627 11 March 2015 Week 2.indd

Transcription

The
Mercury Bay
Issue 627 - 11 March 2015
Phone 07 866 2090
PORTING
P
U
S
S
L
A
LOC
LOCALS
Building a boat in
two hours
Circulation 6,000
Calling all local
kauri champions see page 15.
The experience of four Mercury Bay Area School students in the 2015 Marine Trades Challenge in Auckland.
By Len Salt
The MBAS Marine Trades Challenge team with the boat they built in just two hours. From left to right - Alex Grindrod, Austin Brear, Ethyn Brear and Eliza Shelvey.
5am on a Saturday morning two weeks
ago. It’s still dark and Mercury Bay Area
School is deserted, apart from a small
group of students and parents outside
the front office. Woodwork teacher Des
Bristow arrives in a school van, towing a
trailer. I am along for a ride to Auckland.
They’ll drop me off on the way and I’ll
pick up a car to bring back to Whitianga.
These intrepid early morning travellers
are off to the Marine Trades Challenge of
industry training organisation NZ Marine
in Auckland.
Personally I’m not sure about the 5am
side of things, but I’m sure there are plenty
of dairy farmers out there who will tell me
I need to harden up. We pile in, still half
asleep. Parents wave goodbye, and the
doors slide close with a thud that echoes in
the still Whitianga night. Eliza Shelvey is
wearing pyjamas or a onesy or something.
She’s almost instantly asleep and who
can blame her. I’m sitting next to Austin
Brear, his brother Ethyn is in the front,
along with the fourth member of the crew,
Alex Grindrod. We stopped briefly at
Coroglen to pick up Des’s wife Lorraine.
She’s the International Student Liaison
at the school. It’s a team effort, getting
everybody to Auckland and back safely.
We cross fingers that nobody gets carsick.
It doesn’t work. One of the lads (who can’t
be named for coolness rating reasons) piles
out of the van halfway up the Tairua Hill
and chundering noises are heard outside.
MBAS has a pretty good track record in
the Marine Trades Challenge, having won
the trophy twice since they first became
involved in about 2010.
Upon arrival the four students will be
given some pre-cut pieces of plywood,
a small sail, a two horsepower motor and
a mast. From this assortment of stuff they
have two hours in which to build a boat,
rig the mast and sail and be ready to race it
around a course with the aim of beating all
the other competitors.
The van and trailer are full of tools and
gear. Today they arrive early and check in
at the Viaduct Basin. There’s no parking,
so Des drops them off and drives the van
three kilometres to a relatives’ house.
He has loaded his bike on board and cycles
back to the Viaduct.
The team has set up in the meantime right
behind where the Volvo Ocean Race bases
(Continued on page 3)
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Waka ama coming to Mercury Bay
For those involved in waka ama,
or outrigger canoeing, it’s more than
just a game. It’s a movement that has the
potential to get people of all ages active
and into the outdoors. And this coming
Sunday 15 March waka ama is being
brought to Brophy’s Beach in Whitianga
by a Paeroa-based group led by Larn
Wilkinson.
Larn lives and breathes waka ama.
As well as teaching waka ama and entering
teams in national championships, he is
actively involved in helping to start up
clubs. Larn is enthusiastic about hosting
a waka ama family open day at Brophy’s
Beach and sees a future for the sport in
the area. “Mercury Bay is the perfect
place for Waka Ama championships to
be held in the future - the Bay is great
and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants
and accommodation options here,”
he says
Waka ama originates from Hawaii
and is now an internationally recognised
sport.
Manager of Whitianga Social Services
Jenny Wolf is keen to see waka ama
developing as a sport in Mercury Bay,
“The concept of starting a waka ama club
came from our Youth Space wanting a
disciplined, fun sport to develop some
youth leadership and the experience of
working in a team - it's all fun learning
of some good values. But it's not just for
our youth. Family teams and adult teams
are more than welcome to join in.”
Waka ama is about healthy lifestyle,
fitness,
practice
and
discipline.
The Social Services vision is to be an
integral part of establishing waka ama
as a sport in Mercury Bay in partnership
with Mercury Bay Area School and the
community in general. One six-seater
waka can have a number of teams use it.
“There's a 70 year old waka team in the
Hauraki area,” Jenny says.
Safety is an important factor in the
organisation of the sport and there are
national guidelines in New Zealand
regarding safety protocols using waka.
“There is rigorous safety training to
ensure that, if the waka is capsized,
the individuals know what to do. It's a
very rewarding sport that isn't too taxing
on the body,” Jenny says.
“Social Services is in a good place to
seek funds for a community based waka
ama club through outside funding grant
sources, without asking our community
for money."
She is looking forward to the arrival of
the waka this weekend. "We are keen to
see the community get together for some
positive fun, enjoying family and team
The Mercury Bay Informer is published weekly on Wednesdays and circulated
throughout the Coromandel Peninsula.
Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of
contributions are entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only
be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name and
surname, telephone number and residential address.
All reasonable steps are taken to ensure accuracy. Opinions expressed are not
necessarily those of the owner or publisher.
Published by - Mercury Bay Media Limited
Publisher - Petra Roodt
Editor - Stephan Bosman
Contributing Editors - Len Salt, Alison Smith, Meghan Hawkes and Jack Biddle
Deliveries - 14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510
Mail - PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542
Tel - (07) 866 2090 Fax - (07) 866 2092
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ISSN 2422-9083 (Print) ISSN 2422-9091 (Online)
© 2015 Mercury Bay Media Limited
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ONLINE POLL FOR MARCH 2015
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Page 2
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opportunities with the waka.”
The plan is for Larn’s group to return
once a month as the concept begins
to take shape, with hopefully a team
or teams based here in Mercury in the
future. And it’s the team commitment
that is vital to the effective functioning
of a waka. Of the six seats, people on the
team get a place and always remain in
that seat.
Those interested in becoming part of
a waka ama club can contact Jenny at
Social Services on telephone 866 4476.
Larn and his group and their waka will
be at Brophy's Beach this Sunday from
9:30am. The whole family is welcome.
If the weather is bad, the waka ama
family open day will take place the
following Sunday 22 March, also at
Brophy’s Beach.
Action from a New Zealand waka ama race.
High & Low Tides
for Mercury Bay and Hot Water Beach
DAY/
DATE
HIGH
AM
LOW
AM
HIGH
PM
LOW
PM
Wed 11
11:52
5:28
Thu 12
0:16
6:10
12:34
6:33
Tide data sponsored by
5:51
Fri 13
1:00
6:56
1:18
7:19
Sat 14
1:49
7:46
2:08
8:11
Sun 15
2:42
8:41
3:03
9:07
Mon 16
3:41
9:40
4:03
10:08
Tue 17
4:41
10:41
5:05
11:09
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What’s that Number?
Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police)........................................................................... 111
Police (Whitianga) .............................................................................................. 866 4000
Police (Tairua) .................................................................................................... 864 8888
Fight crime anonymously - Call Crime Stoppers .................. ....... ............. 0800 555 111
Dog and Noise Control .......................................................................................868 0200
Poison Centre ..............................................................................................0800 764 766
Dental Emergency (Mercury Bay) ...................................................................... 869 5500
Civil Defence ..................................................................................................... 868 0200
Medical Centre (Mercury Bay) ........................................................................... 866 5911
Doctors Surgery (Mercury Bay) ......................................................................... 866 4621
Medical Centre (Tairua) ....................................................................................... 864 8737
Harbour Master (Whitianga) ........................................................................ 027 493 1379
Harbour Master (Tairua) ............................................................................... 027 476 2651
Coastguard Radio Operators ............................................................................ 866 2883
Social Services Whitianga ..................................................................................866 4476
The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz
The Marine Trades
Challenge
(Continued from page 1)
are located. They proudly rig their big
MBAS banner. There are four apprentice
teams and four schools competing. Des
is allowed to guide the students, but not
to participate. They are all “his” students
and he “volunteered” them, army style,
but they are happy to be involved and
want to do well for the school and for
themselves.
Eliza Shelvey is there because she loves
working with wood. “I want to learn about
the joinery trade. My ambition is to make
high quality fine furniture,” she says.
Her teachers describe her as talented and
focused on what she wants to achieve.
The clock counts down and in the end it’s
like a Masterchef finish. “You have ten
minutes to complete the construction.”
The stress levels reach fever pitch.
“Two minutes people.” And then it’s over.
“Time’s up! Tools down!”
The MBAS team has finished right on
the clock, thanks in large part to a detailed
plan of attack by Des. He has prepared
a run sheet for the students, printed and
laminated. It was stuck to the back of his
drivers’ seat in the van so they could read
it on the way up. It worked. Their boat
may not be a work of art, but it floats and
everything works the way it should.
It’s time for the racing to start. The boat
can carry two, so they take it in turns,
paddling, sailing and motoring. Eliza and
Ethyn on one team, Alex and Austin on the
other. It’s a tough challenge and MBAS
finishes second in the schools division.
As soon as it’s over the students start
packing up. The Volvo crews are arriving
and they need the space, so Des sets off
again on his bike to go and get the van.
Another three kilometre ride. He often
rides his bike from Coroglen to school and
home again, so three kilometres is not a
big deal.
The team stops at McDonalds in the
Bombay Hills to fuel up, then they hit the
road again, but when they get to the Kopu
turn-off the road is closed. There’s been an
accident. It’s a long detour, up the Thames
Coast Road and across to Whitianga on
the 309.
It’s a few days later Des is upbeat about
the challenge and proud of his team.
“The challenge was created by people in
the marine trade and after it had been going
for a while they opened it up to schools,”
he says. “We first got invited to participate
by Craig Comstock of Blue Water Marine
Services in Whitianga and he deserves a
big credit for supporting the school in the
early stages and getting us trained up on
how it all works.
“After we completed the challenge the
first year, we were ready to set off home
when the organisers said, ‘What about
your boat?’ We hadn’t realised the boat has
to go home with you once you’ve finished
the challenge. So we tied it to the roof
with blankets and cushions underneath and
ropes through the windows and carried
it home to Whitianga. We’re a bit more
organised these days.”
Eliza says she would do it all
again next year and this time they’ll win
for sure.
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Page 3
Cross the river swim goes back a long way
The annual Cross the River swim was
held last week with around 400 Mercury
Bay middle and senior school students
(from Mercury Bay Area School,
Whenuakite School, Coroglen School
and Te Rerenga School) participating
and some impressive results recorded.
Given the enormous popularity of this
event, The Informer decided to do some
research on the history of the swim and
see if we could find out how it all started.
In the process we uncovered pure gold
and ended up with some fascinating
information about the history and the
people of Whitianga going back almost
70 years.
First we tracked down Whitianga
resident Shirwin Lee, who remembers
going to school in the original building
in School Road in Whitianga.
“We had a teacher, and he was
headmaster as well, Mr Wotherspoon,
who would take us out for swimming
practice,” Shirwin said. “There was no
pool, so he would pace out a course
along Buffalo Beach and put sticks in the
sand. We would head out into the water
and swim along parallel to the beach.
He would walk alongside shouting
encouragement or instructions.”
Shirwin remembers doing the beach
swims in 1954-55 and there was a
cross the river swim then, but it was a
a community event. It seems as if there
was a period of evolution and that the
swim across the Whitianga River from
Ferry Landing to Whitianga Wharf
developed into the annual school feature
that it has become today in the early to
middle 1960s.
Walter Russell, now 76, is another
original resident whose family has
been in Whitianga for a very long time.
“My grandfather arrived in Auckland in
1859 and then moved to Whitianga in
around 1860-61. The family settled here
and so my father, his father before him
and myself have all been connected with
Whitianga for over 150 years.”
Walter remembers that the cross the
river swim was originally held every
year on Regatta Day, which was held on
New Years Day, and the entire Whitianga
community of around four to five
hundred people came out to participate.
“There were boat races, where all the
little fishing vessels would fire up their
engines and line up for the start,” he said.
“They were used to motoring slowly out
across the Bay, so when they got cranked
up for a race, the motors weren’t used to
working so hard and they would belch
smoke and steam from their funnels.
It was quite a sight.”
There were also dinghy and
yacht races, greasy pole climbing,
diving competitions, pillow fights,
a sandcastle competition, a beauty
contest, lots of food and fun for the kids
and a dance in the evening. And a feature
of every Regatta Day was the big cross
the river swim.
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“As kids we learned to swim along
the beach and across the river,” Walter
reminisces. “The ferry back in 1946 was
just a dinghy and a man with oars rowed
you across. There were often horses to
be taken to the other side and they would
be tied to the back of the dinghy and
swim across behind the boat.”
He says that the kids would try and
hitch a ride by hanging on to the back
of the dinghy. “If the current was too
strong and the ferryman was struggling,
we would get a crack on the knuckles
with the oars so that we had to let
go.” After a few years the dinghy was
replaced by a 12-14 foot clinker with a
Seagull outboard and the days of kids
hitching a ride were over.
The Regatta Day tradition has died
out but the cross the river swim has
continued as an event for the Mercury
Bay school students ever since.
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Whitianga’s Walter Russell (on the left), his brother Graham (in the middle)
and their friend Neil Chaney getting ready to swim across the Whitianga
River in the late 1940s. According to Walter, it was just something kids did
in those days. The cross the river swim as Mercury Bay school
students know it today, came many years after.
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If I Stay (M) (Out Now)
Life changes in an instant for young Mia Hall after a car accident puts her in a coma. During an out-of-body
experience, she must decide whether she wants to wake up and live a life far different from the one she had
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Page 4
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Page 5
OPEN
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The Espy’s milkshake
clears first hurdle
The Espy Café in Whitianga has cleared the first hurdle in their bid to become the winner
of the inaugural Anchor New Zealand’s Best Milkshake Competition. Their “Aw Fudge
I Crushed My Nuts” milkshake was last week announced as one of four regional winner, in the
process attracting more votes from the public than any of the other competitors throughout
New Zealand.
The Espy’s fate is now in the hands of Deanna Yang, owner of Auckland’s famous “milk and
cookies bar” Moustache and renowned milkshake aficionado. She will taste the entries of all
the regional winners before deciding the national winner. The other regional winners are in
Avondale (Auckland), Hastings and Christchurch.
Deanna was last week Wednesday in Whitianga to taste-test The Espy’s milkshake. Feedback
from Anchor’s marketing consultants is that “she had a ball.”
Pictured are Duncan Wood, owner of The Espy, and Deanna with two of The Espy’s now famous
milkshakes.
The winner of the competition is expected to be announced this week.
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Page 6
Our Coromandel
News from Thames-Coromandel District Council
4 MARCH, 2015
once an application is accepted.”
Building and Planning
information simplified
The processes for applying for resource consent
changes from Tuesday 3 March.
What it means is that the onus will be on the
applicant to provide full and complete information
so staff can make a decision on whether to accept
the application or not.
“We now have little to no discretion on accepting
the application where information is missing,”
says Michael Jones, our Council Planning Manager.
“There’s now a clear expectation that we reduce
our processing times and the number and nature of
further information requests we had been getting
The legislative changes have come from the
Ministry for the Environment through the Resource
Management Act to try to make the consent process
more efficient.
The changes gives Council 10 working days to
decide whether an application is complete and 20
working days to provide for a notification decision.
It’s a good idea to come and have a pre-lodgment
meeting or book in some time with our free duty
planning service to talk about your application or
plan to avoid possible delays.
Just call our Customer Service Team to make an
appointment about your consent on 07 868 0200.
Find out more about building/planning and
consents on our website
www.tcdc.govt.nz/regulatory
Promoting the Blue Highway between
Auckland and the Coromandel
Promotion of the ferry links from downtown Auckland
through to Coromandel Town is to be improved with
better signage and increased marketing coverage.
“We want to encourage more commuters and tourists
to use ferry links between Auckland into Coromandel
and potentially continue travelling on through to
Mercury Bay and Thames,” says Ben Dunbar-Smith,
Council’s Economic Development Programme
Manager. ben.dunbar.smith@tcdc.govt.nz
Flush your taps
The Ministry of Health reminds all of us to flush
a mug of drinking water from our taps every
morning to help remove metals that might have
dissolved in plumbing fittings overnight. The
Ministry recommends this simple precaution
for all households in New Zealand, including
those on public and private water supplies.
win
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To help stimulate this, we are working to look at
developing improved signage on the 360 Ferry, which
travels between Auckland and Coromandel Town,
www.tcdc.govt.nz/External-Links/360-DiscoveryCruises/>
Visitor-friendly signage is also to be installed at
Hannafords Wharf welcoming people onto the
Coromandel.
In the past year our Council has been developing a
closer relationship with ATEED (Auckland Tourism,
Events and Economic Development), which is an
Auckland Council Controlled Organisations.
“ATEED sees a great potential in a blue highway between
Auckland and the Coromandel and we have some
concepts in development including the viability of a food
trail and encouraging more day visits from the increasing
number of people arriving through the international
cruise ship market,” says Mr Dunbar-Smith.
2015
Collections
Adventure Weekend
Fish & Dine
Coromandel Coastal
Walk & Dine
Coromandel Adventures &
Pepper Tree Restaurant
To be in to win, go to:
www.haveyoursay-tcdc.objective.com
TCDC/0612
Follow us on Twitter!
twitter.com/ourcoromandel
www.facebook.com/
ThamesCoromandelDistrictCouncil
!
Join us at a
workshop on how
we can help grow
your workforce.
Strategies to guide, develop and retain young
people on the Coromandel.
FREE event, refreshments provided.
5.30 - 7.30pm Wednesday 29 April
at Thames Toyota, Jellicoe Street Thames
RSVP to linda@smartwaikato.co.nz
An initiative by the Futureforce Action Network (FAN),
Smart Waikato and our Council.
Mercury Bay
Community
Board
UPDATE
Brophy’s Beach Playground
A section of the Brophy’s Beach playground has been
removed temporarily and is undergoing repairs.
We had health and safety concerns around this section
of the play equipment so we have an engineer fixing it
up and it will be reinstalled shortly.
We apologise for the temporary inconvenience to
playground users.
Sale of legal highs in
Mercury Bay
“The Board wants to thank everyone who turned up to
a public meeting at the Whitianga Town Hall to discuss
our draft policy about regulating where psychoactive
products (legal highs) can be sold on the Coromandel.
Though we can’t legally ban sales of psychoactive
substances (some of the ingredients used in different
drugs including legal highs and party pills), we have
proactively drafted a policy on the appropriate location
of retail premises when it begins issuing licenses to
retailers later this year.
The Community Board is looking to make a submission
to the draft bylaw looking at areas in Whitianga that
could be affected. Submissions close 9 March.
BOARD SUPPORTS THE ARTS
Canyonz & Ocean Leopard Tours
Mussel Barge Snapper Safaris
& Luke’s Kitchen
All Coromandel
Employers
We Want You
Collection schedule details
are now online.
www.tcdc.govt.nz/kerbside
Our Refuse Transfer Stations are back to
off-peak hours from Sunday 1 March.
Go to www.tcdc.govt.nz/rts to find out
the details for your area.
www.coromandel.govt.nz
customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz
Private Bag, 515 Mackay St, Thames
Phone: 07 868 0200
The Board is encouraging everyone who has
involvement or interest in the arts to come along to a
workshop we are hosting, with the support of Creative
Waikato.
This is the first step in work looking at how to
development an Arts Strategy for the whole
Coromandel. The Strategy will involve all genres –
creative arts, digital arts, performing arts, crafts, music,
visual arts, crafts, art spaces.
The workshop is at the Thames Memorial Hall – Civic
Centre on Tuesday 17 March : 9am – 4pm. RSVP or find
out more by contacting marlene.perry@tcdc.govt.nz
The Board also wants to wish the Mercury Bay Art
Escape Trust all the best with their Open Studio Arts
Tour which runs the first two weekends in March.
“Everyone should get along to it and meet and visit some
of the exceptionally talented artists we have living in our
area,” says Community Board Chairperson Paul Kelly.
To find out more about the Arts Tour go to
www.mercurybayartescape.com
Page 7
Mercury Bay Area School
Year 7 beach clean-up
By Leah Mckinlay - Year 7 student at Mercury Bay Area School
On Friday 27 February all of the
Mercury Bay Area School Year 7s came
to school feeling bubbly and looking
forward to the annual Year 7 Whitianga
beach clean-up.
The teachers (Cameron Burrows,
Teresa Shepherd and Monique Garland)
all had a different group that was
covering different areas of Whitianga.
Ms Shepherd’s group was walking down
the estuary and up around the marina,
while Mrs Garland’s group started from
Mother Browns Creek and Mr Burrows’
group walked through town and up along
Buffalo Beach.
We found rubbish of all different
shapes and sizes. The main items we
mint
collected were glass bottles, plastic food
wrappers, cigarette buds and aluminium
cans.
It was very upsetting to see that people
litter in such a beautiful town and I
think in the future we should think more
about our environment and ways we can
stop pollution.
These are some of the ideas we
came up with - placing more public
rubbish bins around the beaches/town,
taking a plastic bag/ziploc bag with you
wherever you go to ensure you take your
litter home and putting more signs up
around town about reducing littering
in Whitianga.
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The Mercury Bay Area School Year 7 teachers and students after their
beach clean-up the end of February with some of the rubbish they collected.
Photo by Sharon Wright.
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Page 8
Page 9
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Thumbs
Up
To the kind
lady who
handed a
lost purse in at New
World Whitianga.
The owner of the
purse is truly
thankful.
with Steve Hart
Training in February focused on going
“back to the basics,” so that our field
search teams ensured they retain these
core principals when participating in
a search operation - communications,
navigation and equipment. If you
remove any one of those elements,
your search operation will run off the
rails and lives can be put at risk.
Locally we undertake monthly
training for the Incident Management
Team, the First Response Team and any
new recruits. Local training keeps all
volunteers up with standard basics in
search techniques and then base and field
members undergo more intensive multiday training and refresher courses to
achieve NZQA qualificatons.
Last weekend KSAR volunteers and
others SAR groups from throughout
the Waikato headed into the hills
behind Thames on a district Land SAR
exercise that focused on basic bushcraft
techniques. This element in land SAR
standards provides additional skills in
bush survival and a greater understanding
of the outdoor environment from a land
SAR perspective.
Learning new and well developed
search skills is a core ingredient to
locating lost persons and many Land SAR
members utilise the same skills when out
hunting for pigs or deer. The principles
are the same - understand the behaviour of
whatever it is you are searching (hunting)
for and learn to identify the clues that
will lead you to the target. Searchers
who wish to advance in the techniques of
searching can become excellent trackers
and when this is combined with the skill
of search dogs, a highly recognised team
can develop.
Search volunteers also need to be
well equipped for any environment that
they may be tasked to search. Wherever
possible, KSAR will help equip its search
volunteers and this can be expensive
keeping 30-40 volunteers fully equipped
for search operations.
Regrettably one of our principal
fundraising events, the Bush to Beach
Half Marathon, has now been shelved
indefinitely due to a land access issue on
the half marathon course and the KSAR
committee deciding that they no longer
had the energy or time to commit to
future events.
Instead, the committee will focus on
smaller events that will take less time to
organise, but will still provide funding
incentives. If anyone is interested in
organising an event like “Bush to Beach,”
KSAR would be interested in assisting
with on the day support such as base and
marshalling personnel.
Kuaotunu Land SAR would like to
take this opportunity to again thank all
the landowners, businesses, sponsors,
inviduals, volunteers and participants
who supported the three Bush to Beach
events. We hope that this event will
resurface again sometime in the future
encouraging fitness in the outdoors.
Our goal to build our new base in
2015 is on track with a formal lease now
being sought from TCDC for the land.
Once we’ve acquired the lease, we will
go public with more detail about this
exciting new concept that will provide
us with a purpose built facility and lift
our spirits after five years of uncertainty
in our current location. Sponsorship,
funding and building permits will also
be required, but we are determined and
confident that we will be in our new home
by next summer.
Bad night’s sleep? Need a better bed?
Page 10
Sunair expanding service
from Whitianga
Sunair is expanding their scheduled air service from Whitianga. From the beginning of next
month they’ll be adding Hamilton and Whangarei (via Great Barrier Island) to the list of
destinations they already serve.
“Our services between Whitianga and Auckland Ardmore, Great Barrier Island and Tauranga
are going really well,” Sunair pilot Ryan Bergman (pictured) says. “Our research indicates
that there’s a demand for a service to Hamilton and that’s why we decided to start flying there.
On Great Barrier Island we had many requests for a service to Whangarei. It really makes
sense to add a second leg to that service to Whitianga.”
Sunair priced their new Whitianga-Hamilton service at $120 per person one way (the same
price as their services to Ardmore, Great Barrier Island and Tauranga). To get to Whangarei
from Whitianga, a passenger will have to buy a fare to Great Barrier Island and another $120
fare to Whangarei ($240 total).
Sunair will be flying to Hamilton seven days a week and twice weekly to Whangarei.
Ryan also says Sunair put a lot of work into making Ardmore Airport in Papakura as
accessible as possible for everyone flying with them. A convenient shuttle service is now
available to both Auckland International Airport and the nearby Papakura train station and
Pegasus Car Rentals now have an Ardmore drop off/pick up service available, starting at
$55 per day for a rental vehicle (also available for single day rentals).
“Another thing we noticed is that a lot of people are flying between Whitianga and Great
Barrier Island,” Ryan says. “Both are great holiday destinations with rental vehicles available
both sides. It’s a service that’s definitely meeting a lot of people’s needs.”
Community Patrol Report
with Laurie Johnston - chair of the Mercury Bay Community Patrol
It appears this area has seen a big increase
in visitors this last month on previous years
and it would be interesting to get some
official figures. For us at night it seems as
if most of these people settle down quite
early.
We have not had any special requests and
we haven’t seen any reportable incidents
the past month, which of course bears well
for the district.
We have been putting the finishing touches
to our carport at the Police Station in
Whitianga. We thought the picture below
is a gem. We shall now organize an official
opening.
We are looking for a couple of members
to attend the yearly National Training
Seminar to be held in Lower Hutt this year,
a very useful weekend with the Police and
patrols from all over the country .
On Council matters, we have finally left
the old fire station which housed our
vehicle on the town side of the water and
the Mercury Bay Community Board has
very kindly waived our carport permit
costs. Our Council is very supportive of
the patrol.
Finally, our numbers are slightly down on
the town side, especially over the winter
months when people tend to find warmer
climates. So, if anybody is interested
in doing their bit for the community,
we would love to hear from you. Our
recruiting person would come and see you
and explain the ins and outs of the job and
go from there.
Dwayne Mansell from Peninsula Concrete Laying and his son Kyson last Saturday
busy laying the last of the concrete of the Mercury Bay Community Patrol’s new
carport at the Whitianga Police Station.
Page 11
Art Escape Open Studio Tour launch a great success
The 2015 Open Studio Tour of the Mercury Bay Art Escape got off to a flying start last
Friday evening with a sold-out launch at Hot Water Beach’s Hot Waves Café.
Guest speaker, artist and academic Carole Shepheard, shared with the audience
her own experience of moving from the hustle and bustle of Auckland to the
small community of Kawhia, south of Raglan. “Art is and can be made anywhere,”
she said. “Artists can thrive in a small community. Small communities tend to support
their artists.”
A highlight of the launch was, once again, the “Taste of the Tour” exhibition, featuring a
work of art by all the members of the Art Escape. The artists had the opportunity to vote
for their favourite artwork in the exhibition. Up for grabs was the “Artists’ Choice Award,”
sponsored by The Little Gallery of Fine Art in Tairua. Announcing Paula McNeill of Tairua
as the winner of the award on Friday evening was an emotional moment for Sarah Holden,
owner of The Little Gallery, as Paula is her mother. Second was Colin Verner of
Kuaotunu and third Bernadette Ballantyne of Whitianga.
Members of the public have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork in the
exhibition until early April, when the winner of the “People’s Choice Award” will be
announced.
Pictured are all the Art Escape member artists who attended the launch.
Mercury Bay Big band in full swing
The Mercury Bay Big Band is off to a busy start in 2015. Rehearsals are now held at the
Mercury Bay Area School music room and four MBAS students have joined the band. “The
students are doing very well,” says band coordinator Helen Lee. “They all are being tutored at
school by Paul Lee, one of the band members.
“The Mercury Bay Big Band gives the students the opportunity to play the big band genre with
more experienced players and this is really good for them.”
The band will perform at the Mercury Bay Club on Thursday 19 March. Some new pieces are
Page 12
included in the show. “So, put on your dancing shoes and come to the club for a good night
out,” says Helen. The show will kick off at 7:30pm.
The band will also be playing at A Taste of Matarangi on 11 April.
Pictured are the band members, from left to right - Jani Dennis, Paul Lee, Corey Anderson
(MBAS student), Daniel Vickers (MBAS student), Tabetha McHugh, Hannah Trebes
(MBAS student), Stormi Jones (MBAS student - behind Hannah), Murray Carr, Rhys Nicholas,
Martin Van Es, Trevor Hildreth, Helen Lee and Steve Davis.
Continuing Care’s Community Comment
The planned refurbishment of the
Whitianga Continuing Care facility has
started with new light fittings going up as
I write. The major works will commence
over the next couple of weeks.
On the activities front, Valentines Day
was a great success - sing songs, heartshaped baking and a surprise visit by
Adele aka Frank.
The gardens are looking amazing with
Louise and the residents doing a great
job and making the place look beautiful
again.
Our volunteers are a great asset to
the facility and provide that much
needed one-on-one attention that is
sometimes lacking in today’s fast paced
environment. And of course it’s fantastic
to have the Golden Girls back.
Our CEO Earl Gasparich has received
a reply regarding his request to the
Council for a pedestrian crossing. To
put it simply - don’t hold your breath.
We look forward to further debate on
this issue as many families and visitors
to the facility are in favour of this and
see it as a priority for the safety of all in
the area.
A big thank you to those in the
community who have helped our
residents who have had accidents whilst
out and about in the town. We really
appreciate your fast thinking in calling
us and the ambulance in order to deal
with the situation as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately there have also been a
few negative comments about residents
on mobility scooters and the ability
of residents to go into town shopping.
To those people I would like to make
it clear that the fact of a person getting
older does not diminish their right to
enjoy the town and the beach as they
always have. An aged-care facility is
not a prison, on the contrary we are
there to promote independence whilst
providing a level of support appropriate
to maintaining quality of life.
Thank you also for to those in the
community who have called us to warn
of the rats across the road in the rocks
on the beachfront, concerned that some
may enter the facility. I have called the
Council who assured me they are on top
of the issue and have a pest exterminator
on the job. Some of the older gents here
have offered to take up arms again and
“shoot the buggers.” Hopefully it won’t
come to that and I look forward to the rat
free evenings to come.
Craig Scaman, Business and Care
Manager, and the Team at Whitianga
Continuing
Care
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• Retaining Walls - Digger Hire
Mike 0274 720 882
Ph/Fax 07 866 4643
Page 13
Scott’s Thoughts
Scott Simpson - National Party MP for Coromandel
Our economy is growing
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
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www.mercurybaypools.co.nz
Whitianga and Mercury Bay have had a
terrific summer and with luck the golden
autumn weather will hold through to
Easter. This is my favourite time of year.
It’s often said that good government is
good housekeeping. More jobs, higher
incomes and good growth - these are
all benefits of an economic programme
that has a positive impact in our local
communities.
A number of important policies will be
implemented over the next few months.
In a major initiative that will have a real
impact for families with younger children
in our area, visits to the doctor will be
free for all children under the age of 13.
But of course there is often a prescription
to be filled by a pharmacy after a visit to the
doctor and so I’m pleased that prescription
charges for children up to 13 years old will
also be free from 1 July this year.
When National came into Government
in 2008, the Accident Compensation
Corporation (“ACC”) was in a real
financial mess. Urgent steps had to be
taken to rebalance their books to keep
ACC working for us all.
Several years later, after a more careful
financial approach, we are now at a
stage where the ACC levy charged for
private motor vehicles can be reduced.
The reduced ACC fees that come into
effect later this year will mean savings
of about $130 a year per vehicle.
That’s money that people will get to keep in
their pockets for either saving or spending
on other household items.
Furthermore, on 1 April superannuation
payments and benefits are set to increase
as part of National’s strong commitment to
older New Zealanders.
Superannuation payments will increase
by around $11.60 a week for married
couples and $7.50 a week for those living
alone. This little bit extra helps seniors
live a full life, receiving 66 per cent of the
average wage.
Benefits will increase in line with
inflation, as they have done each year since
2011. This will ensure that our seniors are
not worse off because of inflation.
Finally, nominations are open for the
2015 Minister of Health Volunteer awards,
recognising the thousands of unsung
heroes who support New Zealand’s health
and disability services.
If you know an individual or team of
volunteers who deserve to be recognised,
and there are many in our region,
I encourage you to nominate them.
For
more
information
about
nominations and the awards go to
www.volunteerawards.health.govt.nz.
Please never hesitate to make contact
with me if I can be of assistance with
any matter.
For an appointment you can phone my
electorate office on (07) 868 3529.
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Page 14
Calling all local kauri champions
Residents from around Mercury Bay are
banding together to save the area’s kauri,
large and small, by forming a group
specifically to fight against the spread of
the deadly kauri dieback disease.
New Zealand's kauri are dying from
the microscopic, fungus-like organism
that infects and kills the fine feeding
roots of the trees and locals have ramped
up protection measures following the
discovery of the disease at two sites in
Mercury Bay.
Although research is continuing, there
is currently no known cure.
Mercury Bay volunteers will meet
on Monday 16 March from 5:30pm 6:30pm at the Campbells Steak ‘n Ale
House in Campbell Street, Whitianga
to follow up on their pre-Christmas
activities and share practical ideas for
preventing the spread of the disease.
Whitianga
resident
Augusta
Macassey-Pickard, who co-ordinates the
group of volunteers, says the only way
to keep kauri standing is for forest users,
tangata
whenua,
communities,
landowners, industry and scientists everyone - to work together.
“Everyone is welcome to join next
week’s get-together because everyone
can help, even if they are not outdoors
types. This gathering is a great chance
to see what you can do and share your
ideas.
“Actions following our first meeting
in December included the distribution
of kauri dieback disease brochures
through Bachcare and Bookabach and
other places and we’ve approached local
businesses to display posters.
“The group is particularly interested
in having local pig hunters and tramping
group members who regularly use the
forest join and people active in the
tourism and accommodation sector.
Jeanie Allport of the national Kauri Dieback Programme
with an infected kauri in Whangapoua.
We also need to protect the kauri planted
as specimen trees in reserves, as these are
particularly vulnerable to root damage
and infection from people walking on
the roots.”
The Mercury Bay group is part
of the Coromandel Kauri Dieback
Forum, which is currently calling for
local volunteers to set up groups in
Coromandel Town, Thames, Waihi
and Whangamata too. The Forum has
a Facebook page for sharing news and
ideas, which Augusta manages.
The Kauri Dieback Forum is an
independent volunteer organisation
working alongside the national Kauri
Dieback Management Programme,
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the Department of Conservation,
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and Waikato Regional Council. Forum
Chair Vivienne McLean says it will take
a combination of individual effort and a
collective rallying of communities and
agencies to save the region’s kauri.
The first dieback infected trees on the
Coromandel Peninsula were identified
on DOC-managed land above Whitianga
in an area known as the Hukarahi Block a
year ago and more recently a second site
has been identified on private property in
Whangapoua. “Sadly, more sites in our
area have shown suspicious symptoms
and also others outside Mercury Bay,”
says Viv.
“The bottom line is, we all need to
change the way we behave and interact
with kauri if we’re to stand a chance
of saving them. That may even mean
accepting that we can no longer visit
our favourite kauri or use local walks if
that’s what it’s going to take.”
Thanks to funding from the Department
of Conservation, the Coromandel Kauri
Dieback Forum has recently appointed
a coordinator, Alison Smith. Setting
up and supporting the Coromandelwide network of local groups is her
top priority, along with working with
schools, building relationships with iwi
and getting the kauri dieback message
out into the community.
“Alison will be coming along on 16
March, so this will also be chance for
people to meet her and have a talk about
what the Forum can do to support the
volunteer group here in the Bay - and
what the Mercury Bay group can do to
support the wider Forum,” says Augusta.
Just last month the Long Bay Kauri
track near Coromandel Town, which
features an iconic 1,200-year-old kauri
tree, was closed by Thames-Coromandel
District Council as a precaution
following some soil sampling.
Soil samples are now being analysed
to determine whether kauri dieback is
present and the results are expected
within the month. Jeanie Allport,
a member of the Kauri Dieback
Management Programme’s operations
team, says track users were not heeding
the dieback signs and staying on the
track.
“It is evident that walkers are still
ignoring the signage - in fact even as I
was approaching the tree two tourists
were walking on its roots and touching
the tree’s trunk.”
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Page 15
What’s On the next few weeks
Sponsored by Dive Zone Whitianga Tel (07) 867 1580
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Contact Carol Harker: 866 4111 or 027 22 66 289
www.kitchensoncoromandel.co.nz
Page 16
Op-Shops and JP
Social Services Op Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and
Coghill Street (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00am - 1:00pm. Also JP at
Social Services, every Monday 10:00am - 12:00 noon. Phone (07) 866 4476 for more information.
The Church Op-Shop, at St Andrews by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga.
Open Thursday to Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm.
St John Op-Shop, Coghill Street (east of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Saturday,
10:00am - 4:00pm. Phone 869 5416. Every first Saturday of the month a special promotion.
Free Community Meals
At St Andrews by the Sea Community Church, Albert Street, Whitianga. Phone St Andrews on 867 1102
or email mjpetersen@xtra.co.nz for more information.
Mercury Bay Community Bus
Available for transport to hospital, specialist or health related appointments outside of the Whitianga area.
Phone 866 4993 for information and bookings.
“Whitianga Movers and Losers” (the Old WW’s)
Wednesdays 5:00pm - 6:00pm at St Peters Anglican Church, Dundas St, Whitianga. $2 donation
(to cover cost of room rent). We promote a slow, steady weight loss based on eating well, nourishing foods
and moving more - towards maintaining our our ideal weight and optimal health. New members always
welcome.
Whitianga Senior Citizens Club
Meet Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie etc.
Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Contact Pam Phillips (president) 866 5908 for more information.
Road Cycling and Mountain Biking
Road cycling meet every Saturday at 8:00am at the Fire Station intersection, Whitianga. Phone Bryan on
022 155 8944 for more information. Mountain biking meet every Tuesday at 5:15pm and every Saturday
at 7:30am at the Fire Station intersection, Whitianga. Phone Paul on 021 605 230 for more information.
SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated
Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to
demistify their computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology.
Contact Lorna Russell on 866 4215 for more information or to join.
Whitianga Probus Club
Meet on the fourth Monday of every month at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga.
Friendly club for seniors. Visitors welcome. Phone Arnold or Vivienne Leigh on (07) 869 5995 for more
information.
Mercury Bay Table Tennis
Every Tuesday 9:30am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Town Hall. All welcome. Phone Pat or Neville on
867 1447 for more information.
Mercury Bay Badminton
Every Wednesday 9:30am - 11:00am at the Whitianga Town Hall. All welcome. Phone Diane on
027 246 1915 for more information.
Bridge Clubs
Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club meets every Wednesday. Hahei Bridge Club meets every Tuesday.
Phone Anne Knowles on 866 5686 for more information.
Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club
Thursday evenings at 7:00pm in the Whitianga Town Hall. New members and visitors welcome. Just come
along or phone Doreen on (07) 866 5237 or Alan on (07) 866 4024 for more information.
St John Cadets
Meet every Monday from 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the St John Ambulance Station, Cook Drive, Whitianga.
Phone Beth on (07) 869 5294 or (021) 241 9757 for more information.
Mercury Bay Creative Fibre Group
Spinning, weaving, dyeing, everything to do with fibre. Meet the first and third Wednesday of every month
from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Whitianga Town Hall. Phone Betty on 867 1233 for more information.
Whitianga Social Services Youth Space
Corner of Bryce Street and Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Wednesday - Fridays after school. Also Friday
13 March at 5:30pm the opportunity to meet an artist from last Saturday’s Outdoor Rock Concert.
Phone 866 4472 for more informationm.
Coroglen Farmers Market
Every Sunday from 9:30am - 1:00pm at the Coroglen Hall, SH25, Coroglen.
Whitianga Art Group
Meet every Thursday and Friday at the Art Centre in School Road, Whitianga. New members welcome.
Phone Heather on 866 4474 or Maryanne on 866 4099 for more information.
Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studio Tour
The first two weekends in March - a self drive tour of 48 artists’ studios in the wider Mercury Bay area.
See www.mercurybayartescape.com for more information.
Mercury Bay Area School Rugby v Shawnigan Lake from Canada
Wednesday 11 March at Lyon Park, Whitianga. Development teams at 4:30pm. First XV teams at 6:00pm.
Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Stabicraft Trailer Boat Tournament
Thursday 12 March - Saturday 14 March 2015. See www.gamebase.co.nz for more information.
Whitianga Art, Craft and Farmers Market
Saturday 14 March from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Whitianga.
Waka Ama Family Open Day
Sunday 15 March at Brophy’s Beach, Whitianga. From 9:30am. All welcome. BYO towel, togs and picnic
lunch. Phone 866 44476 for more information.
Thames Coromandel District Council Draft Long Term Plan Community Meetings
Monday 16 March at the Tairua Library at 1:00pm, Tuesday 17 March at the Mercury Bay Area Office in
Whitianga at 1:00pm and Wednesday 18 March at the Pauanui Fire Station at 1:00pm.
Offshore Powerboat Racing
Saturday 21 March off Buffalo Beach, Whitianga. A two race format. The first race at 11:00am.
Weekly Church Services
Mercury Bay Co-operating Parish
St Andrews by the Sea Community Church, 9:30am every Sunday worship service and kids friendly Bible
sessions with Rev Mary Petersen, Albert St, Whitianga.
Anglican Services
St Peter the Fisherman, 9:30am Sunday services. All are welcome, Dundas St, Whitianga.
Crossroad Encounter Fellowship
10:00am Sundays, cnr Joan Gaskell Drive and Cook Drive, Whitianga.
St Patrick’s Catholic Church
Weekend Mass Saturday 5:30pm and Sunday 8.30am, Monday - Friday 9:00am (except Tuesday no Mass,
Wednesday 12:00 noon). Tairua Sunday 10:30am, Tuesday 9:00am, tel 866 2189.
Whitianga Baptist Church
10:00am every Sunday, children’s programme, 112 Cook Drive, Whitianga, tel 866 4027.
C3 Whitianga
10:30am every Sunday, children’s programme, 23 Coghill St, Whitianga,
email info@c3whitianga.org.nz.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
Meet on Sundays 10:00am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Town Hall.
Children’s programme. Phone 021 277 2126 for more information.
Seventh Day Adventists
Home study group. Phone Laurie/Lois on 866 2808 for more information.
Proposed new levy for holiday rentals
By Alison Smith
Coromandel Peninsula property owners
that rent out a room to guests or rent their
property to holidaymakers will have to pay
$200 a year under proposed new rules by
Thames Coromandel District Council.
The Council’s draft Long Term Plan
introduces a targeted fixed rate of $200
per property for those who make their
homes available on a short term basis for
holiday rentals and is also proposing to
classify Bed and Breakfast businesses with
four or more bedrooms available for short
term accommodation as commercial rather
than residential ratepayers, paying
commercial rates.
The proposed changes are projected to
collect $252,000 which will reduce the
amount to be collected from all ratepayers
for funding economic development
activities across the district.
Currently moteliers pay the commercial
portion of the Council’s Economic
Development rate and their competitors
do not.
Other changes are also proposed,
which the Council sees as bringing fairness
for people who have granny flats on their
property and who only make use of this
second dwelling for family and friends
on a non-paying basis and for those in
retirement villages who own a “licence to
occupy” their homes, rather than having a
freehold interest in their home.
The following is taken from the proposed
Long Term Plan, which is available for
public comment until 4:00pm on Thursday
9 April.
“Two issues have been raised with us
in recent times, where those impacted
consider they are not being treated fairly
or with empathy. Those people who have
one additional unit on their property
are charged additional uniform charges.
Where they only make use of this second
dwelling for family and friends on a nonpaying basis, a remission of these additional
charges is available upon application and
subject to certain conditions being met.
We are proposing to add to our rates
remission policy so that there will be an
automatic remission of 50 per cent of the
fixed charges applicable to owners with
one additional unit used as accommodation
where these units are 50m² or less in size
(as these are permitted to be built on a
property as of right in our District Plan).
This should provide greater certainty and
require less administration for the relevant
property owners.
“Those residents of retirement villages
who own a ‘licence to occupy’ their
homes, rather than having a freehold
interest in their home, are unable to access
the rates rebate made available by central
government when they have very low
incomes. They are however still required
to pay the rates through their contracts with
the retirement villages. This difference in
treatment has been acknowledged by some
other Councils.
“The Retirement Villages Association
advocated that we should make a grant
to the relevant retirement villages
as well. After researching the issue,
we came to the conclusion that it would
be showing empathy to a small section of
our community to remit their rates to an
amount equal to that which they would
receive from central government, should
they have owned their homes outright.
This proposal will cost approximately
$50,000 per year. Other alternatives
we considered were to do nothing or to
provide a grant at a small fixed amount
regardless of each person’s circumstances.
We have taken the view that to do nothing
is not living up to our core values and to
simply make a set figure grant is relatively
too generous to some people and equally,
not good enough for those who would
receive more.”
The full Long Term Plan document
can be seen at libraries, Council offices
and online at www.tcdc.govt.nz/ltp
and this includes details for your local
councillor. This is your chance to let the
mayor, councillors and Community Board
members understand your views or to
put forward your ideas and the Council
is urging people to take the time to get
involved and have their say.
The mayor, councillors, Community
Board members and TCDC staff will be
available across the district during the
time the draft Long Term Plan is open for
submissions to discuss the proposals and
future planning. They will be in Whitianga
at 1:00pm on Tuesday 17 March in the
Monk St office of TCDC, at the Tairua
Library at 1:00pm on Monday 16 March
and the Pauanui Fire Station on Wednesday
18 March also at 1:00pm.
5 Monk Street, Whitianga
Office Ph: 07 8671087
Email: info@plannersplus.co.nz
David: 027 4994833
Tracey: 027 4907988
See us for all your land development,
planning and resource consent requirements.
www.plannersplus.co.nz
Farmers
“cultivation time”
under sowing
dicing, power harrowing
roll seed roll
{cultivated ground}
Call now for a no
obligation price
or booking
027 511 8178 / 07 866 5745
Your local caring funeral directors
• Modern chapel & viewing room •
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Funeral Directors for over 140 years
Tel (07) 868 6003
Top of bed. Large selection.
Page 17
3
1 95
4
6 2 87
Sudoku
Fishing Report with Alan Proctor
Sponsored by H&M Pascoe Tel 0274 852 046
Puzzle 627
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Tel no: ___________________________________________________________
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and
every group of nine boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each
number only once. Deliver or mail your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer,
14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga, to reach us by 6:00pm
Monday each week. The weekly prize is one free Current Release from
Civic Video, Whitianga. The winner must please claim his/her prize from
Civic Video directly.
A significantly reduced fishing effort
out wide this week has had the expected
result and no marlin or tuna have been
weighed here since the end of the Tristram
Marine Open. Many local fishers are
taking a break between tournaments,
but there are still a few visiting boats from
north and south out there chasing game
fish, with several reports over CH61 of
multiple strikes, tag and releases and the
odd boated fish.
Most days we are still hearing of
marlin being tagged or boated from our
area, so it’s good to see the fish are still
out there as we prepare for the next major
tournament for our club - the Stabicraft
Trailerboat Tournament, starting this
Thursday. We will have in the vicinity of
$150,000 of prizes, which will be won
and/or given away and will be a big draw
card for many anglers. This tournament
is specifically designed for smaller craft
and everyone is welcome. You don’t
need to be an existing member of our
club (although you will need to buy a
day membership for each day fishing)
and any brand of boat, dinghy, kayak,
etc will suffice.
In-shore fishing is still ticking along
nicely with some excellent reports of
good quality snapper fishing in shallow
water around Needle Rock, Little Ohinau
and the Black Rocks. Fishers have also
done well close to Korapuki, Stanley
Island and the south eastern edge of the
Big Island. Closer to the mainland many
anglers are being plagued by undersized
fish, with just the odd keeper amongst
them. Catching snapper in the river
seems relatively easy, though there are
varying reports on the sizes, with some
fishers ending up with a good feed and
others just feeding the juvenile snapper.
There are still quite a few work ups
in the very outer part of the Bay and
catching a kahawai for bait or a meal
shouldn’t present too many problems.
There are kingies dotted around these
kahawai schools as well and though
most will struggle to go 100cm, there
are a few good ones amongst them,
making it well worth the effort.
It hasn’t been uncommon for fishers
to come home with a bycatch of trevally,
which is a welcome sight on most dinner
tables. A few of these fish are up around
the 3-4kg mark and put up a good fight,
but they have notoriously soft mouths
and you must play the fish carefully so as
not to pull the hook if you want to see it.
One report has come in that there
are gurnard out in deeper water behind
Centre Island and that they are of really
good size, which will be pleasing news
for those who have struggled to catch
many of this
species inside
the Bay in
recent weeks.
Tight lines,
Alan
Last week’s solution
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The one stop shop for all your boating needs.
Located at 14 Moewai Road Whitianga (Out by the Airport)
Deals on now... Sounders, Fish Finders and New Outboard Engines
*Ask us about Mercury Finance
“We know marine and we know great deals”
Page 18
To the Editor
See page 2 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Say yes to smart meters! There is no danger!
Sylvia Gallot has made some serious claims in her letter in The Informer of last week.
There are people, particularly the elderly, in our community who now think that
electromagnetic fields (“EMF”) is a killer or it will inflict serious illness upon us as it has
“negative effects” (whatever that is).
There are more positives than negative from having this equipment installed.
This sort of correspondence is the stuff that causes “negative effects” on people’s
minds. Smart meters in NZ are not a major contributor of EMF and Mercury Energy will
confirm that. Talk of smart meters transmitting two miles away and in clusters is nonsense.
Smart meters in New Zealand work singularly and transmit monthly consumption data
twelve times per year via the cellular phone system. This operation is similar to intruder
alarms, St John’s medical alarms, etc.
Anyone who read Sylvia Gallot’s letter should not take seriously the alarmist nonsense
she has contributed, but ignore it!
P Bethell
Whitianga
Dear Editor - The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement
On Saturday last week a few of us gathered in front of the Mercury Bay Library in
Whitianga to voice our concerns about the serious shortcomings and known pitfalls of the
Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement of which, due to secrecy, few New Zealanders are
even aware. Unfortunately there was no information to hand out nor a PA system and the
sound of loud music was a serious challenge to two speakers who certainly did their best.
One big problem. Because our government debt has now climbed from $15,000,000,000
in 2007 to a record $87,000,000,000 and climbing even more rapidly, we are probably
unable to say no anyway. Our current leader has sure seen to that.
We can only do our best to encourage people to be strong and encourage others that
freedom is very precious. I believe that most of us would not go down without a fight.
Information can be found at www.itsourfuture.org.nz.
Tragicly, our erstwhile US banker and corporate man who is currently our leader and
secretly “negotiating” with his US friends is doing his best to challenge that freedom.
John Macassey
Kuaotunu
Sailing in the Bay last week
The boat racing report this week is a
combined effort with contributions from
Lee Boswell (skipper of True Colors)
and Al Joslin (skipper of Solvieg).
The field was spread wide in last
Wednesday’s Steinlager Series race
of the Mercury Bay Boating Club,
with H2Go and Solvieg well in front and
plenty of drama and excitement back in
the rear.
Solvieg reported about 200 seagulls to
chase away and a scrub down before the
start of the race, where light winds and
calm conditions prevailed.
A combination of tactics and luck
was always going to be a factor in
these conditions. It was crowded at the
windward end of the start line, with a few
choice sailor words exchanged between
vessels and the smaller more agile boats
having to dodge the bigger ones.
Despite the crowding, the whole fleet
managed to avoid contact and settled into
a reach to the first mark (Doctors Buoy).
The breeze was 8-10 knots, but good
consistent pressure helped keep things
moving as everyone tried to climb up to
Cooks Beach.
At this stage the field split into two
groups with different strategies, some
heading on a starboard tack to Davis
Point and the rest on port tack to
Shakespeare Cliff. At the first cross it was
a definite advantage to the Shakespearians.
H2Go and Solvieg were already showing
real speed and their ability to tack quickly
and often was allowing them to create a
real break on the field. Loose followed her
usual close to shore direct route and looked
a danger early on.
After making a strong start, Blue Print
and Shadz managed to find a completely
different wind pattern and began to head
for South America, with both Longshot and
Killara also affected by the same breeze.
Then it was tacticians to the fore and the
pressure coming out of Cooks Beach
was spotted by True Colors, Contrast
and Vanadis - who made a big break on
the pack. H2go and Solvieg continued
to extend, picking up speed in the light
conditions.
Rounding Doctors proved crucial.
Both True Colors and Loose made good
calls to tack in pressure and were pack
members to get to the mark first.
Up ahead Solvieg had begun a tacking
duel with “the Bullet” H2Go, but came
to grief as she came around the Simpsons
Buoy, snapping a carbon pole and sending
the kite flying. Her crew recovered quickly
by hoisting a spinnaker which was more
suited to the run home. Getting around
the Cooks Beach mark in pressure gave
both True Colors and Loose a significant
advantage heading downwind until they
went head to head at the Simpsons mark.
There was more drama when both boats
had issues gibing their spinnakers and
almost touched. Fortunately for True
Colors she recovered after losing a sheet
and continued to fly her chute all the way
to the finish. The crew on Loose dropped
their spinnaker after rounding Simpsons,
only to be overtaken by True Colours
still flying hers. The crew realised their
mistake and got it up again, but it was
too late to catch the bigger boat. Difficult
light winds didn’t help the chasing boats
and there was no chance to make up time
coming home.
H2Go won line honours and also took
the handicap win, with Solvieg having
her best race of the series finishing
second over the line and third on
handicap. Holding her spinnaker for two
legs helped True Colors to second place
on handicap.
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Page 19
Sport Results (our thanks to the coaches, managers and administrators who provide us with the results)
MERCURY BAY SENIOR RUGBY
Pre-Season Game - Saturday 7 March
Mercury Bay First XV 10 v Tokoroa 5.
MERCURY BAY FAMILY TAG FOOTY
Finals - Sunday 8 March
Family Junior - Young Guns 2 3 v Young Guns 2.
Family Senior - Dark Siders 3 v Kaos 2.
Open Senior - Green Machine 11 v Buffalo Boys 9.
MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Opening Night - Thursday 5 March
A Drawn 4's Tournament was the season opener and
sponsored by Whitianga New World supermarket.
The club welcomed 40 players, which included
seven from the Cook's Beach club and eight from
the Tairua club. Everyone enjoyed a great night
of bowling, socialising, raffles and ending with a
delicious supper.
The winning team was Rae Jensen (MB), Merle
Ward (MB), Roy McDonald (CB) and Anne Jeune
(MB). The runners-up were Joan Smith (T), Norm
Strong (CB), Colleen Taberner (MB) and Dot
Codyre (MB). These players received New World
gift vouchers and the club thanks Stacey Rolton of
New World Whitianga for his ongoing generous
sponsorship.
The good sports were Doreen Davies (MB),
Neville Hopley (MB), John Morrison (T) and
Cheryl Henderson (MB) and they received the
chocolate fish.
The club meets every Thursday at 6:45pm in the
Whitianga Town Hall and warmly welcomes new
members. Come along and give it a go!
TAIRUA INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Monday 2 March
The first night of the new season at Tairua. A good
number attended with four mats in play.
Winners - Ken Lowe, Geoff Lawrence, Peter
Carverhill.
Runners-Up - Albie Marr and Ron Annan.
Good Sports Award - Bruce Crawford, Celia
Morrison and Barry Spinlay.
Raffles were won by - Joan Smith, Albie Marr, Ray
Bruce, Perrine Busby and Beryl Burrows.
A few days ago a number of Tairua players
attended Cooks Beach Opening Night, which was
very enjoyable.
TAIRUA COUNTRY CLUB
Ladies Golf - Tuesday 3 March
18-holers and 9-holers joined together for a fun
round of golf, playing a mixed foursome with
stableford scores.
Results - Bev Wickham and Bev Waterman 22,
Linda Keyte and Joyce Birdsall 21, Sue Poland and
Val McLaughlin 20, Marilyne McCabe and Audrey
Scrivener 20, Jill Shandley and Gwenda Flavell 20,
Josey Feasey and Janet Taylor 19.
PENINSULA
NAIL GUN
SERVICING
Ph Ian Sloane
866 4235
027 7263 797
Page 20
PURANGI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Thursday 5 March
The competition was par. First was John Hughes
with + 6. Phil Costello and Norm Strong had +4
and Dick Watson +1.
Saturday 7 March
A Stableford competition. First Mark Cox with 42
points, Tim Bartlett 40 and Grant Rowell 39. John
Hamilton, Barry Scott and Warwick Steel all had
37 points.
John Hamilton won the nett eagles/birdies
competition.
MERCURY BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Ladies’ Golf Area Stableford - Wednesday
4 March
Results Division One - Mary Ross 40, Beryl
Gilliland 40, Joan Roseman 39, Chris Fox 39.
Results Division Two - Debbie Davidson 45,
Chrissie Tegg 40, Ann Blair 38, Maria Duxfield 37.
Nearest the Pin on 4 - Del Langdon, Nearest the
Pin on 18 in two - Pam Anderson.
Men’s Golf - Wednesday 4 March
16 two-man teams competed in a net 4 ball better
ball. Two teams shared the winning score of 56 Ian Millin/Gary Kilmister and Bill McLean/Lee
Hall. Third place one back were Mike Croad/Ron
Watson.
Closest on hole #2 was Mike Croad and Bruce
Massie on #4.
Twos in the senior category were scored by
Gord Davidson, Mike Croad, Roger Booth and
David Fussel. Bill McLean cleaned out the jackpot
for a deuce in the junior group.
The net albatross jackpot was not struck and will
be carried forward to next week.
Ladies’ 9-Hole Golf - Thursday 5 March
A good field of 17 assembled to play in a gross and
net competition. Two new members were welcomed
as was Debbie Holmes, our club Manager,
who joined the 9-hole members for a game.
Results First Division - Gross Audrey Vickers and
Net Kathleen Stewart.
Results Second Division - Gross Margret Coysh
and Net Sandra Bushell.
A highlight for Audrey was reaching the green
on the par five 7th hole in 3.
Men’s Golf - Saturday 7 March
This day turned out to be the best scoring day of
the summer, with twelve players scoring 40 points
or more and two thirds of the total field playing to
their handicap or better.
The winner was Paul Lupton with 48 points,
shooting an 82 off 23, for a net 59. Second was
Carl Mitchell with 47 points, shooting 70 off a 10
handicap. Next was Steve Tull with 44, followed
by Lee Hall on 43. They were followed by a
group on 41, Alan Proctor, Kevin Smith and Kelly
Barson, with Garry Morton and Jack Skinner on
40 points.
Twos were scored by Ken George and Carl
Mitchell. Nearest the Pin Senior (0-18) - Carl
Mitchell, Junior (19-36) - Kevan Miles. Longest
Drive Senior - Geoffrey Lowe, Junior - Paul
Lupton.
The New World Open is Saturday 14 March,
teeing off between 8:30am and 10:30am. Please
book at the office.
MERCURY BAY PONY CLUB
Show jumping - Wednesday 4 March
Results 35-50cm - 1 Rylee on Jimmie, 2 Sarah on
Chillie.
Results 50cm - 1 Rylee on Jimmie, 2 Eden on
Possum, 3 Sarah on Chillie.
Results 50-65cm - 1 Alex on Ava, 2 Shannon on
Bon Fire.
Results 50c-65cm - 1 Shannon on Bon Fire.
Results 65-70cm - 1 Shannon on Lavanti, Rochelle
on Indi, 3 Nakita on Henry.
Results 85-95cm - 1 Sarah on Tuhoi, Nakita on
Henry, 3 Shannon on Lavanti.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wednesday 4 March
Best of three frames.
Winner - Ken Gibson with three wins, runner-up
Wayne Bellingham with two wins. Also with two
wins - Peter Challis.
Highest score - Wayne Bellingham.
HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
Betty Dunn Pairs - Tuesday 3 March
North/South - 1 Alison Tichbon and Robyn Hogg
67.93, 2 Philip Shewell and Sue Gill 56.06, 3
Laura Scaglia and Chris Death 55.56.
East/West - 1 Ngaire O’Brien and Alva Gibson
60.00, 2 Annette Gray and Dave Dylla 54.44, 3=
Annette Cox and Peter France and Chris Ellett and
Vivienne Leigh 53.33.
MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB
Handicap Pairs - Wednesday 4 March
North/South - 1 Terry Stewart and Dave Dylla
55.69, 2 Laura Scaglia and Sue Gill 55.01, 3 Gerry
Church and Giorgio Allemano 50.55.
East/West - 1 Jenny Layton and Doreen Harris
59.73, 2 Vivienne Leigh and Ian Peden 59.58, 3
Bev Philips and Val Dwight 55.29.
MERCURY BAY TENNIS CLUB
Business House - Tuesday 3 March
Whitianga Hotel def MBAS 9-8 9-4, NYM def The
Cut Hut 8-9 9-2 4-3, Pen Vet Services def Coastal
Sanctuary 9-8 9-4.
Young Guns 2 - the 2014/2015 Junior Family Tag Footy champions.
Back from left to right - Dylan Glazer, Mason Norgrove, coach Bryan Skelton,
Carter Hodge, Fenella Skelton and Holly Smith.
Front from left to right - Tane Skelton, William Lockhart and Quinn Smith.
Thumbs
Up
To the
organisers
of the family
tag footy competition
that finished last
weekend in Mercury
Bay. A great
community initiative.
Peninsula Home Kills
SERVING THE WHOLE PENINSULA - 2011
Processing beef, sheep,
pigs & all game
Top quality
sausages, bacon,
ham & salami
g
Knife sharpenin
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service availa
Phone Nick Burcombe
866 3970 or 021 2125 260
21 Rangihau Road, Coroglen
Successful weekend for
two Pony Club members
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Subaru Authorised Parts & Service Centre
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Whitianga Tractors
& EQUIPMENT CENTRE
Sales
Repairs
Maintenance
TRACTORS & SMALL ENGINES
Dave and Karen
The past weekend was very successful for two of the members of the Mercury Bay Pony Club.
At the Woodhill Sands (north of Auckland) show jumping competition on Saturday,
Rochelle Litherland (pictured) achieved two first places (in the 80cm and 90cm horse classes)
and a third place in the 1m horse class.
At the Papatoetoe show jumping competition on Sunday, Rochelle achieved a first place in the
1m horseclass and also a clear round ribbon in the 80cm training ring.
Amelia Lockhart also did very well at the Papatoetoe competition. She achieved a first place in
the 1m pony class and in the 90cm pony class she came second.
Phone 07 867 1046 a/hrs 0275 832 343
Email whitianga.tractors@gmail.com
Dakota Drive Whitianga
Your local Husqvarna dealer
Sore back at night? Need a better bed?
Page 21
US Style Crossword
© The New York Times
ACROSS
Puzzle US 627
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Tel no: ___________________________________________________________
Go in the draw to win a weekend for two in Queenstown next winter (transport to
Auckland Airport, flights, accommodation and $500 spending money included).
Deliver or mail (or scan and email) your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk
St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga, to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each
week. The winner will be notified by phone. No correspondence will be entered
into once the winner has been notified. Conditions apply.
3.1415926 ...
BY TOM MCCOY / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ
1 Exploit, e.g.
4 Mountain cat
8 All-____
11 Careen
15 “New Adventures in Hi-Fi” band
18 Thickness
19 Subject of a prophecy in Genesis
20 Ad ____
21 Eponymous Indian tribe
22 Cry on the bridge
23 The last one in, perhaps
25 Toledo-to-Akron dir.
26 “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” asker
28 Move quickly, as clouds
29 Shames into action
32 Puts on
33 Darlings
34 Cross
35 Confuse
37 Capital near the 60th parallel
38 Sushi coating, maybe
40 Currency in Turkey
41 Bully on “The Simpsons”
43 “____ no doubt”
45 Mess
46 2009 Newberywinning author Gaiman
49 Where you might exchange tender for tenders
52 Something off the top of your head?
54 Particularly: Abbr.
55 Make content
56 El Amazonas, e.g.
57 Hole punchers
58 Heart-to-heart, e.g.
62 Shaving ____
63 Wood in Lucius Malfoy’s wand
64 Chum
65 Setting for part of “Frankenstein”
69 With 94- and 72-Across, a mnemonic for the
first eight digits of [symbol in the middle of the
grid]
71 XV years before the Battle of Hastings
72 See 69-Across
74 “I” strain?
75 Jeremy of the N.B.A.
76 Like much of Italy in 700 B.C.
77 Encrusted
78 Atop
81 ____ Bay, site of a historic Admiral Perry
visit of 1853
82 Israeli diet
85 Disquietude
86 “Carry on”
88 It never starts with 666: Abbr.
89 Beast imagined in “Beasts of the Southern
Wild”
91 “That makes sense now”
93 Practice runners: Abbr.
94 See 69-Across
101 Trips up?
103 Computing pioneer Lovelace
104 Agitates
107 It’s revolting
108 One way of learning, it’s said
111 Parish head
113 Belch
114 Risky venture
116 Cropped up
117 Snitch
118 Fabled 90-Down
119 Needle case
120 Like two lowercase letters of the alphabet
121 Mormon V.I.P.
122 English author Blyton
123 1/2, for one
124 Brings around
DOWN
1 Bank inits.
2 Not far apart
3 As is usual
4 Remains unsettled
5 Exploit
6 Smith of “Downton Abbey”
7 Portends
8 Heat, informally
9 Breather
10 Stock of certain companies?
11
12 Like the previous clue (which
originally read “Place of Jewish
worship”)
13 Red Cross work
14 Place to get clean
15 How questions may be asked
16 Derelict buildings, e.g.
17 Eau holder
24 Money in la banque or la banca
27 “Rolling in the Deep” singer
30 Bank inits.
31 “Where would ____ without you?”
33 Puts on
36 [Good heavens!]
38 Enter through the back door, say
39 Frat Pack member Ben
42 Slip-____
44 Slugger’s stat, for short
47 “Who goes there?” response
48 Deadly
49 One end of the hotline
50 Pie part (that’s appropriately placed in
this puzzle?)
51 Arrivals
52 Betide
53 Be in store for
58 Threatens, as a king
59 “____ Heroes”
60 Like a body no longer at rest?
61 x
65 N.A.A.C.P. or N.C.A.A. part: Abbr.
66 Trounced
67 Ladies’ man
68 Church assemblies
70 Tobacco chewers’ chews
73 & 79 Place to get spare parts
80 Ear-related
83 Key material
84 Ballyhoo
86 Hide
87 Put on again
90 Race loser
92 Solve
94 It always points down
95 Football hiker
96 Bivouacked
97 Brouhahas
98 Struck (out at)
99 Escalator parts
100 What money can be kept in
101 Ear-related
102 Cry exclaimed while facepalming
105 More work
106 Actress Parker
107 Parcel (out)
109 Rani’s wear
110 Bit
112 Chianti and Beaujolais
114 What’s that in Italy?
115 Train-track support
Mobility equipment available available for locals or visitors.
Walking frames, crutches, walking sticks and mobility scooters
Phone Roger on 07 867 1986 for more information
Page 22
UK Style Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles
Puzzle UK 627
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Tel no: ___________________________________________________________
Win a $6 Big Wednesday ticket. Deliver or mail (or scan and email) your entry
to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426,
Whitianga, to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The winner
must please claim his/her prize from the New World check out
manager directly before the Wednesday the week following the issue in
which he/she was announced the winner.
T HE O DD J OB M AN
GARY VINCENT
No job too small.
oddjobman@slingshot.co.nz
07 866 0059
021 1466 074
Carpet
Cleaning
Charlie Lodge
& Restoration
Residential Commercial Industrial
Carpet Cleaning & Restoration - Marine Carpet & Upholstery
Upholstery Cleaning - Stain Removal - Rug Cleaning
Vinyl Floor Restoration - Spot Dyeing - Odour Control
All work undertaken will be to the AS/NZ Standard
Institute of Inspection Cleaning
And Restoration Certification
T: 07 866 0075 M: 027 2806374
B-ROW PROJECTS
P 020 404 31990
ACROSS
1. Unpredictable
4. Large sea mammal
7. Lift
8. Chores
9. Picturesque
12. Lengthen
15. Role models
17. Pass (of time)
18. Dock
21. Word jumble
22. Shaving cuts
23. Earth’s mid-line
DOWN
1. Unmasking
2. In poor health
3. Zodiac Cancer symbol
4. Sharpen (appetite)
5. Extremely bad
6. Dines
10. Prison rooms
11. Pickle
13. Outward
14. Over-zealous supporter
16. Yellow fruit
18. Caution
19. Cooling appliances
20. Story
E browprojects@gmail.com
• Decks • Fences • Repairs
• Property maintenance
• Sleep out conversions • Minor alterations
Quick response time
Free quoting
All work considered
Call Bram 020 404 31990
Last week’s winner - K Nicholsen
Page 23
Hot Water Beach Junior Surf brings home a medal
More than 800 athletes from 42 surf lifesaving clubs from all over New Zealand descended the week
before last on Mt Maunganui Beach for the Under 14 New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships.
Hot Water Beach was represented by a team of eight junior athletes, who made their mark among the
country’s toughest competitors. The group finished 18th overall on points.
Taine Mason made it into two finals and finished with a 9th in his flags final and a 7th in his age group’s
very fast sprint final. Holly McCleery finished 10th in her board final. Jasmine McCleery finished 9th in
her flags final and achieved a silver medal in her board final.
Individually the Hot Water Beach athletes achieved as follows Tiana Tiro - flags 14th, board race heat 9th, run swim run semi 12th, diamond heat 11th, surf swim semi
17th, Conor Fitzsimons - board race heat 15th, Emma Hinds-Senior - flags 14th, run swim run heat 25th,
surf race heat 15th, Holly McCleery - flags 25th, board final 10th, run swim run semi 14th, surf race
semi 13th, sprint semi 5th, diamond semi 11th, Taine Mason - flags final 9th, board race heat 9th, sprint
final 7th, Jasmine McCleery - flags final 9th, board race final 2nd, run swim run semi 14th, sprint heat
1st, Zeke Tiro - board race heat 12th, run swim run heat 15th, Troy Bernhard - board race heat 16th,
run swim run heat 16th, board rescue - Zeke and Troy heat 4th, Holly and Emma heat 4th, tube rescue
- Tiana and Jasmine heat 6th, Holly and Emma semi 7th, board relay - Troy, Zeke and Conor heat 16th.
The team members and their parents would like to say a huge thank you to Go Kiwi Shuttles, Matarangi
Markets, the ladies in the sewing room at the Hinds family farm, New World Whitianga, Derek Collier,
Birdwood Springs Mini Putt, Blackjack Surf, Infinite Fitness, The Lost Spring, Lukes Kitchen, OPC,
Stephenson’s Pharmacy, Subway, Whitianga Waterways and the community in general for their support.
Pictured are the members of the Hot Water Beach team, from left to right - Tane Mason, Jasmine
McCleery, Troy Bernhard, Tiana Tiro, Emma Hinds-Senior, Zeke Tiro, Conor Fitzsimons and
Holly McCleery.
Classifieds & Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICES
COUNTRY MUSIC
CONCERT
Sunday 15 March,
2:00pm at the
Mercury Bay Club.
Phone Ray Hewlett on
866 2822
for more information.
TE WHANGANUI-A-HEI
MARINE RESERVE
COMMITTEE MEETING
A meeting will be held at
10:00am on Monday the 16th
of March at the
Hahei Community Hall.
Members of the public welcome.
ARE YOU NEW TO THE HAHEI/
COOKS BEACH AREA?
Would you like to join a small,
friendly garden group?
Please phone or email for
further information Phone 021 042 2132
Email abinnes@yahoo.com.
DO YOU KNOW THIS CAT?
Bowler (temporary name) is a
neutered, one-year-old male.
He was found at the bottom of
Centennial Drive, Whitianga
(towards Stormont Lane).
Please contact
Peninsula Vets,
Albert Street, Whitianga.
Phone 866 5314.
Kuaotunu Residents &
Ratepayers Association Inc
AGM
Sunday 5th April 10:00am
Kuaotunu Hall
Page 24
STALL HOLDERS WANTED
What - COOKS BEACH EASTER MARKET DAY
Where - Cooks Beach Community Hall.
When - Easter Sunday 5th April from 10am - 1pm.
Phone Lesley Morrison for details 866 5334 or 021 157 9979.
WHITIANGA TOY LIBRARY
Isabella Street (off Coghill St).
Open Tuesday 4pm - 6:30pm and
Friday 10am - 12.30pm.
New members welcome.
~Toys for Hire~
WHITIANGA PIG HUNTING
CLUB AGM
Saturday 28 March 1:00pm
Coroglen Tavern
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
FIND YOUR ANCESTORS!
Join a free class in family
history online research.
EASY TO LEARN.
AND ALL FREE.
To register or for more information Call Elder Gordon 027 560 2469
or 021 277 2126
WHITIANGA ART, CRAFT & FARMERS MARKET
Saturday 14 March
Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga,
8:30am - 1:00pm.
Unique locally created art, craft & local produce.
Anne 866 5550 or Doreen 866 5237.
COURIER SERVICES
SITUATIONS VACANT
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We need more volunteers to work in our Coghill Street Op Shop
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday mornings - 8.45am to 1pm.
If you have some spare time and would like to join a great
team of ladies sorting and serving customers,
give Delle at Social Services a call
on 8664476 for more information.
SITUATIONS VACANT
PART TIME CLEANING POSITION
Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park requires a friendly person to join
our cleaning team. The successful applicant will be well presented,
with a good level of fitness. They must be responsible, with a mature
attitude along with a sense of pride in their work. The applicant will be
able to work within a team and be able to take direction.
Please reply to - sheree@hotwaterbeachtop10.co.nz
or 07 866 3116.
LANDSCAPING LABOURER
Part time/full time
Phone 027 611 3384.
THE INFORMER
HAS PAPER RUNS
AVAILABLE
We pay really well.
Please phone (07) 866 2090 or
email sales@theinformer.co.nz
if you’re interested.
BACHCARE IS RECRUITING
IN TAIRUA!
Become a Bachcare Holiday
Manager and join NZ’s
leading holiday
home management company.
Receive excellent
training / support.
If you enjoy meeting people,
have great attention to detail
and are a cleaning
extraordinaire,
contact
gemma@bachcare.co.nz.
COMMUNITY CAREGIVERS/SUPPORT WORKERS NEEDED
URGENT need for your area
We are currently looking for Caregivers/Support Workers to join the team of
one of the most reputable Homecare Support Providers in New Zealand.
You will work in the community providing support and quality care to clients
who require help to stay in their own homes.
• Flexible hours
• Free training available towards a Healthcare Cert LV2
This will include • Helping with personal care, showering, dressing, etc.
• Helping with household chores
• Preparation of meals
It is essential that you have • A current valid driving licence
• A reliable vehicle
For further information about this role, please call
Michele (07) 929 4418 or email jobseeker@communitysupport.org.nz.
The Coroglen Tavern is looking for a
superstar to work our bar.
Monday & Tuesday nights + Saturday & Sunday days.
This is a part time position starting asap,
approx 15 - 20 hours per week.
We also need a part timer that can work flexible hours
that could turn into full time work when the last of our
summer staff leave (bar + kitchen).
Lazy bums need not apply as we need someone that is RELIABLE
and can cope in sometimes hot and fast paced situations...
Experience in a bar and a General Managers Cert would be a plus,
but not essential.
YOU MUST HAVE AT LEAST TWO CONTACTABLE
WORK REFERENCES.
Drop your CV off in person to Jed or Michelle at The Coroglen Tavern
or email thecoroglen@gmail.com for more info. Cheers.
PENINSULA AGGREGATES LIMITED
Temporary machine operators required
Digger/loader/dumpers
If you are keen and viable and can competently operate heavy
machinery, and can pass a drug test, we are keen to hear from you.
Must have own transport.
Phone 021 684 636.
RETAIL POSITION
We are seeking someone with proven retail ability,
with general clerical skills and an understanding and interest in
scuba diving to work with our dynamic, fun team.
This is a full time position, Monday to Friday, but may include
some weekend work.
To apply please send CV to
Retail Position
C/- P O Box 202
Whitianga
MOTEL CLEANER REQUIRED
Permanent casual position
available at 9 unit motel.
Must be reliable.
Experience would be
an advantage.
Please phone Kevin or Karen
on 866 5607.
REQUIRED FOR
AL CAMINO RESTAURANT
Experienced waitress and
Greek chef.
Phone 866 2200
or 866 5733.
CO-ORDINATOR OSCAR
(OUT OF SCHOOL CARE AND RECREATION)
Permanent Part-Time
School weekdays 1:15pm - 5:15pm
School holidays Mon - Fri 8:30pm - 5:00pm
Applicants must have demonstrated experience working
with children and also have people management skills.
For a job description contact Delle on 8664476 or
email CV with referees to wcst.manager@xtra.co.nz.
Applications close Friday 20 March.
CINEMA SHIFT POSITION
We require a mature person to carry out all operational duties
at our cinemas on a casual basis.
You must be able to greet our customers with a smile,
be honest and reliable and enjoy meeting people.
Hours of work will vary from week to week,
but must be able to work over holiday periods.
Full training will be given.
If this sounds like you, please contact Glen (0274 272 372)
or Gisella (0211 115027)
MERCURY TWIN CINEMAS
WHITIANGA
Page 25
FOR SALE
FIREWOOD
HOME BREW SUPPLIES
Full range available.
Mercury Bay Pharmacy
Tea Tree, Mac,
Pohutukawa, Etc.
For full list & prices go to
www.trickytrees.co.nz or
phone Chris on
021 240 9909.
TRIESTE WASHING MACHINE,
9 months old, 6kg capacity, model
TRWTL - 60, $300. Ph: 866 0019 or
027 663 2505
FOR SALE
Dry ti-tree $120 per load
delivered.
Phone 866 3026
Purchase a 3 or 4 bay pole
shed in March or April
And get a free 18” Hitachi
Chainsaw (CS40EA)
*conditions apply
BRIDGE LESSONS
CATTERY
BRIDGE LESSONS
Starting 22 April.
Contact Robyn.
Phone 866 3389 or
021 543 015.
KRISTIN’S
BOARDING CATTERY
Vet nurse, warm, clean,
secure, outdoor run.
Phone 866 4724.
HEALTH SERVICES
FLATMATE WANTED
FOR 2 BDRM 2 BATHROOM
APARTMENT, $150p/w plus bills.
References required.
Ph: 021 631 510
WANTED TO BUY
POLES, Do you need S.E.D
H5 poles for retaining or house
foundations? Timber and poles all
lengths available.
Oriental trellis made to order.
MB Timber & Fencing Supplies
225 South Highway
Ph: (07) 866 2457
BACK TO SCHOOL
Guitars , Electric Drums,
Ukuleles, Keyboards
at The Cave on Monk St.
Open 7 Days. Phone 866 2574.
Applies to quotes
dated from the
1st March to the 27th April 2015.
12 Moewai Road, Whitianga
Ph:07 866 2489 | www.carters.co.nz
LOST
BOATS WANTED
LOST
Between Whitianga and
Whenuakite
Thursday 5 March.
Silver trailer tailgate
(40mm box-section).
REWARD
Please call Pete 0800 94 84 84.
WE NEED YOUR BOAT NOW!!!
Quality late model trailer boats
needed for sale on behalf!
We have buyers waiting!
Call the team at Whitianga Marine
Centre today on 867 1182 or come
in to 233 South Highway, Whitianga.
CHURCH SERVICES
FOR HIRE
HOUSE FOR
REMOVAL
WANTED
Please phone
(021) 027 45654
TO LET
STORAGE SHEDS available, various sizes, reasonable rates. Dry and
secure. Ph: 07 866 5147
STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters.
Ph: 0800 944 660
HELP, HELP, HELP
Permanent rentals urgently required NOW
Tenants: Rental list changing constantly,
Holiday rentals available. Call into office at
7 The Esplanade, by the wharf or phone
Robyn Turner 866 0098 or 027 550 0120
robyn.turner@bayleys.co.nz
Licensed under the REAA2008
ANGLICAN
SERVICES
URGENT! HOMES WANTED!
Long term & short term needed NOW!
Good tenants waiting for good homes.
Ask for an appraisal on your property.
Phone Beth on 021 153 8593.
St. Peter the Fisherman
Dundas Street, Whitianga
Sunday Service: 9:30am
BETH EVANS
A.R.EI.N.Z Property Manager
ALL WELCOME
Call Krissie Brand
Enquiries Ph 869 5577
www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.co.nz
Licensed Property Manager with 13 years local experience
Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 Understanding the Coromandel Since 1960
07 866 5824 or 027 273 4420
Long term & holiday. Free rental appraisals.
Landlords & Tenants, for all your rental requirements.
WANTED !
WORK WANTED
FARRIER
Quality homes
for quality tenants.
VEHICLES FOR SALE
2nd Hand Covers
HorseTransport
Saddlery
Cover Repairs
WORK WANTED
THE BESS HANDZ
EMBROIDERED MONOGRAMS
Alterations, repairs,
zip and hem service.
Ph: 866 5277
Ron Cooke
866 5984
027 498 4447
Tricky Trees
•
•
•
•
Pruning
Felling
Stump grinding
Firewood
Call Chris
Page 26
•
•
•
•
Hedge maintenance
Crown reductions
Difficult removals
Chip waste to mulch
021 240 9909
11 Nissan Navara D/Cab 91kms $34,900
02 Toyota Rav4 Ltd, 5dr, Auto, 125km $8,950
02 Toyota Corolla H/B, 5 spd, 141km $5,900
05 Toyota Corolla H/B, 5spd, White $6,900 01 Toyota Hilux X/Cab 3.0D flat deck $9,900
03 Toyota Hilux D/Cab 3.0D flat deck $10,900 00 Nissan S/Cab ute, canopy, towbar $7,900
03 Toyota Hilux S/Cab 3.0D flat deck $9,900
98 Toyota Camry GL sedan, 5spd, $2,900
07 Mitsubishi Fuso 4 berth M/Home $66,500
03 Nissan Pulsar H/B, 5spd $4,900
97 Mitsubishi Challenger 4x4 5dr, $5,650
19 Campbell Street, Whitianga www.coastalautos.co.nz
“The boat will go”
“The difference between the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Trailer Boat Tournament and
other tournaments is that the boat will go,” says John Mort, Whitianga local and organiser of
the trailer boat tournament. What he’s referring to is the tournament’s “last man standing” (a
lucky draw) prize - a Stabicraft 1650 boat with 70hp Yamaha outboard engine and DMW trailer,
valued at $50,000. “There are no conditions to the prize, no fish in excess of a certain weight
to be caught. By Saturday evening, when the tournament is all done and dusted, the boat will
have a new owner.”
The tournament will be fished from Thursday 12 - Saturday 14 March.
The Stabicraft boat is part of a total prize pool of about $150,000 and the tournament is open
to everyone fishing from something that can fit on a trailer. “Kylie Laker, famous jet ski angler
is in the competition,” says John. “And we expect a kayaker or two to enter too. Even a homebuilt raft will qualify.”
Another unique feature of the competition is that it’s part of the Snapper World Cup three tournaments in which the angler of the heaviest snapper overall gets his name engraved
on an impressive snapper replica trophy. The other two tournaments, in Hawkes Bay and
Auckland, have already taken place.
Interestingly the winner of the competition last year caught his 10.85kg snapper from a kayak.
The trailer boat tournament, now in it’s seventh year, was John’s idea - he says it’s all about
a level playing field, where the size of your boat doesn’t play a role in the size of the fish you
catch.
John expects, depending on the weather, more than 400 anglers to enter the tournament.
Stabicraft has indicated that they will donate a boat to the tournament again next year.
Pictured is John next to the Stabicraft boat that’s up for grabs in the tournament this year.
H O U S E WA S H I N G
Call Drew for a free quote
The Expert with the time tested and guaranteed method of removing
mould, lichen, moss and stains. In fact any exterior surface that needs a
clean, Drew can deal to with a harmless but totally effective wash. And
remember a pre-paint wash will extend the life of your paint job and
make painting easier.
Buildings. Boats. Fences. Wood. Concrete. Metal.
Call Drew Edwards - The Chemwash Man
Mobile: 0274 375 578 a/h 07 867 8493
Page 27
Make Short Work
of it!
A local looking after locals
for more than 20 years!
 Building Repairs and Maintenance
 All Painting  Airless applications
 Waterblasting - paths, driveways & fences
 Window Cleaning  Pre-paint clean
 Drain unblocking  Total house wash
with enviro friendly detergent
 Insect spraying
 Roof Clean / Treatment Best by reputation
- guaranteed
 Commercial  Residential
Phone Russell Short: 07 866 2097 or 027 360 2937
•
•
•
•
•
•
0800 CAR DUMP
GOT a DEAD or ALIVE VEHICLE
$ $ $
cash
paid
Pickup
Peninsula
wide
0800 227 3867
Second Hand Tyres, Mags, Lights, Radio’s
& parts FOR SALE
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Boat Repairs
Timber & fibreglass Repairs
Trailer Boat Repairs
Cleaning & Polishing
Hot Water Washing
Propspeed application
Specialist Marine Coating
and Antifouling
General Boatbuilding
Stockists for
Jabsco Impellers and pumps
Rule Pumps
Altex & International paint
DLM & Martyr Anodes
Meguiars & NanoShield products
SALT FREE & Tallon Products
Marine hardware & chandlery
McMurdo PLB’s & EPIRBS
Kiwiprop
Mitch Pascoe 0274 852 046 Phyll Foster 0274 852 036
A/H: 07 866 5866 Fax: 09 353 1994
Dundas St. Whitianga or Whitianga Marina Hardstand
info@hmpascoe.co.nz / www.pascoeboatrepairs.co.nz

627 11 March 2015 Week 2.indd

Transcription

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