A well-planned, well-functioning native plant and tree nursery in Whitianga
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Issue 981 - 21 December 2021 (07) 866 2090 - info@theinformer.co.nz Circulation 8,200
A well-planned, well-functioning native
plant and tree nursery in Whitianga
By Stephan Bosman
From humble beginnings at a private
residence in 2015, more than 30,000 native
plants and trees are now calling a new
nursery in Whitianga home. The nursery is
owned by the Mercury Bay Environmental
Trust (MBET). The trust was formed to
continue the environmental programmes of
the Coromandel Outdoor Language Centre,
which closed its doors in 2019.
“Restoring the dunes in Mercury Bay with
native plants was one of our activities at the
language centre,” says Kim Lawry, former
Coromandel Outdoor Language Centre
owner and chair of the MBET. “Sourcing
enough plants was always a problem and so
my wife and I established the nursery at our
home. Initially our focus was on propagating
only dune plants from seeds, but over time
we started to grow native trees as well.
Word got out and it wasn’t long before we
started to supply other environmental groups
in the Mercury Bay area also. There are many
groups doing great work and over time a lack
of space really started to affect our ability to
meet the demand out in the community.”
Fortunately for Kim and the other trustees
of the MBET, the Whitianga Waterways
offered the trust a portion of land at the
western end of Jackman Avenue to establish Mercury Bay Environmental Trust chair, Kim Lawry, at the trust’s new native plant and tree nursery in Whitianga.
a new nursery. “The Waterways’ generosity seeds collected on the Coromandel Peninsula. trees into bigger trays,” he says. “They really lot of volunteer help, but in the end it’s going
was very welcome and is hugely appreciated,” “We want to keep the Peninsula as pure as enjoy each other’s company while getting to be worth it. Just imagine a flourishing
says Kim. “It took a few months to turn the possible,” says Kim. “We also don’t sell to their hands dirty. As time goes by and our native forest framing the beauty of the
land into a well-planned, well-functioning the general public. We grow for our own use production increases, we’ll need more people Whitianga Harbour.”
nursery, but we’re pretty much there now. and continue to limit our external supply to to put their hands up to help out at the nursery. In addition to the Whitianga Waterways
We have space to grow up 80,000 native groups protecting the Mercury Bay coastline It really is a great way to get to know others and the volunteers helping out with
plants and trees, both under shade netting and and waterways, and re-establishing native while doing your bit for the environment.” the Mercury Bay Environmental Trust’s
out in the open, which means we won’t be too forests in the area. That includes groups A new project the trust has taken on is the activities, the trust receives support from
badly impacted when the weather throws us that replanted the Comers Road Peninsula restoration of an 81ha block of land bordering Waikato Regional Council, Trust Waikato,
a curve ball.” after the devastating fire that went through the eastern shore of the Whitianga Harbour. the Pacific Development & Conservation Trust,
The collection of seeds is an important part there a few years ago and the Otama The land, owned by the appropriately named the Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Pub Charity,
of the MBET’s activities. “It’s a specialised Wetlands Group.” “Back Drop Trust”, is protected with a QEII Thames-Coromandel District Council,
job,” says Kim. “We collect the seeds out in Like all charities, the MBET is dependent covenant to provide a visually pleasant the Department of Conservation, Coastcare,
the wild and for some plants have a very small on community support to keep on functioning. backdrop to the Whitianga urban area. Hopper Developments, Carters Whitianga,
window of opportunity to collect enough Kim says they always appreciate financial “We’ve just received funding to get rid of Mico Plumbing, Hull Fencing, All Terrain
seeds, literally weeks. We don’t always get it support, but volunteers play an important the wilding pines on the block of land,” says Bobcat Services, Accounting by Design,
right. Nature is fascinating. After six years, role in their activities. “We have a wonderful Kim. “Once that is done, we’ll start planting The Mercury Bay Informer, Primehort,
we’re still learning as we go.” group of ladies who come to the nursery the land with native plants and trees grown in PlaceMakers Whitianga and the Whitianga
The trust only grows plants and trees from once a week to help transfer the plants and our nursery. The project is going to require a MenzShed.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Become a “Friend of the Museum”
By Francesca Dowling
Friends are important in everyone’s life. The Mercury Bay Museum is a registered the museum running and the preservation fundraising events with the membership
They support and look out for us while always non-profit charity governed by a trust board of the artefacts. Friends of the Museum programme now in place, including another
making sure we are doing the best we can. dedicated to the teaching of New Zealand is the perfect avenue for people who are “Night at the Museum”, and more murder
So, why would it be any different that a history, research and the preservation interested in helping the museum beyond an mysteries and high teas. “When we’ve held
museum needs friends? of historical and cultural artefacts and admission fee. Besides the financial support these events before, they were so much fun,
The Mercury Bay Museum has launched memorabilia. This requires a lot of money the membership programme is expected to the museum was packed,” says Rebecca.
a “Friends of the Museum” membership and time. generate, which will be seriously appreciated, “We’ll be able to host many more functions
programme in search of good mates to be “Our museum is purely run off of the more people will be brought through the with the support of the Friends of the Museum
privy to exclusive exhibition previews and generosity of the community and their interest doors which is hugely important to keep our membership programme, watch this space.”
to be invited to exciting talks and behind in Mercury Bay’s history,” says Rebecca area’s history alive, especially in terms of Rebecca is appreciative towards everyone
the scenes tours, as well as discounts to a Cox, Mercury Bay Museum manager. cultural responsibility.” who has supported the museum over the
selection of museum events. And the best “Each admission fee goes into keeping There are plans for some exciting future years. “We really appreciate everything
part about being a Friend of the Museum is the community does for our local museum,
the mates rates that come with it. For only a it’s such a cherished treasure in Whitianga,”
$50 annual membership fee, all these perks she says. “We have at the moment other
will be in addition to free museum admission opportunities to become involved also.
all year round when and as you please, along We are looking for a few front-of-house
with quarterly email newsletters to keep you volunteers and trust board members if anyone
in the loop. is interested. Also, we have an exciting
Even better, you can add three friends or opportunity for people with good computer
whānau, adults or students aged 15 or over and writing skills to help out behind the
only, to your membership for $25 each. They scenes with our collections in storage that
will, however, not be able to access discounts need to be catalogued and photographed.
or receive member newsletters or updates. A written description of each artefact or piece
There is also an opportunity to become of memorabilia also has to be put together.
a sponsor of the Mercury Bay Museum - This is really important as museum standards
either a gold sponsor for $1,000, a silver for the preservation of items have upgraded
sponsor for $500 or a bronze sponsor for nationally and what we have out on display is
$250. These sponsorships include all Friends only five percent of what we actually have in
of the Museum benefits plus your logo or our possession. So, we are playing a massive
name placed on a virtual sponsorship board catch up and would love some help.”
on the museum’s website. In addition, as a To become a Friend of the Museum,
gold or silver sponsor, you will receive two visit the Mercury Bay Museum website,
complimentary friends or whānau add-ons mercurybaymuseum.co.nz, email info@
and an extra bonus as a gold sponsor of one mercurybaymuseum.co.nz, phone (07) 866
free guided highlights tour of the museum for 0730 or pop into the museum and meet some
up to 10 people. of your new mates face-to-face.
Friends of the Museum memberships and Rebecca recommends that a Friends of the
sponsorships run annually from 1 January to Mercury Bay Museum manager, Rebecca Cox (left), Museum membership “could make a great
31 December. and front-of-house volunteer, Ingrid Leersnyder. Christmas gift”.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Tuesday, 21 December to Wednesday, 29 December: This is a good week for planets as we will have three bright ones lined up in the west. Venus is
the lowest and by far the brightest after sunset, with fainter Saturn and then bright Jupiter higher up. They are joined by very faint Mercury just to the
left of Venus at dusk. Wednesday, 22 December marks the summer solstice when the day is the longest and the Sun is at its most southerly location in
our sky. There will also be several International Space Station (ISS) passes this week. Wednesday, 22 December - The longest day of the year today.
Thursday, 23 December - Faint Mercury will be visible very low on the western horizon at sunset just below and to the left of brilliant Venus. A very low
and brief ISS pass in the SW at 11:48pm until it disappears into the Earth’s shadow next to the Southern Cross. Friday, 24 December - Santae Australis
might be seen by some lucky (and good) younger stargazers tonight moving down from the northern sky. Saturday, 25 December - Mercury is just visible Astronomy Tours and B&B
at sunset very low and to the left of brilliant Venus. Sunday, 26 December - A low ISS pass from 10:57pm in the SW moving just above the Southern Phone (07) 866 5343
Cross. Tuesday, 28 December - There will be a bright ISS passes tonight from 10:55pm in the SW. Wednesday, 29 December - Mercury now lies above
brilliant Venus low in the west at sunset. The ISS can be seen from 10:05pm in the SW.
www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
nzwindows.co.nz
4 Dakota Drive
Whitianga
Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021
First ever e-Waste
drive a huge success
More than 200 vehicles disposed of around 12,000kg of e-Waste during last weekend’s first ever e-Waste
drive held by the Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre Trust (MBRRCT) in Whitianga.
“We’ve had vehicles from Coromandel Town, Cooks Beach, Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Matarangi, Whangapoua,
Kuaotunu and Whitianga,” says Kerryn Wakelin, secretary of the MBRRCT. “We would like to say a massive
thank you to everyone who came and supported the initiative. We think you all deserve a huge round of
applause for doing the right thing and disposing of your electronic waste in an environmentally friendly
way. Your actions mean there is 12,000kg less waste in landfill.”
Laptops, printers, televisions, desktop computers, video and DVD players, batteries, pumps, generators,
kitchen appliances, speakers, vacuum cleaners, fax machines, car stereos, microwaves, fridges, freezers,
stoves, cameras, mobile phones and an endless supply of cables, leads and wires were among the items
that were disposed of. All the items will be sorted and where possible, repaired and tested. Anything
unable to be reused or upcycled will be sent to specialist recovery teams which will dismantle and recover
the metals and materials that can be recycled.
Thames-Coromandel District Council provided funding and promotional support for the drive. Council also
provided the premises in Whitianga where the drive was run from.
“The work over the last couple of days has been very physical, especially dealing with the older equipment
and heavy TV units,” says Kerryn. “We are extremely grateful to the 12 volunteers who assisted us over
the two days. There was very little time to relax and we were all working up a sweat unloading countless
cars, trailers and vans in the heat.”
The e-Waste Drive is a precursor to the establishment of Whitianga’s own resource recovery centre.
Construction on the centre will start early next year as part of the relocation of TCDC’s Whitianga Transfer
Station to Moewai Road.
“The e-Waste Drive has been a wonderful example of community and council working together,” says Len
Salt, chair of the MBRRCT. “Our community workers and volunteers can achieve things that are difficult to
do under the constraints of council or contractor frameworks. We are keen to see much more community
management of solid waste in the future. There’s an opportunity to achieve significant reductions in waste
volumes once we get the momentum going.”
Pictured are Geoffrey Huntleigh-Smith and Tiffany Reid, two of the volunteers who helped at the e-Waste
drive over the weekend.
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Scheduled air service between Auckland Airport and Whitianga kicks off Barrier Air’s long-awaited scheduled air service between Auckland Airport and Whitianga a third flight. The current flights are scheduled to give passengers as much time as possible at kicked off on Thursday last week. With Captain Daryl Williamson at the controls, flight GB401 their destination. For people living in Whitianga, it means they will be relaxed when they arrive departed Auckland Airport on time at 7:30am. in Auckland for a day of business, leisure or shopping, without the stress of knowing they face The airline made a significant investment in establishing a GPS approach into Whitianga, allowing a two-and-a-half or three-hour drive to get home.” the airline to fly in all weather conditions. “Reliability is a cornerstone of our operations,” said The price of flights between Auckland Airport and Whitianga starts at $49 one-way. Barrier Air CEO, Grant Bacon, after the flight landed in Whitianga at 8:00am. “When passengers Flight GB401’s arrival in Whitianga on Thursday was marked with a water salute by the book with us, they can be certain that they will fly.” Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade. “The water salute was a very kind gesture,” said Grant. Barrier Air operates a fleet of immaculately maintained 13-seater Cessna Grand Caravans, “It really made us feel welcome. We look forward to serving the people of Whitianga and the a comfortable and quiet aircraft ideally suited for the routes the airline fly. In addition to Coromandel for many years to come.” Whitianga, the airline flies to Great Barrier Island and Kaitaia form Auckland Airport, and also Pictured in the top photo on the left is Whitianga indicated as a destination on the departures flies several times a day between North Shore Airport and Great Barrier Island. board at Auckland Airport. In the bottom left photo is the instrument panel of the aircraft that “We’re kicking things off with two flights daily between Whitianga and Auckland Airport, early operated flight GB401, indicating Whitianga as the destination. In the photo on the right is Daryl morning and late afternoon,” said Grant. “As and when the route grows in popularity, we’ll add Williamson (left) and Grant Bacon after the arrival of flight GB401 in Whitianga. Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021
Issue 981 - 21 December 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Top tattooist happy to be in Tairua By Pamela Ferla Award winning tattooist, Brent Mcown, the good and I think being involved with aims to “made the body look better”, and the bad taught me lessons.” with his personal approach and flair for When Brent returned to New Zealand, design he has many happy customers. Brent he found himself surrounded by Pacific and his wife, Larissa, were in Austria when Islanders in South Auckland during a time Covid-19 started sweeping the globe. They of their cultural tattoo revival. “I was decided it was time to return to New Zealand very fortunate to be shown the traditional and moved to Tairua 18 months ago. tattooing method from a Samoan,” he Apart from the Coromandel’s lovely says. “The Māori style was not being beaches, Tairua attracted them because it practised then.” was away from the drama of earthquakes. Brent has Celtic origins and says They experienced first-hand the devastation that Celtic, Indonesian and some other caused by the 2015 earthquake in traditional designs have been modernised, Kathmandu. The couple are now busy some through the influence of religion. building a house surrounded by bush “It was hard to practise a traditional method near Tairua. in New Zealand in the early 2000s, so I Brent was born in Waiuku and inherited went to Europe where they were happy an artistic flair from his father who at one to accept traditional tattoos,” he says. stage illustrated children’s books. As a teen “It was something they were longing for. he designed tattoos for his mates who used It became a job where I would travel with home-made machines to tattoo each other. a pack on my back and I would go to tattoo “They used a tape-deck motor, a bent spoon conventions. I did this for around for 18 and the shaft of a ballpoint pen with a needle years. It was exciting, but now it’s nice to stuck in it,” he says. “Personally, I did not be home.” want a tattoo, but I was the only one in our Brent and Larissa met five years ago in group that could draw, so I was popular.” her native Holland when she worked in a Brent started tattooing when he moved tattoo studio in Amsterdam. “I was going to to Darwin and improved with practice. do a tattoo on her, but she reckoned I was “In those days it was the motorcycle clubs too expensive,” laughs Brent. that ran tattoo parlours and they didn’t The couple’s first date was a long one. like my competition,” he says. “So, it was Brent invited Larissa to fly to Milan with either stop doing it or work with them and I him and then drive around for a week. They decided to do an apprenticeship with them. ended up in Venice, then Austria and the Mixing with motorcycle clubs was very Alps, then Germany and all the way back character building. But since I was very to Holland. And they have been together young, I’ve taken from the bad as well as ever since. Tattooists, Brent and Larissa Mcown, at their Tairua studio with one of Brent’s awards. Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021
Tairua tattooist
Their business is called Tattoo Black reserved for the super wealthy - the king
Aotearoa. A business card says Brent has of Denmark was fully tattooed. In fact,
been tattooing “since ages ago”, but it is wearing tattoos was reserved for heroes
actually 34 years. Larissa also tattoos and and the wealthy before the 1950s. Then it
feels lucky to have Brent guiding her with was hijacked by hippies and others wanting
his knowledge and experience. to resemble their heroes or to copy the
The walls of their studio by Tairua wealthy.”
Stationery are packed with Brent’s awards As well as modern tattoo needles, Brent
and they are not just photo frames with has pounamu blades plus a traditional
words. Prestigious awards include several needle, acquired in Europe, that is fashioned
shaped like guitars, some of sculls and a out of a hippopotamus tusk. The tusks of
life-size black surfboard made by an Italian wild pigs were used until any available
jeweller. This was awarded at the “invitation tusks became too small.
only” London Tattoo Convention in So, who are the bravest when handling
2015 for achieving first place in the Best the pain? “Well,” Brent smiles and ponders.
Ornamental category. “Men tend to tense up with pain, but women
Brent is keen to teach traditional tattooing
seem more relaxed. They both feel the pain,
methods to young Pacific Islanders,
but that tenseness makes it harder for men.”
incorporating cultural aspects such as
Tattoos take from 30 minutes up to
acknowledging the transition from boy to
manhood. He recently held workshops eight hours, with return visits if needed.
at Opoutere and on a Tauranga marae. Most customers want to see the outline
“I like any design and style, as long as I drawn on their skin before the work starts.
can connect with the customer,” he says. “For me it’s very important the design fits
“When I was young, I was a bit afraid of nicely in to a customer’s personal body
people with tattoos. There was an exciting shape,” says Brent. “My aim is to make the
mystique about it. Most people will judge body look better.”
me for the tattoos I wear, but when they get “We chat and we hear lots of stories,”
used to it they filter that out and just see me. says Larissa, whose tattoos include a nicely
“All kinds of people want a tattoo. shaped design covering her neck, done
One day I may be working with truck driver by Brent. “Sometimes we become like a
from the local pub and the next a wealthy counsellor or a psychiatrist. “
businessman. It’s all very interesting. “And we would not have it any other way,”
The history is as important as the tattoo. adds Brent. “Some customers have a deep
Most people aren’t aware of the background and personal reason for choosing a design.
of tattooing. In the early 1800s tattoos were It’s not just like having a haircut.”
Issue 981 - 21 December 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Holiday
fun with
Mercury
Twin
Cinemas
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Should Thames-Coromandel District Council mayor, Sandra Goudie,
See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook.
sign the Local Government Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Change?
in the night sky, and the Whitianga and
Hot Water Beach tides.
Follow us on Twitter.
Check us out on Instagram. Have your say at www.theinformer.co.nz.
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021
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Christmas lights in the Whitianga suburbs Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021
Issue 981 - 21 December 2021 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 - The Local Government Leaders’ Two judges in the climate declaration court message to get on board would go a long way visited. They are only viable in very rare
Declaration on Climate Change case both said that once a council resolution to ensuring a good outcome. locations with exceptionally high tidal ranges
The article in The Informer of 14 December was passed approving signing, the mayor Let’s all stand up for our communities and and a very particular geography such as
about the Local Government Leaders’ would be required to sign the declaration. democracy, and work together to achieve an narrow inlets. Unfortunately, the Hauraki Gulf
Declaration on Climate Change leaves open the And she would be signing for the council, outstanding final result. has neither.
question of whether the Thames-Coromandel not herself personally. TCDC’s own legal Ady Cole-Ewen Mr Everth claims his structure will protect
District Council mayor can usurp a majority advice confirms this. Wharekaho not only Thames, but also the tidal flats for
decision of council. She cannot. The mayor promised at an election meeting in the birds at Miranda. In fact, it will do the
The article does not refer to the most Dear Editor - A dam across the Hauraki Gulf reverse and eventually result in the destruction
2019 that she would obey the majority decision
important part of the resolution agreed to by The discussions about climate change produce of the globally unique chenier plains that
of councillors. I have a handwritten note taken
all councillors, including Councillor Tony Fox. some amusing outcomes from time to time. have produced the environment the birds so
at the time to prove it. Ninety-five percent of
In this part, all councillors “agreed with the One example is Waikato Regional Council love. The dam will stop the longshore marine
submitters on council’s own consultation on
(emission reduction) actions in the declaration” representative, Councillor Denis Tegg, transport of gravel and sand down the west
the declaration agreed the mayor should sign it.
and agreed council will undertake “an claiming that the recent washing up of sea coast that forms the plains on which the birds
The mayor does not have the option of
ambitious emission reduction work program”. grass on local beaches is due to climate change. so depend, and also damage the very tidal flats
refusing to sign. There is nothing for her to
Thus, all councillors have agreed that The real experts say it is a natural process that some of the birds migrate halfway around
“consider”. The deputy mayor or the chief
TCDC, as an organisation, will undertake for this time of year, but changes in weather the world to feed on.
executive must end this farce and sign the
ambitious emission reduction work in line with and currents can mean it ends up on our Like many green energy ideas, the dam will
declaration on behalf of TCDC.
the declaration. This council pledge does not beaches sometimes. require huge amounts of construction material
Denis Tegg
depend on the mayor signing the declaration The sight of protesters dressed up in and thus new mines. The gravel for the dam
Chair of Hauraki Coromandel Climate Action Inc
and will apply if she refuses to sign it. This is lifejackets attending Thames-Coromandel construction alone will require several gigantic
precisely why the councillors insisted that this Dear Editor - Three Waters reality check District Council meetings on the Local open pit hard rock mines, some of which would
second part be included. They anticipated her The Three Waters Reform as presented by Government Leaders’ Declaration on Climate logically be sited on the Coromandel side.
wilful intransigence. Local Government minister, Nanaia Mahuta, Change was hilarious, but not so amusing Mr Everth says that $1 billion of the cost
Why then does it matter whether the mayor is woefully out of touch with reality. was the recent submission on the declaration could be raised by taxing Hauraki Plains
signs the declaration? Because in a democracy, Propaganda cannot replace intelligent in- to TCDC by Whitianga resident and Waikato farmers $10,000 per hectare. This will amount
a majority decision of council is binding on depth research and a well-formulated business University PhD student, Thomas Everth. to millions of dollars of extra debt for many
the mayor. She does not have any independent plan which encompasses and details each and Mr Everth’s problem to solve a (so far) non- farmers, but even this will be nowhere near
power and must implement a majority decision. every aspect of the issues to be addressed. existent sea level problem in the Hauraki Gulf enough. Even the much smaller but better sited
Otherwise, what is the point of voting? Imagine I doubt there is anyone who would is the construction of a huge dam and tidal Severn tidal power project in the UK, with
a situation where a majority votes for a five be against a workable plan with regard power station across the gulf. This apparently three times the Hauraki Gulf’s tidal range,
percent rate increase, but the mayor wants to the better provision of water services will save Thames and the Hauraki Plains from was recently scrapped after studies revealed
seven percent. Would she be able to usurp the across New Zealand. The website drowning and extends 20km from Te Puru that the dam cost could blow out to $60 billion
council majority decision? Of course not. www.communities4localdemocracy.co.nz to Waharau. and have serious negative consequences for
Council’s own code of conduct contains valuable information. And while you These tidal power systems have been used marine life.
requires all elected members to support a are there, take a look at the “Water Myths”. on a small scale in a tiny handful of locations Alastair Brickell
majority decision. Contacting your local council with a strong overseas, including a Canadian one I have Kuaotunu
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021Whenuakite School’s top potato grower Whenuakite School was buzzing during the last week of school as students brought along their “potatoes in a bucket.” “All the students were hopeful that inside their bucket would be the heaviest crop of potatoes or the heaviest individual potato after months of nurturing their ‘seed potato’,” says teacher, Jan Collins. The buckets were upended and the contents revealed. The heaviest crop of 880g went to Jake Brockett of Room 1, who also took out the heaviest individual potato at 130g. “What an achievement for this five-year-old,” says Jan. The Cooks Beach Garden Club again helped with the weigh- in and the students are very thankful for their support. “A big thank you must also go to The Warehouse Whitianga for supporting this annual growing initiative that enables the Whenuakite School students and staff to participate in this exciting schoolwide activity,” says Jan. Pictured is Jake looking on as his potatoes were being weighed. Issue 981 - 21 December 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13
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July 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17A generous stash of Christmas gifts
and food parcels given away Scott’s Thoughts
By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel
I’m looking forward to working with the the country, but particularly from Auckland,
new leader of the National Party, Christopher and our towns have been noticeably quieter
Luxon. Most people will have heard of Chris without them these past few months.
from his time as CEO of Air New Zealand and I’m expecting a huge influx of people who
seen him in the media recently. He brings real- want to enjoy everything that the Peninsula has
world business experience to the leadership to offer and I’m looking forward to welcoming
role and he represents a fresh start for National. them back.
I share his vision for a brighter more optimistic We have some of the best beaches, walking
future for our country and all New Zealanders. and cycling tracks, and fishing spots in the
For too long now we’ve been conditioned to country. More than the well-known attractions,
mediocrity and a lack of ambition. It’s time to it’s our small businesses, volunteers and local
look positively forward with practical ideas and characters that make the Coromandel so special.
policies that will see us growing as a nation. We have so many amazing communities and
Yes, sure we have challenges to confront the summer signals a time when the rest of
and hurdles to overcome, but I’m confident the country remembers what they’re missing
Christopher Luxon offers a real alternative to out on.
the gloom and division that has smothered our It has been a rollercoaster of a year and
great little nation in recent years. everyone deserves a chance to relax and spend
After two months of planning and organising, on Monday this week, Whitianga Social Services gave away Needless to say, I’m delighted to have retained time with their family and friends this summer.
a generous stash of Christmas presents to 60 families across the Mercury Bay community who otherwise my role as spokesperson for the Environment I wish you and your family a happy, safe and
may not have been fortunate enough to have had Santa stop by this year. and have also taken on the Climate Change enjoyable holiday. Merry Christmas.
Each family received gifts for every member of the family, along with a food parcel that contained and Associate Transport portfolios. Of course
everything a Christmas meal should plus essential non-perishables and holiday treats such as strawberries I continue to represent and advocate for the
and chocolates. Coromandel region. Please never hesitate to be
“It’s my favourite project each year,” said Stacey Gaskell of Whitianga Social Services. “Just seeing how in touch.
grateful people are when they come by and collect up their bundle of donated gifts and food makes all Now that the “traffic light” system is in place
the effort put into it worthwhile. Whitianga really does band together each time to make sure the parcels and the regional boundaries are loosening,
are awesome. Many of the gifts were donated through Guthrie Bowron Whitianga’s annual ‘Giving by there is greater certainty that we can enjoy
Gifting’ Christmas tree and North Real Estate collected non-perishables. The Warehouse and Countdown another classic summer this year. There have
contributed additional gifts and food items. been a few teething issues with the vaccine
“What an amazing effort, thank you guys.” passes, but please be patient with businesses
who are doing their best under the regulations.
Stacey also wanted to say a special thank you to her “brilliant team of 14 volunteers” who helped put
together the parcels and food bags. “The fact that every year we are able to make sure that every family It has been a trying time for them and an extra
in Whitianga has a special Christmas and is looked after purely through the generosity of our community few moments of waiting is a small price to pay
will never stop astounding me,” she said. to help get our businesses back on their feet
and to keep everyone safe.
Pictured are some of those who put the bundles of gifts and food together. From the left: Benjamin Conning,
Stacey Gaskell, Jeni Candelaria and Marlie Candelaria. Our region relies on visitors from around
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Aikido expert reflects on many triumphs and a Whitianga fail By Tony Stickley David Lynch, known in the martial arts an Aikido school where he could live with full community as “the father of New Zealand board and train full-time in return for doing Aikido”, has a few firsts to his name - some menial tasks such as cleaning the toilets, stunningly successful, another less so. David quit the paper. “It was a pretty tough His successes, along with setting up the first time,” he said. “You had to get up early and Aikido school (dojo) in New Zealand, include clean everything and then do several hours managing the first New Zealand Government training a day.” Tourist Office in Japan, thereby playing an David also became the driver for Gozo important role in the boom in visitors from Shioda, the famous headmaster of the dojo, that part of the world in the 1970s and 1980s. which involved going to places like the He also arranged for the first major public Police School and Jietai (military academy) demonstrations of Aikido at the New Zealand where Shioda Sensei taught and foreigners Easter Show in Auckland and the first sumo didn’t normally enter. demonstration there as well. The dojo had a hierarchical system with David, 82 - who lives with his Japanese some “monastic elements” where, being at wife, Hisae, on Mill Creek Road south of the bottom of the heap, David had to do as he Whitianga - was working as a journalist was told. However, there was an upside as he for Breckell and Nicholls Limited, a trade discovered after six months when a group of magazine publisher in Auckland in the early Japanese riot police were sent to the school 1960s when a friend living in Japan, a former for a 12-month stint of full-time training in war correspondent who covered the conflict Aikido. “Suddenly, I became senior to them, David and Hisae Lynch (seated and fourth from the left) with a group of Aikido on the Korean Peninsula, persuaded him to so I was relieved of the toilet detail and they students from Auckland at their Dojo on Mill Creek Road. ply his trade in Tokyo. had to do it,” David said. “They were even As he was practising judo at the time, David making me cups of tea.” Panmure Young Citizens’ Centre. “It was his head when he was repairing watches, found the Kodokan in Tokyo, considered to It was at the Yoshinkan Dojo that David incredibly popular. There was an enormous so the school moved on when the year lease be the “mecca” of judo, too attractive a lure met Hisae, who was secretary to Shioda number of students coming in,” he said. was up to new premises in Darby Street. to resist. He got a job as a journalist at the Sensei as well as being a black belt instructor, It was then that he decided to “take a punt”, David, who speaks fluent Japanese, got a Asahi Evening News, but found the work, while David had joined the school as a mere leave his job and start a dojo in Lorne Street, job with JETRO, the Japan External Trade and adjustment to a very different culture, white belt. just off the centre of downtown Auckland. Organisation, while continuing to teach rather tiring. “It was a choice between getting In 1965, the couple moved to Auckland Unfortunately, the Aikido school was above Aikido at reduced hours. tired from judo and not being able to work where David went back to his old job editing the landlord’s watchmaking shop and he did Life took another change of course in effectively or vice versa,” he said. magazines. At the same time, he started the not appreciate the sound and vibration of 1973 when David approached the New After finding the Yoshinkan Dojo, first Aikido school in New Zealand in the bodies thumping on the wooden floor above (Continued on page 22) Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021
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July 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21Aikido expert’s
reflections
(Continued from page 20)
Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department along and cut the ribbon, and it took off
in Wellington, offering his services in Japan. from there.”
“They had no representation in Tokyo and I While working for the New Zealand
suggested they ought to have, and it turned government in Tokyo, where he had
out they were on the verge of doing so diplomatic status, David was having a new
anyhow,” he said. “So, they sort of wrote a job dojo built behind his and Hisae’s home in
description around me and I was posted up Epsom, Auckland. So, when it was time to
there, where I stayed for 15 years promoting return to New Zealand in 1988, David, now
travel and tourism to New Zealand.” a sixth dan black belt, set up another Aikido
David acknowledged he knew very school in Auckland, “the Lynch Dojo”,
little about the travel industry at the time. with his wife and son helping to instruct.
“The main reason they hired me was because That worked well until the local council
I spoke Japanese, but it was mainly a PR job told David he was illegally operating a
and I was comfortable with that,” he said. commercial business in a residential area on
At the time, there were only about 6,000 the basis of increased traffic flows. This came
Japanese visitors to New Zealand per year, as a shock as he had obtained all the proper
but by the time David left the job, that figure building consents and the dojo was well
had leapt to 88,000. “We started with more hidden behind their house which backed onto
or less a blank page with no clear image of Cornwall Park.
New Zealand,” he said. “People were mixing David and Hisae were able to carry on for
New Zealand up with New Guinea and a few more years before deciding to move to
confounding us with Australia.” Whitianga, where they built a unique timber
David even saw maps where New Zealand geodesic dome dojo in the bush next to their
had been jammed between the Australian home on Mill Creek Road. But things didn’t
mainland and Tasmania. “It was quite a go exactly as they had planned, especially
task to get people to recognise the country,” with Covid-19 closing the international
he said. borders. “Now we have no parking problems,
Part of his job was making television no neighbour problems and no students,”
appearances and looking after visiting David said.
Ministers of Tourism. Being a 15-minute drive out of Whitianga
David said that for nine of his years with was considered too far for many people to
the New Zealand Government Tourist Office travel. “I really can’t be bothered promoting
in Japan, he was based at the New Zealand myself and most people, it seems, can’t be
Embassy which was in an outer residential bothered sticking with the Aikido training
suburb of Tokyo, but he had long sought to be which requires dedication,” David said.
allowed to open an office close to the centre “People tend to start out enthusiastically, then
of the city, where most other countries had fade away.
their tourism offices. Before Covid-19, the dojo received
His chance came when it was announced regular visits from Aikido students based
that the then prime minister, Robert Muldoon, in Auckland as well as international Aikido
was to visit Japan and he was asked if there enthusiasts. “We set up the dojo with the
was anything the PM could do to help idea that people could come from around the
promote tourism. David suggested the country for weekend training sessions here,”
PM officially open a new tourism office in David said. “Sadly, it has not worked out.
central Tokyo, while he also sent out maps But as the old Aikido saying goes, ‘Failure
of Tokyo to various news outlets back in is the key to success, each mistake teaches us
New Zealand showing where 50 or so other something.’”
countries’ tourism offices were clustered David and Hisae have enjoyed hosting
in a commercial area of the city, with New many Japanese and local cultural and social
Zealand’s sitting forlornly on its own way out events at the dojo, including regular weekend
in the suburbs. practice sessions by Taiko drummers
“Suddenly I got approval and had to find from Auckland.
premises within a couple of months, which Their property, set among beautiful bush
was quite difficult,” David said. “But we and kauri, with waterfalls and swimming
managed to get an office and the PM came holes, is currently on the market.
Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021Issue 981
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July 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club gets dedicated VHF chat channel By Tony Stickley Whitianga sports fishermen and women will soon have their own dedicated VHF chat channel to keep in touch on tournament days, keep tabs on what the opposition is doing, know who is catching the biggest fish and where they are catching them. And no doubt there will also be the occasional tale heard over the airwaves about the whopper that got away. The Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club had made great progress in getting their own VHF channel up and running, thanks to sterling work from Graeme Tucker, Peter Murray, Stu Henderson, Les Coomber, Brad Johnson and Brook Johnstone, as well as club vice-president, Gordon McIvor. Members of the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club getting the club’s own VHF channel The club members have been busy erecting up and running in time for the busy summer season. an aerial and installing a repeater on top of Maungatawhiri Hill above Simpsons Beach for what will be their own channel 65. All they need now is a bit of clear weather to connect it all up to a solar panel and batteries for the new system to be operational, ready for the busy summer season so that they can chat away to their hearts’ content. Gordon said that until now, with permission generously given by the Whitianga Coastguard in recognition of the excellent relationship between the two organisations, the Game Fishing Club used channel 61 for their general marine talk. The club will continue to encourage members to make official trip reports directly to Coastguard on channel 63. But it was decided that the club really need its own channel to free up the general chat channel, especially during tournament days when there would be hundreds of boats out at sea. Gordon said that having its own channel during the club’s popular tournaments, when there was a lot of chatter between boats, would mean less of an issue for the Coastguard channel. “We run tournaments so we want to know who is out there and also we have a sponsors grid, so when people hook up they will say they have hooked this fish and it is in this sponsor’s square, so the sponsor gets some exposure with the other contestants and also it gives an idea of where the fish have been caught,” he said. Two years ago, the club bought transmission equipment from a radio operator on Great Barrier Island and moved it to a spot on Black Jack Road, courtesy of club committee member, Dugal McFarlane, who has been immensely supportive of the club. However, the position was not ideal because of a hill creating a bit of a “shadow” over the area around the Aldermen Islands, so thanks to the Simpson family the club was now able to move the equipment up to the top of Maungatawhiri Hill. Because it was an aerial and repeater channel, the Game Fishing Club had to apply for a licence from Radio Spectrum Management to be able to position it in a particular place. “You get a radio engineer to design it to make sure it doesn’t interfere with any other VHF channels in the country,” said Gordon. “And when they have engineered it, you apply to Radio Spectrum Management to first get a licence and this time to re-position it. We have had a lot of support from retired radio engineer, Leith Jackson, who should be acknowledged for his work.” While the channel was being set up for club members, Gordon said it would be a bit hard to make it exclusively for them, “but it certainly will be where the fishing discussion will take place”. Gordon said that once the system was set up, it would be tested to make sure it worked as expected with good coverage. “Once we have got that confidence, we will be running our tournaments through that channel,” he said. “So, if you want to know who is close to you and what is happening as far as the fishing is concerned, that is what will be available on channel 65.” Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021
First adrenalin-fuelled tourist attraction
for Mercury Bay
With the arrival of Cathedral Cove Jet’s first with highspeed drifting, heart-pumping power
jetboat in Whitianga a few weeks ago, Mercury slides and white-knuckle spins. The trip lasts
Bay joined the ranks of New Zealand tourism about 40 minutes and isn’t all just about speed
hotspots offering an adrenalin-fuelled activity and turns. We slow down every now and again to
to visitors. point out the landmarks and tell our passengers
“It all started during the first Covid-19 about the history of the area. Venturing slowly
lockdown last year,” says Justin Hopkins, into Cook’s Blowhole is always a highlight.
who owns the boat with his partner, Zinnia “We also have a shorter option to Cooks
Harris. “We also operate Ocean Leopard Tours, Beach for those who don’t necessarily want to
offering scenic cruises from Whitianga to see Cathedral Cove, but still want to experience
Cathedral Cove. When the international border the thrill of a jet boat ride.”
closed last year, we were hit as hard as all In addition, Cathedral Cove Jet also offers
the other boat tour operators in Mercury Bay. a private ride option for families who want to
We realised how important domestic tourists experience an adrenaline rush with each other,
were going to be for our future and the need to employers who are looking for an adventure
give them an experience that would make then their staff won’t easily forget and friends keen
come back time and time again. to have some fun together.
“We considered several options and landed “One thing our passengers need to be aware
on a jet boat. There are no other high-intensity of is that the conditions won’t always allow
adventure activities available in Mercury us to go where we intend to go,” says Justin.
Bay and no two jet boat trips are the same. “When that happens, we may offer alternative
The weather conditions and state of the ocean options to our passengers, heading towards
mean the manoeuvres will always be different. Wharekaho for instance, or discuss another
Every trip with us will be an exhilarating departure date with them. The nature of the
experience in its own right.” activity also restricts us with regard to some
Jet boats are propelled by a water jet passengers. For example, we can’t take children
generating thrust. The boats are designed to under five and children between five and 14
operate in shallow water, can reach speeds of must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re
up to 80km/h and are highly manoeuvrable. pregnant, we also won’t be able to take you
Initially designed for use on rivers and lakes, and if you suffer from neck and back problems
additional internal strengthening developed or have any type of fracture, we need to know
over several years means the boats can now beforehand to make sure the conditions on the
safely be used on the ocean as well. day will be suitable for you.
Justin and Zinnia’s 6.5m jet boat was Justin and Zinnia are very proud of their new
manufactured by Kwikkraft in Rangiora and venture. “Our aim is for every passenger to
can seat 14 passengers. Grandstand seating disembark with a smile and to keep on talking
ensures every passenger gets a full view of about the great experience they’ve had with
the action. us,” says Justin.
“Jet boats can literally turn on a dime,” says To book a ride with Cathedral Cove Jet, visit
Justin. “Our signature ride combines all the cathedralcovejet.co.nz. For updates, follow the
sights between Whitianga and Cathedral Cove venture on Facebook and Instagram. Justin Hopkins and Zinnia Harris with their new jet boat at the Whitianga Wharf.
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Snoopy’s festive aeroplane letterbox
gives airmail a new meaning
A letterbox in the shape of Snoopy’s famous the spirit of Christmas.
WW1 bi-plane has become one of the star Kevin, spent a couple of hours a day over
attractions in a Whitianga street’s Christmas a week or so building and gluing the plane
celebrations. together. All the materials were sourced from
Residents along the northern part of Kupe the local transfer station, including light ply,
Drive organised a light-hearted festive a fence paling and one of those plastic pots
competition, with voucher prizes from that plants come in, which was used for the
Hammer Hardware and Mats Café in Albert nose cone.
Street, for the best decorated Christmas “We wanted to use only recycled materials,”
letterboxes. said Lyn. “That was our personal challenge.
The Snoopy plane belongs to Kevin Smith “Even the paint was left over from last year’s
and his partner, Lyn McGowan, who moved competition.”
to Whitianga from Pakuranga two years ago. The only thing they bought was Snoopy
“The competition was just a bit of fun,” said himself, which they had to obtain first before
Kevin. “This is such a wonderful community starting building the plane, as they had to have
with a lot of camaraderie.” everything in proportion. Kevin said that they
Lyn said that while Kupe Drive had a used red paint for Snoopy’s plane because it
long way to go to catch up with the hordes looked more festive than the “boring green”
of people turning out to view the over-the- that his plane would have been, though in fact
top Christmas illuminations in Ponsonby’s red was the colour of the Baron’s plane.
Franklin Road, there were nevertheless a lot Last year the couple came joint second
of visitors cruising by in their cars to have a in the contest with a traditional fire-red
look at the yuletide display in Kupe Drive. English post box for sending letters to Santa.
From their vantage point sitting on their “We had about six letters and we responded to
deck, they could hear the children oohing and them all,” said Lyn. “One of the letter writers
aahing at the letterboxes. “It was cute to watch wrote a letter that they were going to their
the postie coming up close on his motorbike grandparents’ place in Ngatea for Christmas
to read the instructions on how to open the and they were worried that Santa might not
The Snoopy bi-plane letterbox in Kupe Drive, Whitianga.
letterbox to put the mail in,” said Lyn. find them. “We wrote back that Santa would
Kevin said they chose the Snoopy and mercy but instead spares his life, calling out a game of football, there is scant evidence that find them even in Ngatea.”
the Red Baron theme because of the now cheery “Merry Christmas, my friend”. the Red Baron, with a reputed 80 kills to his Now, the couple are already planning next
traditional Christmas song, Snoopy’s While it is an historical fact that the name, ever spared anyone, least of all a dog year’s entry, with an appropriately festive
Christmas, where ace German pilot, Baron Germans and British stopped fighting for a named Snoopy. slant. In the meantime, the plane will probably
Manfred von Richthofen, has Snoopy at his while on Christmas Day in 1914 to play a Mythical it may be, but it captures well remain in situ until mid-January.
Page 28 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 981 - 21 December 2021You can also read
