Words of wisdom from Whitianga local locked down in Italy - The Mercury Bay Informer
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Issue 891 - 1 April 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Daylight Sa on Circulation - Online
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Sunday, 5 A
Words of wisdom from Whitianga
local locked down in Italy
By Gillian O’Neill
As she enters her fourth week of lockdown
inside an Italian apartment, Whitianga local,
Fiamma Allemano, is battling sleepless
nights, cabin fever and mental exhaustion,
but says it’s absolutely necessary to curb the
onslaught of Covid-19.
Speaking to The Informer by videocall,
the former Mercury Bay Area School student
urges local residents to take the threat level
in New Zealand seriously in order to avoid
the nightmare facing the people of Italy.
“Barley a month ago, Italy too had a small
number of cases, now it is out of control.
New Zealand still can avoid that happening
but people have to abide by the rules.”
Fiamma is living in Pisa in Tuscany where
she is in her fourth year of a Political Studies
degree. As the situation with coronavirus
started to escalate, she had to make the
difficult decision on whether to stay or return
to Whitianga. “I decided to stay and try and
continue with my studies and keep things as
normal as possible,” she says.
However, life has been anything but normal
since a nationwide quarantine was announced
on 9 March, requiring everyone in Italy to
remain home - visiting the supermarket,
pharmacy, or going to work being the only Whitianga local, Fiamma Allemano, who is currently in lockdown in Italy, during less stressful times in central Pisa.
exceptions. However, since then almost all we have to wash them and disinfect them so I think that will really help you guys,” says well, so you are tired all the time. You might
non-essential businesses have been ordered when we get home so we can use them again,” Fiamma. “We don’t even have a balcony.” fall asleep at 3:00am, but you still wake up
to close. says Fiamma. Fiamma and her housemates have been at 7:00am, though there is no alarm. You feel
“There are six 20-something girls in our For this reason, Fiamma has not been joining in community sing-songs, the likes nervous when you do go out, even to drive to
apartment, so that has definitely come with venturing out often, apart from a couple of which have been flooding the internet, the supermarket.”
some challenges,” says Fiamma. “Every time of trips to the supermarket, which is also a featuring Italian residents singing from their The grim statistics also take a mental
you leave the house, you have to complete a lengthy but necessary ordeal. “When you get balconies or doorways to lift the mood during toll. “It has not been too bad here in Pisa,
form and carry it with you at all times. It has there you are given a number and you have to the quarantine. it sounds awful to say it that way when you
your name, your ID number, your address and wait, last time I waited around and hour and The girls have also erected a homemade are talking about people losing their lives,
the reason why you are outside. You have to half,” she says. “Then they disinfect you and banner outside their apartment which reads, but if you compare it to what is happening
sign it and it becomes an official document.” fit you with another set of gloves and a mask “Everything is going to be okay.” They are in other towns, we are doing okay,”
Exercise can be taken, but only within a and they wipe the trolley and you can go get doing everything possible to keep their says Fiamma. “The really sad thing is that
few square metres of your home. And just what you need.” spirits up, but Fiamma admits it has been you start to think only in numbers because it’s
the act of leaving the house means donning a The lack of any outdoor space in the challenging. “The first week was great, the only way you can deal with. If you start
mask and gloves. “They are not meant to be apartment is adding to the cabin fever as the people almost felt relieved. But as time goes to think about all those numbers as people,
re-used but, because there are not enough, weeks go by. “Most Kiwis have a garden, by it does get tougher. None of us are sleeping it’s just too much.”
(Continued on page 2)
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Singing away the Whitianga local locked
down in Italy
isolation blues
Informer contributor, Suzanne Hansen, describes how she is embracing a new hobby in lockdown.
(Continued from page 1)
Despite the unease, Fiamma says she does like it’s going very slow,” says Fiamma.
feel safe. “I do think that the government is “We get up and have breakfast together and
I have always wanted to pick up the ukulele. I have had one for years, but could not really put my doing a good job. It’s easy to complain that watch the news and talk for an hour or maybe
mind to working out how to use it productively until I ran into local musician and teacher, Yvette they should have done this or that, but we are two. I’ve been keeping a journal, so that helps.
Audain, and she suggested that we start a “mature” class for aspiring ukulele players. I was in. trying to deal with something that has never I’ve also been making lists of things I want
What started as a social way to learn how to play and sing along with others a month or so ago, happened before. I’m not saying everything to do that previously I haven’t had time for,
has now turned into a way to remain connected during our new lives of isolation. is perfect, but there is a sense of security. like draw something or watch a documentary.
We all are now joining together online and strum and sing together from our own homes. We have I feel very safe and if something happened to I try and do some sort of exercise every day,
thus far built a repertoire of nine sing along songs, including our most recent addition, somewhat me, I feel I would be looked after.” we have been told that’s really important for
ironically, “Don’t Worry Be Happy!” The city of Pisa had a special draw for our mental health.
Fiamma. “It’s where my mother studied,” “I’ve also been cooking, so I made a
My ukulele made it along on the recently-shortened Northland trip my husband and I undertook in our
campervan and came out to play a couple of times, much to the chagrin of our fellow campers, but she says. “Even though I was born in New lasagne earlier on today. Having little goals
it certainly was an icebreaker and it will accompany us again when we are through this lockdown. Zealand, I really do feel connected to my for the day really helps, because you can tick
Italian side and it was a dream of mine to them off and feel like you have accomplished
After our first online group lesson, our ukulele group were all buzzing and ready to do more. come here and study.”
We finished up with a Beatle’s song appropriate for the times, “Let it Be.” something.”
Mum, Margherita, and dad, Giorgio, moved At the time of writing, Italy had more
New ukulele learners are most welcome and can contact Yvette directly at email audainmusic@ to Whitianga from Turin, Italy around 25 years
gmail.com to join in. We all need more of this sort of activity in our weird new lives! than 100,000 cases of the virus with more
ago. “Dad fell in love with New Zealand.
than 11,000 deaths. The current quarantine
Pictured participating in their first online ukulele group lesson are, top row (from the left) - They discovered Whitianga during one of
conditions have been extended until 25 April.
Yvette Audain (teacher), Suzanne Hansen and Hanako Liggins. Bottom row - Sharon Barnes (left) their holidays, so they eventually moved there
and Anne Bowden. and built a big Italian house up on the hill,” However, Fiamma is remaining hopeful about
says Fiamma. “Whitianga was pretty small, what lies ahead. “I think about when I will go
with maybe only 1,000 people. It took some to New Zealand and what route I’ll take,” she
getting used to for mum. Turin was a real says. “I think about the places I might like to
fashion town at the time, so she talks about work when I finish university.
having to swap her heels for gumboots.” “You have to look forward, because this
Now while she hunkers down in Pisa, will all end eventually,”
Fiamma’s thoughts are very much with her To those of us here, still in the early stages
family in Mercury Bay. “I do worry, but they of our self-isolation journeys, Fiamma says,
are doing okay. My brother is there as well. “Try and enjoy this time with your family.
He was supposed to go to Australia, but he We don’t get enough quality time with our
got stuck when the borders closed.” loved ones. I think this is giving all of us time
Daily chats with her family as well as to think about what is really important to us
friends all over the world help to fill what at and I think we will all have better priorities in
times feel like never-ending days. “It feels the future as a result.”
What’s happening in the night sky?
Week of Wednesday, 1 April to Wednesday, 8 April - Venus continues to dominate the twilight western sky and reaches its brightest phase this month.
Night sky information
This week, viewers with a clear western horizon will be able to watch it pass through the Pleiades (Matariki) in Taurus low in the NW. This brilliant virtual
twin of the Earth will be 250 times brighter than all Matariki’s stars combined, which will make them a bit difficult to see. Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched provided and sponsored by
another batch of 60 Starlink satellites last week and these are now visible in the sky. Initially they were bunched up very close together and appeared as
a string of pearls slowly crossing the evening sky all along the same path. They have now spread out considerably and are quite faint. Interestingly, one
of Musk’s competitors, OneWeb, who launched another 34 satellites last week on a single-use Russian Soyuz rocket, has now filed for bankruptcy in the
USA. Musk has a clear advantage being able to launch 60 satellites at a time on his own reusable rockets. Wednesday, 1 April - The early morning sky
has slightly reddish Mars just to the right of Saturn with bright Jupiter above. A first quarter Moon tonight… great viewing through a small telescope or
binoculars. Friday, 3 April - Venus sits just on the left end of the Pleiades in the early evening twilight. Saturday, 4 April - Venus is now at the top of the Astronomy Tours and B&B
Pleiades as it quickly moves along in its seven-month orbit around the Sun and through our sky. Tuesday, 7 April - Very early risers with a good view of Phone (07) 866 5343
the southern horizon may see a pass of the International Space Station starting very low in the south-southwest at 5:28am, heading in a south-easterly
direction. Wednesday, 8 April - A full Moon tonight… see if you can spot the rabbit in the Moon with its floppy ears at about the 10 o’clock position. 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 891 - 1 April 2020
Families celebrate their special bond to mark World Down Syndrome Day As we all now try to forge new and innovative experienced with my other children,” she said. ways to stay connected with family and friends, “So hearing from other parents that she will get a small but special group of families across there, it will take longer, but she will get there in various Coromandel communities and beyond her own time, that was so reassuring.” will also be keeping in touch to continue to Both mums have been asked about how they support each other and share experiences. deal with living in what many might view as Among them are mums, Teresa Kereopa from relative isolation, when compared to cities like Whitianga and Amy Lendrum from Matarangi, Auckland. “The support services have been who have become friends and confidantes amazing, pretty much everything we need is because of their children, Fergusson and made available here,” said Amy. Katie, both of whom have Down Syndrome. Speech therapists and physiotherapists On Saturday last week, they along with five other visit Whitianga regularly and, with five-year- families, had planned a unique get together in old Fergusson about to start school visits, Whitianga where at least one caregiver in each Teresa was very positive that her family’s needs family were getting matching tattoos. are being met. “Schooling is of course a big step Representing their shared journey and and many parents of Downs Syndrome children strength, the three arrows tattoo is a global do worry about it, but the set-up they have for hallmark for parents of children with Down kids with special needs at Mercury Bay Area Syndrome. School is really amazing, we feel very lucky to “We decided that we would all do this together live where we do,” she said. to mark this year’s World Down Syndrome Day While some might view parenting a child on 21 March,” said Amy. “The three arrows on with Downs Syndrome as a tough challenge, the tattoo represent the three chromosomes that Teresa and Fergusson Kereopa (on the left), and Katie and Amy Lendrum having fun at Amy and Teresa said it is simply parenting, result in Down Syndrome, while the arrows The Esplanade playground in Whitianga before the Covid-19 lockdown. sometimes it is tough, and sometimes it’s a joy - itself represent how the parents and these Teresa. “All the scans appeared normal. as well as occasional phone calls. With three as with any kids. “I certainly feel special to have children rise up and move forward. I had no time to prepare, but my approach was of the other families in Tairua, one in Paeroa Katie, but I really don’t do it any differently “We thought it would be a fun thing to do as just to get on with it myself and just try and and one in Morrinsville, meeting up is a bit than with my other kids,” Amy said. a group while showing how proud we are of figure things out as I went along. My midwife more challenging. “We have all met up in Teresa added, “We probably celebrate those our children.” put me in touch with another mum through Morrinsville at the playground and again in milestones a bit more, because you know how While the tattoos will have to wait for now, which I met the group. I actually regretted not Tairua,” she said. “Tairua worked well because tough it has been for them to get there, but aside Teresa and Amy, supported by the other families, connecting with them sooner because all those it is fairly central to everyone so we’ll probably from that you just do your best, the same as any wanted to share information about their group questions you have going around in your head, try that one again.” parent does for their children.” in case there were others out there who would you can ask someone who has been there. It has For Amy, who has two older children, Anyone who like to get involved in the group like some friendly support. really helped.” understanding the milestones for 18-month-old or who would just like some advice or a chat “I didn’t know that Fergusson had Downs Amy said the group is informal and they Katie was a huge help. “Obviously for children can contact Teresa on phone (021) 022 17860 Syndrome until after he was born,” said keep in touch through Facebook and emails with Downs Syndrome it is different to what I or Amy at email AmyLendrum@hotmail.com. Issue 891 - 1 April 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Online physiotherapy Local health practitioner moves
online to stay connected
The Covid-19 lockdown created an opportunity for physiotherapists, Joel van Doorn and Terri
Evanson (pictured) of PhysioFirst in Whitianga, to communicate differently with their patients.
“We have systems in place to treat our patients remotely, all they need is an internet connection,
and a smartphone or computer with a camera,” says Joel. “Basically, we interact with the patient
online, reviewing exercises, checking movement patterns and diagnosing and modifying accordingly.
Pretty much the same as what we would have done under normal circumstances, except this is done
from the comfort of our patients’ own homes.”
PhysioFirst’s new online service is available to both ACC and private patients. “We have many
patients in the middle of their rehabilitation programmes and they simply can’t afford to stop
now,” says Joel. “We can also take on new ACC cases as well new private patients. We’ll do all the
necessary paperwork to lodge ACC claims.
“The time many people are spending at home at the moment may well be a good opportunity to sort
out little niggles they have or injuries they pick up doing all the DIY, and repairs and maintenance
they’ve always planned to do, but never had time for.
“To book an appointment with us is easy, just visit our website, tairuawhitiphysio.co.nz, email us at
tairuawhitiphysio@gmail.com or phone us on (021) 587 262. We’re happy to talk everyone through
any issues they may have to connect with us online.”
The PhysioFirst online service is also available to patients of Synergy Physio, Joel’s practice
in Tairua.
With the current focus on staying physically and mentally well, natural health practitioners are finding
new and innovative ways of reaching out to people to support them with their efforts.
Libby George of Eden Clinic in Whitianga is combining more than 25 years of holistic health expertise with
her broadcasting background to launch a new series of online wellness programmes, accompanied by a
Facebook group with free tips on natural ways to improve or maintain your health.
“I’ll be talking online about how to manage stress, how to eat well, exercise in a small area, how to work
with your mindset and enhance your sleep. These are the tips we will start with, but group members are
invited to bring questions for discussion,” says Libby.
While Eden Clinic was already in the process of developing the online programmes, with a planned launch
in May, Libby, with the help of husband, Paul, has worked non-stop over the past week to fast-track the
roll-out in order to continue to meet the needs of the community, despite the lockdown.
“We are a month earlier than planned, it’s been a rush but we’re ready to go. Paul has been building
a ‘television studio’ for me at home so I can do interviews and eventually a cooking show. In my 20s,
I was a television presenter and producer in Hong Kong, so being in front of a camera is my happy place.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the fancy camera before the lockdown, so I’m using my laptop. But I’m ready for
content, as well as support and interaction, that’s the important thing,” says Libby.
Libby will also be conducting one-on-one health consultations online via Zoom or Facetime. To access free
tips or book an online consultation, check out the Facebook group “Eden Clinic on-line.”
Pictured is Libby at home in her newly constructed ‘television studio.’”
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 891 - 1 April 2020
Tips for Business Owners
By Christine Petrie of Shifting Focus Business Consultants - Phone (021) 775 571
Covid-19 - who had even heard of this virus • Review your lease. Many of the more- against their income, rather than depreciate and $350 per week for part-time employees.
a few months ago? But now it is having a recent lease agreements allow for a fair them. The current threshold is $500. Where casual employees were expected to
serious impact on every aspect of our society. proportion of the rent and outgoings to • Owners of commercial premises will be able work, they also may qualify. Employers must
As a nation, we are being forced at pace into no longer be payable if you cannot access to deduct depreciation from the 2020/21 endeavour to pay their employees at least
uncharted territory. No one can predict when your premises. tax year. 80 per cent of their normal wages or, if this
the immediate crisis will end and how things • Check your rights and obligations under • For businesses incurring research and is not possible, the maximum of the wage
will change as a result of it. This column your insurance policies. development expenditure, there are now subsidy or their normal wages. They must also
provides some information for businesses based • Talk to your bank about your cashflow broader provisions for this to be refunded. keep their employees in employment for the
on material available at the time of writing. needs. In addition, the Inland Revenue Department subsidy period. Where employers had let their
• Consider the Business Finance Guarantee is encouraging businesses to take advantage employees go before the lockdown because
Cash Management
Scheme which provides loans of up to of their options to re-estimate provisional tax, of Covid-19, they can apply for this subsidy
Businesses deemed “non-essential” and that
$500,000 for businesses with annual set up instalment arrangements and request provided they rehire their employees.
cannot trade from their owners and their
revenue of between $250,000 and $80 waivers of late payment and filing penalties. The payment is made as a lump sum for a
employees’ homes during the lockdown,
million. Businessowners who have a In some cases, they can also write off debts due to 12-week period. It is exempt from GST and
continue to have outgoings, eg rent, utilities,
home mortgage may also be able to take severe hardship. Businesses should talk to their excluded from an employer’s income in their
insurance, loan payments, EFTPOS rentals, tax return. It is also not deductible when paid
advantage of a mortgage repayment tax advisors about the suitability of these options
tax obligations, and salaries and wages while to the employee. It is taxable for the employee
holiday scheme for up to six months. for them.
literally no money is coming in apart from the who must have PAYE, Kiwisaver, student
government’s Wage Subsidy Scheme, which Under both the Business Finance and Minimum Wage
Mortgage Holiday Schemes, interest at normal The adult minimum is increasing on 1 April 2020 loan repayments, etc deducted from it before
must be passed on. Other “non-essential” receiving their net pay.
businesses may be earning some income from market rates will accrue and the principal will to $18.90 per hour. Employees working during
their home offices, however now need to fund still need to be paid back. There are significant the lockdown, whether from home or in their What are my responsibilities as an employer?
these home offices as well as their normal risks if a business is not able to recover quickly. place of work, must be paid at least this for each All your rights and responsibilities as an
premises. These are challenging, stressful times Be sure to seek sound financial, and, if necessary, hour they work. employer under your employment contracts
for which there are no easy solutions. Close legal advice. and New Zealand employment law remain.
Wage Subsidy Scheme
cashflow management is essential and, in some Tax Concessions Both the employer and the employee have an
Originally there were two schemes - Sick Leave
cases, the following could ease the pain - The government’s Covid-19 support package obligation to work together and negotiate any
and Wage Subsidy. Since the lockdown, the Sick
contains concessions which could help necessary contract changes, even short-term
• Where you and/or your staff qualify, apply Leave Scheme has been folded into the Wage
ones, in good faith.
for the Wage Subsidy Scheme. some businesses with future tax obligations. Subsidy Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is
• Where money is owing, discuss payment These include - to help keep people in employment. A last thought
timeframes with customers. • A lift in the requirement to pay provisional It is available for businesses of all sizes who This too will pass. As we transition to our “new
• Review your costs and your contracts with tax from $2,500 to $5,000. While for lower have experienced a Covid-19-related 30 per normal,” people will recall how you responded
suppliers - are their clauses that can assist income earners this defers tax payments, cent reduction in revenue in any month between during the crisis. Treat others with respect and
with delaying payment, cancelling orders it does not remove them. January and June compared to the same period uphold your values.
or returning stock? Can you cancel some • Businesses purchasing small assets will last year, or, if operating for less than a year, Information included in this column is of
contracts and re-enact them when you are be able to write off assets to the value a previous comparable month. It is available until a general nature and is not a substitute
operational again? Could a “force majeure” of $5,000 in the 2020/21 tax year and the end of June at $585.80 per week for full-time for tailored legal, accounting and other
clause be enacted? thereafter assets to the value of $1,000 employees (working more than 20 hours a week) professional advice.
Issue 891 - 1 April 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Reflecting on life growing up in Whitianga By Suzanne Hansen Whitianga was a very different place in 1941 clinging on to the ferry, which in those days Each day a couple of kids would have to in those days, kids only came home during when Les and Elsie Russell moved their three was powered by oar. If the current got too light the fire to heat water to make warm school holidays and when the Russells were children - Margaret (8), Graham (5) and much, the ferry driver would “whack their milk for the children in aluminium mugs. in Whitianga they were put to work. Walter (2) - from Te Aroha so that Les could hands with the oar” to make them let go so he Walter and mate, Dale Peachy, got their Both Margaret and Walter left school at the take up a new position as a diesel engineer as could make his way unencumbered. milk mixing down to a fine art, producing age of 15, Margaret to work at the local store part of the World War II effort. In those days everyone rowed boats around a concoction with no lumps. So much so and the garage, and Walter for a mechanical However, shortly after Les started looking the surrounding areas and Walter remembers that they were asked to make milk more engineering apprenticeship. They say that, after the engines of the Whitianga power rowing Margaret and her girlfriends around to and more, which Walter said got him out of in those days, kids grew up fast, working all station, the station burned down, leaving Cooks Beach to fish and if the fishing was not school work, so he was happy to comply. sorts of odd jobs and making any money that him jobless. As a result, in 1943 he opened up to scratch, he would row them elsewhere. No-one wore shoes. they could. Often people did not have money, a mechanical garage in a shed on the long He would sometimes row all day. The Whitianga roads were all sand and shell so many of the jobs were paid by a bartering wharf by the Whitianga Hotel, moving later School then was much more basic with and there were horse troughs and hitching system of sorts, including chooks, fish and that year to new premises in Albert Street only two school rooms and maybe 60 or 70 posts on the main street, and at “Stinking whatever suited both parties. where Curry ‘n Coffee House and The Earth children. The school boasted two teachers Creek” (Carina Creek), given its name from Life was incredibly simple, with a dance Story are currently. As a matter of fact, Curry every Saturday night, alternating around ‘n Coffee is located right where the garage’s the various halls of the district. On Fridays office was, and the concrete pads and shed are they would go to a movie screening at the still there. Whitianga Town Hall, then move the seats The business, which also became a aside and dance for another couple of hours. Caltex service station, sold petrol and fixed Walter says the best thing about those dances all manner of things, providing complete was the food. Even if he never got a dance in engineering requirements for the town. the evening, he still got a full feed from all the The services included body work and painting plates that the people brought along. It was at for cars and trucks, fixing small engines, one such Christmas dance that Walter met his building transport trays and whatever else future wife, Margot, and they were married people could think of. With gradual growth, by the following May. seven full time staff and extra casual help Each year there was a ball, held at the each summer were employed. RSA or the fishing club. This was a time of The Russell family’s first house was the red great excitement, with the girls making that house at 5 Coghill Street which was opposite special gown and the men donning suits. Bealings Boarding House, just behind what With no local shoes on offer, an “on approval” is now BNZ. Walter and his sister, Margaret, order of shoes would arrive on a truck from remember their early days living across from Thames. The young adults were admonished the boarding house, which hosted lots of not to muddle the shoes up while perusing raucous parties with ukuleles and creating the selection. lots of excitement for the spying kids. All of the Russell children had the Walter describes how there was always wandering spirit, with Margaret doing her OE action across the road. One night his dad The garage Les Russell opened in Whitianga during the World War II years. in Australia and then making her way around tried to break up a cat fight across the road by Curry ‘n Coffee House and The Earth Store are now occupying the old garage premises. the South Island with just a pack on her back. launching his flounder spear into the melee, - Mary Smith who took the “primers” and the reek of effluent from the dairy factory. Graham spent time in Canada and the US, not really thinking about whether he would Mrs Harrison, who was head mistress and After the war, the river and harbour became and Walter spent time as a salvage diver in hit a cat. The spear ended up lodged in the also took the older kids in the “big room.” a naval base of sorts with sometimes five or Papua New Guinea. However, when the call side of the boarding house for some time. Walter and Margaret remember Mrs Harrison six navy ships, plus flying boats. It was an came to come back and work at the garage The Russell children enjoyed a fabulous as being at least 100 years old, although they exciting time for the kids who went down on for the holiday season, they all dropped what life, making their own fun, swimming, concede now that she was “lucky if she was school trips to see the vessels. they were doing and returned. fishing, gathering the plentiful shellfish and 40.” They remember less fondly the “murder Since the school only ran up to Third Form Walter and Margaret both acknowledge more. They would swim across the river to house,” specifically the dental chair which (today’s Year 9), children of Whitianga who that Whitianga has changed substantially, gather mussels, paying heed to the tides, is still in the Mercury Bay Museum and the wanted to continue their education either had but they both also speak positively of the and float back with the bag in tow. treadle-powered drill. to go away to board or do their education by change, which has brought them decent Sometimes they ended higher up the river The kids got a box of fresh fruit each day, correspondence. All three Russell children movies and shoe stores. They say they can and sometimes along the beach, depending supplied by the Health Department in a post- went away, with Margaret at Thames High, still find mussels and fish and enjoy the on the tide. war exercise, and later, Walter remembers, Graham at Mt Albert Grammar and Walter natural beauty of the environment. On occasions they would hitch a ride by powdered milk, which he describes as “crap.” at Hamilton Tech. With the state of the roads They are happy! Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 891 - 1 April 2020
Issue 891
699 - 127April
July2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 891 - 1 April 2020
Funeral directors to operate Getting creative to keep busy
within clear set of guidelines during lockdown
As groups and individuals adapt to life in Visit www.creativecoromandel.co.nz/events.
isolation, many are coming up with new ways aspx for more details.
to keep in contact and continue to enjoy hobbies Readers who may not have had time to
and interests from the confines of their bubbles. replenish their stocks before the Covid-19
For lovers of music and the arts, Creative lockdown, can take advantage of Thames-
Coromandel has compiled a list of resources, Coromandel District Libraries’ offering of
including local, national and international free digital-only membership. Unlike regular
events, that locals can either view, participate in membership, you won’t need a library card.
or adapt for their own use. Featuring everything To sign up visit www.tcdc.govt.nz/Our-
from an online social distancing festival where Services/Library/ and click “Join the Library.”
artists can showcase their work to virtual Current library members can use their existing
concerts, free courses and online games, accounts to access e-books and e-audiobooks.
the aim is to help keep local artists and art lovers Those who sign up for digital membership
engaged over the weeks ahead. will be able to swap to normal membership
“The Creative Coromandel team is compelled once normal services resume and libraries
and inspired to look innovatively at ways that can re-open.
we can support Thames-Coromandel/Hauraki The library team is also regularly posting fun
rohe artists and arts organisations. We are activities and links to other resources on their
investigating ways that ‘physical isolation’ Facebook page to help everyone through the
doesn’t necessarily translate into emotional lockdown period, in particular parents who may
isolation and, being creatives, we are thinking be looking for ideas to entertain their children.
broadly. We would love to hear from you if you The first week alone featured online story-time,
already have a plan up your sleeve for remote a building block challenge and links to online
The services funeral directors provide, including cremations, are listed as one of the essential services togetherness,” said chairperson, Jan Wright. jigsaw puzzles at Te Papa.
that are able to operate 24/7 during the Covid-19 lockdown, within a clear set of guidelines.
“Every funeral home must now have new policies in place limiting the number of people they can allow
onto their premises to make arrangements for burial or cremation of a loved one,” says Adrian Catran
of Coromandel-based funeral directors, Twentymans. “For example, under Alert Level 4, we are unable
to host gatherings of any kind. Quite simply, this is a high-risk environment. This sadly means that no
memorial service can be conducted at this time until the Covid-19 lockdown is ended.
“We are still able to transport the deceased from private dwellings or rest homes to our funeral home in
Thames. The family can then choose either a burial or cremation, with most people currently opting for
cremation as a safe and simple choice. In all instances, the memorial service or ceremony will need to be
postponed until after people are allowed to gather again.
“We now have a clear set of documents on our website so that people can stay in the safety and comfort
of their own homes and complete the necessary paperwork, and we have a dedicated team of funeral
directors available to talk to them by phone at any time.”
The funeral industry as a whole is working tirelessly to help grieving families through this extremely
difficult period and endeavouring, subject to staffing, to keep their funeral homes operating seven days a
week while ensuring that staff, clients and the community are kept safe. “We will ensure that loved ones
continue to be handled with dignity and respect so families may have at least partial closure,” says Adrian.
“We must be very conscious of the fact that New Zealand is in lockdown and this is probably a first-time
experience for almost everyone when it comes to death under these circumstances.” Some of the e-books and e-audiobooks Thames-Coromandel District Libraries
Pictured are Julie (on the left), Adrian and Amba Catran of Twentymans Funeral Directors. members can access during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
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
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address your concerns to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with
ONLINE POLL FOR APRIL 2020
the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or Should Thames-Coromandel District Council take the Covid-19
www.presscouncil.org.nz. lockdown into account when making a decision on a
See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook. possible rates rise in 2020/2021?
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.
Issue 891
699 - 127April
July2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Kids, have some colouring fun...
Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
... and let us know what name you think we should give this delightful kiwi. You or someone in
your “bubble” can email us (info@theinformer.co.nz) or private message us through Facebook.
Please also let us have your name, phone number, town/city of residence and your age. If we
like your suggestion the most, we’ll be giving you a VERY NICE mystery prize once the lockdown
is lifted. We please need to hear from you no later than Friday next week (10 April). Have fun!
Crossword Puzzle 891
Just for fun this week
See next week’s Informer for the solution
ACROSS
1. Boast
DOWN
1. Garden pavilion
WRC aims to freeze rates in
7. Game bird
2. Daunts
3. Burn the wake of Covid-19 crisis
8. Defined (area) 4. Homeless kids Waikato Regional Council is aiming for a our tightening economy and the challenges
10. Duel (5,5) 5. Mischievously zero percent increase in rates for the coming our people are going to be facing across the
financial year in a bid to assist struggling Waikato,” said WRC councillor, Denis Tegg.
12. Ex-lover (3,5) 6. Declared businesses and homeowners. Thames-Coromandel District Council
9. Reside The indication was given at an urgent is continuing to seek public input on their
14. Foaling farm meeting of the council early last week
11. Willing to change proposed 9.98 per cent average rates rise,
16. Rascals 13. Fraternise
where the councillors established emergency along with the raft of fee increases set out in
committees of three to enable swift decision- their draft Annual Plan 2020/2021. A series
17. Dismissed 15. Property divider making during Alert Level 4 of the Covid-19 of public meetings were suspended as the
response. Rather than holding formal country entered Alert Level 3 on Monday last
20. Mistake 16. Ignoramuses meetings, urgent decisions will be made week, moving to Alert Level 4 on Thursday.
18. University award by chair Russ Rimmington, the chair of the
23. Guzzler, fast ... relevant committee and chief executive,
Ratepayers are encouraged to read the
19. Wound marks summary of the draft TCDC Annual Plan
24. Easy-going 21. Boxing dais
Vaughan Payne. 2020/2021 and supporting documentation
Central government has also passed the online at www.tcdc.govt.nz/annualplan2020
25. Foot joint 22. Open mouth wearily Covid-19 (Urgent Management Measures Bill) where they can also access the form to
which allows members of local government
complete an online submission. Additional
bodies to join meetings by audio or audiovisual
questions can be emailed to customer.
link where previously they would have been
Last week’s solution services@tcdc.govt.nz.
required to attend in person. The bill also
“We intend to hold a Facebook live
requires, if reasonably practical, to have public
meetings broadcast live via audio or video and video session or sessions, prior to Easter,
for councils to make either a recording or a to ensure engagement with the community
written summary available. on this important matter continues,” TCDC
WRC did not commence a public consultation said in a statement. “We’ll answer the
on their draft Annual Plan 2020/2021 as there questions and we’ll address them in our
were no substantial differences from the Facebook live video session. Like and
proposals contained in their Long Term Plan follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/
2018 - 2028. It is unclear at this stage what ThamesCoromandelDistrictCouncil).”
spending adjustments will be required in TCDC’s economic development team
order to achieve the zero per cent increase. remains available to assist businessowners
This work will need to be undertaken ahead of who need direction, support and connections
the adoption of the Annual Plan 2020/2021 by to help navigate this period of uncertainty.
the statutory 30 June deadline. “Call our customer services line on
“There are tough times ahead for the (07) 868 0200 or email customer.services@
people of the Thames-Coromandel District tcdc.govt.nz to be linked up with our economic
and the region. We need to be in tune with development team,” is council’s advice.
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 891 - 1 April 2020Issue 891
699 - 127April
July2020
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11A letter from the principal
Sudoku At the start of the Covid-19 lockdown, Mercury Bay Area School principal, John Wright,
wrote a touching (and informative) letter addressed to each MBAS senior student individually.
With John’s permission, we are reproducing parts of his letter below.
I am really pleased to be sending you an e-letter Contacting your school friends and family
at this time - a time which, in your lifetime, using your phone, for instance, is really
you will remember forever. You are at the important too in keeping your friendships and
Sudoku Puzzle 891 age that events like this will sit with you, relationships going.
as they do with me. I acknowledge how very We all know it will be important, though,
challenging this is for us all, however there will for you to keep in touch with your friends
be incredible opportunities that will arise too. kindly (“Kindness” is one of our key KAURI
As a senior student in our school community, expectations). Remember that there is often so
Sudoku Puzzle Instructions keep an eye open for these opportunities - much misinformation (digital gossip) that goes
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of nine boxes they will be unknown to start with, and grow. around. We all deal with the “he said/she said”
inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once. You have an opportunity to engage in thinking stuff that is rarely correct, frequently cruel and
and acting differently too. unkind, and indeed no-one is a winner with
It will seem really strange to you that our these communications. This is something we all
Just for fun this week school has closed. There are no students and need to avoid at this time.
See next week’s Informer for the solution staff here at the moment - it is very empty. We are able to support you too through our
There is no chatter, laughter, no sport on the Rangimarie Student Health Centre and you can
courts, no scooters(!), no groups, no seniors contact our team at for any support you may
“hanging out” - simply there is no one at school. need. General wellbeing service and support
Everyone is exactly where they need to be - information will continue to be communicated,
at home with their families - and so are you too! including many helpline services and websites
Things are going to a be bit different for the for children and youth. Two important ones to
next four weeks or so. You will be home with note are -
your family and you will need to be staying • Youthline 12 to 20 year olds, 0800 37 6633
at home with them for all of the four weeks - or Freetext 234 or go to www.youthline.
like a long holiday but with lots of learning in co.nz.
it too. • 0800 Whats Up (0800 942 8787) for
School holidays actually start earlier than children and teens. Call for phone
usual - ie Monday, 30 March and end on counselling or go to www.whatsup.co.nz to
Tuesday, 14 April, but you won’t be coming chat online.
back to “school” when they finish. Instead For further information on services and
you will need to continue to be at home for the support, you are welcome to email Carolyn
following two weeks or so while we complete Gibbs of our Rangimarie Student Health Centre
this lockdown period. at gibbsc@mbas.ac.nz
You will certainly be able to continue your As always, for urgent wellbeing, if you are
learning during this time. Senior years students, worried about your own safety, or the safety of
like you, are really digitally competent, others, please contact the Police on 111.
independent, resourceful, and you will be able In closing, I wish you and your family all the
to access your online learning programmes. very best in the next while, while we get through
Your learning coaches and teachers will be in what we need to get through. Remember our
touch during this time. There are heaps of things KAURI expectations [Kindness, Achievement,
that you can do in the next while which will Unity, Respect, Identity] - live by them, practice
allow you to continue your learning. You will them, share them - they are really special.
able to explore things that really interest you, And you are always welcome to contact me
grow your thirst for learning and your passion at any time to share your journey. These are
Last week’s solution to understand “stuff.” strange times for us all - take care of each other.
Most of all, while you are at home, I would Thinking of you at this time.
like you to be as creative as possible - because Stay well,
this is where we see real learning taking off. “Mr Wright”
Be active too - exercise is really important. John Wright
The Fire Siren
Sponsored by Safety + Apparel - tel 0800 726 726
Hasn’t life change dramatically in the last month? But you will all be pleased to know that the Whitianga
Volunteer Fire Brigade is still operating as per normal, well nearly normal. We have put in place a few
procedures to protect our crews.
Calls during March have been steady, with 11 calls for assistance. We responded to five calls of smoke
showing. This was very disappointing as these were all people burning rubbish. With a total fire ban still
in place, please do not light any outdoor fires. We may have had some rain, but the ground and bush are
still very dry.
We’ve also assisted St John Ambulance twice and responded to two private fire alarm activations, as well
as a tree fire and an oven fire.
In these difficult times it is very important that we look out for each other and you can be comforted
to know that the Fire Brigade is still operating and will respond to emergencies as we always have.
But please remember that we are all volunteers and we all have families to go home to. So be extra careful
out there in these strange times, because when you put yourself at risk you put us at risk
and also our families.
Stay safe,
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Derek Collier
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 891 - 1 April 2020Whitianga resident and “closet cartoonist,” Peter Grant’s take on the first night of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Thumbs
Up
To
everyone
who is
staying in their
“bubble” during
the Covid-19
lockdown.
Whitianga
07 866 0070
• Spouting
• Roofing
• Water treatments systems
• Septic tanks
• Hot Water cylinders
• New Housing
• Alterations
• General Maintenance
• Solar water heating
• All LPG gas installation
Issue 891 - 1 April 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Brain Teasers
Chain Letters and Wheel Words - © Lovatts Puzzles
Scott’s Thoughts
By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel
Stay at home
Brain Teaser Puzzles 891 The situation we find ourselves in is email or via social media is important.
unprecedented. Look out for those around you and be
It’s a time for us each to do what is asked generous with your time and kindness.
Just for fun this week of us. We do so as individuals, and for our If you have any concern about anyone
See next week’s Informer for the solutions families and our communities. We are doing that may be struggling in our community,
it for the collective benefit of New Zealand please contact me. If you would like further
Chain Letters - Instructions and New Zealanders. information on covid-19, visit www.
Can you find the 13-letter word hiding in the chain? You must use all 13 letters once and can move Staying at home will help save the lives of covid19.govt.nz. This website contains the
from circle to circle only where they are connected by lines. thousands of New Zealanders. most up-to-date information available.
So that means right here in Mercury Bay The government has released a package
and the surrounding districts we need to designed to help cushion the economic blow
make sure each of us is doing our bit. of coronavirus. If you have questions about
Testing times call for calmness, the details of the financial support package,
for patience and steadfastness.
please contact me. Information on this
The challenges are many and varied,
support package and how this may be able
with some people facing uncertainty,
to help you or your business is available
concern and inevitable frustration. There are
on the Work and Income New Zealand
many in our community who are anxious
and worried about the future of their family’s website. If you have any problems getting
livelihoods and those around them. the information you need, please be in touch
Our electorate is a large one, made up of with me through email at mpcoromandel@
many widespread communities. Many of our parliament.govt.nz or by phone on
Answer __________________________ people live in geographically isolated places (07) 868 3529.
without internet access or ready access to Please remember to thoroughly wash your
additional support, or help with deliveries of hands before and after eating, cough into a
Wheel Words Instructions food or other services. disposable tissue or your elbow, and practice
Create as many words of four letters or more using the given letters once only, but always including safe social distancing.
We have a much higher number of people
the middle letter. Do not use proper names or plurals. A winner will be drawn from all entries with The next few weeks and months will be
15 words or more, including the nine-letter word using up all the letters. aged 70 plus in our region than in other parts
of New Zealand. Now is a time to support tough times, but I know that our community
them as and when needed, however needed. has the ability to get through it and come out
By staying home and keeping in touch with stronger on the other side.
neighbours, friend and relatives by phone, Take care. Kia kaha.
_______________________________ _______________________________
_______________________________ _______________________________
_______________________________ _______________________________
_______________________________ _______________________________
_______________________________ _______________________________
______________________________ _______________________________
_______________________________ _______________________________
Nine-letter word _______________________________________
Last week’s Brain Teaser solution - Calkuro
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 891 - 1 April 2020Sisters deliver smiles and essential
medicine around the Tairua community
By Gillian O’Neill
If you happen to spot two bubbly girls armed employees of Tairua Pharmacy, they are do it,” says older sister, Ivy. Level 4 - with 300 prescriptions being filled
with a clipboard and wearing incredibly taking only petrol money as compensation, To avoid any contact, each prescription is in one day. “The first two days were so busy,
bright yellow t-shirts out and about in Tairua happy to volunteer their time and efforts placed in the customer’s mailbox where they we had pages of drop-offs to do, but it has
over the coming weeks, give them a socially to help. collect it once the delivery duo has retreated settled down now,” says Ivy.
distanced smile and a wave. “We go out for about two hours each day. a safe distance. Thames High School Year 12 student,
Sisters, Ivy and Stella Cory-Wright, We have a strict procedure around sanitising “Usually people are looking out for us Stella, says the delivery run is a welcome
have become willing “essential workers” over our hands before and after each drop-off. to come along, and they are so lovely and break from online study as she continues to
the past week, ensuring vital medicine gets to Then we wipe down the whole of the inside so appreciative of being able to have their prepare at home for her NCEA exams.
those in the community who need it most. of the car every day once we are finished. prescriptions brought to them. It’s a really “Stella has been complaining that the
While technically they have had to become It is quite an operation, but we are happy to worrying time for everyone, so at least this is teachers have given them more work to do
one thing people don’t need to stress about,” now than they’d have if they were at school,”
says Ivy. Ivy jokes.
The girls are supporting the small It has also been good driving practice for
but dedicated team at Tairua Pharmacy, the younger sister. “She is a learner, so I
which includes their mum, Maria, who is am supervising her, it’s going pretty well,
coordinating the delivery service. While particularly with so little traffic on the roads,”
everyone is encouraged to use it, the service says Ivy.
is aimed in particular at Tairua’s large Ivy, who recently graduated from Waikato
population of seniors. Over 70s, those with University, was due to take up a new position
compromised immunity as well as those with with the Ministry of Education assessing
pre-existing medical conditions have been the needs of children with special needs in
asked to stay home as they are significantly early childhood centres across Hamilton.
more at risk of becoming seriously and indeed “That’s obviously on hold for the next few
critically ill if they get Covid-19. weeks at least,” she says.
Allowing people to phone or email in Also postponed for now is Stella’s much
their scripts, has helped limit the numbers anticipated school trip to Vietnam.
showing up in person at the pharmacy, “You just can’t worry about those
reducing waiting times and easing pressure things right now, there is nothing you
on pharmacist, Lance Peggs. can do anyway. I’m just happy that I am
Like all pharmacies and supermarkets, home in Tairua with my family, that feels
the team saw a huge spike in demand really good right now and we’ll just keep
Cory-Wright sisters, Ivy (left) and Stella, who have become essential workers in the fight following the government’s initial doing what we are doing for as long as it
against Covid-19, delivering prescriptions to people in the Tairua community. announcement of a move to Alert is needed,” says Ivy.
Classifieds and Public Notices
for sale TO LET
FIREWOOD FIREWOOD
Pine, shed stored, $120 per cube Poplar $90/m, Pine $130/m
Phone (07) 867 1361 or (027) 495 8033 www.goodwoodfirewood.co.nz
Free delivery locally 021 240 9909
DEATH NOTICE
LEE, Barbara June (nee Dutton)
Unexpectedly after a short illness (surrounded by her loving family) at
Waikato Hospital on 22 March 2020, aged 76 years.
Dearly loved wife and best friend for the past 56 years of William (Bill) and much loved
Mum of Jason and Donna, Scott and Fiona, Sarah and Michael and the late Tony.
Adoring Granny to Ana, Hayden, Jacob, Ella, Daniel, Cameron, Meredith and Nina.
The glue of our family, you created and carried on the wonderful
traditions and values that we all share.
You gave your time freely and always looked after us and so many others in the community.
We will forever miss your kindness and love.
Rest now.
Communications to 2830 Tairua-Whitianga Road, Kaimarama.
A private cremation has taken place.
Due to Covid-19 a celebration of Barbara’s life will take place at a later date.
TWENTYMANS
HEALTH AND NUTRITION DOG GROOMING STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660
Container It Self Storage, 17 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258
STORAGE, Self storage/boat storage, Matarangi - Kuaotunu. Ph: 07 866 5693
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
WITH THE BEST NUTRITION
Stay healthy.
Phone 027 947 8311
Email joyrosoman@gmail.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
As from 15 April, the two medical centres in Whitianga
merge and Mercury Bay Medical Centre will take over
the management of both practices
All staff from the Whitianga Doctors’ Surgery will be working from
87 Albert Street and you will be able to to make an appointment to see your REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
usual doctor by phoning (07) 866 5911.
Be reassured we are still here and working hard to take care of you. HOUSE FOR SALE
18B Albert Street, “Kowhia Court,” Whitianga
Kia Kaha,
3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, garage. Deceased estate. $620,000,00.
Drs Jeanie Hemmes and Thierry Adam Contact for details and photos - (07) 866 5147 or (027 472 2070.
Issue 891 - 1 April 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15You can also read
