We're all Kiwis - The Mercury Bay Informer
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
80
Issue 837 - 20 March 2019 Phone 07 866 2090 (07) 867 15 Circulation 7,200
Telephone the Coromandel
ppo rt
Proud to su Helicopter Trust
Rescue
We’re all Kiwis
More than 200 people gathered at Soldier’s
Memorial Park in Whitianga last Saturday evening
to show their support for the Muslim community of
New Zealand after the horrific mosque shootings
in Christchurch on Friday last week.
Mike Walker, pastor of the Whitianga Baptist
Church, shared a brief message in which he
questioned how anyone can believe that they are
superior to any other human being because of
their faith. He said that the people of Mercury Bay,
and New Zealand as a whole, are united in their
love for their Muslim brothers and sisters and the
people of Christchurch.
A touching moment followed when the microphone
was opened to the public and the first speaker
shared her thoughts on being an immigrant in
New Zealand. “I have only experienced love from
the people of New Zealand,” she said. “I want to
say to all the wonderful people of this wonderful
country to not feel humiliated by what happened
in Christchurch. It was the work of a lunatic.
As immigrants we love you. We’re all Kiwis.”
At Mercury Bay Area School, time was set aside on
Monday this week to reflect on the Christchurch
tragedy. “This is a terrible event for our nation and
we now have a further opportunity to embrace
our diversity with aroha [love], understanding,
tolerance and positive, affirmative mahi [action] -
as opposed to the platform of deficit thinking and
action which fuels hatred and division,” said John
Wright, MBAS principal.
“This is a highly significant time in our country’s
history. We all belong, we’re all part of our tribe
in this nation and it’s our youngest folks who will
make our nation strong with quality understanding
of tragedies like this.”
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
The cancer support fundraising swim
of two Mad KOWS and two HOWS
By Stephan Bosman
Two Mad KOWS (Kuaotunu Open Water during the first leg and Peter Murphy from
Swimmers) and two HOWS (Hahei Open Matarangi did the same during the second leg.
Water Swimmers) are planning to swim the “We need kayaks and motorboats to accompany
third and fourth legs of an ocean swim from us with each leg of the swim,” says Thom.
Whangapoua around the top of the Coromandel “They’re our safety link. People must please be
Peninsula to Coromandel Town this coming in touch if they can help out. It’s a wonderful
Saturday and Sunday (Saturday 23 March and opportunity to be involved in something really
Sunday 24 March). special and also to see the stunning Coromandel
The four swimmers - Dan Asquith coastline from a different perspective.”
(Kuaotunu), Nicole Cosandey (Kuaotunu), The four swimmers are passionate about
Thom Dodd (Hahei) and John Goldsman open water swimming. In 2014, they were all
(Hot Water Beach) - are undertaking the swim part of a larger ocean swim from Hot Water
to raise money for cancer support in Mercury Beach to New Chums Beach that raised funds
Bay. They completed the first leg of the 110km for the x-ray facility in Whitianga.
journey, a swim of just under 10km from For Nicole, the swim from Whangapoua to
Whangapoua to Tuateawa, on Monday 18 Coromandel Town has special meaning. She’s
February. The 7.3km second leg from Tuateawa a cancer survivor and by participating in the
to Little Bay was completed on Sunday journey she wants to motivate others that there’s
10 March. life after cancer and that they should make the
The journey is made up of approximately most of the opportunities coming their way.
12 legs. The Mad KOWS and the HOWS have about
“We have to fit the swim in between our 20 members each who regularly swim together.
work and personal commitments,” says Thom. “We have a lot of things to juggle to make
“This coming weekend is going to be big. sure we can schedule enough time for the four
On Saturday we’ll be swimming from Little of us to get to Coromandel Town,” says Thom.
Bay to a remote beach approximately 10km “But we’re very motivated. It’s fair to say
up the coast, where we’ll stay overnight. that we’re seriously going for it. We hope to
The beach is inaccessible by land. On Sunday complete the last leg of the swim in early May.”
we’ll do another approximately 10km to Stony The Informer will publish advance notice
Bay. All is of course dependent on favourable of upcoming legs of the swim. If you can
weather and sea conditions. accompany the swimmers in a kayak or a
“It’s going to be an epic two days and a lot motorboat on any of the legs, please phone Thom
of fun.” on (07) 866 3023. Donations in support of the
Kayaker Florent Lahargou escorted the swimmers’ fundraising cause can be donated into The two Mad KOWS and two Hows who are participating in a fundraising swim from
four swimmers during the first two legs of the a BNZ bank account that has been opened in the Whangapoua to Coromandel Town. From the left - Dan Asquith, Thom Dodd,
journey. They were also escorted by Kuaotunu name of “Swim Fundraiser,” account number John Goldsman and Nicole Cosandey. In the background is kayaker Florent Lahargou who
resident, Graeme Osborne, in a motorboat 02-0496-0095153-025. escorted the swimmers during the first two legs of the journey.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday 20 March to Wednesday 27 March - This week we can see what the popular press and social media have dubbed a
“supermoon.” Most astronomers tend to prefer the more scientific terms such as “perigean full Moon” (my favourite) or “perigee syzygy full
Moon.” Syzygy is a useful word, especially if you play Scrabble, and means three celestial bodies occurring in a straight line. It is also the only
word that contains three Ys and no vowels. Supermoons are really not as unusual as social media would have us believe as we have about three
every year. However, they are certainly spectacular when we have a lunar eclipse at the same time, making a much rarer “blood” supermoon.
Thursday 21 March - Supermoon! Monday 25 March - A pretty pre-dawn line up of brilliant Venus near the horizon with bright Jupiter almost Astronomy Tours and B&B
overhead and faint Saturn in between. These latter two nicely frame the pretty constellation Sagittarius, which looks like a teapot standing
Phone (07) 866 5343
upright on its handle. Wednesday 27 March - The pre-dawn sky has a bright Moon sitting almost overhead above brilliant Jupiter. Towards the
horizon is brilliant Venus with fainter Saturn between the two planets. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
nzwindows.co.nz
4 Dakota Drive
Whitianga
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019
Rest in peace, Paul Kelly
The Mercury Bay community was saddened to learn on Tuesday last week of the passing of
Mercury Bay Community Board chairman, Paul Kelly (pictured), aged 75.
Paul was elected onto the Mercury Bay Community Board in 2013. He was also the co-chair
of the Mercury 250 Anniversary Trust, the trust responsible for the Tuia - Encounters 250
commemorations in Mercury Bay.
Paul was a pilot for Air New Zealand for 37 years. Upon his retirement he and his wife,
Chris, moved to Matarangi where he was an active member of the Matarangi community -
as the owner of Kelly’s Hire and Hardware, a member of the Matarangi Residents and Ratepayers
Association and a Justice of the Peace.
Paul and Chris moved to Whitianga last year.
“Paul was a big man with a big heart,” says Thames-Coromandel District Council mayor,
Sandra Goudie. “He brought communities together and wasn’t afraid to front the community on
any council or community issue. He was a man of great integrity and he will be sorely missed
by all of us.”
According to Paul’s wishes, he was privately farewelled by his family last week.
A public memorial service for Paul will be held in due course at the Matarangi Fire Station.
699 - 20
Issue 837 27 March
July 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Open 6 days a week from Tuesday to Sunday 9am till late.
Free ride from the ferry if you book with us at night.
Full menu at www.eggsentriccafe.co.nz, phone 866 0307, bookings essential.
Mediterranean Dinner New Autumn Sunday Roast
From 5:30pm
Open for Dinner Full menu at
5 Courses for $60 Menu Now $5 discount if
from 5:30pm www.govino.co.nz
Closed Tuesday and Ph 07 867 1215
Great food and great wine booked before
Book your table now - Friday 22nd March vailable 2pm Wednesday for bookings
Double loyalty Thirsty Thursdays Happy hour 6pm - 8pm Tuesday closed
stamps all night A free drink of your Late night Buy any burger and get the second for mental
reconstruction
choice with any burger up to the same value ½ price!
Hangry Mexican
“Available” 5pm $15 burger! Open from 5pm - 1am Includes all kids meals! Open again Wednesday for
Burgers & Mexican
Come and try our new HANGRY Mexican menu!!! • Open 5pm • 866 0196
- Like us on Facebook to see our weekly specials -
Open 7 Days Dine in FREE Authentic
Lunch from 11am - 2pm on your birthday North Indian Cuisine
Dinner from 5:00pm - late Wide selection of seafood,
One main, rice & naan. vegetarian & gluten-free.
Dine In • Takeaway • Delivery
13 / 1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga Minimum 2-person party. Children’s menu available.
Open Friday Open Saturday Open Tuesday
Open Wednesday Open Sunday
12 noon - late 12 noon - late 4pm - late
4pm - late 12 noon - late
Closed on Tuesday Pasta
Try our Sunday
Wednesday Friday Lunch Special Chicken/Lamb Pan Seared
Mondays Special
Pizza Special Fish & Chips Souvlaki Duck $18
Thursday Night
Lunch specials
Wednesday Night Friday Night All mains $14.99 - Thursday to Sunday All
Porkies Night Sunday Night
Burger Night
Pork Belly or Pork Ribs
Happy Hour Kids meal free From 11am
blackboard
All burgers 3-9 with paying adult Golden Hours mains
$20.99
20% off All bar snacks - half price
main meal Thursday to Sunday 3pm - 6pm
$21.90
Add a glass wine/beer for $5
Open everyday until 10pm
Hurricanes v ALL YOU
Happy Hour Blues v Stormers We are open
4pm - 6pm
Grace O’Malley’s
Highlanders @ 7:35pm CAN EAT
Monday to
9 The Esplanade,
Whitianga Kick-off Waratahs v Monday - Sunday RIBS
Friday Ph. 07 866 4546
7:35pm Crusaders
@ 9:45pm
11am til late Tonight
from 5pm
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019
Vegas Brown Burgers All
Super
Win $500 9 - late $12.50 Steak
$15. 50
rugby
Pool, Darts
our famous
Pub Olympics
$18
Lamb, chicken, beef, fish, vege Fooseball & night
Every
Scotch Fillet
Served with fries Hurricanes v
Stormers 7:30
Cold beer pork belly $18 scotch
Wednesday
w salad & fries DL LEON then Crusaders v (Day is sorted) From
from 6pm With your choice of sauce 9 to late Waratahs 5 - 9pm fillet
Woodfired pizzas
6 days
Closed Tuesdays
12 - 8:30pm
Check out our Lunch Specials and OPEN FOR Closed Open 6 Days
LUNCH and
our lunch club for a FREE Lunch DINNER
33/3 Albert Street, Whitianga
Upstairs above Fagans
~ ~ ~ P h o n e 869 5919 for res ervatio ns a nd ta k eaways ~~~
HAPPY Burgers
HUMP DAY DARTS SUPER RUGBY SUPER RUGBY Today you will
Freshest Fish kick ass and make Put your feet up love…
BLUES
BREAKFAST? NIGHT v HIGHLANDERS
LIVE ON THE
SUPER BIG SCREEN!
Juicy Steaks
COOLEST
dreams happen… We’ll cook tonight!
LUNCH? but first you need
DINNER? 7:30pm 7:35pm
HURRICANES v
KIDS MENU! Menu online
Hair of the dog?
Cheeky Banter?
NEW PLAYERS HAPPY HOUR STORMERS *
WELCOME 5:00 - 7:00pm Pop into the Tav for lunch coroglentavern.co.nz
Early Morning Lala Fix?
Best night of the week 7:35pm
We’ve got it ALL! EVERY Friday with the Family
BALL THIRSTY Members TAB
Saturday INDOOR DARTS
THURSDAY Draw Morning Raffles POKIES
7:15pm BOWLS 7:15pm
HAPPY RAFFLES 5:30pm 11am $1 EACH FREE POOL
SNOOKER BISTRO Members
HOUR JOHN
1Pm SNOOKER BALL Draw
4 - 6pm CLOSED
QUIZ NIGHT CLARK 1PM 1pm Raffles 5:30pm
7:30pm
••• ••• ••• $10 LUNCH TUESDAY - SATURDAY 12 noon - 2pm ••• ••• •••
Winning Wheel Bingo from 2pm!
Hurricanes v
Jugs Out Meat Raffles With a Super Bingo $16 Steak
Stormers Family Fun Day Special
Free Nibbles Bonus!
Happy Hour Thursday! 5 - 7pm 7:35pm Monday! 200g sirloin steak,
with salad,
4 to 6pm Jugs from Blues v Waratahs v Reds v Kids eat free! chips and an egg!
$12 Highlanders Crusaders Brumbies *Conditions Apply
Tuesdays Only
7:35pm 9:45pm 6:05pm
Open from 9am Bookings Sunday We take pre-orders for lunch,
Happy Hour
recommended phone or email
everyday for every Friday for weekend Roast and your meal will be ready
coffee & breakfast 5 - 7pm dining $21 for you when you arrive
Don’t miss next week’s Informer for all the details.
Issue 837 - 20 March 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Planting pohutukawa next
to “Inspired Creek”
On Thursday last week, a group of Inspired Kindergartens’ home-based educators took the
children in their care to the Whitianga Bike Park to plant small pohutukawa trees germinated
from seed.
The timing of the activity was appropriate as Thursday this week is International Day of Forests.
The pohutukawa seeds were collected 18 months ago by Jenny Collier, one of the Inspired
educators. The Inspired children have helped to grow the seeds.
Growing pohutukawa from seeds is nothing new for Jenny. Over the years, she has grown more
than 2,000 trees. Most of them have been planted in the Kuaotunu area, but lately the trees have
been planted at the Bike Park.
The trees were planted on Thursday next to a small creek, which has since been named
“Inspired Creek.”
Pictured are some of the Inspired educators and children who participated in Thursday’s
planting. From left to right - Jenny Collier (educator), Carter Werahiko (on Jenny’s lap),
Tyra George, Amber Dupoux, Cooper Wood, Tracie Collier (educator), Maurice Bell (on Tracie’s
lap), Jake Winchomb, Seth Wilmshurst (in the front), Kathryn Hawkes (Inspired regional
coordinator), Tori French-Hill and Shelly Chaney (educator).
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019
MBAS students’ climate change
awareness action
On Friday last week, hundreds of Mercury Bay Area School students (from Year 1 to Year 13) drew attention “We felt striking would have little impact in actually raising climate change awareness within both the
to man-made climate change by forming an enormous “410” on the school field. local community and our school,” Gabriel and Olivia said.
The Flying Kiwi (Whitianga resident, Peter May) took drone photos of the students’ effort. “By writing 410, we were showing that we not only understand the implications of climate change within
The number 410 represented the current level of carbon dioxide (CO2), measured in parts per million, our society, but that we also value this earth and want to do our bit to look after it to the best of our
ability. Through this course of action, we were able to raise greater awareness through a collaborative
in the atmosphere.
involvement of our entire school.
MBAS head students, Gabriel Asquith and Olivia Clague, said it’s important for the young people of Mercury
Bay to raise awareness of climate change, but that by going on strike like many other school students in “We want to specially thank The Flying Kiwi for his willingness to work with us.”
New Zealand did on Friday last week, was not the way to do it. Pictured is one of the photos The Flying Kiwi took of the 410 the MBAS students formed.
Issue 837 - 20 March 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Art Escape a richer, more fulfilling experience This year marked a significant change in the Art Festival, said the response from people creative direction of the Mercury Bay Art watching the street art murals unfold was Escape. A much-expanded format resulted overwhelmingly positive. “The onlookers, in greater public engagement and a richer, whether they be residents or visitors, more fulfilling experience for visitors and created an excited and thankful vibe for the locals alike. artists who have so generously donated their Art Escape chairman and Kuaotunu time and skills to bring the Tuia 250 Street Art photographer, Ian Preece, said, “We are thrilled Festival to Whitianga,” she said. with the results of the collective efforts of the The guest speaker at this year’s gala opening Mercury Bay Art Escape Trust, the Art Escape of the Open Studios and the Art Escape’s member artists and the community. Feedback Showcase Exhibition was renowned artist, from the public has been overwelmingly Fatu Feu’u. Fatu kept the audience captivated positive and we have seen an increase in Open with his efforts to reduce youth suicide and Studio visits not only during the two Open there was delight at the surprise auction of one Studio weekends in early March, but across the of his artworks. week between the weekends.” The Showcase Exhibition at Hot Waves The two Open Studios weekends (the first Café in Hot Water Beach features new work two weekends in March) remain the anchoring from all 46 Art Escape member artists. event of the Art Escape and the participating The exhibition will continue until the end artists were generous with their time and energy of Easter. The public are invited to visit the in sharing their art, skills and experiences. exhibition and vote in the “People’s Choice In addition to the Open Studios weekends, Award.” Art Escape events in the first week of March Sponsors saw real value in this year’s included the Tuia 250 Street Art Festival Art Escape. “You have organised a fabulous in Whitianga, the Chasing Mercury art event… we would love to be involved in the workshops and an interactive sculpture by continued development of this annual event,” artist, Chris Charteris, which attracted a said Sara Stanley of New World Whitianga. large number of visitors and participants. If you missed the Open Studios weekends The events engaged a wide range of the or want to visit some of the artists again, community, especially younger members - all Mercury Bay Art Escape artists and art the future generation of artists and art lovers. groups can be visited throughout the year The artists who participated in the Open by appointment. A guide with information Studios have also seen an increase in the about the artists’ studios is available from art number of midweek studio appointments. galleries, cafés and the Whitianga i-SITE or Jane Parson, the Mercury Bay Art Escape online at www.mercurybayartescape.com. Whitianga artist, Margherita Giampietri, during one of the Chasing Mercury trustee who organised the Tuia 250 Street art workshops that was held in the first week of March. Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019
SeniorNet
By Mavis Hicks
Update
To the Members of SeniorNet Whitianga, businesses for conferencing and the ability to
a reminder that our AGM is on Thursday this work with staff in different locations. There
week (21 March), starting at 2:00pm. This is is a high price attached to this new version,
a very important meeting and will reflect how but the potential for education and research is
we run SeniorNet for the coming 12 months. amazing. There was a YouTube video released
Some of our current committee members are by Microsoft this week. Something we have
standing down or moving to different positions seen in sci-fi movies is now a reality. Search
on the committee. The AGM is being held at YouTube for “HoloLens 2 AR headset.”
Whitianga Social Services in Cook Drive. If you do not know how to search YouTube,
Only financial members are eligible to vote. well SeniorNet could have a class that shows
All nominations for the committee are in and you how to do this sort of thing.
there will be no nominations from the floor. There will be a SeniorNet Open Day on
There is an app available for podcasts. Tuesday 9 April at Whitianga Social Services
It is free. It also has lots of topics and can be from 12 noon until 3:00pm. Our existing
audible. Try searching for “Front Page New members can renew their membership and
Zealand Herald.” register for classes. People interested in
Zoom for Mac and Windows is becoming joining us can also do so. Remember you do
popular and could be a good way to not know what you do not know, so come and
conference call family at Christmas. There join us and find out about the big world of IT
are a number of time limits to buy into, and how you can make use of it.
but the good news is there is a free 40-minutes Our SeniorNet Whitianga contact person
option. If our members would like to learn is Lorna, telephone (07) 866 4215, in the
more about Zoom, let us know and we will evenings please, or leave a clear message
try and arrange a workshop to cover it. with a contact number.
Microsoft has
released video
demos of the
new HoloLens 2
glasses. Initially the
HoloLens glasses
were of interest to
gamers, but this
new version is of
great interest to
MERCURY BAY 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
Mercury Bay Medical Centre - Ph (07) 868 9579
Issue 837 - 20 March 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
International duo to perform
in Coromandel Town
On Saturday this week (23 March), the Coromandel Music Society will hold their last summer
concert for the year in Coromandel Town, featuring international song artists Paul Walker and
Karen Pfeiffer (pictured).
The duo will be performing at The Club in Woollams Avenue, offering an entertaining evening of
original songs and folk favourites as part of their first ever New Zealand tour. They will also be
performing at the Kauaeranga Hall in Thames on Friday 22 March.
Paul and Karen have been singing together since 2012. In the last two years they have spread
their wings very successfully into the British and European folk scene and now perform mainly
at festivals and in theatres, village halls and folk clubs throughout the UK.
Together with their own beautifully written songs, Paul and Karen present unique interpretations
of classics from folk icons such as Richard Thompson, Dougie MacLean, Jimmy MacCarthy and
Christy Moore. The Graham Norton show reviewed them as “great,” with other reviews ranging
from “stirring harmonies” to “unique on-stage magical musical chemistry.”
The duo’s New Zealand tour will conclude in Christchurch on Sunday 7 April.
Bookings for Saturday’s concert can be made at the Coromandel Town Information Centre
(telephone (07) 866 8598). Tickets cost $25 each.
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019Take the ferry…
By Suzanne Hansen
Although the Fullers360 Coromandel ferry the Coromandel. We departed right on schedule the Peninsula. He said that the numbers are out of Coromandel Town. To get the ferry
service has been set up as a tourism venture, at 3:00pm and it took us all of one hour to increasing and there were definitely more passengers into town, Fullers360 works with
it is actually a good mode of travel to Auckland be docked and off the boat at Orapiu Wharf families commuting to and from their holiday Coromandel Adventures. Once the Coromandel
and Waiheke Island for Coromandel Peninsula on Waiheke Island. Before we disembarked, baches this summer. Adventures shuttle bus drops the passengers off
residents. It is one of the most relaxing ways to the captain announced that Auckland was only When I asked Rob whether he thought that in Coromandel Town, they can connect with a
get to the Auckland CBD, as you skip all the another 50 minutes away. the increasing number of passengers might number of tours to experience the Peninsula’s
traffic nightmares. So, let’s call this journey two hours to the lead to the expansion of the two to six days a attractions.
My husband and I have been using the ferry Auckland CBD (not counting the travelling week service, he suggested that I speak to the Coromandel Adventures also runs a daily
for many years, initially when we lived in time from Whitianga to Hannasford Wharf). Fullers360 management. shuttle between Coromandel Town and
Auckland, but also in the past three years as On top of the beautiful scenery, we had access I contacted Mike Horne, the Fullers360 CEO, Whitianga, making stops at Whangapoua and
residents of Whitianga. to a bar supplying snacks, premium wines and and he said that there are no current plans to Kuaotunu in between.
We’ve again used the ferry on a recent visit craft beers. You don’t get that while you’re expand the timetable of their Coromandel
to Waiheke Island for a wedding. We boarded stuck on the Southern Motorway. When I asked Mike whether Fullers360
service and that any changes in the future will
at Hannasford Wharf outside Coromandel Town While on the ferry, I got talking to the captain, had any plans to bring the ferry in closer
be, “In line with changes to suppliers, facilities
and were welcomed aboard by a friendly crew. Rob McKnight, and asked him why there were to Coromandel Town, he said that it’s
and demand.” He also said that the majority of
Many of the other passengers were returning to not more people using the ferry service as a passengers using the service are on holiday, their understanding that an application has
Auckland after spending the day adventuring on regular mode of transportation to and from so the Fullers360 timetable runs in line with been submitted for a development called
peak visitor travel season schedules. “Coromandel Marine Gateway” in Coromandel
I raised the possibility of a ferry service to Town, which includes facilities for a ferry
Auckland from the eastern side of the Peninsula service between Coromandel Town and
with both Mike and Rob. Mike said that Auckland. “We’re supportive of this proposal
Fullers360 had no such plans. Rob said that as it would connect customers directly to the
going to the eastern side of the Coromandel, centre of Coromandel Town, making it easier
“Totally changes the dynamics of the boats for them to explore the heart of the historic town
that we use, so it’s a big call for the business as soon as they step foot off the ferry and also
to make.” to connect with tours to discover the rest of the
Hannasford Wharf is a 15-minute drive Coromandel Peninsula,” he said.
In December 2018, an amount of $93,850 was allocated from the Provincial Growth Fund to investigate
the feasibility of developing a large marine facility on 7ha of underutilised land bordered by Pita
Street, Furey’s Creek and Strongman Road in Coromandel Town.
The proposed development is called “Coromandel Marine Gateway” and includes marina berths,
hardstand and dry stack boat storage facilities, a facility for fishing charters to operate from and a
ferry terminal. The ferry terminal will create the potential for a 1.5 hour direct ferry service between
Coromandel Town and Auckland.
A company by the name of Pita Street Development Limited is behind the development of Coromandel
The Fullers360 ferry crew when Suzanne Hansen and her husband used the ferry on a Marine Gateway.
recent visit to Waiheke Island. Captain Rob McKnight is second from the left.
Issue 837 - 20 March 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11“Ka Tito Au” - the story of a very colourful Kupe A contribution by Creative Mercury Bay Revered as the first Polynesian voyager attempted to steal Kupe’s first wife? to discover the islands of Aotearoa over a Conflicting stories abound. thousand years ago, Kupe is acknowledged “So the story goes that [Kupe’s] first by Māori and Pakeha alike as a great wife refused to [get on the waka], but then rangatira, charismatic and tough and deeply other storytellers say she did,” said Taylor. schooled and experienced as a sailor and “But just imagine the problems of having navigator. Māori oral history - stories handed two wives in a little boat in the middle of an down from generation to generation - has ocean.” Good point. it that Kupe, with either one or two wives Originally commissioned by the New on board the waka Matahourua, voyaged Zealand Festival and full of simile and from his homeland in Ra’iātea (one of the metaphor, Ka Tito Au will “dance its way Society Islands, in what is now known as beyond the hungry waves, from island to French Polynesia) around AD 925, in pursuit island, from village to village.” The play is of a giant wheke (octopus), Te Wheke- coming to Te Whitianga-o-Kupe on Friday a-Muturangi, which was decimating the 5 April through the generous support of the essential fishing grounds of Kupe’s people. Lottery Tuia - Encounters 250 Programme Chasing the octopus for weeks over the and the facilitation of Creative Mercury Bay Pacific Ocean, Kupe eventually came across in a salute of honour to our local tangata land and his wife, Kuramārōtini, devised the whenua, Ngati Hei, and to the courageous name of Ao-tea-roa (“long white cloud”) on concept of Tuia - Encounters 250. seeing the North Island for the first time. Suitable for adults, youth and children over After trapping and killing the octopus eight years old, a contingent of more than in Te Moana o Raukawa (Cook Strait), 200 Mercury Bay Area School students will Kupe went on to extensively explore attend an afternoon performance of Ka Tito Aotearoa, including, it is thought, Hauraki. Au on 5 April and the Te Whanganui o Hei Taputapu-ātea and Te Whitianga-o-Kupe, Tola Newbery, the solo performer in Ka Tito Au. public are invited to an evening performance for example, commemorate Kupe’s time beginning of the migration of the Māori storyteller, Apirana Taylor and directed by at 7:00pm in the Whitianga Town Hall. in Whitianga. people from Polynesia to start a new life in Murray Lynch. Admission is free but tickets are essential Then, the extraordinary occurred - leaving the distant land, Aotearoa. Today more than “Look, a lot of wife stealing used to go on as the seating layout is highly prescriptive - his family behind in Aotearoa, Kupe made half of Māori iwi acknowledge Kupe in their and there’s heaps of conjecture about who you will need to come to find out how and the long return voyage to Ra’iātea to tell stories and mythology and Kupe lives on stole whose wife,” Taylor said in a Radio why - kara! (look it up on Māori Dictionary). the people there of the magnificence of through the whakapapa of many. New Zealand interview about Ka Tito Au. Tickets can be collected from Whitianga the discovered land, Aotearoa. So enticing Tola Newbery is the solo performer in He was referring to the theory that perhaps Paper Plus with a restriction of four per group. were his stories that the people of Ra’iātea “Ka Tito Au,” a contemporary play of Kupe Kupe coveted Kuramārōtini, the wife of Ka Tito Au - 7:00pm, Friday 5 April, Whitianga wanted to experience the discovered land telling his own story of his extraordinary Hoturapa and owner of the waka Matahourua Town Hall, tickets from Whitianga Paper Plus, for themselves. Kupe gathered up people, journey to Aotearoa, written by award- and that Hoturapa met an early demise at admission free. Suitable for adults, youth and new waka were built and this was the winning Kiwi writer, poet, playwright and the hands of Kupe. Or was it that Hoturapa children over eight years. Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019
Scott’s Thoughts
By Scott Simpson, Nataional Party MP for Coromandel
Christchurch way no training could ever prepare them for.
We’re all still grappling with last week’s tragedy. In a city that over the last 10 years has
Each of us will be doing so in our own way, already had to endure more than any other in
but even though Mercury Bay and the New Zealand, they acted calmly, professionally
Coromandel are a long way from Christchurch, and above all bravely in the face of pure evil.
if you’re anything like me, you feel very close Theirs will be stories of true heroism under the
to that city and its people right now. most awful of circumstances. Thank you one
Over the weekend people in our local and all.
communities and communities all around RIP Paul Kelly
New Zealand gathered to pay respects to the We’ve lost a staunch, hardworking and common
victims and their families, to share in each sense community champion with the passing of
other’s company and to collectively, quietly and Paul Kelly early last week.
resolutely renounce hate, violenc and evil. As a respected businessman, local resident
This week we’re still numb and shocked. It’s a and vocal advocate, Paul’s leadership of the
week to take stock and to reflect, to pay respects Mercury Bay Community Board was always
and to look forward as best we each can and will. positive, passionate and principled. I’ve always
It’s a time to stand united in our shared values enjoyed working with him. His contribution
as New Zealanders which we hold dear and will be much missed.
will always defend. Kia kaha Christchurch… Special thoughts to Chris and family at this
the Coromandel stands with you.
difficult time.
Parliament
Public Meeting
I had prepared words for this column about the
Our kids are our future and I’m very
proposed capital gains tax and the impacts it
worried about proposed changes to our
will have on our region, but that can all wait for
another time. education system.
This week I’m back at Parliament. Security The government has plans to radically change
has been tightened, access reduced and on the governance structures of local schools,
Monday morning staff were greeted by armed to do away with Boards of Trustees for each
security personnel as they entered the building. school and to set up hubs of about 100 schools
On Tuesday, when Parliament sat for the all governed by just one board. I can’t see how
first time since last week’s murders, the mood such a centralised, cookie cutter approach will
was solemn and sombre. There was an air of be of benefit to the education of young people in
determination from MPs across the political Mercury Bay or the wider Coromandel.
spectrum, but there was also a sense that New I’m so concerned that I’ve invited National’s
Zealand had changed… that in some awful Education Spokesperson to a public meeting
way we have as a nation lost something of I’m hosting in Thames allow parents, teachers
our innocence. students and anyone interested in the future of
Thank You education to have their say and to learn more
Among the chaos of last week in Christchurch, about the changes being hatched from the
the first responders did us all proud. The Police, Beehive in Wellington.
ambulance staff, St John, Defence Force The meeting will be held at the Grahamstown
personnel, doctors, nurses, administrators and Hall in Pollen Street on Thursday 28 March
local government officials all were tested in a at 5:30pm.
Issue 837
699 - 20
27 March
July 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Rescue Helicopter Update Hydrofoil e-bike to be
Sponsored by Dive Zone Whitianga - Tel (07) 867 1580 demonstrated in Whitianga
On Friday 8 March, we’ve had a very nice which of course in real terms is really good
gathering of our helicopter family at our news. It was a very generous month for
rescue helicopter base in Whitianga. The first the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust
of the two new Auckland Rescue Helicopter with several thousands of dollars donated.
Trust helicopters was scheduled to make Thank you to everyone who supported us
an appearance, but, alas, due to technical financially and in many other ways. Our coin
problems it couldn’t make it. boxes are also ticking along as usual.
By around mid-April the new doors of If you are wishing to make a donation
the hangar at our rescue helicopter base will to us, please use the “Donate Now” page
arrive. That will allow the new helicopters to on our website, coromandelrescue.org.nz,
be safely housed. If you are building a very or contact us at PO Box 227, Whitianga 3542
big shed that needs some doors, come and or telephone (07) 866 5147.
talk to us, we just happen to have a couple in
Brian Bowering.
very good condition.
Coromandel Rescue
February has again been a relatively
quiet month for the rescue helicopter, Helicopter Trust Chairman
Missions by the Auckland and Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopters on the Coromandel
Peninsula for the period 1 February to 28 February 2019
03.02.19 Whangamata - Crew tasked to Whangamata to assist a male patient in his 60s suffering a
medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
05.02.19 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a female patient in her 20s suffering multiple
injuries from a motor vehicle accident. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
08.02.19 Whangamata - Crew tasked to Whangamata to assist a male patient in his teens suffering a
medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition. The world’s first hydrofoil e-bike (pictured) will be demonstrated in Whitianga on Saturday
10.02.19 Whangamata - Crew tasked to Whangamata to assist a toddler suffering a medical condition. this week (23 March) from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Whitianga Waterways canal opposite
The girl was flown to Starship Hospital in a serious condition. the Mobil Service Station on Joan Gaskell Drive. People are invited to come along and have
11.02.19 Tairua - Crew tasked to Tairua to assist a male patient in his 70s suffering a medical complaint. a chat to the team behind this unique Kiwi invention.
He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition. A second demonstration will be held at the Pauanui Waterways on Saturday 20 April.
11.02.19 Opoutere - Crew tasked to Opoutere to assist a female patient in her 70s suffering a broken leg The bike has been developed by Manta5, a company based in the Waikato. It has been
after being bowled over by a large wave. She was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a moderate condition. seven years in the making and seven prototypes have been developed. The majority of the
13.02.19 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical testing has taken place at Lake Karapiro.
complaint. He was flown to Thames Hospital in a serious condition. Guy Howard-Willis and Roland Alonzo founded Manta5 in 2011, working for two years on
13.02.19 New Chums - Crew tasked to New Chums Beach to assist a female patient in her 50s suffering the hydrofoil e-bike in secrecy from everyone apart from their wives. Guy was the previous
a knee injury after being dumped in the surf at this remote location. She was winched off the beach and owner of popular outdoor adventure gear and clothing company, Torpedo7.
dropped off at neighbouring Whangapoua. Air transportation to hospital wasn’t required. A video of the sixth prototype of the bike went viral online in late 2017 with more than 250
15.02.19 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a female patient in her 30s suffering a medical million views. Forbes have previously included the hydrofoil e-bike in their Top 12 Best
complaint. She was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition. Billionaire Superyacht Toys list and Red Bull and New Atlas online magazine have done
16.02.19 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a female patient in her 80s suffering a medical articles on the bike.
complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition. Prototype 7, the Hydrofoiler XE-1 (pictured), has recently been released onto the market.
16.02.19 Pinnacles - Crew tasked to the Pinnacles Hut to assist a male patient in his 20s who had Pre-sales are at the moment available in New Zealand. International pre-sales will be
rolled and possibly fractured his ankle while on the walking track. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a available in the USA, Europe and the UK later this year.
minor condition. The Hydrofoiler XE-1 has a top speed of 22km/h and a cruising speed of 11km/h to 14km/h.
17.02.19 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a male patient in his 50s suffering a medical The IP68 waterproof rating lithium battery allows for a 60-minute ride. A heads-up display
complaint. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition. panel indicates battery level, speed, distance and ride mode.
25.02.19 Great Mercury Island - Crew tasked to Great Mercury Island to a female patient in her 40s The bike weighs a total of 29kg and can be dismantled for easy transportation.
suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019Issue 837
699 - 20
27 March
July 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Local Flavour
By Joanna Mannington - Food and nutrition teacher at Mercury Bay Area School
Summer harvest
The long stretch of settled summer weather but New World Whitianga had the sweetest growing a crop here to help settle in. sweet, it’s not high in sugar as it contains
this year means crops are sweet and ripe and corn for sale, five for $4, on the same day. He said it was a fabulous way to meet locals over 90 per cent water - very hydrating
delicious with good yield. We’ve been scrumping roadside peaches as several people stopped by each day to chat in the summer heat. At the beginning of
There has been a lot of harvesting in our and our fig tree is literally dripping with to him about what he was doing and how Cliff’s career, Waikato Hospital bought lots
local area recently. swollen purple pendulous fruit. Typically things were going. of his watermelons for the physical and
Mercury Bay Estate held a successful pick the birds, possums and bees beat us to them, Although most of his crop have gone to psychological benefits that the fruit brought
on Wednesday 27 February, followed by a but this year they don’t seem to be interested. farmers markets in Hamilton and Parnell to the hospital patients.
harvesters’ lunch. Another crop winding up its season is Cliff and also to the Coroglen Farmers Market, Cliff starts his day with a bowl of icy cold,
On our commute through Coroglen to Fryer’s beautiful watermelons which he has Cliff and his son sold strongly at the gate for cubed watermelon or a “bullet” blended drink
school the week before, my kids were been growing on a corner of the Wharton’s a couple of weekends. They were surprised of watermelon flesh, a mint leaf and cranberry
interested in all the corn/maize harvesting farm close to Hot Water Beach. that the majority of sales - up to 90 per cent - and lemon juice.
equipment and amazed to see that all that was Cliff has recently retired to Coroglen
was to locals, despite the high volume of Another of his favourites is the winning
left in the lush paddocks on the drive home from Hamilton after 47 years of growing
tourist traffic. combination of rock melon and passion fruit.
was stubble. It may have been coincidence, watermelons. He couldn’t help himself
Watermelon is an alkaline fruit that is This coming weekend I’ll be using some of
easy to digest and has significant levels of the Mercury Bay Estate grapes for the harvest
the major minerals and vitamins. Although dish below.
Harvest Haloumi
Serves four
Ingredients
500g haloumi
4 handfuls of grapes
8 small grape leaves
4 handfuls of salad greens like rocket or spinach
1 tablespoon toasted walnuts or hazelnuts
4 tablespoons wine vinegar
4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
Method
Slice the haloumi into 1cm slices, season with salt and pepper and fennel and fold into a
grape leaf each.
Brush with combined oil and vinegar and grill on the BBQ until there is colour charred
into the leaves.
Brush the grapes with oil and vinegar and grill on the BBQ or roast in the oven.
Serve the hot cheese topped with grapes and juices and the remaining oil and vinegar on
top of a bed of salad greens. Scatter with toasted and crushed nuts and plenty of seasoning.
The Mercury Bay Informer is published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed throughout the
Coromandel Peninsula. What’s that Number?
Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 24 hours .....................................................111
entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when Police (Whitianga) ........................................................................................866 4000
accompanied by the author’s name and surname, telephone number and residential address. Police (Tairua) ..............................................................................................864 8888
Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher.
Police (Coromandel Town) ...........................................................................866 1190
Published by Mercury Bay Media Limited Fight crime anonymously - Call Crime Stoppers .................................0800 555 111
Editor - Stephan Bosman Dog and Noise Control ................................................................................868 0200
Contributors - Meghan Hawkes, Jack Biddle, Cara Bosman, Debbie Wilton, Suzanne Hansen, Dental Emergency (Mercury Bay) ................................................................869 5500
Pamela Ferla and Meg Tatton-Brown
Civil Defence ...............................................................................................868 0200
Advertiser Management - Petra Bosman and Alex Kennedy Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) ....................................................866 5911
Administration - Diane Lodge Doctors Surgery (Whitianga) ........................................................................866 4621
Office 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Mail PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542 Medical Centre (Tairua).................................................................................864 8737
Telephone (07) 866 2090, Fax (07) 866 2092 Harbourmaster (Whitianga) ..................................................................027 476 2651
Editorial email info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising email sales@theinformer.co.nz Coastguard Radio Operators ......................................................................866 2883
ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2018 Mercury Bay Media Limited Whitianga Social Services ...........................................................................866 4476
The Mercury Bay Informer is subject to the principles of the
New Zealand Media Council. Please contact us first if you
have concerns about any of the editorial content published
in The Informer. If we were unable to address your concerns ONLINE POLL FOR MARCH 2019
to your satisfaction, you can complain to the New Zealand
Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or
www.presscouncil.org.nz.
Should small businesses and farms be
See page 10 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook.
made subject to capital gains tax?
in the night sky and the Whitianga and
Hot Water Beach tides.
Follow us on Twitter.
Check us out on Instagram. Have your say at www.theinformer.co.nz.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019Issue 837
699 - 20
27 March
July 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019
Issue 837
699 - 20
27 March
July 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19Sublab - a one-stop shop in Whitianga
In addition to being an authorised Subaru System.’ Using facial recognition technology, action. Where necessary, it will also brake way the XV looks, says Brent. “It’s also an
service centre, Sublab in Abrahamson Drive, the feature adjusts the driver’s seat, the vehicle automatically when a possible economical vehicle and comes in a range of
Whitianga also sells new vehicles on behalf door mirrors, air-conditioning and some collision is detected.” exciting colours.”
of Tauranga-based Farmer Motor Group. instrument displays according to pre-set Brent and his team understand that the new The Sublab team can service and repair
“We’re not a licenced motor vehicle dealer, preferences. The technology also monitors a technology in vehicles can be daunting for every brand of vehicle. “The fact that we’re
but our arrangement with Farmer Motor driver’s face during a journey and warns them many purchasers and plan a number of safety a Subaru dealership doesn’t mean we’re
Group means we’re a one-stop shop for the when it detects fatigue.” evenings for existing and potential customers. only servicing Subaru vehicles,” says Brent.
residents of the Coromandel Peninsula,” Safety is a big consideration across all “The evenings will be an opportunity to not “We have a range of diagnostics machines
says Brent Wilcocks, the Sublab owner. Subaru models. “An impressive feature only explain how some of the technology that allows us to work on pretty much any
“People can buy a new Subaru that can be found in several Subaru models in the new Subaru models works, but also type of vehicle. “Interestingly enough, we’ve
through us and don’t have to travel out - including the Forester, XV and Outback - to reinforce some basics like how to change recently seen an increase in the number of
of town for warranty services or repairs, is ‘Eyesight,’” says Brent. “This is award- a tyre safely and to mix and mingle with European vehicles we’re servicing.
we can do it all right here in Whitianga. winning technology which is like a second people who like a similar brand of vehicle,” “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter
We always have at least two Subaru vehicles pair of eyes. It uses three-dimensional images says Brent. what sort of vehicle we’re working on,
on display for people who want to take a captured by cameras mounted at the top of a The most popular new vehicle sold by we’re passionate about what we do.
closer look or go for a test drive. vehicle’s windscreen to provide audible and Sublab (in conjunction with Farmer Motor We always try to go the extra mile for our
“As an authorised service centre, we don’t visual warnings to prompt the driver to take Group) is the Subaru XV. “People love the customers and we hope it shows.”
have to order any parts for New Zealand-new
Subaru vehicles as we carry an extensive
inventory of stock. That certainly helps to
turn our jobs around faster. We also have the
benefit of having the expertise and support of
Subaru New Zealand on hand.”
Brent is one of three qualified Subaru
technicians looking after the needs of
Sublab’s customers. “We place a huge
premium on staying up with the play,”
says Brent. “The pace technology is moving
along is astonishing. We offer a trade-in
service and often see how vastly different
the vehicles we trade are from the new ones
we’re selling.
“It’s a real benefit to understand how
the technology works when it comes to
explaining the features of a new vehicle to
a customer.”
Unsurprisingly, Brent is a big Subaru
fan. “They’re great cars,” he says.
“The Subaru Forester was in December last
year announced as the New Zealand Car of
the year for 2018. A ground-breaking feature
that attracted a lot of compliments in the
judging is the Forester’s ‘Driver Monitoring Brent Wilcocks (on the right), the owner of Sublab in Whitianga, and the business’s other two qualified
Subaru technicians - Tyrone Fong (on the left) and Mitch Anderson - at a new Subaru Forester.
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019Issue 837 - 20 March 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21
Letters to the Editor
See page 16 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Expanding the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve am and it is good to be able to pull aside and let the faster traffic pass. However, my experience
I’m a student at Coroglen School who wants to expand the local marine reserve, of the bays leaves me thinking that pretty soon there are going to be some serious crashes,
Te Whanganui-A-Hei. due to some motorists treating the bays as passing lanes, rather than bays.
What started this? EMR (Experiencing Marine Reserves) came to our school. We snorkelled A number of times, when a vehicle in front of me has pulled over into one of the bays,
at Gemstone Bay and Hahei Beach. I could see the difference between them. Gemstone Bay the driver has hardly slowed down and given me no time to pass safely.
looked much more protected and had more fish. At Hahei there were more kina, less seaweed I am not an impatient driver and I do not really mind following another vehicle on roads that
and fewer fish. I realized how small the marine reserve is. It is only 8.4km². do not allow safe passing. I understand that larger trucks especially have difficulty starting off
I think it would be a good idea to expand our marine reserve. There would be more again after stopping. Unfortunately, some bays are only long enough to contain a truck and
protected fish. It would help the endangered species. There would be more fish throughout trailer and my personal experience has seen these pulled-over vehicles continuing to roll and
the oceans because they would breed and grow in the reserve, then leave to go into the ocean. so creating a potential “accident” scenario.
If the reserve went over to the south end of Hahei beach, there would be easier access and more I thought the idea was that once a vehicle had pulled over into a passing bay, it was required
people would see how beautiful our environment can be and then help to protect it. to give way to any traffic behind and leave only when the road was clear. Many drivers seem
If this isn’t possible, we could try to make Hahei Beach an even better place, by setting up to ignore the caution notice that says, “Let them pass.”
some signs for visitors telling them to take all their rubbish home and enjoy our gorgeous, I honestly feel that it is not “if,” but “when” some serious crashes will occur, because of a
natural environment! facility which is intended to make our roads safer.
My message is - just think how cool it would be if the marine reserve was bigger. Lorna Black
Aria Macdonald Whenuakite
Coroglen School Dear Editor - Trap demonstration
Dear Editor - The ethics of fishing competitions The people of the Coromandel may be interested to know that a trap that kills possums,
Garrett Hardin’s article, “Tragedy of the Commons” (1968), epitomises the reason for our rats and mice, automatically resetting and re-baiting itself for six months in the bush, will be
largely-deteriorating fish stocks. demonstrated by George Campbell of NZ AutoTraps on Thursday this week (21 March) at
That certain organisations continue to promote fishing competitions could certainly be 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Club in Whitianga.
questioned in regard to sustainability and animal welfare. There seems to be robust evidence The AT220 trap features a daytime deactivation function as a safety measure for children and
in the scientific community that fish do consciously experience pain (see “Do Fish Feel Pain,” to reduce the risk of by-catch of other species. It won two innovation awards at Fieldays 2016.
Braithwaite, Oxford University Press, USA, 2010). David Lynch
The logic of such competitions is economic, however what are the ethics? Whitianga
Sally Armstrong Dear Editor - Another sign of the kindness of the people living on the Coromandel Peninsula
Hahei
Through your paper, I would like to thank and acknowledge the kindness of a resident of Tairua
Dear Editor - The slow traffic bays on SH25 and SH25A who assisted my son recently. David, my son, suffered a serious brain aneurism and stroke in
When the slow traffic bays on State Highway 25 and State Highway 25A were first created June 2018 and was staying at his sister’s house on Paku Hill. While walking he fell heavily,
by the New Zealand Transport Agency, my first observation was, “Wonderful provision, injuring his face and arm.
a wonderful way to keep the traffic flowing and therefore keep frustration to a minimum.” A passing motorist who noticed David’s unsteady gait, had turned to see if he was OK,
I use the bays from time to time when traffic from behind is obviously traveling faster than I just in time to see David’s fall.
Whitianga Tractors
& EQUIPMENT CENTRE
Sales Repairs Maintenance
TRACTORS & SMALL ENGINES
Dave and Karen
Phone 07 867 1046 a/hrs 0275 832 343
Email whitianga.tractors@gmail.com
Dakota Drive Whitianga
Your local Husqvarna dealer
“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week)
“Te ātaahua hoki” - That’s beautiful
Saying of the week supplied by Te Puna Reo o Whitianga - a playgroup with a focus on Māori tikanga and te reo Māori.
The group members meet every Tuesday at 9:30am at Crossroads Whitianga Church. All those with pēpi or young tamariki are welcome to join.
Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 837 - 20 March 2019You can also read
