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Th

e
A level
Mercury
Issue 679 - 9 March 2016
Bay

Phone 07 866 2090

Circulation
6,500

LOCALS
LS
C
INAG
O
T
L
R
O
P
P
U
S

Kids, win
with Beach
Hop - see
page 14.

playing field

The Mercury Bay Game Fishing Clubs Trailer Boat Tournament is taking place later this week. Dependent on
the weather, and with a brand new boat to be won, it may be one of the clubs biggest tournaments
ever.
By
Bosman
In Stephan
a trailer boat
tournament, the playing field
is level, says John Mort, organiser of the
Mercury Bay Game Fishing Clubs Trailer Boat
Tournament that is taking place this Thursday
10 March to Saturday 12 March. If the sea is
too rough for one to go out, the sea is too
rough for everyone. Size doesnt really matter.
All the anglers have to leave Whitianga in the
morning and come back in the evening. And
its not just boats that can enter, if it floats and
its no longer than 9.4m and no wider than 3m,
its good to go. Kayakers and jet skiers are
very welcome to enter too.
This will be the Game Fishing Clubs eighth
trailer boat tournament. With prizes worth
more than $150,000 to be won, its deemed to
be one of the two biggest fishing tournaments
in New Zealand. Dependent on the weather,
we hope to have 150 boats and between 400
and 450 anglers in the tournament this year,
says John. It will make this year one of our
clubs biggest tournaments ever. I know well
have one entry from Melbourne this year. Last
year we had entries from as far north as
Warkworth and as far south as Hastings.
We use virtually all the entry fees to buy
prizes, but get fantastic support from local
businesses and sponsors from outside the area
as well.
Anglers last year stood a chance to win a
Stabicraft boat in a last man standing
competition and this year another boat will be
given away. The boat this year is a 16ft
Stabicraft Frontier with a 70hp engine, says
John.
It has a centre
and a Marine
VHF radio
Sports
in
by Stabicraft,
Oceanconsole
and
comes
with
a
DMW
trailer.
The
prize
is
Marine
and
DMW
Whakatane, Whitianga
worth more
than $50,000 and is sponsored
Trailers
in Hamilton.
During the course of the competition the
names of ten lucky anglers will be drawn and
at prize-giving on Saturday evening, the ten
anglers will each get a ping pong ball with a
number. The balls will all go into a bucket.

John Mort, organiser of this years Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Trailer Boat Tournament, at the Stabicraft boat that can be won
this year.

Under the watchful eye of Graham Bell of


Police Ten 7 fame, representatives from the
sponsors will draw the balls out of the bucket.
If your number is drawn, unfortunately you
wont get the boat. The last number remaining
is the winner. Its high tension.
Even if people arent participating in the
tournament, they should come to the Game
Fishing Club on Saturday evening.
The
atmosphere will be electric. The Whitianga
Sea Scouts will be selling hamburgers and
pizzas to raise money for their new den and the
clubs bar will be open. Its not every day you
get the opportunity to witness first-hand how
someone wins a $50,000 prize.
The rules of the tournament have been
changed this year to foster a culture of catch
and release. We wont weigh snapper, trevally,

EUROLOC
FENCING

kingfish and kahawai as we did in the past,


says John. Instead, anglers will be able to
measure and photograph the fish they caught
while on the water. The fish with the biggest
measurements will win. That means anglers
only have to keep the fish they want to eat. All
the others can be set free.
Every angler who tags and releases a marlin
will be given a rod and reel worth $650. If you
tag and release two marlin, you get a more
expensive rod and reel and if youre lucky
enough to tag and release three, youll go home
with a new rod and reel worth $2,000.
Like last year, the weigh station will be at
Taylors Mistake.
Together with the Beach and Boat
tournament held north of Auckland and the
Tutukaka Small Boat tournament, the
Mercury Bay Game

Fishing Clubs Trailer Boat Tournament once


again forms part of the Snapper World Cup.
The angler catching the biggest snapper during
any of the three tournaments gets his name
engraved on a magnificent snapper-replica
trophy and his fishing club gets to keep the
trophy until next year. The leading snapper so
far this year weighed 12.31kg and was caught
in the Beach and Boat tournament, says John.
Last year Nathan Wilson, one of our club
members, caught the winning snapper in our
trailer boat tournament. His fish weighed
12.4kg. Theres no reason why the trophy cant
stay in Whitianga for another year.
I wish all the anglers a fantastic few days
on the water. Thanks for participating. Rest
assured, Ive already started thinking about
next years tournament.

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- www.theinformer.co.nz

Generous donation by
Lionesses
On Tuesday last week a group of Mercury
Bay Lionesses gathered at The Informers
office in Whitianga to hand a promise to
Edwin Linehan, a trustee of the Mercury Bay
Radiology and Health Trust. Witnessing the
occasion were Mercury Bay midwives Fiona
Kington and Jocelyn Yates.
The promise will enable the Radiology
and Health Trust (the owner of the Mercury
Bay x-ray machine and ultrasound scanner)
to order a foetal heart monitor with the
assurance that the Lionesses have the funds
available, and set aside, to pay for the
monitor. It would have been nice to hand
the Radiology and Health Trust a cheque,
but with the fluctuations in the exchange
rate, were not sure what the exact cost of
the monitor will be, says Carol Timmins,
president of the Lionesses. We expect it to
be in the vicinity of $5,000.
The Lionesses decided to allocate some of
their funds towards a foetal heart monitor
after one of the local GPs mentioned to them
its something the area is in real need of.
Were always looking for worthy causes we
can donate funds to or specifically raise
funds for, says Carol. Up to now the local
midwives had to get by with a much smaller
monitor. We met with Fiona and Jocelyn and
got an understanding of just how much a
new monitor will help them in their work.
The idea of gifting the people of Mercury
Bay a new monitor was popular among all
of us.
Were proud to be able to do this for our
local community.
Although the Radiology and Health Trust
will be the owner of the monitor, it will be

Present when the Mercury Bay Lionesses promise for a new foetal heart monitor was handed over to the Mercury Bay Radiology and Health Trust
were, from left to right - Lioness Helen Linehan (second vice-president), Edwin Linehan (trustee of the Mercury Bay Radiology and Health Trust),
Lionesses Shirley Beer (secretary) and Nicola Hewlett, midwives Jocelyn Yates and Fiona Kington (at the back) and Lionesses Pat Lilley (treasurer in front of Jocelyn),
Carol
Timmins (president),
Jan-Louise
Hamblyn, Yvonne
MacKenzie,
Junewill
Glendenning,
Henson Thames
(first vice-president)
Trish
Cunningham.
in the
day-to-day
care of Fiona
and Jocelyn.
Lionesses
Monitor
provide Megan
her and
of Hamiltonand
will
be reduced.

The monitor will be known as the


Lionesses Monitor, says Edwin.
Foetal heart monitors have been around
since the late 1950s. Its of great use in
determining the health of an unborn baby
during pregnancy and birth. Fiona says the

Jocelyn with more accurate information than


the information they get from the monitor
theyre using at the moment.
Better
information means better decision- making,
says Fiona. An immediate benefit we can
foresee is that unnecessary travel to

Jocelyn and I are both very excited about


the new monitor and, from our side, would
very much like to thank the Lionesses for this
amazing act of generosity and kindness. Its
people like them making this community we
live in so special.

High & Low Tides


for Mercury Bay and Hot Water Beach
DAY/
DATE

HIGH
AM

LOW
AM

HIGH
PM

LOW
PM

Wed 9

8:01

1:33

8:27

2:01

Thur 10

8:52

2:25

9:19

2:53

Fri 11

9:44

3:16

10:10

3:45

Sat 12

10:35

4:07

11:02

4:36

Sun 13

11:26

4:58

11:54

5:27

5:51

12:19

6:19

6:46

1:12

7:13

Mon 14
Tue 15

0:48

Tide data sponsored by

n windows
zwindow .
s
z co.n
4 Dakota Drive
Whitianga
Tel 07 869 5990

Whats that Number?


The Mercury Bay Informer is published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed 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 authors name and surname, telephone number and residential address.
Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher.
Published by Mercury Bay Media Limited
Editor - Stephan Bosman
Contributors - Len Salt, Gillian ONeill, Meghan Hawkes, Cheyenne Walmsley, Deli Connell and
Jack Biddle
Advertiser Management - Petra Bosman and Bronwyn Burkhart
Ofce - 14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510, Mail - PO Box 426,
Whitianga 3542 Telephone - (07) 866 2090, Fax - (07) 866 2092
Editorial - email info@theinformer.co.nz, tel (07) 866 2090
Advertising - email sales@theinformer.co.nz, tel (07) 866 2094
ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online)

ONLINE POLL FOR MARCH 2016

2016 Mercury Bay Media Limited


The Mercury Bay Informer is subject to the principles of the New Zealand
Press Council. Please contact us rst if you have concerns about
any of the editorial content of The Informer. If we were unable to address
your concerns to your satisfaction, you can complain to the New Zealand
Press Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or
www.presscouncil.org.nz.

Page
2

Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 24 hours


111
Police (Whitianga) ............................................................................... 866 4000
Police (Tairua) ...................................................................................... 864 8888
Police (Coromandel Town) .................................................................. 866 1190
Fight crime anonymously - Call Crime Stoppers ... ........................0800 555 111
Dog and Noise Control ........................................... ............................ .868 0200
Dental Emergency (Mercury Bay) ....................................................... 869 5500
Civil Defence ....................................................................................... 868 0200
Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) ............................................ 866 5911
Doctors Surgery (Whitianga) .................................. ............................. 866 4621
Medical Centre (Tairua) ........................................................................ 864 8737
Harbour Master (Whitianga) ......................................................... 027 493 1379
Coastguard Radio Operators ............................................................... 866 2883
Social Services Whitianga .................. ................................... ..............866 4476

Like us on
Facebook. Follow
us on Twitter.

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Should New Zealand get a new flag?


Have your say - at www.theinformer.co.nz.
Want to view a PDF copy of every weeks Informer online?
Just visit www.theinformer.co.nz.

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Impressive Art
Escape Open
Studio Tour
launch
The launch of the Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studio Tour at Hot Waves Caf in Hot Water Beach is
always greeted with anticipation and last Friday was no exception.
Keynote speaker was official New Zealand Defence Forces artist Matt Gauldie, who didnt take long to
point out his connection with last years keynote speaker, Dr Carole Shepheard. Carole was one of my
teachers when I was a student at Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland in the late 90s, he said.
Matt also said that hes proud to call himself a New Zealand artist and that artists shouldnt
underestimate their role and the role of their art in society. I am extremely fortunate that my position
as official Defence Forces artist allows me to travel extensively. Art is everywhere, even in warzones.
Its such an important part of life. I believe that in New Zealand we support our artists more than any
other country. Its something we should always cherish.
The Open Studio Tour launch was also the opening night of the Taste of the Tour exhibition at Hot
Waves Caf, displaying one piece of art from all the artists who are members of the Art Escape, as
well as Emily Boswell, recipient of the 2014 Mercury Bay Art Escape scholarship earmarked for
students attending Mercury Bay Area School.
Members of the public will have for the next month the opportunity to vote for their favourite piece of
art exhibited, so bestowing the title Winner of the Peoples Choice Award on one of the artists.
On Friday evening the artists themselves had the opportunity to vote for their favourite work in the
exhibition. For the first time in the history of the Open Studio Tour, the Artists Choice Award,
sponsored by The Little Gallery of Fine Arts in Tairua, was shared with Julie Whymans painting The
Colour of Dreams receiving the same number of votes as Martinus Sarangapanys drawing Home
Away from Home.
Five pieces of art were sold during the course of Friday evening, including the one submitted by
Emily Boswell.
Pictured is Sarah Holden, owner of The Little Gallery, congratulating Martinus with his achievement in
the Artists Choice Award.

24
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(opposite the Whitianga Hotel)

lumino.co.nz/whitianga
Issue 675
February 2016
679 - 10
9 March
2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
3

OPEN Thurs - Sun


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Sat & Sun 10am 4pm

Open on Saturday
New Dishes
this week
Wagu Beef
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Bike downand
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Conditions perfect for Across the


River Swim
It takes a few planets to line up in the right order for the annual Across the River Swim to take place
and run like clockwork. Of course the key ingredient for the swim from Ferry Landing to the
playground on The Esplanade in Whitianga has to be the tide, which is all about the moon, not the
planets. In the case of an event like this in Whitianga, it means getting the timing just right. The
tide must be low and on the turn when the swim takes place, allowing for safe conditions in calm
water in between low and high tides.
Conditions for last Mondays swim were perfect, with a bit of cloud cover to take the sting out of the
sun and a gentle breeze laid on for the 400 school students involved. The planets were indeed
perfectly lined up.
The swim is significant as its not only a Mercury Bay Area School affair, students from Coroglen and
Whenuakite Schools are also participating. Its yet another example of a unique Mercury Bay
tradition, something that dates back to the 1950s when the swim was part of the annual regatta
which was held on New Years Day. Easily 5,000 people, residents and holidaymakers alike,
participated in the regatta.
The race winners on Monday were Aimee Burton - Year 7 Girls, Sebastian Ross - Year 7 Boys,
Jasmine McCleery - Year 8 Girls, Jordan Richmond - Year 8 Boys, Isabel Lunn - Junior Girls, Ben
Smith - Junior Boys, Ella Tompkins - Intermediate Girls, Tangaroa Lewis - Intermediate Boys, Nicole
Hauer - Senior Girls and Rueben Dimock - Senior Boys.
Pictured are the placegetters in the Junior Girls race, from left to right Anna Stevenson (third),
Isabel Lunn (winner) and Kenjia Campbell (second).

Page
4

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Fresh Fish and


Chips - only
$15, 5 - 9
NEW
HAPPY
HOUR
3 -250g
6:30!
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Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

STEAK
NIGHT,
$18, 5 - 9
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hour 3 6:30
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Page
5

Woohoo Espys
done it again!

When it comes to being voted by the public as serving the best milkshake in the central North Island
region of New Zealand, Espy Caf on The Esplanade in Whitianga has done it again.
Anchor, the organisers of NZs Best Milkshake Competition, phoned last week to say that our
Woohoo My Mangos Got Pashinit! milkshake got through to the final and will now be judged by an
expert with the other three regional winners of the competition, says Espy owner Duncan Wood.
Espys Oh Fudge milkshake was last year crowned as New Zealands best milkshake and Duncan
hopes their Woohoo entry will follow suit. People could vote for us once a day and were aware of
many people who made an effort to vote for us regularly, says Duncan. We want to thank all of them.
The support weve received is truly humbling.
People who voted during the course of the competition went into the draw to win a fortnightly prize
pack made up of a Breville milkshake maker and a $50 prezzy card. One of the winners was
Whitiangas Paulette Hoyland.
Its a very good milkshake and Im delighted Duncan and his team got through to the final, says
Paulette. I really hope they win, they certainly deserve it.
The winner of the competition is expected to be announced in the next three weeks.
Pictured are Duncan and Paulette (holding a Woohoo milkshake) with Espy staff members Kylie
Clayton (on the left) and Harmony Kelsall.
The photo was taken on Friday last week, less than 18 hours before Paulette and her husband Jason
started in the 12 hour race of the weekends ARC adventure racing event. Read more about the event
on page 23.

TAKEAWAY
Fresh Fish n Chips
UR
Classic Burgers
PHONE YO DY
R - REA
ED
DA
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OH
Heat n Eat dishes A
!oad, Tairua
O nGO
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Mai
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OPEN 11am - LATE Ph


07 864 8617
LISTEN
TO

JACQUI & ANDY


Page
6

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

T h a m e s C o as t 97.2 |
W h a n g a m a t a 89.9 |
C o r o m a n d e l 89.1 |
C o o k s B e a c h 90.3 | Matarang i
9 4 .0 |
C o ro g len 93.9 | Paeroa 93.2 |
Waihi B e a c h 104.2 | H a h e i
B e a c h 90.3 | Wh i t i a n g a 90.3
| Op i t o B ay 106.7 |
Pa u a n u i 93.9 | Issue
Tair ua
|
67993.9
- 9 March
Waihi 9 0 .6
2016

Rich history on wall of Coghill


Street Cottage
By Len
Salt

Sarah Hamilton was born in Lammy, near


Tullywiggan, in Ireland, and died in Whitianga
at the age of 94 in 1958. Her life was lived
through a period of history which spanned two
world wars and the great flu epidemic of 1918
which infected 500 million people across the
world and is estimated to have killed between
50 and 100 million. She witnessed the birth of
the motor car, the invention of the telephone,
radio and television, movies and
sound
recordings, electricity and air travel and
massive growth in populations and economic
change, upheaval and development across the
western world.
There was nothing glamorous at all about
Sarahs early life, but some of the stories still
remain, which give an insight into life at the
time. She was 12 when her mother died. Sarah
had to take over running of the farm and raise
her three younger siblings, the youngest a
toddler of just two years old. That meant
carrying water for the household, cutting
wood for the stove to bake bread and making
all the clothes for her brothers and sister as
well as her fathers shirts. The practice in
Ireland was to build a house with a high gable
for storing winter vegetables. Its not clear
when Sarah first arrived in New Zealand with
her family, but records remain of her first
experience at trying the Irish method of
storing the vegetables through the winter. In
the warmer, humid climate of Whenuakite,
where the family initially settled, the
vegetables rotted away, causing Sarah to
comment that the
stench was awful.
Another story tells how Sarah found
Whenuakites isolation difficult and invited
Florrie, a young girl from Tairua to come and
stay. Florrie went missing, putting Sarah into a
panic. She looked everywhere and saw the pigs

munching on something. Sarah screamed for


her brother Billie who was ploughing in a field
not far away, Come quickly, the pigs have
eaten Florrie! But after a terrifying few
minutes, little Florrie was found fast asleep in
a barn.
Prior to World War One, Sarah had been
living in Waihi, caring for her father. It was
the days before the old age pension which was
introduced by Richard Seddon in 1898, paying
men over 65 the sum of 18 pounds a year,
enough to pay for their pipe tobacco and not
much else.
By a stroke of fortune, a legacy of Sarahs
life
still remains today in the old kauri cottage at
5 Coghill Street, Whitianga, where Sarah lived
as an adult. A poster had been hand painted on
the wall of the front room of the cottage to
advertise a dressmaking business Sarah ran
from the cottage. The cottage itself had started
life as a miners house in Kuaotunu before
being moved to its current location in Coghill
Street.
The cottage housed, until recently, artist Rick
Swains studio. Whitianga resident Steffen
Lindner has just opened a new business on the
premises and has taken great care to preserve
the poster that was aptly titled the Lucky
Lady. The lady was revealed purely by
chance in 1989 when some renovations were
being done on the cottage. A saw had cut right
down through the middle of the poster before
it was found just in time to save it. The
beautiful piece of original artwork had been
covered in layers of scrim (a hessian sacking
type of material commonly used to cover walls
in the days before gib-board), hardboard and
wallpaper.
The poster remains to this day in pride of
place on the same wall it was painted and
with any luck it will still be there in another
hundred years to keep telling Sarahs stories.

The poster Lucky Lady painted on the wall of the front room of the
old kauri cottage at 5 Coghill Street, Whitianga.

I am not cooking !!!


Indian or Thai tonight?

07 866-2666
www.hurry4curry.co.nz
39 Albert Street, Whitanga (Westpac Bank Arcade)

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
7

The detection of
gravitational waves...
does it matter?
By Alastair Brickell of Stargazers Astronomy Tours in
Kuaotunu
Some readers may have noticed the intense
publicity around the announcement about three
weeks ago of the discovery of gravitational
waves. Even the TV news bulletins covered
this in between the usual celebrity nonsense
and rugby news. Well, what are these
gravitational waves and do they matter at all?
Two very important questions.
What are they?
About 100 years ago Albert Einstein
developed his theory of general relativity. This
predicted many weird things, one of which
was the existence of gravitational waves and
people have been looking for them ever since
without success. They consist of very slight
ripples in the fabric of Einsteins space-time,
produced by all things that are accelerating in
the universe. We even produce them when we
walk around, but our waves are much too
small to ever be detected. The biggest things in
the universe,
such as two black holes
colliding, do, however, produce waves that we
are only now able to detect.
The eventual detection required the
development of the strangest telescope ever
built. This LIGO telescope has been looking in
vain for over 22 years and consists of two
identical huge instruments in separate parts of
the USA. Each has two arms 4km long,
consisting of vacuum tubes set at right angles
to each other. The arms are so long that the far
end of each has to be raised by 1m to
counteract the curvature of the earth.
Pulses of laser light are sent down both arms
at the same time and the time it takes them to
bounce back off the end is measured extremely
precisely. If a gravitational wave passes by, it
will momentarily make one arm very slightly
longer than the other and this can only now be

Page
8

detected since the instruments were upgraded


last year.
The exquisite precision of the measurement
is equivalent to measuring a change in the
distance to the nearest star (Alpha Centauri,
four light years away) to about the width of a
single human hair! It is the most precise
measurement ever made by the human race
and one of the most significant advancements
in science for well over a century.
Gravitational waves give us a totally new
way of looking at absolutely everything in the
universe. Up to now we have relied on
electromagnetic radiation to let us sense our
environment. This includes visible
light,
infrared (heat), ultraviolet radiation, radio
waves, gamma rays and x-rays, which are all
just variations on the electromagnetic theme.
Gravitational waves are completely different
and
so allowwill
us to eventually
see everything
There
be with new
eyes
in a newwave
manner.
different
gravitational
telescopes both on land and

in space produced to see different frequencies


of these waves, just as optical telescopes allow
us to see different things from what radio
telescopes see. We live in an environment that
is absolutely riddled with gravitational waves
which we have never before been able to see.
We cannot imagine just what we are going to
learn in coming decades and centuries the
human species has just acquired a new kind of
eye!
Great for the boffins, but does it matter?
Absolutely! But in ways we cannot yet
imagine. The LIGO telescopes cost over $ 800
million to develop and some will suggest that
surely we would have been better off spending
this money to help the poor in Africa. This
seems to make

One of the 4km long LIGO telescopes in the


USA.

sense, but one could make the same argument


(and many did) about spending over $20 billion
on space exploration to go to the Moon back
in the 1960s. However, it is only through the
advancement of science that the human race
will ever progress and it is impossible to
predict just
what rewards investment in
seemingly useless fundamental science will
produce.
Space exploration led to many new
technologies, including weather satellites and
these have already saved many more lives than
what the investment of that same money in
Africa would have ever produced and they will
continue to save lives forever. Military
spending in the US led to the development of
GPS satellites and they too have and will save
many, many lives. Astronomical research led to
the development of CCD cameras which most
of us now carry around in our pockets. Radio

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

telescopes (another seemingly useless idea)


required the development of sophisticated
signal detection techniques to pick up the
extremely faint radio signals astronomers were
listening to from distant stars. This technology
has allowed the development of cell phones
that can detect the very weak signals from a
cell phone tower, often kilometres away, and
this too is now
affordable miniaturised
technology that we carry in our pockets along
with our GPSs and CCDs.
Similarly, the development of lenses and
thus microscopes led to the discovery of many
totally unexpected things such as the existence
of cells and bacteria which allowed modern
medicine to progress.
So, gravitational waves are important and
the human race just took another giant leap
forward.

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
9

Community Patrol Report


With Laurie Johnston - Chairman of the Mercury Bay Community Patrol

HOUSE WASHING
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
10

I had first-hand experience last week of


the Kuaotunu Fire Brigade. We are indeed
fortunate to have these services available
to us in all these smaller settlements on the
Coromandel. Well done you guys in dealing
with a truck and trailer on State Highway 25
late one night.
Also to the contractors they organised,
its amazing to me how these people appear
from nowhere to help. Thats the great
community spirit we have in this area.
Our contract with Thames Coromandel
District Council was finalized a couple of
weeks ago and we have duly received funding
for the next 12 months. We are able to do quite
a bit for TCDC, including reporting vehicles
whose occupants put their plastic bags of
rubbish into other residents black wheelie
bins when theyre out for collection.
We are in a good position to continue our
patrols for the next twelve months.
Our South Patrol has five new candidates
for membership and that is great news.
The patrol has quite a big area to cover and
with a high level of enthusiasm from residents,
it bodes well for the future.
I would like to highlight the need for noting
car registrations when anyone sees anything
that looks suspicious to them. All too often
we hear of vehicles or their occupants causing
concern, but only a few think about noting
the car registration. Thats very important.
I remember a Whitianga Police Report
published several months ago where it was

commented on that it really helps to have a


vehicle registration rather than just the model
and colour.
Last month I mentioned the problems that
occurred at the Cathedral Cove car park.
Well, last Saturday it was just as bad,
but the Police were in attendance making
notes. The land is owned by the Department
of Conservation and they, of course, have no
officers in attendance in that area. I understand
there are moves afoot to put the area into a
more controlled state.
Its interesting to note that some of the
nearby residents are taking full advantage
of the situation by offering parking on their
properties. One notice was written in German!
Why not?
In Whitianga, the past few weeks have been
its been quiet again. Thats good, isnt it?
The only incident that came to my notice
was a problem at one of our hospitality
establishments one evening when patrons
started fighting and a temporary close down
had to be applied.
Last week graffiti appeared in Cook Drive.
I have said before, get it photographed and
arrange for the Police to see the graffiti before
its painted out. Thats exactly what happened
in this instance. Well done to the resident.
Finally, I would like to make it known that
both the Whitianga ferry and the Go Kiwi
Beach Bus offer free transport to the Hot
Water Beach Lifeguards when they are on
duty. A fine gesture.

Update on
Cathedral Cove
tracks upgrade

The Department of Conservation-initiated upgrades to the Cathedral Cove track and the
Stingray and Gemstone Bay tracks are well underway. Apart from weather delays, everything
is going to plan and, according to DOC, the progress is looking great. The tracks to Stingray
and Gemstone Bay will be ready for sealing next week.
Temporary closures are still in place during certain times at different sections of the various
tracks. This is to ensure the work can be completed as efficiently and safely as possible.
To avoid disappointment, visitors should first seek information about what closures will be
in place at the time they plan to visit the Cathedral Cove area, says DOCs Operations Ranger
Nicola Miller. Although we plan to stick to the initial closure dates as much as possible,
interruptions such as rain can add delays to the work schedule. If people are unsure, it is
best to call the local DOC office.
Planned closures are as follows 11 March to 12 March - Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay CLOSED.
18 March to 22 April - Main Cathedral Cove track every Thursday and Friday morning until
11:00am CLOSED (open rest of the day).
From the progress that has been made already, it is exciting to start envisioning what the
end product will look like. The DOC staff members involved in the upgrade are thankful for
the patience and cooperation of the local community and look forward to seeing the benefits
enjoyed by all once completed.
Please contact Nicola on (07) 869 5632 or or 027 660 2496 for any enquiries and for updated
details. More information will be provided during the progress of the operation through The
The Mercury Bay Informer Issue 679 - 9 March
Informer and other media outlets and on the DOC website www.doc.govt.co.nz.
www.theinformer.co.nz
2016

Unique niche hobby


business for Art
Escape artist
By Gillian
ONeill
A childhood obsession with fish has evolved
into a unique niche hobby business for Tairua
carver Tim Aldrich, who is be opening his
doors to visitors as part of this years
Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studio Tour.
The father of three, who moved his family
from the UK to Tairua 10 years ago, is
gaining notoriety for his fish carvings which
have been commissioned for both displays
and
trophies. Kingfish are particularly
popular because of their bright colouring.
However, a new opportunity has recently
emerged that Tim is keen to explore further.
There is a growing interest in replica fish.
It used to be that if a prize fish was caught,
it would be stuffed and mounted. With
people more committed now to conserving
fish, the idea of a carved replica is a great
alternative, Tim says.
If people are out there and they land a
spectacular fish, they can measure it,
photograph it and then release it. If they
bring me the photo I will create a precise
replica so they can have a lasting memory of
their days
fishing.
As a kid back in the UK, I would spend a
lot of time drawing fish. I was fascinated
with the shapes and the colours. Then, when
I came to New Zealand, I found the colours
were even more vivid and of course everyone
here loves fish, so there is a real interest in
the

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

carvings I do.
Oregon Pine from America is one of Tims
favourite materials to use. The wood
resembles the patterns of the fish, so its a
really nice wood to use, but I also work with
Kauri and sometimes Macrocarpa.
While fish may be his favourite subject,
Tims repertoire is extensive and he is happy
to accept commissions based on whatever
ideas people have. Ive just finished a piece
for the Mercury Bay Art Escape Taste of the
Tour exhibition at Hot Waves Cafe. Its called
Happy Dancer and its a woman dancing.
Its turned out really well, Im very pleased
with it.
Tim is enjoying hosting viewings during
this years Open Sudio Tour, demonstrating
his skills and even allowing visitors to try
their hand at some carving.
I m working on a snapper, so people are
getting a good look at whats involved in
creating the fish. I also enjoy giving carving
tuition, its amazing what people can achieve,
even in just a day. So if anyone is interested
getting a little taster they can come along and
give it a go.
Tims studio at 39 Hornsea Road will
again be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm this
weekend (the second weekend of the Art
escape Open Studio Tour).

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Tairua carver Tim Aldrich is demonstrating how he creates unique fish carvings,
like the kingfish pictured here, during this years Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studio
Tour.

Page
11

Creating
Rangitira Pita R
Sharples

Whitianga artist Raewyn Helms-Davis has featured in the Informer recently as the creator of Sydnie,
the cartoon dog. Raewyn is also an accomplished artist specialising in the use of pastels and she has
just achieved the honour of having three of her pieces accepted for inclusion in the annual exhibition
of the Pastel Artists of New Zealand, to be held in Mapua near Nelson next month.
One of the pieces Raewyn submitted has been gathering a lot of attention since it was created four
years ago. Its a portrait of former Maori Party co-leader Sir Pita Sharples.
The process of creating the portrait kicked off with Raewyn contacting Sir Pita through his office and
being invited to his West Auckland marae to meet him. Sir Pita took the time to walk and talk with
Raewyn and was happy for her to take a number of photographs she could later reference from. He
asked that Raewyn include in her portrait the carving that is always around his neck. He also ensured
Raewyn was given images of a treasured panel recording his familys history, located inside the
wharenui.
Following this, Raewyn received a Maori Party t-shirt as a gift from the party. She enlisted the help of
her husband to model the t-shirt while she was taking photos. Then she got to work.
Once the portrait was finished, it showed Sir Pita in front of his familys history panel and proudly
wearing the t-shirt of the party he helped to establish in 2004.
Pictured is Raewyn with her portrait of Sir Pita, which she decided to call Rangitira - Pita R
Sharples.

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Sports Injuries / Post Surgery and Fracture Rehab
Acupuncture / Hand Therapy / Womens Health Clinic
Physiotherapists with the qualifications to provide
excellence in physical health care

Dr Adams and Hemmess Surgery - Ph 866 4621

Page
12

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Becoming involved in the


Mercury Bay culture of
generosity
When Whitianga mother Eloise Green
approached Mary Ray, the owner of Stilo
Hair & Co in Whitianga, with a request to
cut her two daughters hair, Mary said yes.
But when Eloise told Mary why her two
daughters, Cerys and Seren, would like to cut
their hair, Mary didnt hesitate to say shell
do it for free.

The reason for Marys generosity is simple.


Cerys and Seren wanted to donate their hair
to an organisation making wigs for people
suffering from extreme hair loss (for example
cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
treatment). For such a good cause I was
happy to donate my time to restyle the two
girls hair, says Mary.

Seren (on the left) and Cerys Green on Thursday afternoon last week
when Paige Williams (behind Cerys) of Stilo Hair & Co cut their hair for a good
cause.

On Thursday afternoon last week Cerys and


Seren arrived at Stilo for the big event and
Mary asked Eloise if it was OK for Paige
Williams, who started working with her only
the day before, to cut the girls hair. Eloise
was fine with it, says Mary. Paige is an
experienced hairdresser and I was confident
she would do a good job. I thought it was a
great opportunity for her to become involved
in the culture of generosity we all experience
and love in Mercury Bay.
Paige indeed did an outstanding job.
Cerys and Seren looked stunning when she
was finished with them.
Paige grew up in Thames. After school,
she spent a few years in Auckland and then
moved to Tauranga, where she qualified as a
hairdresser. It was in Tauranga she met her
partner Russell.
Paige and Russell are the proud parents of
two boys, Cash (three) and Jett (two), and
some time ago they started talking seriously
about moving to the Coromandel. My
parents are now living Coromandel Town
and we wanted to be closer to them, says
Paige. We decided that Whitianga is the
town we ultimately would like to settle in.
Russell is a heavy vehicle driver by
profession, but was happy to take a job in my
dads landscaping business. I had to find a
job in Whitianga before we could move. A
friend told me that Mary was looking for
someone. I sent her my CV and she invited
me to do a trade test. It went really well and
here I am.

Paige, Russell and their two boys are at the


moment staying with Paiges parents in
Coromandel Town. For now its a
convenient
arrangement as Russell is
working with my
dad and rental
accommodation
in
Whitianga
the opportunity to checkis scarce,
out the
says Paige. It also gives us
Whitianga market before we invest in a place
of our own.
Asking Paige why she and Russell decided
Whitianga is where they would like to settle,
she says the town has everything they like,
including the beach and the opportunities to
fish and dive. They also like the community
feel of the Mercury Bay area and think
Mercury Bay Area School will have a lot to
offer their boys once they start school.
When it comes to ticking the boxes,
Whitianga is for us the perfect place to be.
Mary has another stylist starting at Stilo in
the next few weeks. Tash Stephen and her
partner (wholl be joining the team at
Guthrie Bowron Whitianga) decided to trade
the Auckland rat race for the quality of life
only Mercury Bay can offer. The couples
six-year-old son will attend MBAS once they
arrive in Whitianga.
Tash did her training as a hairdresser at
the same group of salons I did my training,
says Mary. Like Paige, shes very
experienced. Whitianga is growing and Stilo
is growing with it. Im excited about the
future with two top-class stylists working
with me.

614 Pollen
Scott
St.Thames
07 868 3529
Simpson
www.scottsimpson.co
A large part of my job is

MP FOR
.nz
helping people. For an
COROMAND L
appointment please
contact my office.

email:mpcoromandel@parliamen
t.govt.nz

Authorised by Scott Simpson, 614 Pollen


St,Thames and funded by the Parliamentary
Service

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
13

Kids, win with


Beach Hop!

Thames Coromandel District Council is giving children the opportunity to have a bit of early Beach Hop fun with this colouring
competition.
Kids, just make sure you have your entries in on time to win vouchers from a variety of Mercury Bay businesses.
Remember Beach Hop will be in Whitianga on 29 March. Its the Tuesday just after Easter.

Page
14

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Local Samaritans
blown away by
generosity of
community

Ian and Raewyn Diprose have been travelling to Fiji regularly for the last almost four decades
to undertake volunteer work. Over time they have built up strong friendships, which turned
out to be of immense value after Cyclone Winston battered the country on 20 February
this year.
Winston came ashore as a category five hurricane and was the strongest cyclone on record
to ever hit the country. It inflicted severe damage to many parts of the main and outlying
islands. Forty three people lost their lives.
Ian and Raewyn had a pretty good idea of what would be needed after Winston struck. They
put the word out to the people of Mercury Bay and they were overwhelmed by the response.
All the op shops and many local businesses offered to help, as well as many individuals,
and we have been able to fill in a very short space of time an entire 40ft container to
send to Fiji, says Ian.
The village where Ian and Raewyns friends live were not as badly hit as other areas and they
(Ian and Raewyns friends) will be able to distribute the aid donated by the people of
Mercury Bay to those parts of the country that are the most in need of help.
Again we have seen that our local community is not afraid to step up when people are in
need, says Ian. The generosity of the people of Mercury Bay people has blown us away.
Pictured are Ian and Raewyn with some of the things the people of Mercury Bay donated to
the people of Fiji.

Rolla-Tilta-Sectional

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Sleepouts

Automatic Openers

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Licensed building practitioners


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new doors and openers

All concrete work

Ph 07 866 5544 or 027 493 2691 71a Cook Drive, Whitianga

www.hoylandcontracting.co.nz

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
15

Inclusion of MBAS in Art


Escape Open Studio Tour
highly successful
The inclusion of the Mercury Bay Area School art room in the 2016 Mercury Bay Art
Escape Open Studio Tour is proving to be a roaring success. This is in no small
part due to the combined goodwill and effort of some MBAS teachers and senior
students who volunteered their time to make sure theres at all times someone
staffing the art room while the Open Studio Tour is on (last weekend and this
coming weekend).
None of the work on display in the art room is for sale. The school is included in
the Open Studio Tour purely to showcase of the work of the schools art
students.
Last Saturday saw 56 visitors coming through the art room, Sunday another 40.
MBAS teachers Carol Boswell and Svargo, the core mathematics department of the
school and both avid supporters of the arts, were volunteers last Sunday. The
feedback on the day was very positive, says Svargo. There were lots of
compliments on the high quality of the work, particularly the attention to detail in
many of the pieces, and on the obvious passion and dedication that art teacher
Janet Hoogwerf has inspired in her students.
Carol has added reason to be proud. Her daughter Emily was the 2014 recipient of
the Mercury Bay Art Escape scholarship. Emily has an extensive portfolio of work,
from Year 10 to her Year 13 excellence achievement board, on display at the school.
In 2015 two Art Escape scholarships were awarded to MBAS students Renee Royal
and Joseph Morcom. Artworks by these two promising young students also
feature strongly in the art room.
Also getting a lot of attention is the Year 13 excellence board of Marie Everth, who,
in addition to her achievement in art, had achieved excellence in calculus, physics
and a number of other subjects in order to become the schools Dux student for
2015.
A short video playing in the art room during the Open Studio Tour shows several
students, including Emily, working on art projects and teacher Janet Hoogwerf and
MBAS principal John Wright discussing the importance of art in the school
curriculum mix. My favourite quote from the video is this, Earth without art is
just - eh, says Svargo.
The school art room will be open again this coming weekend, the final weekend of
the Open Studio Tour. Its well worth a visit.
Pictured are MBAS teachers Svargo (left) and Carol Boswell in the MBAS art room
last Sunday.

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Page
16

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Whitianga

07 866
0070

Spouting
Roofing
Water treatments systems
Septic tanks
Hot Water cylinders
New Housing
Alterations
General Maintenance
Solar water heating
All LPG gas installation

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

MORTGAG
EE
AUCTION

Apartment 7

Apartment
1

4 Roseberry Place
High spec show home in Whitianga Waterways.
3 bdrm, 2 bthrm, family room, office, attic, large
double garaging.
For Sale
www.harcourts.co.nz/wi20943

Apartmen
t2

Peter MacGregor M 027 224 7332


Larsen Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Waterfront Apartments : Units , 1,2 and 7. MORTGAGEE AUCTION

Buy all 3 or take your pick. Dont miss this amazing


opportunity!
3 x 1 bedroom studio apartments with super views just across from Buffalo
Beach.
The ground floor apartment includes the hallway and laundry area.
All three will sell way below their current rating values.
To be sold plus GST (if any).
Auction Thursday 24 March 12.30pm, Harcourts office, 71 Albert Street, Whitianga
www.harcourts.co.nz/ wi20993
Peter MacGregor M 027 224 7332
Larsen Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Katrina CarlyonM 021 724 200


Larsen Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

27 Tarapatiki Drive
Amazing and beautiful
tranquil home on 2.14ha (5a)
Built to awesome
views, private,
minutes to town.
Owners will
For Sale
consider options to
www.harcourts.co.nz/wi20936
buy.
Helen Larsen M 027 263
2344

3 Mill
1950s
Road residential, waterfront zone giving future
options.2 bdrm1 bthrm home with original bach in
rear. Central to all amenities.
For Sale $550,000
www.harcourts.co.nz/wi20816

Larsen Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA


2008

Larsen Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Noelene Bellingham M 027


280 8477

27 Tarapatiki
Drive

5 Laura
Place
Awesome
home with 4 bedrooms,3 bathrms,
garaging, carport. Includes separate section with
its own title.
Two titles, two properties. Private and peaceful.
For Sale $895,000
www.harcourts.co.nz/wi 20856

JUST LISTED

Marie OsbornM 027 433 4027

JUST LISTED

11 Robinson
Road
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home plus separate.1
bedroom self contained flat. All on 1227 m2
(approx) section.

6 Wells
Place
Delightful
holiday home in
popular Location, close to
beach.

128B Cook
Drive
2 bedroom easy care unit designed
for comfort. Central- close to beach
and town.

For Sale $620,000


www.harcourts.co.nz/wi20999

For Sale
www.harcourts.co.nz/wi
Wayne Anderson M 021
963 354

For Sale $345,000


www.harcourts.co.nz/wi20997

Noelene Bellingham M 027 280 8477


Larsen Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

harcourts.co
.nz

Issue 675
February 2016
679 - 10
9 March
2016

Harcourts Whitianga

Larsen Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA


2008

71 Albert Street P 07
866 4981

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Katrina CarlyonM 021 724 200


Larsen Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Harcourts Tairua
238 Main Road P 07 864
7822

Page
17

Peninsula Past 1922


Every now and again Informer contributor, Megan Hawkes, trawls through the
newspapers that circulated in Mercury Bay and around the Coromandel Peninsula in the
early days. More often than not she discovers something interesting. This is an
example
from
1879.
A Mormon
City
at Tairua looked likely
some members told him that they would stand
following a lively and convivial meeting
headed by a Mr Dyer, known as the leading
spirit. In a speech made about forming a New
Jerusalem, Dyer said that when Joseph Smith
first started Mormonism at Salt Lake, he had
great difficulties to contend with - all
civilisation was against it.
Thanks to perseverance and go-aheadism,
they had overcome this and now, he said, Salt
Lake was the most flourishing and best
conducted city on the face of the earth. A gum
digger in the audience wanted to know how
many wives a man was allowed to keep. Mr
Dyer answered as many as he could afford women worked in the fields felling trees and
doing all the outside work and where a man
had eight or ten wives, all he had to do was sit
in his rocking chair and smoke his cigar, for
the women there worship a man the same as
they worship a sealskin jacket in New York.
After a great deal of hurrahing and stamping
of feet, order was restored. Tairua, Dyer said,
was similar to Salt Lake. Rowleys Hill - well,
it was the twin brother to the Rocky
Mountains. There they had the Great Pacific
Railway running past, just the same as they
should have the Thames Valley Railway
running past Tairua. A bushman interjected
there never would be a Thames Valley Railway
to groans and cries of sit down.
Mr Dyer told them he had great influence
with the government and what was more -

for prophet when the New Jerusalem was


formed and he could count on the railway
being pushed ahead, a statement which earned
him a pelting with an orange.
An old seaman, to deafening cheers, said he
was always a lover of the fairer sex and he
could speak with confidence that he could get
50 or 60 women to join. He added that he
could raise nine wives for himself and he
believed the ugliest man could reckon on three
or four. It was proposed that Mr Dyer and
followers proceed to Thames to gain converts
for the New Jerusalem. The day of jubilee has
come at last, rhapsodised the newspaper,
For petticoat husbands, neglected wives, old
maids, widows, grass widows, the rejected,
despised, old, ugly, the blind, lame, Turks and
Greek, Jews and gentiles - all are welcome.
Now the future land of promise is open, so
dont be bashful, men or women, boys or girls,
but make tracks for the New Jerusalem,
Tairua, where a hearty welcome will be
accorded to all. Any person wanting
information may obtain the same by writing to
the Secretary, No 44, New Jerusalem,
Tairua.

I appreciate the editor of The Informer


allowing me to review this 1879 newspaper
article and respond. At first I laughed at the
way it depicted early Mormons in Salt Lake
City. Then I thought, Take the editors offer to
not publish it if it would offend us. Finally, I
realized that as an historical article,
it
accurately depicted the way many people
viewed Mormons in the 1800s.
While it is true that until 1890, like the
patriarchs in the Old Testament, some members
of the Church practiced polygamy or plural
marriage, I doubt it was quite the male
rocking chair paradise painted by Mr
Dyer.
Moreover, polygamy was
discontinued

We, like many others undoubtedly will,


found this Peninsula Past column quite
amusing. We never doubted that it wasnt a
true depiction of the Mormon Church. We
thought it prudent to obtain permission from
Elder Charles Carr, Whitianga leader of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (as
the Mormon Church is more formally known),
to publish the column. This was Elder Carrs
reply -

by Church edict in 1890. (If you read about


husbands with plural wives today, they are not
Mormons, despite what may be said.)
Further, regarding the 1879 news article, it is
probable that the Mr Dyer quoted there was
not a Mormon and as far as I have been able to
discover, there was not a Mormon city, New
Jerusalem, group or congregation in the Tairua
area as described. (If anyone is interested, I
have just received a new, fascinating DVD
The History of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints in New Zealand, that begins
in 1853 and is narrated by former All Black
Sid Going. It is available to borrow, just email
me at eldercharlescarr@gmail.com).

Agroup of Mormon elders from Utah in the USAin New Zealand in 1909.
Photo courtsey of Sir George Grey Special Collections AWNS-19090218-142.

Kitchens
Vanities
robes
Splash backs
Units

Laundries
Walk in
Media

Contact Carol Harker: 866 4111 or 027 22 66 289

www.kitchensoncoromandel.co.nz

Page
18

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Issue 675
February 2016
679 - 10
9 March
2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
19

Whats On the next few weeks

Sponsored by Dive Zone Whitianga Tel (07) 867


1580

Op-Shops
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.
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 Opportunity Shop, Coghill Street (east of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am 4:00pm, Saturday 9:00am - 2:00pm. Phone 869 5416.
Justice of the Peace
Every Monday 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Phone 866 4476 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.
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.
Social Cycling Group
Meet every Sunday at 9:00am at Taylors Mistake, Whitianga. Short 45 minute cycle and coffee. Phone Bryan on 022
155 8944 for more information.
Whitianga Movers and Losers (the Old WWs)
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.
Waka Ama Have a Go days
First and third Sunday of every month and Thursday afternoons. See Facebook.com/whitiangawakaama.
Mercury Bay Community Choir
Meets every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area School music room. Non-auditioned. New
members welcome. Contact Kate Nielsen on telephone 866 2573 or (027) 270 9058 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 Toastmasters
Meet Tuesdays from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the Whitianga Art Centre, School Road, Whitianga. Competent Leadership listening, critical thinking, giving feedback, time management, motivating people, mentoring and team building.
Phone Merle on 866 0240 or (021) 0241 9368 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.
Scottish Country Dancing
Every Monday 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the Whitianga Town Hall. Phone Anthea on 866 4516 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.
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. Phone Lance Hayson (president) on 866 5817 for more information.
Whitianga Toy Library
Isabella Street (off Coghill St), Open Wednesday 2:30pm - 4:00pm and Friday 10:00am - 11:30am. New members
welcome.
Operation Cover-Up
Meet the last Wednesday of every month at Whitianga Social Services from 1:30pm - 3:30pm. An initiative knitting
clothing for Missions without Borders in the Ukraine and Moldova. Phone Brenda on 866 5814 for more
information.
Whitianga Art Group
Meet every Thursday and Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm, at the Art Centre in School Road, Whitianga. New members
welcome. Phone Rose on 022 139 2968 or Maryanne on 866 4099 for more information.
Coroglen Farmers Market
Every Sunday, 9:30am - 1:00pm. Locally produced seasonal fruit and vegetables, honey, olive oil, jams, chutneys,
home-baking, handmade soap, coffee, hot snacks, art and craft, quality vintage items and much more. Phone Fiona
on 866 3315 for more information.
Mercury Bay Pony Club Accumulator Show Jumping Series
Wednesday 9 February at the Mercury Bay Pony Club grounds, Wade Road, Whitianga. Starts at 4:00pm. Entries
$5.00 per class ($5.00 ground fee for non-MBPC members). Points to be accumulated over three competition days
(this is the last competition day). See www.mercurybayponyclub.wordpress.com for more information.
Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Trailer Boat Tournament
Thursday 10 March - Saturday 12 March. Registration on Wednesday 9 march from 11:00am at the Mercury Bay
Game Fishing Club on The Esplanade in Whitianga. More information at www.gamebase.co.nz.
Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studio Tour
Saturday and Sunday 12 and 13 March. A self-drive tour of 36 artists studios from Tairua to Kuaotunu. See
www.mercurybayartescape.com.
Whitianga Art, Craft and Farmers Market
Saturday 12 March from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Whitianga. Locally produced fruit and
vegetables and art and craft. Phone Anne on 866 5550 or Doreen on 866 5237 for more information.
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,
Albert Street, Whitianga.
Anglican Services
St Peter the Fisherman, 9:30am Sunday services. All are welcome, Dundas Street, Whitianga.
Crossroad Encounter Fellowship
10:00am every Sunday, cnr Joan Gaskell Drive and Cook Drive, Whitianga.
St Patricks 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, childrens programme, 112 Cook Drive, Whitianga, tel 866 4027.
C3 Whitianga
10:00am every Sunday, childrens programme, 23 Coghill Street, Whitianga,
email info@c3whitianga.org.nz.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
The Mercury Bay Informer -Meet on Sundays 10:00am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Social Services
Issue 679 - 9 March
www.theinformer.co.nz
2016
building, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Childrens programme. Phone 021 277

Tile & Grout restoration work


including cleaning, repair work
Grout clear/colour sealing,
re-colouring silicone work
Shower glass/glass
cleaning/treatment

Pftone/txt Jack 021 775 118

Page
20

KSAR
Column
with Steve Hart

Exciting news for KSAR with Pub Charity


approving a grant of $29,121 towards the
construction of our new base next to the
Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust hanger
on Moewai Road in Whitianga. This will
enable the project to start with KSAR
providing $34,000 towards the project from
various fundraising activites over the past
three years.
We are hopeful of the success of another

funding application that will assist with the


costs of the fit-out of the building. We were
very pleased to also receive news that
Thames
Coromandel District Council
assisted with the cost of the development
contributions and the kind donation of
bathroom supplies from Mico Wakefield.
Thanks guys.
In late February KSAR hosted 24 Land
SAR volunteers at a Tracking Core Skills
course held in the Kauaeranga Valley. This
course

brought SAR volunteers from throughout the


North Island as far away as Wanganui and
Hawkes Bay to learn the basic skills of
tracking. Tracking Core Skills is the first of
four tracking courses that land SAR members
can undertake that will give them skills to
locates signs and direction of travel of a lost
party and to identify clues that may lead to
the lost party. Quite similar to hunting skills
used to track wild anmals, but the outcome

Some of the Land Search and Rescue volunteers who attended a Tracking Core Skills course in the Kauaeranga Valley in late
February.

quite different.
Two KSAR members entered the
Adventure Racing Coromandel Lady of the
Mist eight hour adventure race last
weekend. This race certainly put our team to
the test for endurance, plus a few other
interesting skill challenges. KSAR was also
be on standby for the duration of the race as
one of the challenges for those taking part
was not getting lostor injured. Fortunately
we didnt get called out and everyone came
home safely.
KSAR intends working closely with
Whitianga Coastguard and the Auckland and
Coromandel Rescue Helicopter crew this
year to give its first response members
improved skills in rapid deployment. Getting
searchers with a high level of training in
tracking, first aid, search methods, helo
winching,
safe boat practices, coastal
landings and navigation will ensure search
teams arrive into remote or coastal search
areas faster, improving the chances for a lost
person to be located. The rapid deployment
teams will be supported by a highly mobile
incident management team who will also
upskill in
the initial response period,
providing remote radio communications,
logistics, mapping and taskings.
There are a few more months of good
weather coming, so enjoy the start of autum
but ensure you plan ahead and remember to
explain your intents to someone before
leaving for a walk or adventure in nature.

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Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Inspections of plastered
houses
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ail.com

Page
21

Scotts Thoughts
Scott Simpson - National Party MP for
Coromandel
Should we change our flag?
The flag debate is hotting up as we get
closer to decision time about our whether
we retain or change our flag. This is the
first
time we as individual New
Zealanders have had a chance to have a
say in what flag we should have.
Whatever your view I urge you to
complete the voting paper which you will
have received by now and return it by 24
March.
Superannuation and Family
Support Increases
The National government has made an
iron
clad commitment to keep the
retirement age at 65 and to keep the rates
of superannuation
and pensions for
veterans at 66 per cent of
average
incomes. As a result there will be a
2.73 per cent rise this year for both
married couples and those living alone.
However we are also aware that families
need support and the $25 per week Child
Hardship Package announced in last years
Budget will take effect on 1 April along
with increased support for low income
working families. Over half a million
children will benefit from these changes.
Leave Drug Decisions to Pharmac
I am very sympathetic to melanoma
patients who are undergoing treatment and
recognise that the expensive new drug

Page
22

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Keytruda would be beneficial to some


sufferers.
Keytruda clinical trials have examined
eight months worth of data. For one-inthree patients there was a clear benefit, but
not for the remaining two-thirds. This
demonstrates to me that more data is
required
Pharmac are involved in complex
commercial negotiations with a number of
drug companies who supply similar
medicines. Keytruda is not the only one.
I stand behind the decision-making
process of Pharmac. They have to consider
all patients to ensure the best spend of the
health dollar to benefit all New Zealanders.
There may be some good news in the May
Budget as the National government has
substantially increased health spending in
every budget since 2009 and I suspect the
next one will be no different.
Indeed Prime Minister John Key made
public comments along those lines last
week. This years Budget will be
presented on 26 May by Finance Minister
Bill English.
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, email
mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz.

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Richie McCaw in Whitianga


last weekend
Last weekend saw the 15th annual ARC
adventure racing event taking place on the
Coromandel Peninsula, with Rugby World
Cup-winning All Black captain Richie McCaw
participating in one of the 24 hour races.
The ARC event is a made up of five races,
the traditional 24 hour and 12 hour races
(including kayaking, running/trekking and
cycling), a non-kayaking version of the 24
hour and 12 hour races and an eight hour race.
The 24 hour races started this year in Thames.
The 12 hour races started closer to Whitianga
and the eight hour race took place in its entirety
around Whitianga. All the races finished
at

Brophys Beach in Whitianga.


Each of the races last weekend included
paintball and rifle shooting.
Adventure racing is as much about strategy
as it is about endurance and strategy most
certainly came into play at Fun Zone just south
of Whitianga, where teams had the opportunity
to knock valuable minutes off their overall time
with a solid paintball performance.
Fun Zones Sandy Gaskell says that all team
members had to get into some safety gear
first and were then given a paintball gun with
30 paintballs each. Each teams mission was
to

get through our trench warfare course to


retrieve a medallion from the fort at the other
end, which was worth a 20 minute reduction in
their race time. If they took out one of our
strategically positioned snipers on the way,
then they would get another 10 minutes taken
off. However, if they were shot gun up and
out they go.
Only a handful of teams made it through Richie's team wasnt one of them. Was I
tempted to give him a few pointers? Well, yes
of course, says Sandy. Instead, I asked for a
photo with our granddaughters in return for a
donation to Cure Kids, one of his

Fun Zones Sandy Gaskell with Richie McCaw and her two
granddaughters Dior (on the left) and Dannii Cullen. Dannii was born on
the day
the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

favourite charities.
We were also lucky enough to get his
autograph on a rugby ball. The ball is to be
auctioned off, with all the proceeds going to
Mercury Bay Area School for the upgrade of
the primary school playgrounds. People can
now already bid on our Facebook page. On
Easter Sunday well have a massive Easter egg
hunt and the final bidding for the ball, like in a
real auction, will take place then.
Prize-giving for the five adventure races was
on Sunday morning at Brophys Beach, where
Richie was happy to hand out autographs and
pose for photos with fans.

Whitiangas Jason and Paulette Hoyland and their son Rhys with Richie McCaw at
the ARC adventure racing event prize-giving at BrophysBeach last Sunday.
Jason and Paulette won the Mixed Pairs category of the 12 hour race they
participated in.

Whitianga Tractors
& EQUIPMENT CENTRE

Sales
Repairs
Maintenance
TRACTORS & SMALL
ENGINES

Dave and Karen


Phone 07 867 1046 a/hrs 0275 832
343 Email
whitianga.tractors@gmail.com
Dakota Drive Whitianga

Your local Husqvarna dealer

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
23

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Page
24

February has seen the ambulance service in


Whitianga attend some interesting call- outs.
We have had our share of people being
dumped by what appears to be small surf,
but there was plenty of force behind the
swells. This has resulted in several serious
spinal injuries from Simpsons Beach and
Hahei.
February has by no means been as busy for
us as the summer peak, but we have still
been
busy. The Whitianga ambulance
responded to 83 call-outs for the month, an
increase of 10 over the same month last year.
Our total responses for the first two months
of the year were 223, which is an increase of
41 over same period last year.
Last months responses were made up of
46 medical cases and 37 trauma cases. We
utilised an air ambulance on four occasions,
which ensured speedy transport to hospital
of high acuity patients. As we move into
winter, we will see the balance of
medical/trauma shift to more medical cases,
which is only to be expected.
Can I now introduce you to what we call
the Clinical Hub? This is the place where
your 111 call for ambulance assistance goes
to. There are three in the country - Auckland,
Christchurch and Wellington. It is the place
where ambulances are dispatched from and
is now also the place where alternative care
pathways can be organised. This is
something new and Im sure that some of
you would have experienced this already.
St John receives approximately 1,200 to
1,500 emergency 111 calls per day. A small
number of patients are not in a lifethreatening situation and do not require an
immediate ambulance response, even though
they do need medical assistance. When a
person dials 111 for an ambulance, the call
handler (the person answering the 111 call)
gathers basic information, using standardised
questions, in order to process the call and
triage the response. An incident triaged as
being of lower acuity is eligible for a clinical
telephone assessment from a registered nurse
or paramedic in the Clinical Hub.
Not every call that someone makes to 111
will get an ambulance response. Why is this?
St John has a finite number of emergency
resources. The Clinical Hub was introduced
in Auckland during 2014 with registered
nurses and St John paramedics working
alongside
call-takers and ambulance
dispatchers. The goal of this is to identify
the right care for patients and to utilise
hospital Emergency
Departments,
ambulances and community/

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

primary health care resources appropriately


and to ultimately reduce ambulance
presentations to the hospital EDs.
When a patient has been identified as
having a low acuity complaint, a nurse or
paramedic will call the patient back to ask
them additional questions to ensure that they
get the right care.
During 2014, approximately 25,000 calls
were managed via the Clinical Hub and of
those nearly 9,000 were resolved through
telephone advice from nurses or paramedics.
This resulted in a seven per cent reduction in
emergency ambulance responses and a six
per cent reduction in ambulance transports
to EDs. This enabled St John to increase our
capacity to dispatch emergency ambulances
and to improve our response times.
People who were managed by the Clinical
Hub were supported in accessing the right
care and using alternative care pathways.
This included assistance with the booking of
GP appointments or referring patients to the
district nurse.
So, why are our response numbers
increasing so dramatically? I would hope that
this is due to better education from within
our community as to what ambulances are
actually for and the community making better
use of the ambulance service.
Ambulances are not just to transport
patients. They are manned by highly skilled
and trained paramedics who are here to
provide you with pre-hospital emergency
care. Our aim is to ensure that you get the
right care as soon as possible. We are able to
provide a wide range of care in the back of
our ambulances.
As part of this Right Care regime,
calling an ambulance does not automatically
mean that you will be taken across the hill to
Thames Hospital. We will assess you and
provide treatment to you and, if appropriate,
will make arrangements for an alternative
care pathway with your GP.
Whitianga is very lucky to have excellent
after hours GP care and the ambulance
service utilises this to assist in patients being
treated within the community rather than a
trip to Thames, where this is appropriate.
Please remember that we would rather you
Mike
Burrows
- St
call the
ambulance
to assist you early,
John
Whitianga
instead of leaving it to the last minute when
Station
Manager
things could
be very serious. If in doubt - call
us out.

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

New
automatic
cleaner caps pool
improvements

Impressions
from the start
boat
By Stephan Bosman

The current swim season has been a true swan year for the members of the Mercury Bay
Community Swimming Pool Trust. All calm and graceful on the surface, but a period of intense
activity going on below the water to score some remarkable achievements in a short space of
time.
A $2,100 ICH200 Roberter automatic pool cleaner, capable of pumping 300 litres of water a minute
through its filters, has just been added to the list of pool equipment the trust owns. Trust member
Mel Asquith says that having the machine is saving a lot of time. Its simple to use and it can be
set and left on a timer for up to four hours to do its job. Previously somebody had to be here the
whole time manually cleaning the pool.
The installation of new pool covers at the end of last year will hopefully see the shoulder season
of the pool extended. Were hoping to add up to another month to the season, says Mel. Its
going to depend on how much of the daytime heat we can retain overnight with the covers. The
$30,000 cost of the covers is already proving itself, with the temperature of the water in the pool
being maintained at more than thirty degrees.
A new water testing system has been also installed, which allows for more efficient
measurements of pH levels. The advantage is lower and more accurate dosing of chlorine levels.
Billie McDonnell [pictured] is our paid lifeguard who does weekend duties, says Mel. She
takes responsibility for much of the testing while shes on duty. It has to be done three times a
day, every day, so the rest of it is done by our volunteers, which is usually Steve Mannington. Hes
been an enormous help, putting in literally hundreds of hours of his own time to make it all
happen.
Maintaining and improving the pool has been very much a community effort. In the last 12
months, as well as the covers and the robotic cleaner, we have also been able to paint the pool
surface, retile the changing rooms and install new hand basins.

I had the privilege to experience last Saturdays offshore powerboat racing in Whitianga on the start
boat. Terry Fletcher, owner and skipper of the boat, invited me along for the ride. Also on the boat
were a race official, the official flag man and a diver.
To start each race, Terry had, in essence, to pull up next to the row of powerboats on the start line and
then accelerate to 50kts while the flag man waves the start flag. It was both a technical and an
exhilarating affair - and almost impossible to hang on and take good photos.
In addition to starting each race, the boat was also on standby to assist with any accidents on the
water. Two races of 30 minutes each took place on Saturday.
Terry has recently retired to Whitianga. He owns two powerboats, both of whom raced on Saturday. In
the Superboat Lite class his boat won the second race after a technical difficulty prevented it from
finishing the first race. In the Classic class his boat won both races.
What made an impression on me on Saturday, in addition to the speeds the boats achieved when they
roared past us, was the number of locals who put their hand up to help with the race. Local boats
served as markers at the various buoys and Whitianga Coastguard had a large crew on the water. And
when it was all over, everyone mucked in to pick the buoys up and leave the ocean as they found
it.
I also couldnt help to notice the large crowd at Buffalo Beach Reserve enjoying the action.
I wasnt the only one who was impressed. Several of the boat drivers were overheard saying that they
thoroughly enjoyed racing in Whitianga and cannot wait to come back next year. I like the sound of
that.
Now I must just find a way to get Terry to invite me next year on the start boat again.
Pictured are the large Superboats a split second before Saturdays first race formally got underway.

Weve had enormous support from the community, from Thames Coromandel District Council and
Pub Charity to get all this done. We are very thankful.

MARCH 2015 UPDATE


Mercury Bay Area School
What an incredible summer we had weather wise, from seriously dry in
A school is always a great barometer of how an area is performing. A
mid-December to lush green by the end of February.
The good news is town appears to have been busier than normal for this growing roll is a great sign that a community is tracking well and that you
time of the year, with many people taking the opportunity to travel a bit are getting a good cross section of society moving into the area.
later. The market has continued on right through the peak season and So with that being the case, the area must be going great as the school
roll has hit the stratosphere. Well done to Principal John Wright, the staff
shows no sign of slowing down.
A big welcome to everyone who has made Whitianga and Mercury Bay and the Board of Trustees.
Bragging Rights
their
new home.
The annual Marlin Mayhem Waterways Fishing Tournament was held this
There is no doubt we are witnessing an amazing amount of construction past week. This year the winners were, for the heaviest fish, the team
from Plumb Crazy with a great marlin and Going Deep with the most
at present, so many homes in the planning, consent stage or under
construction. Its great to see how many local builders have been able to tagged and released.
Marlin Waters
secure much of this work.
Development
As is evident, the development is progressing nicely. The next four units
This past week has seen Hopper Construction start work on the are under construction with more in the consenting stage. The next units
completion of Leeward Drive on the Island. Itll be nice to have this island will be a three bedroom two bathroom option.
Events
loop completed and we expect this to be done around June.
The western island canal works will be in the next stage. This new stage Once again, thank you to all those that came along to the Whitianga
Summer Concert.
will
bring on nine non-canal front sections, all elevated with great views north Watch this space for next years line-up. I know promoters Greenstone
or over to the ranges to the west. It will also see the network of walkways Entertainment is out talking to acts as we speak. Also this past weekend
speedway, Art Escape and offshore powerboats. What a wide range of
near completion and the big reserve take shape.
Stage 7 is also nearly finished, just some minor works still to be fantastic events and what a happening place we all live in.
Our sales office is open 7 days,
done,
including the landscaping. This
was delayed
due to- the
dry summer
and
Weekdays
9:00am
4:00pm
and Saturdays
and Sundays 10:00am - 2:00pm.
will now be done in For
April.further information please do not hesitate to contact our sales office on 07 866 0164.

Email - whitiangawaterways@xtra.co.nz Website - www.whitiangawaterways.co.nz


Issue 675
February 2016
679 - 10
9 March
2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
25

UK Style
Crossword
Lovatts
Puzzles

UK Puzzle 679
Name:
Tel no:
Win a $6 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to The
Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
his/her prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week
following the issue in which he/she was announced the winner.

THE ODD JOB MAN


GARY VINCENT

WAITAIA NURSERY

No job too small.


Native Ornamental
oddjobman@slingshot.co.nz

07 866 0059
021 1466 074

Big Trees Fruit Trees


Citrus Hedging
Palms Hire plants
and more
Bagged Products

ACROS
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1.

DOW
1. Monotony
N

squabbles
7. Undid (skirt)
8. Children
Fear
10.
12. Rissole
14. Yemen port
16. Burlesque actress
17. Exerted (oneself)
20. Intensifying (of war)
23. Relieved
24. All of space, the ...
25. Situate

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
9.
11.
13.
15.
16.
18.
19.
21.
22.

Bulk mulch

Become tattered
Unknown writer
Refreshments booth
Widening
Light-bulb inventor
Niggling worry
Documents fastener
... sleeping dogs lie
NE US state
Personal money order
Dally
Director, Woody ...
Assignment
Prison

Open
Thurs - Sun 9am - 5pm
other days by phone
appointment
(07) 869 5910

Waitaia Road
Kuaotunu

Last weeks
solution

Last weeks winner - Brian


Lawn

Mobility equipment available for locals or visitors.


Walking frames, crutches, walking sticks and mobility scooters
Phone Roger on 07 867 1986 for more information
Page
26

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Sport Results
MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB
Handicap Pairs Round - Wednesday 2 March
North/South - 1 Elsie Cousins and Sue Gill 62.45, 2
Ernie Pitchfork and Bob Schibli 55.97, 3 Gerry Church
and David Dylla 55.71.
East/West - 1 Bill and Annette Cummings 62.39, 2
Giorgio Allemano and Laura Scaglia 54.80, 3 Prue
Clifford and Lyn Baines 53.05.
HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
Betty Dunn Pairs - Tuesday 1 March
North/South - 1 Chris Rendle and Robyn Waters 58.07,
2 Barry Scott and David Wilkinson 55.73, 3 Maritza
Kocsis and Bev Dickie 55.47.
East/West - 1 Annette Cox and Peter France 66.48, 2
Philip Shewell and Sue Gill 56.82, 3 Betty Dunn and
Myra Hoogwerf 54.06.
WHITIANGA TOUCH CLUB
End of Season Tournament - Saturday 5 March
Cup Round - 866 5 v Rhythm 4.
Shield Round - Cooper Tyres 4 v Dark Side 3.
MERCURY BAY SWIMMING CLUB
Peninsula Fun Carnival - Sunday 6 March
Twelve club members competed in the carnival, which
will be held in Whitianga next year. All the members
swam really well and came home with ribbons for
placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their heats.
Both the 11 Year and Under and the 12 Year and Over
teams won the 4 x2 5m medley relay and came 2nd and
3rd respectively in the 4 X 25m freestyle relay.
Points were awarded for each race and the following
children placed in their age groups - Tom Lamason
-

3rd in the 7 year old boys, Meg Hoyland - 1st in the 9


year old girls, Milly Lamason - 1st in the 10 year old
girls, Aimee Burton - 3rd in the 11 year old girls, Ava
Lamason
- 3rd in the 12 year old girls, Isabel Lunn - 2nd in the 13
year old girls and Ella Tomkins - 1st in the 15 year old
girls. MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wednesday 2 March
Best of three frames.
Brian Codyre took home the bacon and eggs with three
straight wins. Two wins for Peter Challis and one win
each for Barry Roach, Wayne Bellingham, Shayne Butler,
Warren Bellingham and Kevan from Vancouver.
Highest break Peter Challis 28 - taking home the pool
of $13.50.
MERCURY BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Mens Golf - Wednesday 2 March
A small field contested the mid-week stableford
scramble. The winner was Roger Booth, who had a very
good 42 points. Next was Kevin Smith with 41, followed
by Alan Henderson on 39. Bob Haase and Jack Coldicutt
had 37 and Kevan Miles had 36 points.
Jack Coldicutt had two twos.
Ladies Nine Hole Golf - Thursday 3 March
The competition was gross and net. Seventeen ladies
competed.
Winners - Division 1 Gross - Audrey Vickers, Division 1
Net - Ann Kerkhof, Division 2 Gross - Margret Coysh,
Division 2 Net - Pat Skinner.
The birdie pot was once again collected by Beryl
Gilliland and there were four pars.

Saturday 5 March
The competition was Drawn Partners Russian Roulette,
where the partners two stableford scores on each hole
are multiplied. The winners were Ken George and Wayne
Cosgrave with 83, followed by Roger Booth and Wayne
Anderson and Alan Henderson and Jeff Dixon, with both
teams scoring 80 points.
The individual winner was Muzz Bennett with 41 points,
from Jeff Dixon and Wayne Cosgrave who both had 40
points.
Twos were scored by Micky Henderson, Bob Haase,
James Greenhalgh and John Bow, who had two of them.
Nearest the Pin Senior - Carl Mitchell, Junior - Not
Struck, Longest Drive - Senior Keven Clark, Junior - Jeff
Dixon. PURANGI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Nine Hole Stableford - Thursday 3 March
Results - 1 Dick Watson 21, 2 equal Phil Costello and
Wayne Morrison 19, 4 equal Gary Randell and Dick
Hawke 18, 6 equal Jenny Lea and Jim Brown 17.
Monthly Medal - Saturday 5 March
Results - 1 Jeff Bright 40, 2 Wayne Morrison
38,
3 Bob Walker 36.
4BBB Barry Scott and Wayne Prendergast
HOT WATER BEACH JUNIOR SURF LIFESAVING
New Zealand National Oceans 2016 - Thursday 3
March to Sunday 6 March
Hot Water Beach Athletes Holly McCleery, Emma HindsSenior, Conor Fitzsimons, Jasmine McCleery, Tiana Tiro
and Dylan Fitzsimons joined together with over 960 other
Under 14 athletes to represent Hot Water Beach at the
New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships (known
as Oceans).
Oceans has a proud history of being not only the largest
Junior Surf Life Saving event in New Zealand, but the
most competitive, exciting and fun.
Held at the Main Beach of Mount Maunganui, clubs from
the Far North to the Deep South participated.
Hottie kids achieved personal goals and to have the
athletes make it to the semi-finals when they started
out with over 120 competitiors in their heats was a
massive result.
Thanks to all of those who helped to get the kids to
Oceans and thanks to our lifeguards Josh HindsSenior for your

daily support of our club.


MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Opening Night - Thursday 3 March
The season opened with a "Drawn Fours" tournament,
once again sponsored by New World Whitianga, for
which the club thank them very much for their continued
support of our Opening Night. The club welcomed 48
players, which included 12 from Cooks Beach Indoor
Bowling Club and 12 from Tairua Indoor Bowling Club.
Everyone enjoyed a great night of competitive bowling,
socialising, raffles and a delicious supper before the
prizes were awarded. The winners were - Alan
Henderson (MB), Ron Annan (T), Coral Strong (CB) and
Brian Lawn (MB).
The runners-up were - Terry Hefferan (T), Martin Lewis
(MB), Roy MacDonald (CB) and Neil Moore (MB).
The Good Sports were - Doreen Davies (MB), Tom Riddle
(CB), John Morrison (T) and Dennis Wilkins (MB).
The club meets every Thursday evening at 6:45pm in the
Whitianga Town Hall and warmly welcomes new
members. COOKS BEACH INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Wednesday 2 March
Twenty three players competed.
Winners - Arthur Taylor, Carolyn Posel and Robyn Wright.
Runners-Up - Trevor Knight, Coral Strong and Sandra
MacDonald.
TAIRUA INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Opening Night - Monday 7 March
Teams from Mercury Bay and Cooks Beach travelled to
Tairua to join in the games with five mats required and
teams playing five ends each game.
Winners - Terry Hefferan (T), Nirie Reddy (MB), Ailsa
Davies
(T) and Lois McDonald (CB).
Runners-Up - David Wilkinson (T), Beryl Burrows (T),
Sandra McDonald (CB) and Carolyn Posel (CB).
Chocolate Fish Award - Mal Burrows (T), Georgie
Matchett (T), Celia Morrison (T) and David Pike (CB).
Raffles were won by - J Smith, Albie Marr, Nirie Reddy,
Lois McDonald, Terry Hefferan, David Wilkinson, Shirley
Pedersen, Sheryl Henderson, Shirley Hamilton and Lyn
Wilkins.
MERCURY BAY TENNIS CLUB
Mens Doubles Championships - Thursday 3 March
Mike Surgenor and John Orbell defeated Alan Rosoman
and Kerry Healion 9-2 in the finals.

The Hot Water Beach Junior Surf Lifesaving team that participated in the National Oceans
2016 Championships from 3 to 6 March. From left to right - Holly McCleery, Jasmine
McCleery, Tiana Tiro, Emma Hinds-Senior, Dylan Fitzsimons and Conor Fitzsimons.

The finalists in the Mens Doubles Championships of the


Mercury Bay Tennis Club that was played on Thursday evening last
week.
From left to right - Alan Rosoman, Mike Surgenor, Kerry Healion
and John Orbell.

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
27

3
1 49
6 8
2

Fishing Report With Alan

Sudok
u

Proctor Sponsored by H&M Pascoe Tel 0274 852


046

Sudoku Puzzle
679

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 or scan and email
your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The weekly prize is one
butter chicken combo (including rice and a poppadom) from Hurry 4 Curry, Whitianga. The
winner must please claim his/her prize from Hurry 4 Curry directly.

Last weeks
solution

Things are still rocking along on the


fishing front and excitement levels are
increasing each day as we draw closer to
our next tournament.
The Stabicraft Trailer Tournament runs
for three days starting this Thursday.
With a reasonably good long-range
weather forecast and good numbers of
fish in our area, we are expecting a huge
number of anglers and early entries have
been tracking well.
Any brand of trailer boat is eligible to
enter the tournament, as are jetskis and
kayaks. There are over $150,000 worth
of prizes, including a brand new
Stabicraft 1600 Frontier boat complete
with 70hp four stroke Yamaha motor, all
sitting on a new DMW boat trailer.
There will also be other lucky angler
draws and over 100 different prizes for
ten different fish species from kahawai
and trevally through to marlin something for everyone.
If you want to enter the tournament
and you are not already a member of our
club, day membership can be purchased
for $15 per day, just call us on 866
4121 and well point you in the right
direction. For those that do manage to
get out on the water, things have been
looking up with excellent reports of
snapper,

kahawai and trevally from most areas


that you would expect to. There are
plenty of fish being caught up the river,
at the river mouth and along the beach.
Along the north western coast of the
Bay fishers have easily catching a feed,
but I have had a few dud reports from
some people fishing in the inner part of
Mercury Bay using long lines.
Out around the islands the good run
of fortune has also continued, especially
earlier in the morning or in the evening.
Agood
berley
trail
is
highly
recommended and when deployed on
the right tide, there are enough fish
around to get a real frenzy working.
Further out the pace is not quite as hot
as
it was a couple of weeks ago, but
marlin are still being caught each day
vessels are able to get out there. Were
still catching
yellow fin tuna and
mahimahi out there too and with the
water temps being as high as they are, it
wasnt too much of a surprise to hear of
a wahoo being caught over on the
west coast
last week.
Tight lines,
Alan

Last weeks winner - Augusta


Canegallo

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Page
28

M: 021 909 406


P: 07 392 9123
P: 09 940 5801
E:
rolly@smartbro
kers.co.nz

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Race seven of the Mercury Bay


Boating Clubs Steinlager
series
Race report by Matt Algie - Skipper of Blue
Print
I had the pleasure of witnessing Stephan
Schieren, a Mercury Bay Area School
international student and Mercury Bay
Boating Club Sailing Academy prospect,
taking on the helming duties on Blue Print
last Wednesday evening in race seven of the
Boating Clubs Steinlager series.
Talk about being thrown in the deep end,
but Stephan, kitted out in an automatic
PFD life jacket, relished the opportunity to
jump on the handlebars of a 30 footer and
race with the big boys.
Stephan nailed the start for us,
then he helmed the reaching and off the wind
gennaker legs of the race, not an easy task
with 2m easterly swells running into the Bay.
On the run to the finish line, Stephan guided
Blue Print onto an absolute cracking swell
and we rode it for close to a hundred metres
getting up to 12.8kts.
The Race - Harmony (Arnie Leigh) timed
his start to perfection at 4.00pm, an hour
before the rest of the fleet as Harmony is a
tad slower (at swimming pace). Having said
that, Harmony had good pressure throughout
the race and ended up getting the daily
double - first on line and first on handicap. A
bit of experience goes a long way (75 years
worth and sailing solo)
BluePrint (Matt Algie) lead from start to
finish in the Division Two 5:00pm
starters,

but it was never a gimmy. At Doctors Buoy


(Cook Beach) one minute separated all five
yachts, Blue Print, Loose (Belinda Wallace),
Contrast (John Wright), Kahurangi (Stue
Crockart) and Straight Shooter (Max Ross),
that is close racing.
Blue Print deployed her gennaker and was
gone burger, but the remaining yachts, in
very testing reaching conditions, had a fair
old arm wrestle all the way to Simpsons
Buoy.
The spinnakers were doused just before
Simpsons Buoy, then redeployed at Davis
Point on the run for home.
Blue Print still had a slender lead at Davis
Point, but once her gennaker was deployed
again and Stephan climbed onto a few goodsized swells, off to the finish line we went.
The yachts following didn't have that
luxury, as two didn't have spinnakers, so it
was tooth and nail right to the finish line,
with Loose beating out her larger cousins in
that final encounter.
As they Finished - 1 Harmony, 2 Blue
Print, 3 Loose, 4 Contrast, 5
Kahurangi,
6 Straight Shooter.
On Handicap - 1 Harmony, 2 Blue Print, 3
Loose, 4 Contrast, 5 Kahurangi,
6 Straight Shooter.
Many of the yachts are still looking for
crew. If youre keen, phone me on (07) 867
1333.

International student Stephan Schieren (left) at the helm of Blue Print in


last Wednesdays race seven of the Mercury Bay Boating Clubs Steinlager
series.
Looking on is Boating Club mentor Wayne Wilton.

5 M o n k Street, W h i t i a n g a
Office Ph: 07 8671087
Email: info@plannersplus.co.nz
David: 027 4994833
Tracey: 027 4907988
S e e us for all y o ur l a n d d e v e l o p m e n t ,
p l a n n i n g a n d r e s o u rc e c o n s e n t
req u i rem en ts .
w w w. p l a n n e r s p l u s . c o . n z

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
29

Everyman Cryptic
Crossword
The
Observer

Observer Puzzle 679


Name:
Tel no:
Go in the draw to win a package of Mercury Bay delights (including restaurant, cafe and
attraction vouchers). Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay
Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or info@theinformer.co.nz to
reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The winner will be drawn in July 2016 and will be
notified by phone. No correspondence will be entered into once the winner has been notified.
Conditions apply.

Your l oc al caring funeral directors

Modern chapel & viewing room


Excellent sound system
Ample parking Celebrants available

Funeral Directors forover 140 years


Tel (07) 868 6003
Across
1 Agile thief in saloon, say, grabbing
food with thanks, turned and left
(3,7)
6 Work thats necessary to stop
usurper (4)
9 Completed refund, food being
rotten (7,3)
10 Kid after carbon copy (4)
11 Area of London church?
Different area (7)
12 Address European court, entering
appeal (7)
14 Opening wide, scoffed doughnut?
Delicious (5-8)
17 Victory and loss traced variously in
royal residence (7,6)
19 Second language good for party (7)
21 Leading story, not a surprise (7)
23 Notion one endlessly cherished (4)
24 Singer arriving initially during
frantic alarm in Oz (5,5)
25 Pant softly and sink back (4)
26 State laundry list, finally
acceptable (10)

Dow
n
1 Account kept by scoundrel with yen
for ministerial office (6)
2 Rising in force, curtailed armistice
(5)
3 Open day in university, Id guess,
chaotic (11)
4 Hear about upset following party for
Mafia boss (9)
5 Permissible to exclude learner?
Very bad (5)
7 Ridiculous price upon large
rodent (9)
813 Cover
me,and
supporting
battalions
Dejected
cold, pause
on
leader
in
rush
(8)
marshland, taking everything in (11)
14 Virility in body securing new job (9)
15 Economists answer blocks merriment,
right away (4,5)
16 Misrepresenting wit, badly hurt (8)
18 Get back for example in shower (6)
20 Fruit in Antigua varied (5)
22 Number with alien belief (5)

Last weeks
solution

Page
30

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

Brain Teaser - Red


Herrings
Lovatts
Puzzles

Brain Teaser Puzzle


679
Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Cafe in Whitianga. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email
your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
his/her prize from Espy Cafe directly before the Wednesday of the week following the issue in
which he/she was announced the winner.

Name:
Tel no:
Last weeks solution - Binary
Puzzle

Answers
1

4
Last weeks winner - Bob
Schibli
5

Lf

HIR10
E

COROMANDELS LIGHTING &


SOUND

PROJECTOR

SOUND & LIGHTING HIRE

0800 001 520


lf productions.co.nz

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Page
31

Classifieds and Public Notices


BUILDING/LABOUR ONLY CONTRACTOR WANTED
Building/Labour Only for Tairua
Backpackers CONTRACT
To remove old gable roof on trusses
with decramastic tiles and replace
flat
roof trusses ready for long-run iron.
Soffits, some exterior cladding and
remedial work.
To start around May 2016.
Contact Brent @ Tairua
Backpackers,
Main Rd. WORKSHOP
THREE POSITIONS
AVAILABLE IN A 200
BUSY ENGINEERING
Phone 864
1 Fitter turner/fitter
welder,8345.
trade qualified with
stainless fabrication experience an advantage. Full time
position.VACANT
SITUATIONS
2 Fitter turner/welder on a casual, on call basis. Flexible
hours.
3 HIAB operator. Minimum class 4 licence, part time
position with flexible hours.
We are a busy shop and have great equipment in a large
workshop.
TREASURER
SOCIAL
If you want
to work with a- great
teamSERVICES
and you haveWHITIANGA
a fantastic attitude and
are drugThis
free, is
please
contact Stefan
on 027
5329 orthree
email your cv
a permanent
part
time210
position
and cover
to mercurybayengineering@xtra.co.nz.
days
per letter
week.
The Treasurer supports the
Board of Trustees, is a member
of the
Management Team and is responsible for
planning,
preparing and monitoring budgets, plus sees to
the payroll for 12 staff.
The position is a vital part of our nongovernment charitable organisation.
For a full job description and any enquiries
please contact The Manager - Jenny Wolf
866 4476 or email
CLEANER REQUIRED
wcst.manager@xtra.co.nz.
ForApplications
Motel
close 5pm Monday 14th March
Permanent Part
2016.

Time
Must be mature,
experienced,
reliable and
available seven
days.
Great working
KIWIFRUIT
conditions
- a happy
PICKERS
team!
REQUIRED
Phone
Jo/Alan on
IN
LATE
(07)
866MARCH
5766.
TO MID MAY
Some general
orchard work
included.
Coroglen/Whenuakite
area - own transport
essential. Phone
Rhys 027 866 5000.

PERMANENT 20 HOUR+ POSITION(S) AVAILABLE


BUFFALO BEACH 4 SQUARE
We have EITHER 1 x permanent position, approximately 30 hours per week, including
three shifts to 8:00pm.
OR
2 x permanent positions, approximately 20 hours per week, including
two shifts to 8:00pm.
Grocery retail experience essential.
Also must be Honest
Physically fit and energetic
Positive and helpful
Liquor Managers licence an advantage. Or willingness to do training to
obtain this.
What were offering A full range of small store duties - customer service, checkouts,
filling stock, cleaning etc
Standard grocery pay rates
Some flexibility with rostering - to be discussed at interview

Page
32

Apply in writing by Sunday 13 March 2016.


Drop in or email your CV / application letter to
Buffalobeach.FourSquare@foodstuffs.co.nz.
The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

TRADE ASSOCIATE - SALES SUPPORT


Do you have strong building product knowledge and building
industry experience? Are you a proactive, people person, driven to
deliver a high quality service to your customers?
Help us build New Zealand! PlaceMakers is New Zealand's leading
and largest supplier
of building materials to New Zealands
commercial and residential construction markets. We employ more
than 2,100 people in over 60 locations across the country and
stock more than 74,000 product lines, from concrete to paint and
plasterboard.
PlaceMakers Whitianga is seeking a Trade Associate to support a
busy trade sales team. The role will be centred on customer service
and engagement with a high level of exposure to our customer
base will be expected as part of the role. We are seeking someone
with a commitment to customer service and the ability to build
strong working relationships both internally and externally.
You will respond promptly to customers with queries ranging from
the status of their order, pricing, availability, invoice information,
and delivery times. You will also be expected to call on customers
sites, providing support to our account manager and customer
network.
To be successful in this role, you will have had customer service
experience, ideally in the building industry sector, and be looking to
take the next step in your sales career. You will have a clean, full,
NZ drivers licence, plus the ability to work autonomously and enjoy
being part of a cohesive and successful team. With effective
communication being critical to the role, you will be condent in
communicating with stakeholders of all levels and be able to adapt
your style to suit different customers.
While building experience is desirable, a willingness and genuine
desire to learn is what we are seeking, as well as a high level of
attention to LOADER
detail. OPERATOR AND FORWARDER OPERATOR
Cox
Forestry
Limitedaiswell-respected
a mechanized harvesting
company
In return, you willServices
be joining
company
offering a
specializing
in
cut
to
length
operations
throughout
New
Zealand.
competitive salary package, fantastic culture, real opportunities for
We
currently
have
for career advancement
and
a range
ofa vacancy
other benets
that come with
1
x
Loader
Operator
and
1
x
Forwarder
Operator.
being part of New Zealands largest listed company.
Applicants must be module for task with relevant experience.
To
apply,
please
email
your
CV
to
OR If you are willing to learn with a can do attitude, we would like to
Joe.Reece@placemakers.co.nz or via post to
Joe Reece,
talk to you.
PlaceMakers, PO Box 442, Whitianga 3510.
Location - Maramarua/Tairua Forests.
Cox Forestry Services is an ACC credited company with
a 100 % drug free attitude.
Please call Jeremy Carter for more information.
Phone 0274 113 366.

COMMUNITY CARE GIVERS/SUPPORT


WORKERS NEEDED
URGENT need for WHITIANGA
And surrounding areas
We are currently looking for Care Givers/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 for 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 Leigh on 07 9744696 or email your interest to
jobseeker@communitysupport.org.nz
Issue 679 - 9 March
2016

Classifieds and Public Notices


PUBLIC NOTICES
WHITIANGA PIG HUNTING CLUB AGM
Sunday 20 March, 12:00 noon at The Coroglen Tavern.
New members from within the district welcome.

MERCURY BAY JUNIOR RUGBY MUSTER


Junior Rugby Muster will be from 5:00pm on the
16th March, at the Mercury Bay Rugby Club
Rooms.
This is for all players from Rippa Rugby to 5th Grade.
All players will need to register, please bring a copy of
the players birth certicate and a photo and pay
their fees Rippa - $30.00
Individual $50.00 Two
siblings - $75.00
Three or more siblings - $100.00
Also at this muster Junior Rugby will be selling a
limited number of old players jerseys. Forms will be
available for parents to register
their interest as a coach, assistant coach, manager or
referee.
DEATH NOTICE
People can also sign up as non-playing
members
of David
the Mercury
WALLACE,
AndrewBay Rugby Club.
If
you
have
(Pommy Dave)any questions
please
Passed away suddenlyemail
on March 5,
mercurybayjuniorrugby@gmail.c
2016 in Dannevirke.
A much lovedom.
Partner of Kaye. According to Daves
wishes a private cremation has been held.
All Messages to the Wallace Family, c/o PO
Box 235 Dannevirke, 4942.
KELLY FUNERAL
HOMEVACANT
0800 24 80 24
SITUATIONS

TEARORANGI AITU
SENIORNET WHITIANGA INC
Be advised you have 7 days from this
Annual General Meeting
publication to pay all arrrears in
Will be held on 17 March
reference to your storage shed.
2016
You are required to contact
at 2:00pm
by phone only. No texts.
in the Social Services
Mercury Bay Storage
Centre Community
Whitianga
Rooms at
Telephone 866 5147 or
2 Cook Drive,
0274 722 070.
Whitianga.
Refreshments
available.
LICENSED" C O M P E T I T I O N
All ESPY
members
encouraged to attend.The answer was 9.

Noel Conway wins a $10 voucher for closest with 8.

WHITIANGA ART, CRAFT & FARMERS MARKET


Saturday 12 March
Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street,
Whitianga, 8:30am - 1:00pm.
Unique locally created art, craft & local produce.
Phone Anne 866 5550 or Doreen 866 5237.
WORK WANTED
MIKES MOWING
$25 empty sections, fortnightly or monthly mowing. Free edge spraying.
Free quotes.
Phone Mike or Deb 866 4678 or 027 320 1703.

FA R RIE R

DAVES DRAINAGE
Drainlaying
Public & Private
1.8 Ton Digger Hire
30 Years Experience
Free Quotes or Advice
Call Dave
027 727 0 3 4 8
davesdraina
ge@xtra.co.
nz

2 n d Hand Covers
HorseTransport
Saddlery
Cover Repairs

Ron Cooke
866 5984
027 49 8 4447

WINDOW
CLEANING
Call 022
023 3566
for a great
finish

THE BESS HANDZ


EMBROIDERED MONOGRAMS
Alterations, repairs, zip and
hem service.
Phone 866 5277.

Tricky Trees

michaelreil
ly1990@gmai
l.com

Pruning
Felling
Stump grinding

Firewood

Call Chris

Issue 679 - 9 March


2016

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

Hedge maintenance
Crown reductions
Difficult removals
Chip waste to mulch

021 240 9909


Page
33

Classifieds and Public Notices


FOR SALE
HOME BREW SUPPLIES
Right price. Nice guys.
Mercury Bay Pharmacy
GARAGE DOOR, color-steel sectional
door and fittings, 4.8 x 2.1, excellent
condition, $900. Ph: 866 2226
TWO SLIDERS FOR SHED, reasonable
condition, Mercury Bay area.
Ph: Roy 866 3734
TIPPER TRAILER, One and a half tons,
good tyres, $2,000 ono, Whitianga.
Ph: (07) 866 4359
TRUEFORM SPA POOL, lockable
cover, all in good condition, $3,500 ono.
Ph: 0274 801
992 WANTED
BOATS
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.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

**Quality Greenhouses**
Award Winning NZ Brand
Options in toughened
safety glass,
polycarbonate and shade
mesh
See us at Outspace
Cnr Cook Drive and Lee Street,
Whitianga
07 869 5590
BOAT FOR SALE
2007 FIGLASS DOMINATOR,
Low hours, excellent condition,
all extras, $24,000 ono. Ph: 866 0309

CATTERIES
KRISTINS
BOARDING CATTERY
Vet nurse, warm, clean,
secure, outdoor run.
Phone 866 4724.

COURIER
SERVICE

CHURCH SERVICES

ALL WELCOME
Enquiries Ph 869 5577
www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.co.nz

SHORT TERM
RENTAL IN
WHITIANGA
Fully
furnished.
Prime
location.
Close to beach
TOY LIBRARY
and town.
Phone Rob WHITIANGA TOY LIBRARY
on 0274 926 Isabella Street (off Coghill St)
773. 2:30pm - 4:00pm and Friday 10:00am - 11:30am.
Open Wednesday
New members welcome.
~Toys for Hire~

WANTED TO RENT
HOUSE, for 5 - 6 months, 2 or 3 bedrooms, mature couple. Ph: 027 703 3469
SMALL GARAGE/WORKSHOP, with power, Whitianga area. Ph: 021 186 4990

TO LET
OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE
Several sizes available in Central Whitianga. Phone 027 477 0132
STORAGE SHEDS available, various sizes, reasonable rates. Dry and secure.
Free furniture trailer available - conditions apply. Ph: 07 866 5147
STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944
660

ANGLICA
N
SERVICES

St. Peter the Fisherman


Dundas Street, Whitianga
Sunday Service: 9:30am

HOME INSULAATION

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT &


HOMES FOR RENT

FOR HIRE
HUGE BOUNCY CASTLE,
$100 on site. FREE BBQ and
playground facilities. Ph: 866 0038,
www.combatzone.co.nz

HEALTH SERVICES

PENINSULAR MIDWIVES
Jocelyn Yates 027 9124104
Fiona Kington 021 743 717 or
07 866 0413
Free Pregnancy Tests.

Our expertise in property management will


ensure your investment property is well
looked after. You can just sit back and relax.
We also offer a selection of quality
rental homes for tenants.
We welcome your enquiry at7 The
Esplanade (by the wharf).
Robyn Turner 866 0098 or 027 550
0120
robyn.turner@bayleys.co.nz
Licensed under the
REAA2008

PORTABLE CABINS

VEHICLES FOR SALE

ST
ANDREWS
BY THE SEA
Presbyterian/M
ethodist
Community
Church
(opposite the
Z Service Station,
Whitianga) Sunday
Page
Worship 9:30am Come,
34

READINGS

12 Toyota RAV4, auto, 4WD, 2.4l, red, 19,900

04 Toyota Corolla H/B, 1.8, 5spd, alloys

$4,900 07 Mazda 3 GLXSport H/B, auto, 106kms $10,900


$5,500

02 Nissan Primera S/W, auto, 88,000kms

PSYCHIC READINGS
SPIRITUAL
07 Suzuki Swift Glxh, NZ new,5 spd, 57kms $9,900 08 Mitsubishi Fuso 4 Berth Motorhome, 3.9lt turbo 06 Nissan
HEALING
Pulsar Q, H/B, 1.8, 5spd, t/bar, alloys $6,900 diesel, 190kms, 5 spd, self-contained, solar panel, 05
Text Verna 027 320
Toyota Corolla S/W, 1.8, Auto, 47,000kms $10,900
BBQ connection $75,000
0079
vernacarrspiritualhe
19 Campbell Street, Whitianga
aling.com
The Mercury Bay Informer Issue 679 - 9 March

www.theinformer.co.nz

www.coastalautos.co.nz 2016

Great entertainment and close


racing produces a worthy North
Island Super Saloon champion
By Jack
Biddle

Last Saturday saw the running of the CTRA


North Island Super Saloon Championship
hosted by the Mercury Bay Speedway Club in
Whitianga. While entries were lower than
expected, it didnt detract from an action
packed race meeting and ultimately a hardfought championship win for young twenty
four year old Kaikohe driver and former New
Zealand Quad bike representative Darren
Emm.

He was by far the most consistent and


dominant driver on the day and deserved his
victory with three first places and one second
place from four starts.
If the local club drivers couldnt manage to
take out the championship victory on home
soil, there was some consolation in knowing
the winning car once called Whtianga home.
We actually purchased the car from local

Last Saturdays CTRANorth Island Super Saloon Championship podium finishers.


From left to right - Ants Smith (Whitianga - third), Darren Emm (Kaikohe champion) and Keith Wilson (Kaikohe - second).

Issue 675
February 2016
679 - 10
9 March
2016

Mercury Bay club driver Jason Bull, so its a


fitting return I guess, said Emm, who is in his
first full season in the Super Saloon ranks. He
is no novice to speedway, however, with his
past success and experience in quad bikes and
production saloons making for a very smooth
transition to the larger and far more powerful
Super Saloons.
Local hopes were focused on Peter Candy
and Ants Smith, who both survived their own
separate dramas to make the 15-lap
championship race. Smith had the biggest
battle after failing to make it past the warm up
laps
and limping off the track with
transmission problems and what seemed to be
a disappointing and early withdrawal from the
meeting.
Enter Whitiangas Craig Richards, who had
also experienced mechanical issues of his own
in his immaculately presented less powerful
limited saloon during warm up. In his case, the
engine problems were far more terminal,
which robbed fans of some exciting racing and
the chance for the former champion to exhibit
his exceptional dirt track driving skills in the
undercard limited saloon racing.
Once the reality had set in that his race day
was over, Richards was very quick to turn his
attention and energy into helping his fellow
club mate Smith out with his transmission
issues and to make it back onto the track.
Speedway is a very competitive sport, but is
also renowned for being family and competitor
friendly off the track and that was
demonstrated by Richards who unselfishly
used his past experience and its-not-overuntil-its-over attitude to help get Smiths car
sorted and back on the grid for the final heat
race and then the big final. At times he was
almost out of sight under the cars large space
frame chassis and body panels as he worked
feverishly on fixing

The Mercury Bay Informer www.theinformer.co.nz

the transmission problems.


Candy who is one of the major influences in
the clubs revival this season, left nothing in
reserve during his heat races, which saw him
eventually qualify on the second row of the
grid for the 15-lap championship race. Smith
was relegated to the rear of the field due to his
earlier
mechanical issues and had the
challenging task of playing catch-up to the
front row qualifiers.
It was a no holds barred championship, with
several stoppages to untangle cars that had
been pushed a little too hard at times by their
very enthusiastic drivers. While the main pack
fought for a podium place, Emm had a pretty
much trouble free run to the line, eventually
finishing ahead of an equally consistent Keith
Wilson who had also made the long trek down
from Kaikohe in the far north. Smith was in
and out of trouble during the whole race, but
managed to recover each time to finally take
out third place.
Sadly Peter Candys very entertaining all-out
efforts for a podium finish came to an abrupt
end when he spun out of contention in the
closing laps.
Attending the meeting and presenting the
winning trophies, was CTRA president Anita
Sloot, who gave praise to the Mercury Bay
Speedway Club for the way the championship
was run and the support of local sponsors. She
also thanked the many club volunteers who
helped make for a successful championship.
The meeting was also well supported by a
large field of Go Karts, entertaining production
saloons and youth mini stocks, in addition to
the limited saloons.
For those interested in getting involved in
local speedway, contact Peter Candy on 021
901 828.

Page
35

0800 CAR
GOT a DEAD or ALIVE
DUMP
$ $VEHICLE
$
cash
paid

Picku

p
Peninsul
a
w
ide
Second Hand Tyres, Mags, Lights, Radios

0800 227 3867


& parts FOR SALE

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