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Issue 845 - 15 May 2019 Phone (07) 866 2090 (07) 867 15 Circulation 7,000
Telephone the Coromandel
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Proud to su Helicopter Trust
Rescue
A most rewarding job
By Meg Tatton-Brown
Some of the nurses who attended the Northern Coromandel Rural Nurses Forum’s International Nurses Day celebration at The Lost Spring in Whitianga on Thursday last week.
In addition to being Mother’s Day, last Sunday celebration. Ashleigh received the award for important date as it is the anniversary of the can share their knowledge with one another
(12 May) was also International Nurses Day. her commitment to the nursing profession, birth of Florence Nightingale. Born in 1820, to improve patient care. “The forum ensures
On Thursday evening last week, more than not only as chairperson of the forum, Florence is widely considered the founder that nurses from Tairua to Colville are not
20 members of the Northern Coromandel but also for achieving nurse practitioner of modern nursing. She came to prominence working in isolation,” says Ashleigh.
Rural Nurses Forum celebrated International status, the highest clinical qualification a during the Crimean War of the 1850s. During a recent meeting of the forum,
Nurses Day with a swim and dinner at nurse can obtain. Florence worked tirelessly to reform health the Service Manager and Nursing Director of
The Lost Spring in Whitianga. Nursing is the largest health care profession care and opened the Nightingale School of Thames Hospital attended as guest speakers.
Many local businesses kindly sponsored in the world. Nurses do not only work to Nursing in London in 1860. She was also They discussed the health needs of people
gifts to the forum to thank the nurses of the improve the lives of their patients, they may instrumental in raising the status of nursing living in rural communities and how nurses
northern Coromandel for their dedicated care also hold management roles within health as a desirable occupation and increasing the can travel to patients, rather than the other
to the local community. organisations and at government level, educational standards for nurses. way around.
This year, Whitianga nurse Ashleigh advocate for patients’ rights and provide The Northern Coromandel Rural Nurses The residents of the northern Coromandel
Battaerd was awarded the forum’s trophy for health education. It is entirely appropriate for Forum meet four times a year. It is an are served by well child (Plunket) nurses,
an outstanding contribution to the nursing nurses to be recognised on a day dedicated opportunity for fellow nurses to get to know district nurses, public health nurses, mental
profession. The award is presented annually just to them. each other, learn about the different areas of health and addiction nurses, rest home nurses
at the forum’s International Nurses Day In the nursing profession, 12 May is an nursing they practice in and discuss how they and practice nurses.
(Continued on page 3)
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Community invited to participate Jennian Homes fun run/walk
in song against bullying in Whitianga last Sunday
Friday this week, 17 May, is Pink Shirt Day. The day is about working together to stop bullying
by celebrating diversity and promoting positive social relationships. It’s about creating
communities where all people feel safe, valued and respected, regardless of age, sex, gender
identity, sexual orientation, ability or cultural background.
To raise awareness for the cause, a group of Mercury Bay Area School students will be Last Sunday morning (12 May), the Mercury Bay edition of the eighth annual Jennian
performing a “flash” choir at Soldiers Memorial Park in Whitianga at 5:15pm on Friday. Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run/Walk was held at the Whitianga Waterways.
Community members are welcome to participate in the performance of “One Call Away,” a song Organised by Jennian Homes, the nationwide event raises money for the Heart Foundation
chosen to remind people to reach out if they’re being bullied. in their fight to stop New Zealand women dying prematurely from heart disease. Whitianga
Celebrated annually around the globe, Pink Shirt Day began in Canada in 2007 when two was one of 27 venues where the fun run/walk was held
students took a stand against bullying, following the harassment of a male student for Despite the wet, cold and windy weather, more than 60 participants completed the 5km
wearing pink. The day has been celebrated in New Zealand since 2009 and is growing stronger course through the suburbs of Whitianga.
every year. Jennian Homes will now donate $20,000 to the Heart Foundation for Women campaign.
“We’d like to invite everyone in the Mercury Bay community to join us on Friday at Soldiers Pictured is Whitianga resident, Carol Harker (in the centre) at the start line in Whitianga
Memorial Park,” says Charlotte McDougall (pictured with MBAS principal, John Wright), on Sunday morning. She was joined by her daughter, Shaan Wilson (on the left) and her
one of the organisers of the flash choir. “We’ll have the words of One Call Away available and a mother, Fay Harker. Luna, the dog, also participated in the fun.
few ukuleles will provide the music.”
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday 15 May to Wednesday 22 May - This week we have a rare chance to spot the planet Uranus in the early morning
sky. We can use the Moon and a planet to help us locate some interesting constellations in the late evening. While helping us to locate the
constellations, the brightness of the full Moon makes it a bit difficult to see the fainter stars of these constellations. However, once we have
located them this week, they may be easier to make out in their entirety next week when the Moon has gone.
Sunday 19 May - The pre-dawn sky has brilliant Venus lying just to the right of the very faint planet Uranus. Binoculars or a small telescope
will probably be needed to see this gas giant. The full Moon lies just to the left of the noticeably red star Antares in Scorpio. It forms the Astronomy Tours and B&B
neck of the scorpion, with the claws to the left, just above the Moon, and the tail curving around to the right with a pair of stars forming the
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stinger in the tail below the curve. Monday 20 May - The Moon has now moved lower and sits just below and almost touching bright Jupiter.
Tuesday 21 May - The bright Moon is now just to the left of Sagittarius, which looks just like a teapot standing upright on its handle. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
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4 Dakota Drive
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Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019
A most rewarding job
(Continued from page 1)
Well child nurses provide parenting qualification and can be obtained from either
advice and look after the health of infants, a university or polytechnic. Further study is
from birth through to four years of age. available for those wanting to specialise in a
On the Coromandel, the well child nurses are particular area or looking at becoming a nurse
contracted to Te Korowai, an organisation practitioner.
providing health and wellness services According to the most recent statistics,
across the Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel only nine per cent of registered nurses in
Districts. New Zealand are male. “Men can also thrive
District nurses manage care within the in, and bring a valuable skillset to, the nursing
community, rather than in a hospital or profession,” says Jannine Verner, a mental
private clinic. They visit patients in their health and addiction nurse and member of the
homes and provide advice and care ranging Northern Coromandel Rural Nurses Forum.
from wound management to post accident “Nursing opens so many career paths, with
care and palliative care. District nurses many nurses moving into senior management
practising on the Coromandel are employed positions in various organisations,” says
by the Waikato District Health Board (DHB). Jannine. “It is an extremely rewarding career.
Public Health Nurses provide health care It is one of those jobs where you never
to school aged children, as well as children stop learning.”
with chronic conditions. They also provide In recent years, a number of former
immunisations and health education within
Mercury Bay Area School students have
schools. They too, are employed by the
decided to study nursing. Ashleigh and
Waikato DHB.
Jannine both hope that some of them will
Mental health and addiction nurses assist
consider practising as rural nurses and come
those with moderate to acute mental health
concerns and addiction issues. They focus on back to the northern Coromandel to work.
the recovery and management of symptoms, “With nursing, the patient always comes
enabling patients to lead fulfilling lives. first, it is not about the nurse or surrounding
On the Coromandel, they are employed circumstances or politics,” says Ashleigh.
either by the Waikato DHB or Te Korowai. “You have to put yourself and all other things
Rest home nurses take care of older aside and ensure you provide your patient
individuals who are living in rest homes as with the best care possible.”
they find it difficult to live independently in While rural nurses are not as well resourced
their own homes. They are employed by the as those in larger cities, the skillset available
rest home operators. in the northern Coromandel is nothing short of
Practice nurses typically work in astounding. “Our local nurses are innovative,
general practice (doctor) surgeries. Their qualified and dedicated to the highest level,”
tasks involve the assessment of patient says Ashleigh.
needs, health screening, administering “One of the things that attracted me to
immunisations and providing investigative the nursing profession is that no day is ever
procedures to determine further health the same. The best feeling is when you see
care. Practice nurses are employed by the a patient smile after you have done your
practices they work in. best to improve their wellness. It is a most
A nursing degree is a three-year rewarding job.”
699 - 15
Issue 845 27 May
July 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
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Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019
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Issue 845 - 15 May 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Mad KOWS and HOWS -
seventh swim completed
The four Mad KOWS (Kuaotunu Open Water Swimmers) and HOWS (Hahei Open Water Swimmers)
who are at the moment fundraising for cancer support in Mercury Bay through a series of swims
from Whangapoua to Coromandel Town, completed their seventh swim on Friday last week.
The swim, from Fantail Bay to the MacDonald Recreation Reserve on the west coast of the
Coromandel Peninsula, covered a distance of 10.4km.
The first two hours of the swim were relatively easy, but during the next two hours things started
to become more difficult as the tide started to turn. After four hours, a pod of approximately
12 dolphins and a large school of kingfish provided a welcome distraction and before long the
swimmers - Dan Asquith and Nicole Cosandey of the Mad KOWS, and Thom Dodd and John
Goldsman of the HOWS - and their kayaking support crew - Wally Gilmer and Lisa Kearney -
were on solid ground at the MacDonald Recreation Reserve.
The swimmer have two more swims before they reach Coromandel Town. They hope to complete
their eight swim, from the MacDonald Recreation Reserve to Amodeo Bay, on Friday this week
(17 May).
Anyone who would like to financially support the swimmers’ fundraising cause,
can make a deposit into the “Swim Fundraiser” bank account with BNZ, account number
02-0496-0095153-025.
Pictured are the swimmers and their kayaking support crew as they entered the water at Fantail
Bay on Friday last week. From left to right - Wally Gilmer, Thom Dodd, Dan Asquith, Lisa Kearney,
John Goldsman and Nicole Cosandey.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019
Where will they go? By Meg Tatton-Brown This month, ecological consultancy, Wildlife to a different area than the adults. This is Management International Limited (WMIL), what WMIL aims to find out. Knowing where will begin tracking 10 flesh-footed shearwater the Ohinau Island fledglings go is crucial chicks as they depart the seabird breeding to gaining a thorough understanding of the colony on Ohinau Island, east of Opito Bay, flesh-footed shearwater species so they can and set out on an extensive migrating journey. be protected. WMIL is dedicated to research and nature The 10 chicks that are being tracked have conservation. For more than 30 years they all been fitted with GPS tags weighing have been working to monitor, protect and less than 15g. The tags transmit data to manage natural ecosystems in New Zealand. satellites which is downloaded in order for Nearly a quarter of the world’s seabird the fledglings’ progress to be tracked live. species breed in New Zealand - more than The tags are fitted with solar panels and can anywhere else on Earth. They are considered transmit data for months and even up to a taonga (treasure) in Māori culture. Seabirds a year. spend most of their life at sea and introduce The following Mercury Bay businesses and rich marine nutrients to the land. This helps to oganisations have sponsored and named each keep New Zealand soil fertile. of the 10 chicks - In the last 50 years, global seabird numbers • Whitianga Sports - bird named Sue. have declined by around 70 per cent. • Gull Whitianga - bird named Sushi. Ninety per cent of the seabird species that • Coromandel Bait - bird named Harry. breed in New Zealand are considered at risk • Mercury Bay Marine - bird named and 55 per cent are considered threatened Sir Loin. by extinction. This is due to a loss of • Marine Adventures - bird named Deidre. places to nest through introduced predators, Fiona, the flesh-footed shearwater chick sponsored by The Informer, • Whitianga Ice - bird named Toby. and injury and death caused by recreational having her GPS tag fitted on Ohinau Island late last week. • The Mercury Bay Informer - bird named and commercial fishing. During the non-breeding season from May breed themselves. Fiona. The flesh-footed shearwater is a seabird the until September, the birds migrate to the Adult flesh-footed shearwaters from New • Ngātei Hei - bird named Toanui Rua. size of a small chicken, with a wingspan of Northern Hemisphere, where they spend Zealand and from Lord Howe Island in • Longshore Marine - bird named over one meter. They breed on small islands their time feeding in productive waters and Australia have been tracked before and have Longshore. around the North Island and off the coast of increasing their body condition in preparation been found to migrate to seas off the coast of • Dive Zone Whitianga - bird named Australia, where they burrow into the ground for the following breeding season. Japan. Of all the birds tracked, every single Dive Zone to make a nest. The flesh-footed shearwater chicks that will one of them has gone to the same area. Over the coming months, The Informer The birds are thought to be declining and depart the breeding colony on Ohinau Island However, there are many sightings of will publish updates on the birds’ individual are ranked as nationally vulnerable. for the first time this month, will not return flesh-footed shearwaters off the coast of journeys as the data from the tags is received. WMIL has been studying the flesh-footed for at least five to six years. The birds always North America that no one can explain. It is You can also follow the WMIL Facebook page shearwater population on Ohinau Island return to the same colony to pair up with a unknown where these birds come from. It is for the latest information, including photos since 2016. mate, find a burrow and eventually start to possible that they are young birds that travel and maps. Issue 845 - 15 May 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Residential property Scott’s Thoughts
market heating up
By Stephan Bosman
By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel
Small businesses are the backbone of our grapple with.
local Coromandel economy. They are also the All the changes add confusion, complexity
According to data released for April by real estate website, realestate.co.nz, the residential property backbone of the New Zealand economy and and cost. None of them improve productivity.
market on the Coromandel Peninsula is heating up with the average asking price increasing to an they are starting to hurt. The changes include things such as
all-time high of $786,037. That was an increase of 12.1 per cent over March this year. Nationally the Yes, we had a pretty good summer season guaranteeing continuity of employment if an
average asking price decreased by 4.1 per cent to $649,662. this year. But now with winter approaching, employee’s work is affected by restructuring
The Coromandel’s average asking price in April was the third highest in New Zealand. Only the the harsh realities of our summer highs and and changes to 90-day trial periods.
Auckland region ($889,916) and the Central Otago/Lakes region ($919,351) recorded a higher winter lows fall into stark focus. Business There’s a much greater chance of businesses
average asking price. operators are trying to juggle increasing being bound by collective agreements and
Compared to a year ago, the number of new listings on the Coromandel in April has also increased by costs, thinner margins, uneven cash flow, being forced to agree to them than ever
10.2 per cent. Across New Zealand, the number of new listings fell by 9.6 per cent. plus difficulties attracting and retaining before. That means terms of employment,
The total amount of properties listed for sale on the Coromandel in April was 5.7 per cent lower quality staff. wages and conditions being imposed on
than in April 2018. Nationwide, the number of properties that was available for sale was 6.1 per cent Things just became a whole lot harder whole sectors rather than being agreed by
higher than a year ago. and more challenging for them due to individual businesses.
The inventory of listings (the time it would take to clear all stock) on the Coromandel for April this employment law changes that took effect Other changes are more drastic and will
year was 44 weeks. That’s a third of the realestate.co.nz long term average for the Coromandel of 132 earlier this month. mean more costs. They include employers’
weeks. The New Zealand-wide inventory of listings for April was 20 weeks. The current government has given even obligations to new employees who are not
The Coromandel’s inventory of listings is indicative of a strong seller’s market. more power to trade unions. The new laws union members and even extend to having
mean that already militant and aggressive to pay union delegates for doing union work
“The second half of [last month] was dominated by school holidays, Easter and ANZAC Day,
trade unions will become even more so.
which plays a part... in the time people had to focus on property in general,” says realestate.co.nz on the employer’s time. Businesses will have
spokesperson, Vanessa Taylor. During the past 18 months, there has
to provide union literature and recruitment
been a re-emergence of industrial action the
“It’s unlikely that [the government’s ruling out of a capital gains tax] had a major impact on the material to employees as well as collect union
likes of which we haven’t seen for decades.
property market during April given the nature of the month, but it will be interesting to see what
Most of us thought the bad old days of trade membership fees for the union and all without
activity this decision drives over the next few months.” any cost to the unions.
unions dominating our economy were long
According to statistics released by Ray White Real Estate earlier this month, 75 residential gone, but no, now they’re back and flexing Winter is always a tough time of the year
properties were sold in Whitianga during the first quarter (January to March) of this year. their muscles. for local businesses. These new rules make
That was an increase of nine per cent over the preceding quarter (October to December 2018),
Since the Labour-led government came things tougher.
but a 12 per cent decrease compared to the same quarter last year. They are already struggling as trading
to power, we’ve had more strikes than at
The total value of sales during the first quarter of this year was $46,693,600, an increase of 13 per any time in the past 30 years. That’s no conditions weaken across the country and
cent compared to the preceding quarter, but a decrease of 10 per cent on the same quarter last year. coincidence and the changes that took effect typically small businesses don’t have access
The median house price in Whitianga for the first quarter of this year was $626,000. this month are more about the Labour-led to their own in-house HR resources or advice.
That represents a four per cent increase on the preceding quarter and a one per cent decrease on the government paying back a political debt than It’s no surprise that many will now structure
same quarter last year. they are about creating an economy where their businesses to minimise intrusive,
From January to March this year, eight properties in Whitianga were sold for more than $1 million. businesses can have the confidence to grow strike happy trade union involvement by
The beach villages and settlements in Mercury Bay have seen a decrease in activity in the first and create new permanent jobs. reducing staff numbers, hiring contractors
quarter of this year compared to the same quarter last year. The median house price rose, however, The changes mean trade unions will have instead of permanent staff or just shrinking
by seven per cent. greater influence in the day to day running their businesses.
The most expensive property that was sold in Mercury Bay in the first quarter of this year was a of businesses. That’s not the way to building a thriving
beachfront bach in Whangapoua that sold for $1,805,000. There are a raft of new rules and business or a thriving economy and sadly we
regulations employers are having to all pay the price sooner or later.
MERCURY BAY PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC
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Co-author of ‘Treat Your Own Shoulder’
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Mercury Bay Medical Centre - Ph (07) 868 9579
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Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019
Issue 845
699 - 15
27 May
July 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
HMS Philomel - permanently part of the Coromandel By Suzanne Hansen Former banker and long-term Mercury Bay and the ship and her crew reverted to Royal New Zealand Naval Forces. to inform them of the British occupation of resident, David Langdon, has a passion for Navy command. With the crew confirmed, the next German Samoa. maritime history. He has written a book on In preparation for war, the ship’s crew of challenge was to get the Philomel ready Later, the Philomel escorted the main body scows, “A History of New Zealand Scows 165, mostly Royal Navy crew members on for war. Not only was the ship old, she was of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces and Their Trades,” and has helped the loan, needed to be bolstered by a recruitment also poorly maintained, with many defects. bound for Egypt. She set out from Wellington Mercury Bay Museum put together some of drive for New Zealand crew, which were not It was a fulltime engineering job to keep in October 1914, escorting 10 troopships their maritime displays. readily available as many had already joined her operational over the first two years of carrying 8,454 soldiers and almost 4,000 I spoke to David about HMS Philomel, a ship the newly formed Royal Australian Navy. World War I. horses. Although the convoy was ultimately that had a starring role in the establishment of After a difficult recruitment process, the ship HMZ Philomel’s first major mission of bound for Egypt, the Philomel was part of the Royal New Zealand Navy. She now rests finally reached a crew of 221. The bulk of World War I was to invade and occupy the escort only until the convoy reached in the water off Cuvier Island. the new crew members came from various German Samoa. She formed part of an Western Australia. She was then diverted The Philomel was the Royal New Zealand Royal Naval and Imperial Reserve Forces escort for a large group of the New Zealand to Singapore to provide an escort for three Navy’s first warship, in service from 1914 to and a volunteer engagement programme, Expeditionary Forces, guarding them as they French troopships returning to France. 1947. She is also the namesake for HMNZS which promoted the honour of those who went ashore. The Philomel then moved onto The Philomel took the French convoy as far Philomel, the naval base in Devonport, joined as being the first men to be part of the American Samoa and other Pacific Islands as Aden and then proceeded to patrol the Auckland where her white ensign still flies. HMS Philomel was a third class light cruiser in the “Pearl” class, with eight guns and four torpedo tubes. She was built at Devonport Dockyard in England and first commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1891. She spent most of the next 21 years around Africa, where she largely protected trade and intercepted slave traders along the coast. She was later stationed in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and finally in Singapore, from where she was sent to New Zealand. On 15 July 1914, the already ageing and outdated, the Philomel was re-commissioned into the newly formed New Zealand Naval Forces as an ocean-going training vessel, with the condition that she be at the disposal of the Royal Navy in the event of war. War was just around the corner. Only two weeks later, while the Philomel was on her first shake-down cruise in Picton, she was recalled to Wellington to prepare for war with Germany. War was declared on 5 August HMS Philomel now rests in the water off Cuvier Island. Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019
HMS Philomel Red Sea. the Philomel spent the next couple of years During Christmas of 1914, the dilapidated uncared for at a dock in Wellington. Philomel was sent to Malta for a refit, funded In 1921, a working party from HMS by the Admiralty. Early in 1915, she joined Chatham made the Philomel sea-worthy the Royal Navy’s Red Sea Patrol and then enough to sail her back to the naval base in travelled to the eastern Mediterranean where Devonport to become the depot ship for the her crew were tasked with monitoring the “New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy” Ottoman Empire and protecting the Suez (as the sea-going elements of the New Zealand Canal. It was in early February outside a Naval Forces were known). Over the years town now known as İskenderun, that the New there she provided a training venue for new Zealand Naval Forces had their first casualty, entrants and specialist maintenance personnel able seaman William Edward Knowles and housed new recruits until 1941 when a from Lyttleton. training base was commissioned on Motuihe Later that year, after returning to the Red Island. From then until 1945, the Philomel Sea where two more crew were lost to heat was used for officer’s accommodation and as stroke, HMS Philomel moved to the Persian a base for patrol launches. Gulf where she spent the remainder of her In early 1947, the white ensign of the time in the war. The primary goals for the Philomel was lowered for the last time on crew of the ship were to keep the peace in board the ship, then raised the next morning the Persian Gulf, serve as a reminder of the on shore at the Devonport Naval Base, presence of the British and ensure continued now named HMNZ Philomel. The hulk of oil supply from the region. It was during this the Philomel was sold to the Strongman deployment when the Philomel lost another Shipping Company of Coromandel for £750. crew member to food poisoning in 1916. That same day, the hulk was towed to At the start of 1917, the Philomel was in Coromandel to be stripped. The usable parts desperate need of another refit, but the cost were salvaged to construct a small coastal of repairs was simply too great for the New vessel named Coromel, built by the Mason Zealand government. She was detached again Brothers. The Coromel was used as a ferry from the Royal Navy and sailed back to for goods service between Coromandel and Wellington, where she arrived in mid-March Auckland, with a weekly trip to Great Barrier to a ceremonial guard of 50 corporals from Island, from 1948 until the vessel was sold the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces and a in 1955 as a fishing vessel in the Chathams. number of politicians. The Coromel later moved to Tonga to serve HMS Philomel’s World War I service was as a crayfishing vessel. over, although she was given one last job At the end of her memorable career, serving as a depot ship from 1918 to 1919, the hull of HMS Philomel was honoured with with her crew assisting minesweeping a ceremonial send off, before 4kg of operations in Northland and the Kermadec explosives sent her to the bottom of the Islands, disposing of mines laid down sea off Cuvier Island in 1949. She’s now by German raider, Wolf. After 1919, permanently part of the Coromandel. Issue 845 - 15 May 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11
Letters to the Editor
See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Thank you to all the communities
of the Coromandel
Thank you so much to all the communities of the
Coromandel for their support and the turnout on
Saturday 27 April, when Sir Keith Park’s bronze
statue was unveiled at the Thames Civic Centre.
It was a fantastic day of pipers and flypasts,
glorious sunshine and excellent speakers.
Aunty Betty Hare’s wish was for us all to
know more about Sir Keith Park, an amazing
man who was born in Thames.
Great coverage from several local papers,
MediaWorks and TVNZ has ensured this.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Hare Family
Mercury Bay
Dear Editor - A year of celebration of the wild pig
This year heralds the 250th anniversary of the
wild pig in New Zealand. Former Coroglen resident, Betty Hare, left a bequest of $200,000 in Michael Alofa, the winner of this year’s Matapaua Bay Easter
For two and a half centuries, New Zealand her will for a statue of Sir Keith Park to be installed in Thames. Snapper Classic, with his impressive winning snapper.
families have been feasting on wild pork. putting first things first, he let the pigs go free. they’ve known about the massive negative Documentaries about these issues include
For 250 years, wild pigs caused no damage A year of celebration of the wild pig. impact of animal agriculture for decades. “Cowspiracy,” “What the Health” and
to the health of kauri trees. For 250 years, John Veysey The facts speak for themselves, though. “Dominion” (all available online), or read
wild pigs caused no damage to kiwi or kapapo. Coromandel Town Animal agriculture is responsible for a large “Plant Paradigm” by James Wilson, a fourth-
For many decades, the wild pig and Māori percentage of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas generation Kiwi farmer.
lived alongside one another in perfect harmony Dear Editor - Reducing or eliminating our emissions (not to mention freshwater wastage If we want to make a positive change and we
before Europeans began to ravage the country. consumption of animal products and pollution, habitat loss, deforestation care about planet Earth, our health and animals,
A visit to one of the Pacific Islands reminds us There has been a lot of discussion recently and species extinction) and it’s on the rise. it’s well worth looking at the impact of our diet.
how well man and pig can get along. about climate change, but no mention of one of But there’s an easy way to make a massive Amy Taylor
As in the Islands, the New Zealand wild the most effective ways to decrease our impact difference, just by choosing to eat more plant- Kuaotunu
pig is almost an essential part of every kind of on the environment - reducing or eliminating based food.
celebration and gathering. We cook ours in the our consumption of animal products. Other benefits of a plant-based diet include Dear Editor - Overpopulation our
earth. The Islanders roast theirs. Wild pork is a It’s not an easy topic to bring up because what less chance of preventable illnesses like heart largest challenge
connoisseur's delight. The wild pig has always we eat is a personal and even cultural thing. disease and diabetes, and less animal suffering. In his Letter to the Editor in The Informer
been part of the New Zealand experience. Even environmental organisations haven’t Despite what people would like to believe, of 1 May, Trevor Ammundsen seems to
Long may it remain so. wanted to talk about it until recently. They’ve New Zealand has a terrible track record with misunderstand global warming and the concerns
Let us not forget to thank Captain Cook for been too scared to lose popularity, although animal cruelty. of younger people. Both he and I will only see a
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019Letters to the Editor
See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
few centimetres of sea level rise before departing More than 30 anglers paid $20 each to
planet Earth on our respective journeys. In fact, participate in the fishing competition.
at the current rate of rise, it will take about 300 The money was mostly used to purchase prizes.
years before Whitianga is completely under This year saw the trophy going across the
water. However, I do not believe that is a good road for the first time to number 12 Matapaua
enough reason to be completely inactive and
Bay Road.
totally inconsiderate of future generations.
I understand that the rate of sea level rise The biggest snapper was caught by Michael
is currently increasing. We are now enjoying Alofa - a whopping 13.5kg fish. Michael
the same atmosphere as in the Pliocene period attributed his victory to the good company on
when the sea level was between 15m and 20m the day from his brother-in-law, Mick, and
higher than now. father-in-law, Greg. Michael was thrilled with
In my humble opinion, I believe it would his catch as he has never caught anything bigger
help were we all to do a little research. than his hand before.
It does appear that the largest challenge we face Michael also acknowledged all the SILs
is overpopulation. Perhaps parents could be
(sons-in-law) in the street as a minority group in
content to have fewer children. As an ex-farmer,
I know that a hectare of land will “comfortably” his victory speech and dedicated his triumph to
support a limited number of sheep. them. Fittingly, Alan Wills and his son-in-law,
But let's lighten up! Today is a beautiful day Steve, took out the second prize.
and the sea will only rise about 3.5mm this year. The winning trophy is now proudly on display
John Macassey in the garage of number 12 until next Easter.
Kuaotunu The competition ended with a lively street
Dear Editor - Matapaua Bay Easter get-together. Everyone mucked in and brought
Snapper Classic enough meat, salads and desserts to feed the
For the third year running, the property owners whole of Opito Bay.
of Matapaua Bay Road in Opito Bay took to the The event made a small profit this year,
water at first light on Easter Sunday to catch which was donated towards the rebuild of the
the biggest snapper in the Matapaua Bay Easter pontoon that the local community is undertaking.
Snapper Classic. An updated contact list of all the Matapaua
The weather was sunny and about 100
Bay Road property owners continues to be a
residents and bach owners turned out to enjoy
the competition and each other’s company. useful communication tool for the owners to
The event organisers - Mark Hayward, stay connected and to look out for each other
John MacEwan, Greg Farrant and Michael throughout the year.
Alofa - were more than pleased with another The Matapaua Bay Road Residents
successful event. Opito Bay
Issue 845 - 15 May 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13“Light Painting” camera club’s challenge for April
The April challenge for the members of the Whitianga Camera Club was “Light Painting.” air and being next to water created an impressive reflection.
According to Kate Beauchamp, the coordinator of the club, the challenge found its origin in the The little bird in the top left corner of the image was made using a light stencil. The picture of
Greek words “phos,” meaning light, and “graph,” meaning to draw. “A photograph literally is a the bird was taken separately and then added to the final image.
drawing made with light,” says Kate. “All our club members love the drama, vibrancy and composition of the image,” says Kate.
“Our challenge for April was about using light to create an image. There are many different light The favourite advanced group photo was “Ribbons of Light” (the photo on the right) by
painting techniques, mainly they involve moving a light source while taking a long exposure Anne Thurgood.
photograph, either to illuminate a subject or space, or to shine light at the camera to ‘draw’
“Anne and her neighbour shut themselves in a dark garage with a glass of wine each,”
a picture.”
says Kate. “After setting the camera up on a tripod, Anne danced around her neighbour,
The favourite beginner/intermediate group photo was “Painting with Light” (the photo on the her model in the photo, to Tchaikovsky's ‘Waltz of the Flowers.’ The light source used was a
left) by Jenny Upsall. camping stick light, which unfortunately had to be plugged in, so Anne did have a few challenges
Jenny shot the image of spinning steel wool burning at Mother Brown’s Creek in Whitianga. trying not to trip over the cord or tying herself up in knots with it.
A long exposure of 10 seconds was used to capture the motion of hot embers flying through the “We all like the great composition and crispness of the light movement.”
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019Issue 845
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2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Biggest ever Retro Car & Caravan Club rally at Hot Water Beach last weekend By Jack Biddle The New Zealand Retro Car & Caravan Club and we believe we can add value and create much a shared role,” says Peter. “While one low key, with the main focus being on the mix held its biggest ever rally last weekend at additional public appeal.” half of the team can work on the structural and mingle among members and the sharing the Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park Judging by all the hard work that has gone and mechanical issues, the other half can look of stories and ideas all to do with vintage with more than 40 vintage and retro caravans into restoring the classics that were on display after the interior fit out and sourcing of the caravanning, of course. Those attending were taking part. over the weekend, it’s plain to see that it’s all appropriate accessories.” also encouraged to enjoy the many nearby The rally got off to an ideal start on very much a team effort. The weekend’s rally drew members from attractions in Mercury Bay as well. Saturday in what could only be described “When a car restoration is underway, all over the North Island and ran from Friday Attending the rally were keen local as picture perfect weather. Many owners of it’s normally a male dominated world with afternoon until Sunday, although some stayed Whitianga vintage caravan enthusiasts, the participating timeless classics grew up in countless hours spent alone in a man-cave, on for another day or two before heading Don and Marilyn Jessen, who between them the era of the popular Kiwi-built home-on- whereas with a caravan restoration, it’s very home. Activities over the weekend were all have produced many best-selling books wheels and have painstakingly returned what that centre on all things vintage and retro, were mostly very dilapidated and neglected including old caravans, boats and aircraft. caravans back to their former glory. Don’s father started the company Liteweight Each brand and specific model on show Caravans in the mid 1940s, which went on had its own unique story to tell and came to become New Zealand’s largest caravan from a time when the local caravan industry manufacturer until it ceased production in introduced the concept of Kiwis enjoying the the 1990s. great outdoors in some form of comfort. Don and Marilyn currently own one of Rally organiser and the person mainly the original Liteweight caravans and have responsible for getting the club up and covered over 20,000 kilometres around New running nationwide, Peter Nunn, said that Zealand since its restoration. the condition of many of the caravans are The oldest caravan on show over the now equal to, or better than, the original weekend was a 1950 10-foot Liteweight builds. Peter’s own restoration project is a which was restored by Dave McRobbie from show-stopping 1973 10-foot six-inch Lilliput Hamilton. His caravan was the 22nd caravan Gazelle and was displayed complete with a ever made by the company. one-off replica scale model. The project took From an absolute wreck sitting neglected 12 months to complete. in long grass for many years, Dave has “The club is all about people who are like- painstakingly rebuilt the caravan using minded and passionate about our country’s mainly genuine parts, including tracking caravanning past and preserving the many down an original tow bar coupling. New Zealand made caravans and similar Dave’s past work history and hands- vintage or retro examples,” says Peter. on experience with caravans would “As a combined group, we can support, be unparalleled also. He started his help and advise people who are restoring their apprenticeship as a coachbuilder with caravans. Hard to find parts and accessories Liteweight Caravans in 1969 and has stayed are often sourced because of feedback from connected to the industry ever since. club members. Through our Facebook page, All those who attended the rally were keen which was started nearly six years ago, to point out that the beauty of their passion is the club has grown to around 1,500 active the fact that the finished product can be put members currently. on display and can also be used as practical “From restoring an old caravan, and comfortable accommodation at the the attention can also quickly turn to finding a same time. suitable tow vehicle that fits the same era for And when the restoration is a team effort, some members. Car shows and festivals like both halves can contribute a story or two the Repco Beach Hop are happy to welcome Peter Nunn, the founder of the New Zealand Retro Car & Caravan Club, with his beautifully about the highs and lows of the journey us on board because we fit in with their theme restored Lilliput Gazelle during last weekend’s club rally in Hot Water Beach. around the campfire. Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019
Issue 845
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27 May
July 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17SeniorNet Update Arlingham House to go
By Mavis Hicks
Winter is not too far off. Hopefully we will being offered. Consumer NZ has labelled
have more new members starting our classes extended warranties worthless in most
and enjoying the winter mornings while cases, the exception being for goods sold
learning more about their digital devices. for business use. They say that we already
You can bring your own device to class or if enjoy the rights offered under the Consumer
you have a PC, we have some laptops for use Guarantees Act. Technology-based businesses
in our classes. also have to explain to customers verbally
With so many people already familiar
and in writing that there is a five-day period
with digital devices, we have introduced
in which to allow cancellation of an extended
the opportunity to participate in one-on-one
meetings. If you would like some individual warranty. Again, as in so many other cases, it is
help, this might be for you. Phone Lorna buyer beware.
on 866 4215 (daytime please) for more Our SeniorNet terms run about the same
information and to book a place. Bookings time as the school terms. Just before each term
are important to ensure there is a tutor starts, we run an Open Day. This is another way
present who is familiar with your device. non-members can find out what SeniorNet is
Non-members will have to join SeniorNet, all about.
but that also gives you a variety of other
groups to take part in through the year. Arlingham House (pictured), the building next door to Thames-Coromandel District
The one-on-one meetings are scheduled to run Council’s offices in Monk Street in Whitianga, will be removed or demolished. TCDC bought
several times a year as needed. the property on which the building is situated in October 2017.
The Commerce Commission has brought
The two sheds on the property will also be removed or demolished.
charges against some technology-based
businesses concerning extended warranties An independent assessment revealed that Arlingham House and one of the two sheds are
in a very poor condition and pose health and safety risks associated with asbestos and
lead-based paint. The cost to repair and reinstate the buildings to a level fit for residential
or commercial use was estimated to be around $475,000.
At its meeting last month, the Mercury Bay Community Board approved the removal
or demolition of the buildings and the vacant 607m² site to be metalled and used as a
temporary car park until a decision is made on its final use.
It is anticipated that the removal or demolition work will begin in the next few months.
Arlingam House is not listed in the TCDC District Plan or with Heritage New Zealand as
a heritage building. Mercury Bay Community Board chair, Rekha Giri-Percival, says it’s a
shame to see the building go. “Unfortunately, given the condition it’s in, it’s not feasible to
retain [the building],” she says. “Until longer term plans are formalised, making use of the
The members of SeniorNet Whitianga meet at the property as car parking will help over the busy summer periods.”
Whitianga Social Services building at 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga.
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019Issue 845 - 15 May 2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19
Rescue Helicopter Update
Sponsored by Dive Zone Whitianga - Tel (07) 867 1580
Either we’ve all gone on holiday or we’re moped and climbing aboard your new Harley
incredibly healthy, as there were only nine Davidson 1,000 for a road trip around the
rescue helicopter missions on the Coromandel world. Everything is so different and the safety
No more Peninsula for the whole of April, a very pleasing of crew and patients demands total proficiency.
result indeed. Remember that the crew today is made up of a
Plastic bags Not much has been happening around the pilot, crewman/winchman, advanced paramedic
rescue helicopter base in Whitianga lately as and doctor (and more if a particular job
No more the crews are still heavily involved in retraining requires it).
Seagulls for the new helicopters. The first of the new
helicopters is now scheduled to commence
Until next month, please take care through the
colder and wetter times.
duties around the end of this month, but only Brian Bowering.
on daylight missions and no winching until the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust Chairman
skill levels required have been reached. PO Box 227, Whitianga 3542
I guess to put this training into perspective Phone (07) 866 2090
in real terms, it’s like jumping off your 1976 www.coromandelrescue.org.nz
Missions by the Auckland and Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopters on the Coromandel
Peninsula for the period 1 April to 30 April 2019
2.04.19 Orokawa Bay - Crew tasked to Orokawa Bay to assist a female patient in her 30s suffering a medical
complaint while she was out walking. Because of the remote location, an Intensive Care Paramedic was winched in to
extract the patient. She was flown to Tauranga Hospital in a moderate condition.
5.04.19 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a male patient in his teens suffering a medical complaint.
Unfortunately the patient died and Westpac 1 was stood down and returned to base.
11.04.19 Whangamata - Crew tasked to Whangamata to assist a female patient in her teens who suffered a spinal
injury after a tackle playing rugby. She was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition.
13.04.19 Tapu - Crew tasked to Tapu to assist a female patient in her 60s who had fallen 1.5m down a bank.
She suffered multiple injuries and was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
20.04.19 The Pinnacles - Crew tasked by Police to the Pinnacles Hut to assist with the search and rescue (SAR) of
a male patient in his 20s who had fallen 3m from the track near the summit. It was elected not to extract the patient
due to the unstable surrounding terrain and in the interest of public safety. Crew then departed to Waihi to pick up
the Land SAR rope qualified team. When Westpac 1 returned, the patient had extricated himself with help from the
public. He was in a minor condition and transportation by helicopter wasn’t required. Crew refuelled in Thames and,
after flying Land SAR back to Waihi, returned to base.
20.04.19 Colville - Crew tasked to Colville to assist a female patient in her 40s suffering a severe allergic reaction after
eating curry. She was flown to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
21.04.19 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical complaint.
He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
21.04.19 Cathedral Cove - Crew tasked to Cathedral Cove to assist a female patient in her 40s who had suffered a
knee injury after slipping while disembarking from a boat. She was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a minor condition.
27.04.19 Matarangi - Crew tasked to Matarangi to assist a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical complaint.
He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.
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
Mobility equipment available for locals and visitors.
Walking frames, crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs.
Phone Roger on 07 867 1986 for more information
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 845 - 15 May 2019You can also read
