a year earlier.
Nationwide the number of homes for sale on 30 December 2018 were 1.8 per cent down on the number of
WAITAIA NURSERY
homes for sale on 30 December 2017.
In December last year, 149 homes were listed for sale on the Coromandel. That’s a decrease of 16.3 per
cent on the number of homes that were listed for sale in December 2017. Across New Zealand the number Native • Ornamental
of listings in December last year decreased by 13.3 per cent compared to a year earlier.
If all the homes that were available for sale on the Coromandel in December last year were to sell without
any new listings coming onto the market, it would take 31 weeks for the inventory of listings to sell. Big Trees • Fruit Trees
That’s significantly below realestate.co.nz’s Long Term Average for the Peninsula of 135 weeks.
Nationwide it would take 17 weeks to sell the inventory of listings that were available for sale in December
2018 if no new stock came onto the market. That’s also below realestate.co.nz’s New Zealand-wide Long
Citrus • Hedging
Term Average of 30 weeks.
According to realestate.co.nz, the fact that the number of weeks to sell the inventory of listings on the Palms • Hire plants
Coromandel in December last year was significantly below the Long Term Average means that the housing
market on the Peninsula remains a strong sellers market.
and more
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Issue 828
702 - 16
17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13New Brad Novak exhibition
at Bread & Butter Gallery
Famous urban artist Brad Novak, also known as “New Blood Pop,” will once again be unveiling an
impressive array of new artworks in his upcoming solo show, “Brickwork,” at Bread & Butter Gallery
in Whitianga.
Brad classes himself as an urban-pop artist, which stems from a love of pop culture as well as a fascination
with street art. His work is concerned with how we experience life itself, such as the issues and inequalities
we face in the 21st century. These include wealth, health, sustainability and globalisation. He enjoys
pairing these concepts with the idea of escapism, with reference to science fiction and superheroes.
A key feature of Brad’s Brickwork artworks is a paper-collaged brick wall background. Positioned
on top of this are various superheroes and 1950s glamour actresses. Far from being purely aesthetic,
the artworks are designed to challenge the viewer to think critically about the “digital dilemma.” In each
image the subject looks out of the frame through a digital lens.
Brad recognises that our modern world is deceptive. Technology today is developing at an astounding
rate, but it seems not everyone’s happiness is rising at quite the same rate. He suggests that in such an
interconnected world, we are in fact becoming less connected with one another. He questions whether we
have the ability or inclination to change this.
“I endeavour to create powerful multi-layered works, with an emblazoned foreground overlaying a ‘veiled’
background, to show that many of us are living life through a distorting veil, clouding our perception,”
says Brad.
Brickwork will run from Thursday 17 January to Thursday 24 January.
Pictured is “Society Girl,” one of the Brickwork artworks.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019Issue 828
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17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019
Issue 828
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17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Letters to the Editor
See page 2 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - The United Nations Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
I’m disappointed to see that our government has decided to support the United Nations Global
Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, an agreement that is, among other things,
designed to make migration easier and give illegal immigrants almost as much rights as those
entering a country legally. Although it’s a non-binding compact, if New Zealand didn’t intend
to implement it, why support it? Australia and the USA didn’t.
As a short-term policy, New Zealand needs some immigrants, given that we have a labour
shortage in some areas, both skilled and unskilled. But we must be very selective to ensure
that those we allow to stay will pay their way, not be a burden on the taxpayer and will truly
integrate into our society, culture and values and not form enclaves of their own as is happening
in Europe, the UK, the USA and Australia.
My understanding is that along with most of the western world, our birth rate has fallen to
about 1.4 children per couple, much less than the rate needed for growth. This means that the
rising number of those retiring are being supported by a dwindling number of those entering
the workforce. This cannot continue indefinitely if we are to continue our current standards of
the way we live. Which is why we need immigrants, for the moment.
But the long-term solution is to increase our birth rate. To do that, it has to be economically
attractive to have larger families. At present, many couples are both having to work to make
ends meet. It’s very expensive to raise a child. No wonder our birth rate is declining.
I would like to advocate for greatly increased family benefits and housing and schooling
subsidies. Obviously that would be very expensive, but it could be offset somewhat by not
having to provide housing, medical assistance and infrastructure to an ever-increasing number
of immigrants.
Stuart Dean
Whitianga
Dear Editor - The Albert Street/Campbell Street intersection in Whitianga
I would like to know if the person who redesigned what was a perfectly clear and logical traffic
flow arrangement at the Albert Street/Campbell Street intersection in Whitianga is the same
person who neglected to remove the sign at the Cook Drive/Campbell Street roundabout (at the
Mercury Bay Club) which points left along Cook Drive and reads “Town Centre?”
TCDC must please show some common sense and change all the signs so that everyone
knows what they are doing.
Bev Morris
Whitianga
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019Issue 828
702 - 16
17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19What’s On The next few weeks
PLEASE SUPPORT THESE OP SHOPS AND CHARITY BOOKSHOP
Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street
(west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30am - 2:00pm.
The Church Op-Shop - at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to
Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm.
St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday
10:00am - 2:00pm.
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop
Albert Street, Whitianga. Open seven days a week from 10:00am - 3:00pm.
SPECIFIC EVENTS
Whitianga Art Group Summer Exhibition
Until Monday 28 January at the Whitianga Art Centre and Gallery, School Road, Whitianga. Open daily from
10:00am - 5:00pm.
“Brickwork” - A Brad Novak Solo Art Exhibition
Thursday 17 January - Thursday 24 January at Bread & Butter Gallery, Albert Street, Whitianga. Free entry.
Circus Aotearoa
Friday 18 January at 7:30pm, Saturday 19 January at 11:00am and 7:30pm and Sunday 20 January at 2:00pm.
At Mercury Bay Area School, South Highway, Whitianga. Tickets from $23 adults and $18 children. Book at
www.circusaotearoa.co.nz or at the circus grounds from 10:00am on the day of each show.
Night at the Museum
Friday 18 January from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Mercury Bay Museum, The Esplanade, Whitianga. Bring a torch to
explore the dark corners of the museum and solve a history mystery. $5 per person.
Whitianga Art, Craft and Farmers Market
Saturday 19 January from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga.
Peninsula Riders Poker Run
Saturday 19 January. Registration from 9:30am - 10:30am at the Mercury Bay Club, Cook Drive. Whitianga.
All motorcycle and classic car owners welcome to participate, $25 registration fee. Run departing the Mercury Bay
Club at 11:00am. Public welcome to watch the departure. Poker hand winner drawn at 4:30pm at the Mercury Bay
Club. A fundraiser for St John Whitianga.
Coromandel Music Society Outdoor Concert
Saturday 19 January in the Admirals Arms Hotel garden bar, Wharf Road, Coromandel Town. Doors open at 6:00pm,
concert starts at 7:00pm. Featuring Jenny B and the Band. Pre-sale tickets $25 per person, available from the
Coromandel Town Information Centre and www.eventfinda.co.nz. Door sales on the day, $30 per person.
Coroglen Farmer’s Market
Sunday 20 January from 9:00am - 1:00pm at the Coroglen Hall, State Highway 25, Coroglen.
Please support the new Whitianga skatepark. Donate at www.givealittle.co.nz
(search for “Mercury Bay Skate Park Trust”) or deposit your donation directly
into the Mercury Bay Skate Park Trust bank account at Westpac,
account number 03 1578 0110921 000.
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Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019A new partner for Winner of family pass to
Circus Aotearoa show drawn
National?
A political opinion piece by Whitianga resident, Trevor Ammundsen. Please note that Mr
Ammundsen’s opinions are his own and not the opinions of The Informer or its owner.
A news article regarding a tweet from David Moffett piqued my interest before Christmas.
Moffett has had a long career in the public eye as CEO of New Zealand Rugby, the NRL and so
on. A man with some skills and experience, he is also making announcements as a member of
the New Conservative political party.
The tweet was a strong attack on the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for supporting
the United Nations Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. He wrote, “Yes we’ll
see whether you 2 traitors are still smiling when we are done with you next year.” He then
continued with, “Have a good break coz you’re going to need it. Next year will likely be your
Annus Horibilis because we are coming to get you.”
Strong stuff I thought, but bound to cause some entertainment in 2019. Actually, I can
sympathise with Moffett’s sentiment. The government’s support for the UN compact (which
creates a non-legally binding agreement to, according to the UN, “Enable all migrants to enrich
our societies through their human, economic and social capacities) was agreed upon without
any consideration to what is good for New Zealand and could potentially do great harm to our
society for no gain whatsoever.
But who and what are the New Conservative party? It seems they are born out of the
old Conservative Party, with a name change to make it obvious that Colin Craig is no longer
a member.
Cheryl Golder of Whitianga Butchery (pictured) drew on Monday this week the winner of the
I decided to check their website. Very professional and well organised, I thought, laying out
elevated seating family pass we had to give away to one of Circus Aotearoa’s four shows in
policies in a straightforward manner that would scare most coalition partners.
Whitianga this coming weekend. The prize is valued at $102.
The party is basically placed to the centre right with a belief that the environment should be
looked after in a local sense, a good economy is great and farmers are cool. They support family All entries that correctly identified Damian Gordon as the veteran ringmaster of Circus Aotearoa
and freedoms, along with religious freedom. Personal freedom is also important along with went into the draw.
property rights. They talk about their belief in one rule for all citizens of New Zealand, with veiled Congratulations to the winner, Natalie Larsen.
nudges towards the Treaty of Waitangi. Natalie is retired and divides her time between Hamilton and Whitianga. She will treat family
Their tax policy is also quite intelligent, echoing my own thoughts on the matter. Basically they visiting from Whangarei to the circus’s show at 2:00pm on Sunday 20 January.
are calling for a financial transaction tax (called an ETT - Every Transaction Tax), where 0.5 per Tickets to all four the shows can be booked on the Circus Aotearoa website,
cent will be enough to remove GST and rates above that will eat into income tax. No capital taxes www.circusaotearoa.co.nz. The other three shows will be held at 7:30pm on Friday 18 January,
are supported. and 11:00am and 7:30pm on Saturday 19 January.
Their policy mix makes them a perfect partner for the National Party. I am looking forward Tickets can also be purchased in person at the circus grounds (at Mercury Bay Area School)
to sitting back this year and seeing what David Moffett’s tweet to the Prime Minister and the
from 10:00am on the day of each show.
Deputy Prime Minister actually meant.
Ticket prices start at $23 for adults and $18 for children.
Issue 828
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17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Crossword Puzzle 828
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Tel no: ________________________________________________________________
Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
their prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week
following the issue in which they were announced the winner.
ACROSS DOWN
1. Beirut is there 1. Lift by mental power
4. Ring-shaped bun 2. Mistreated
3. Bobs head
7. Stood sentry duty at
4. Be an omen of
8. Knowledge tests 5. Escape vehicle, ... car
9. Beat (wheat) 6. Lower limbs
12. Brave 10. Stalks prey
15. Chaperoned 11. Musical groups
17. Unchanging 13. Give outline of
14. Tenth month
18. Representative
16. Crow relatives
21. Citrus crop 18. Shove
22. Mare or stallion 19. Oxen harness
23. Relaxation time 20. Room divider
Last week’s solution
Last week’s winner - Barry Roach
Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 828 - 16 January 2019Food for thought
A contribution by the Department of Conservation
The Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) natural environment and is an offence under the snorkelers with food. Some boaties are even In a healthy marine reserve, adequate food is
Marine Reserve is a great place to see fish in the Marine Reserves Act. dumping fish waste and scallop shells in the available and the fish have time to socialise and,
marine environment. However, as more people Some people think that feeding the fish can reserve to attract the fish. People seem to think if it is in their character, interact with humans.
visit the reserve, a problem is emerging that can only be good for them and must therefore be that unless fish are fed, they will not come close Blue cod are naturally inquisitive and snapper
cause serious issues for the fish, for swimmers an acceptable activity in a marine reserve, enough to be seen clearly. The fish become are shyer. Snapper behaviour does appear to
and for snorkelers. perhaps even one that should be encouraged. excited and push for a good position to receive be altered when they are fed by humans as
Feeding the fish is not a permitted activity It may seem like a harmless act, but feeding the the food, often in depths and habitats that are they would normally keep their distance from
in the marine reserve. The point of a marine fish bread, peas, bait or even kina can damage uncharacteristic. They become little more than swimmers and snorkellers. Although they are
reserve is to replicate the natural balance of local their health or change their behaviour. circus animals. This spoils the opportunity for naturally aggressive feeders, they may mistake
species playing their part in the New Zealand In the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve everyone to enjoy the experience of watching your fingers or earlobes for food.
coastal ecosystem. Feeding the fish disturbs the the fish are already associating boats and fish behaving naturally. The food offered is often not what the fish
would eat naturally. People seldom consider
if the food they are giving is good or harmful
for the fish. It is unlikely that fish have the right
digestive enzymes in their gut to break down
and gain any benefit from any carbohydrates
(bread and peas, but also found in some dog
rolls and cat biscuits). It may cause problems
with digestion and the passing of waste.
With all the “junk” food they may not have
room for the foods that they normally eat and
need for healthy lives.
Please note that there is no Department of
Conservation-approved fish food.
If snapper are eating prepared meals,
you are changing their natural food source,
which causes the ecosystem to become
unbalanced and alters the natural food chain.
Their habitat is changing to the detriment of the
“natural” environment.
The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve
was established to preserve and protect the
fish’s natural habitat. The pubic have access and
entry to the reserve so that they may enjoy the
opportunity to study and observe fish in their
natural habitat. Please enjoy, but remember do
not feed the fish.
If you would like further information, please
contact DOC on telephone (07) 869 5637 or
Feeding the fish in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve is not permitted. visit www.doc.govt.nz.
Issue 828
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17January
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23You can also read
