"Great Walk" now a reality as Purangi boat trips provide final link
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Issue 927 - 8 December 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
“Great Walk” now a reality as
Purangi boat trips provide final link
By Gillian O’Neill
It has been more than a decade in the Memorial Park, which was created by
making but the first stage of a “Great Eric Evered in memory of his wife,
Coromandel Walk,” Te Ara o Hei, Stella, for all to enjoy, walkers have the
is finally complete and ready to welcome opportunity to climb a viewing platform
visitors this summer. to see the spot where Captain Cook’s
Boat trips across the Purangi Estuary Endeavour moored ahead of those first
are now up and running, enabling encounters with local tribe, Ngāti Hei,
people to walk the entire distance whose first ancestor now gives his name
from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove to the walk - Te Ara o Hei, the Path of
and on to Hahei. The approximately Hei. From there, a newly constructed
14km journey will see hikers leave the roadside track will take them to the
Whitianga Wharf for Ferry Landing Lees Road carpark and onto the new
via the Whitianga Ferry before taking Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail where,
in some of the Coromandel’s most for a $2 charge, they can traverse an
spectacular scenery and most significant easy track across private farmland to
historical sites en route to Hahei. the Cathedral Cove Walkway and all
The remains of the impressive Māori that the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine
pa at Whitianga Rock, the breath-taking Reserve has to offer, including Stingray
views from Shakespeare Cliff and the Bay, Gemstone Bay and of course the
pristine golden sands of Cooks Beach iconic archway.
will be among the highlights before the Returning along the Cathedral Cove
new service transports them from the Walkway, hikers will complete their
Purangi Reserve at the end of Cooks journey in Hahei Village.
Beach across the estuary to the Stella Work on Te Ara o Hei was partly
Evered Memorial Park. funded through the New Zealand
Shanan Laird from Coromandel Lotteries Significant Grant Fund.
Paddle Boarding has been granted a However, the success in taking the walk
concession to operate the row boat from concept to reality has involved the
connection and says everything is co-operation and collaboration of many
now in place for trips to commence. groups and individuals - from local
“The service will operate every day councils and iwi to landowners and
over the peak summer period starting community groups.
on Boxing Day,” he said. “Prior to then, A marketing strategy around the walk
if anyone wants to walk, they can phone has yet to be developed, however, it is
me on (022) 315 4829 to book.” anticipated that it will be a significant
The daily service is likely to run until drawcard for tourists, particularly
Easter, but that will be based on the in the shoulder season. “Walks are a
level of demand. Shanan says the best huge and growing part of recreational
thing for walkers to do is to get in touch tourism around [the Coromandel
with him directly. The cost will be $5.00 Peninsula], with social and economic
per person with a discount for children benefits for our communities, and
and families. The vessel is a standard we anticipate the finished Te Ara o
aluminium boat that can seat three to Hei Walkway will be well-used and
four people. However, with the crossing enjoyed by locals and visitors alike,”
only taking a few minutes, larger groups said Thames-Coromandel District
can easily be accommodated with Council’s Economic Development
multiple trips. and Communications Group Manager, Shanan Laird from Coromandel Paddle Boarding has been granted a concession to transport
Once they arrive at the Stella Evered Laurna White. walkers by row boat across the Purangi Estuary to the Stella Evered Memorial Park.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Elevated risk of tropical storms during hot
and humid summer
By Gillian O’Neill
Tropical downpours could be a spoiler for “Marine heatwave conditions formed near In terms of drought indicators, the potential “We need everyone’s co-operation and
what is shaping up to be an extremely hot and the northern North Island and northern for some decent summer rain has led NIWA support to use water wisely and pull through
humid Coromandel summer. Tasman Sea during November,” the NIWA to make the call that soil moisture could hold the summer peak period.”
In its outlook for December to February outlook states. “Unusually warm seas in other at normal or rise to above normal levels for La Niña, which means “The Little Girl”
released last week, NIWA is warning that La coastal regions may develop into a marine the time of year in the north of the North in Spanish, is one of the three phases of the
Niña conditions are expected to see warm heatwave over summer. Air temperatures Island. River levels are also likely to be at weather occurrence known as the El Niño-
north-easterly airflows dominate, making for are very likely to be above average in all average levels or even above. Southern Oscillation. This includes the warm
uncomfortably warm nights and potentially regions of the country with elevated humidity However, Thames-Coromandel District phase called El Niño, the cooler La Niña and
some extreme weather events. levels from time to time, particularly in the Council is emphasising that conservation a neutral phase.
“Although patterns of higher than normal North Island.” of water will still be crucial to avoid It occurs when equatorial trade winds
pressure and drier conditions are expected to A marine heatwave is defined as periods of shortages. “All areas in our district are now strengthen and blow the warm surface waters
start summer, moist, sub-tropical disturbances extremely warm sea surface temperatures that on Level 2 ‘Conserve Water’ restrictions, of the Pacific away from South America and
are expected to reach the country occasionally, persist for a prolonged period of time and can which means you need to keep using water towards Indonesia. It typically occurs every
particularly the North Island and northern extend up to thousands of kilometres. carefully,” council says in a statement. three to five years but to varying degrees.
South Island,” the seasonal outlook states.
“These systems can cause areas of heavy
rainfall and flooding.”
The Coromandel, along with Northland and
Auckland, are likely to be in the strike zone for
any potential weather bomb, with forecasters
putting the chance of normal rainfall level in
these areas at 40 percent and the likelihood of
a wetter than average summer at 35 percent.
“Episodes of heavy rainfall are possible
throughout the season, which could increase
the chance for flooding events,” the outlook’s
regional summary advises.
For the tropical cyclone season, November
2020 to April 2021, NIWA’s Southwest
Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook indicates
that the risk for New Zealand is elevated.
Soaring temperatures combined with very
warm sea temperatures are expected to see
thousands flock to Coromandel beaches,
with Surf Lifesaving New Zealand already
planning for an estimated 30 percent increase
in the number of visitors over the peak
summer/New Year period. An aerial photo of The Esplanade end of Whitianga. The Coromandel Peninsula may be in for some tropical downpours over summer.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 9 December to Wednesday, 16 December - Jupiter and Saturn are rapidly getting ever closer to each other in preparation for
their “Great Conjunction” next week when they will be the closest they have been since 1623! They lie very low in the western twilight sky and are setting
earlier each night so becoming ever harder to see. Try and use a finger held at arms length to see how they get slightly closer together each night.
At first they appear on each side of the finger, but in a few days the finger will cover them both. Saturday, 12 December - A crescent Moon lies above
and to the left of bright Venus very low in the pre-dawn eastern sky. Sunday, 13 December - An extremely thin crescent Moon sits just to the left of bright
Venus very low in the eastern pre-dawn sky. A bright International Space Station (ISS) pass tonight from 10:16pm in the NW and passing high overhead. Astronomy Tours and B&B
Monday, 14 December - The peak of the Geminid meteor shower tonight after midnight in the NE. Tuesday, 15 December - New Moon tonight so the
Phone (07) 866 5343
best time to look for the Geminid meteor shower… look to the NE after midnight if possible. Wednesday, 16 December - Jupiter and Saturn lie above
and to the right of an extremely thin crescent Moon in the western evening twilight. Another bright ISS pass tonight in the NW from 9:30pm. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
nzwindows.co.nz
4 Dakota Drive
Whitianga
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020
MB Cancer Support to benefit
from Town Garage Sale
The primary school student leaders of Mercury Bay Area School met on Thursday last week to decide
which local charity to hand the $180 raised from the registration fees of this year’s Whitianga Town
Garage to. They were requested to choose a charity by The Mercury Bay Informer, who organised
the garage sale.
“The students were unanimous in their decision that they wanted the money to go the Mercury Bay
Cancer Support Trust,” says Anne-Maree McDougall, MBAS deputy principal for the primary years.
“They said everyone gets affected by cancer one way or the other and the trust is doing wonderful
work in the community. They need all the support they can get.”
Janet Clark, chair of the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust, says they are very thankful for the
donation. “It will be very much appreciated by those in our community who are in need of our help,”
she says.
Pictured are the primary school student leaders on Thursday morning. Back, from left to right - Rohan
Percival, Riley Flynn, Marlie Candelaria, Annabelle Kline, Elenoa Joshua (Cook Island), Tia Samuel
(Cook Island) and Summer Church. Front, from left to right - Sasha Lim, Te Atakohu Rhodes (Tainui),
Kistarla Foster (Ngāti Whakaue), Paiggon Kereopa (Ngāti Tāwharetoa), Kayden te Manu (Ngāti
Maniapoto) and Charlotte Allen. Absent from the photo - Ward Coleman, Theo Costello, Wilf Asquith,
Alexi Moses (Ngāti Kurī), Sophie McGrath, Lucas McDonald, Addison Murray and Skye Condon.
699 - 827December
Issue 927 July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
“Mystery Inc” a huge success En Pointe Dance Studio’s 2020 production, “Mystery Inc,” was a huge success. The show performed to Studio owner, Lisa Gifford, took the opportunity to thank everyone who helped to make the show such a sell-out audiences in the Whitianga Town Hall on Saturday and Sunday last week. success and said she already can’t wait for next year’s production. Delivering on its promise to have something for everyone, there were lots of twists and turns as the five The ceremony was somewhat bittersweet as Lisa farewelled four senior students - Dana Ohlson, Isabel Lunn, principal Scooby Doo characters fought off what certainly was a very determined cohort of villains and ghosts. Mia Anderson and Anna Cunningham - who have been dancing with her for many years, 12 years in Isabel’s With more than 130 students from three to 18 years old participating in the production, all the logistical case. Looking at her youngest students, Lisa said, “These senior students were awesome, they were a huge challenges were negotiated without issue. support to me. As you grow up, you have big shoes to fill.” As is customary, the short annual En Pointe awards ceremony took place after Sunday’s performance. Pictured is some of the show’s action. Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020
Issue 927 - 8 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
High flying Whitney Steel back home and ready to help reimagine Coromandel tourism By Gillian O’Neill After a globetrotting early career in business development, Whitney Steel (Ngai Tai, Ngati Mutunga and Te Atiawa) has returned home to the Coromandel from Melbourne with the ambition of working alongside communities, councils and those invested in the local tourism industry to deliver transformational change within the sector. After a series of roles in international student recruitment for universities that saw her travel the world, Whitney most recently worked in the area of business transformation and marketing automation and now brings her extensive experience to the position of project manager with Destination Coromandel. “I had vaguely contemplated the idea of coming back at some stage, but never really did anything proactive about it,” she says. “Then COVID arrived and it was a very tough time in Melbourne. Once that outdoor lifestyle was taken away, I was asking myself what have I got here really, no family, things just became really clear and it was time for change.” The opportunity to assist her dad with his mussel company was also an important motivation. “He was doing it tough, they’d Newly appointed Destination Coromandel project manager, Whitney Steel, is excited to be back home on the Coromandel. been hit pretty hard during COVID and were businesses, many of whom were still facing to dealing with international customers who As well as helping to identify and respond to struggling to adapt in the way they needed uncertain times. “For example, one of the are booking a minimum of three months in immediate challenges, Whitney is picking up to,” Whitney says. “Yet I had all the skills things people have been telling us is that Kiwis advance. Based on that feedback, we recently four major projects from within Destination required, but I wasn’t there to help, it didn’t don’t tend to book ahead,” she says. “They organised a webinar for the industry to talk Coromandel’s Strategic Tourism Assets make sense and it didn’t feel right.” rather just wait and see what the weather is about their experiences of this and we were Protection Programme (STAPP) work Back on home soil, Whitney is relishing like and turn up on the day. That’s a very tough able to share some ideas to try and encourage programme - Destination Management and the prospect of being able to support local thing to adjust to and plan for if you are used more Kiwi travellers to book ahead.” Planning, the Sustainability Programme, Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020
High flying Whitney Steel back home Regenerative Tourism and the Ambassador much I missed it,” she says. “We live in the Programme. most beautiful place, it’s just stunning.” “The biggest one of those is the Destination While her spare time often involves Management Plan because it involves lending a hand to friends with their websites determining an overall vision for what we or business plans, Whitney also enjoys the want the Coromandel to be,” Whitney says. opportunity to get creative. “I always tend “That doesn’t just involve the tourism sector, to have a side hustle on the go,” she says. it’s also residents, councils and iwi. We need “In Melbourne, it was a candle business input from all stakeholders, so I’m very much which was pretty successful. I also did a looking forward to getting out there and course at perfumery school while I was talking to people and hearing their stories in France and got into producing my own and their views. We don’t all need to agree scents. We have some amazing botanicals on everything, but it will be about finding here on the Coromandel, so I’m hoping to common ground. I am adamant that it will not get out there digging to see what I can find just be a plan on paper, but will be something and look at producing a local perfume and we can use and implement to develop the possibly a gin.” sector in the direction that we decide is right Back on the work front, Whitney says for the Coromandel. To do that we need the move to Destination Coromandel was insights from the ground up.” absolutely the right role for her at the right In terms of sustainability, Whitney says time. “Firstly, mum and dad reminded me the Coromandel was already well known as that I had always wanted to work in tourism,” a stronghold for environment action. “It’s she says. “It was what I had planned when at uni pretty much in our DNA here, but it’s about before I fell into something entirely different. how we keep progressing that and continue I’m passionate about the Coromandel, I live to be sustainable while also being profitable,” here, my family lives here. I always felt that she says. “One of the things I will be doing is my next role would be something where I looking at businesses who are already doing could be of real value. I am also passionate this well and seeing what we can learn from about small businesses, many of whom are them and apply that both collectively and having to rapidly transition right now. It was within individual businesses.” always my intention to come back and try Based in Thames, Whitney’s position will and use the skills I had learned in a way that involve a lot of travel around the Peninsula can add value to our small local businesses, and she is certainly embracing life beside the so I feel very happy to have this opportunity ocean again. “I don’t think I realised how to do that.” Issue 927 - 8 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Letters to the Editor
See page 11 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - The Whitianga Bike Park get this project successfully over the line. skatepark at the sports hub next to the tennis First topic - The hazards of not having a
We visited the Whitianga Bike Park on No overseas travel means there is money courts, rugby field and cricket batting nets. skatepark are we have heaps of trucks coming
Wednesday last week and were amazed at the around from residents plus it opens the Although there was a majority of absentee through Tairua daily and most kids and
transformation that has occurred since our need for infrastructure for entertainment, property owners, the residents’ main concerns teenagers skate on the road because there is
previous visits a few years ago. activities and recreation for our children and were toileting, undesirable behaviour and nowhere else to skate. There are people on the
There is something to see and do for town. Activities that encourage confidence, floodlights that had gone up recently. walkway and cars on the road. Where do you
everyone, with facilities for having a picnic getting our kids outdoors connecting face-to- Cory Park Domain is a reserve that was expect them to skate and scooter?
at the beautiful park-like grounds while face with others, creating friendships and not gifted to all the people of Tairua and is In summer, traffic is all over the place,
watching the children play at the imaginative hiding away behind computer screens adding designated for outdoor sports and recreation. again on walkways and roads. It will be just a
play area or enjoying a game at the to fitness, health and wellbeing. It is equipped with public toilets available for matter of time before a tourist or even a local
pétanque court. In just over three weeks, the Tairua Sport all sports and visitors in the vicinity. will hit a skater flatter than a pancake.
For those wanting more activity, there are and Recreation Trust have raised $104,900 The outdoor gym equipment that is Second topic - Our health and fitness rely
walks in different areas of “the bush,” from for the skatepark, contributed by individuals, presently at the skatepark site was bought on outside activity just because it’s a sunny
strolling parallel to the Mercury Bay Golf families and companies. by one of the previous skatepark groups who afternoon and kids have nothing better to do
Course to hiking to the summit for views This will be an asset to Tairua, bringing were unsuccessful in their attempt to get except beg their parents to go to the Pauanui
over Whitianga. people in for weekends and holidays to use a skatepark for the kids of Tairua. Yes, this or Wangmata skateparks, or go on a device
this fabulous facility. Let’s remember that Youth Zone was the bittersweet compromise which is not good for health and fitness. If we
There are also different levels for those
skateboarding is now an Olympic sport and of past efforts due to opposition and some of have a skatepark here in Tairua, it will save
wanting to mountain bike on the hilly slopes,
skateparks are now found regularly next to this equipment is now ready to be retired. money from petrol and we can just walk there
with bikes available to use for free for those
rugby fields, tennis courts and other sporting To our Community Board, elected which is more health and fitness for us kids.
who don’t have one. The different levels of
grounds throughout New Zealand and councillors and the staff of Thames- If we stay healthy now, we will be athletic
expertise are clearly signposted. Coromandel District Council, you have done
There are also community gardens with the world. and not break a bone when we are older.
Cory Park Domain will be home to this so much and we applaud you. We thank you, Third Topic - I don’t understand why
produce used to support local foodbanks. let’s score this goal for our kids and tick this
It is a hidden gem and a wonderful asset park. It is the only place zoned for all our Thames, Whangamata, Whitianga (soon)
active recreation sports (including rugby, project off in 2021. and Pauanui have a skatepark but not us.
to the community. A big thank you to all the Vivienne Cory-Wright
netball, tennis, cricket and skateboarding) I get kind of why Pauanui has a skatepark,
hardworking volunteers, who have and are Tairua
and is smack bang in one of the most public it’s because they’re a bigger town, but they
doing a wonderful job.
places in town, the sporting hub, with Dear Editor - A skatepark in Tairua have less kids than us. Our kid population at
Janet Brown
passive surveillance and crime prevention I am 10 years old and a Year 6 student at Tairua School is about 167 people. All the
Whitianga
through environmental design. You can’t Tairua School. In the future I would love to kids here would love it!
Dear Editor - A skatepark in Tairua pick your nose at Cory Park Domain without have a skatepark here in Tairua. In this letter So the people making decisions must
The Tairua skatepark group rises from the someone seeing. I will explain what the hazards of not having please think about it. If they decide to make a
ashes to get our community a skatepark, it has Our group door knocked on 21 November a skatepark are, why it will be good for our skatepark in Tairua, thank you so much.
been a 30-year fight. this year, asking residents in the area for health and fitness, and why other towns have Makala Buchanan
This is the perfect time and place to finally feedback and their feelings of having a one but not us. Tairua
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020
Issue 927 - 8 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Festive cheer is unleashed around
the Coromandel
December has arrived and with it an brighten up Whitianga in time for Christmas.
abundance of festive spirit stretching the And full marks for creativity must also
length and breadth of the Coromandel. go to the team in Coromandel Town behind
Whitianga kicked off the countdown to the amazing Santa’s Mailbox which is now
Christmas with the town’s traditional Santa installed at the Samuel James Reserve.
Parade on Saturday last week, which once Sitting on an old BBQ table, it was made
again delighted both the young and young at totally from recycled materials from The
heart who lined up to cheer on the colourful Goldmine community reuse centre and
array of participants. painted by children from Coromandel Area
Among the highlights were the Kerepehi School. It arrived in time for what was
Brass Band performing all the Christmas an epic Christmas in the Park event last
favourites and Mercury Bay Aero Club Saturday afternoon.
member, Peter Walton’s replica Fokker Staff and volunteers at the Coromandel
triplane slowly making it’s way down Albert Town Information Centre know Santa is
Street together with all the other floats and an extremely busy at this time of year so have
extraordinary array of classic and muscle cars.
promised to give the big man a hand to ensure
Well done to the Mercury Bay Lionesses for
every letter received is answered and a local
entering the winning float, as chosen by the
business is helping out in these tough times by
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust. In second
sponsoring the postage.
place was the Mercury Bay Boating Club,
with the Whitianga Combined Churches’ Meanwhile, this Saturday (12 December)
nativity scene taking out the third spot. it’s Tairua’s turn to welcome the man in red
Earlier last week, the learning support with Mr Claus ready to make his annual Top - MBAS students Paige
students from Mercury Bay Area School were appearance at Santa at the Pepe. The event is MacPherson and Kieran Clayton
out and about decking out shopfronts around organised by the Tairua Information Centre decorating shopfronts in Monk
and manager, Eve Roper, says the town is Street, Whitianga last Wednesday
the Whitianga town centre with all manner of
gearing up for a bumper summer and looking together with MBAS Learning
seasonal fare from reindeer and jingle bells Support coordinator,
to snowflakes and Christmas trees. Owner of forward to welcoming visitors from all over
Karen Johansen (second from the
Styled Spaces, Kim Kockott, was extremely the country.
left), and Emma Mudgway,
impressed with the artistic transformation Santa will arrive at noon on Saturday in art appreciation coordinator for
of her front window. “It looks so awesome, a big red fire truck and greet children in his Learning Support at MBAS.
you’ve done an amazing job,” she Christmas Grotto with fun games, activities, Right - The very cool Santa’s Mailbox
congratulated the students. They are be back stalls, a sandcastle competition and a now installed at the Samuel James
in action this week as part of a joint initiative colouring contest for the pre-school children Reserve in Coromandel Town was
with the Mercury Bay Business Association to all adding to the fun from 10:00am onwards. created from recycled materials.
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020Festive cheer around
the Coromandel
Highlights from last Saturday’s Whitianga Santa Parade.
Top photo - Mercury Bay Aero Club member, Peter Walton’s replica Fokker triplane
slowly making its way down Albert Street.
Second photo - The Kerepehi Brass band playing all the Christmas favourites.
Third photo - The Mercury Bay Lionesses’ winning float.
Bottom photo - The Mercury Bay Boating Club’s impressive float,
made up of four sailing boats, finished in second place.
Issue 927
699 - 827December
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11“Long Exposure” Photographic Club’s set
challenge for November
The Whitianga Photographic Club’s set challenge for November was “Long Exposure.” It was no surprise then that the club masters of long exposure, Hakan Nedjat and Paul Schrader,
Long-exposure, time-exposure or slow-shutter photography involves using a long-duration shutter came first and second in the challenge, closely followed by Anita Ruggle-Lussy in third.
speed to sharply capture the stationary elements of images while blurring, smearing or obscuring According the club members who voted in the challenge, Hakan’s winning photo of Matapaua Bay
the moving elements. (pictured left), is “a lesson in the craft.”
Club member Paul Schrader presented some tips and tricks at a recent club Zoom meeting and The November open challenge was won by Rose Barrett with an action image of a tern feeding her
another club member, Hakan Nedjat, ran a hands-on workshop in early November to help the other chicks (pictured right). Rose named the image, “Lunchtime.” Tina McRae finished in second place
club members learn more and practice the technique. and Kate Beauchamp achieved third.
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Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020Issue 927
699 - 827December
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Coromandel property market Creative feast to be served up
keeps on going up in Kuaotunu this week
By Stephan Bosman
According to real estate data released by “Over the last few months, the market has
website realestate.co.nz, the Coromandel continued to surge as a result of pent up
Peninsula remained last month the third most demand post the initial lockdown. What we
expensive residential property market in New are seeing is a majority of buyers looking for
Zealand. For the first time the average asking semi-permanent holiday homes that are in
price of properties on the Peninsula broke accessible locations with good infrastructure
through the $900,000 barrier. The $900,999 and services.
average price tag was up 5.7 percent on “As people are becoming more flexible
the month before. Only the Central Otago/ in their working conditions, demand has
Lakes area, with an average asking price of increased and housing stock… has simply has
$1,043,922, and Auckland ($1,030,116) were not been able to keep up.”
ahead of the Coromandel. In Whitianga, according to sales statistics
Housing stock is a major issue with the released by Ray White Real Estate at the
number of properties available for sale on end of last month, the median price of all
the Peninsula last month down 43.4 percent residential properties sold in October this year
compared to November 2019. was $805,000. Thirty-one properties were sold There’s a creative feast happening in Kuaotunu this week as two great events combine to showcase
This data correlates with the latest Thames- at a total value of $26,891,065. the skills, style and imagination of the participating artists.
Coromandel District Council rating valuations The “Makers 2” decorative arts and crafts exhibition will run alongside the village’s fourth annual
QV cautions that rating valuations are not
prepared by Quotable Value (QV). They staging of the Trees of Christmas event at the Kuaotunu Hall from Friday 11 to Sunday, 13 December.
designed to be used as market valuations for
reflect the likely selling price of a property “Due to time constraints in what has been a tough year for any kind of planning, we have decided
obtaining finance with banks or as insurance
at the effective revaluation date, which was to combine these two events, the outcome of which will be a fabulous celebration of local creativity
1 September 2020, and do not include the valuations. They are usually carried out on
all properties every three years to help local that everyone can come along and enjoy,” says organiser, Isabel Gilbert Palmer.
value of chattels.
councils set rates for the following three-year The Trees of Christmas is based on an idea coming out of Paris and the challenge is for participants
QV found that the value of residential
period. They are independently audited by the to create their own Christmas tree, using whatever materials they want. “It’s incredible what people
housing has increased on average 20.9 percent come up with each year, we see some really out of the box designs, quite ingenious,” Isabel says.
since 2017 with the average house value Office of the Valuer General and need to meet
rigorous quality standards. “I’ve made a bit broader this year, they can do any Christmas related object, so it will be very exciting
now sitting at just over $822,000, while the to see what they come up with.”
corresponding average residential land value Homeowners and buyers need to remember
increased by 28.3 percent to a new average the effective rating revaluation date of Makers 2 will capitalise on the success of the inaugural Makers 1 exhibition last year. “We have 13
value of just over $556,000. 1 September is more than three months old and makers taking part this year,” Isabel says. “They all have some connection with Kuaotunu, so they
“Residential house values have grown any changes in the market since then will not either live here, have lived here in the past or spend a lot of time visiting the area. The idea of Makers
very strongly this year, particularly on the be reflected in the valuations. is to provide a platform for them to share what they do.
eastern side of the Coromandel,” QV property The new TCDC rating values will be Among the work on display will be weaving, furniture, handmade soap and incredibly intricate paper
consultant, Jarrod Hedley, said. “Though posted to property owners from this month. flowers and chandeliers. All of the makers will have items available for purchase, which Isabel
we’ve seen the most growth at the lower end If property owners do not agree with their suggests would be a great opportunity to pick up a very unique and special Christmas gift. Entry is
of the market, there remains strong demand rating valuation, they have a right to object by gold coin donation with proceeds going to the Kuaotunu Community Food Forest.
for beachfront property. before 22 January 2021. Pictured are some of the items on display at the Makers 1 exhibition last year.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020Issue 927
699 - 827December
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Kids set to go global at library
summer holiday programme
With borders closed, Kiwis may not be taking be sure to book in advance.”
off this summer, however, visitors to the While the team loves the buzz and energy
Thames-Coromandel District libraries will of the school holiday programme, it is also
get to enjoy a global experience right here a great way of connecting people with
on the Peninsula as part of this year’s school the library and the other services on offer.
holiday programme. “We always encourage people to grab some
With sessions including Aboriginal Dot books while they are here, especially for
Art, Musical Instruments, Mask Making and those younger kids so they can keep that
Dreamcatchers, the “Crafts from Around the reading going over the summer,” says Lesley.
World” theme will bring an international “We’ve also got great magazines and we’re
flavour to the line-up of activity sessions one of the last places you can still get DVDs.
which runs at the three district libraries -
“The extension of the district libraries’
Mercury Bay, Tairua and Thames - on Tuesday
Need a Nerd service to Mercury Bay is also
and Thursdays from 12 to 28 January 2021.
a new attraction and proving very popular.
Lesley Preece and Christine Towgood of the
Mercury Bay Library are anticipating another People can access free one-on-one sessions to
busy summer season. “It’s a real change get help with their computer or internet needs
and we’re very lucky to have the help of some
Thumbs of pace for us and it’s always exciting,”
says Lesley. “It’s fantastic to welcome
back our holidaymakers, many of them are
local friendly volunteer nerds.”
Things people choose to learn about vary,
Up regulars, but we also love seeing the new but can include internet banking, using social
faces that come along and join us each year.” media or creating CVs and job applications.
Christine advises families to book early for For more information on what’s happening
spots on the activity sessions. “They do fill at your local library over summer, visit
To the Whitianga up pretty quick,” she says. “We hate nothing www.tcdc.govt.nz/Library/ or pop in and chat
more than disappointing people, so definitely to one of the library team.
Waka Ama Club
and Subway Whitianga for
their regular food
donations to “Monday
Meals” at St Andrews
Community Church.
Lesley Preece (left) and Christine Towgood of the Mercury Bay Library.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020Issue 927
699 - 827December
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17What’s On The next few weeks
Op-Shops planting, 9:00am - 11:00am. Register on our website, www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz or phone Adele on (021) 201 6625.
Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street Scrapbags Quilting Group
(west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Meets every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome.
The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information.
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre
St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street,
10:00am - 2:00pm. Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information.
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Whitianga Art Group
10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for
Justice of the Peace a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information.
Available every Monday (except public holidays) from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Alcoholics Anonymous
Bookings not necessary. Phone 866 4476 for more information. Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone
Whitianga Senior Citizens Club 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.
Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Mercury Bay Quilters
etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. Meets four times per month at Whitianga Social Services, Cook Drive. Members range in age from 14 to in their 90s.
Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) New members welcome to join and share their quilting knowledge, and help make charity quilts for the neonatal unit
Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. at Auckland Hospital and the children admitted to Starship Hospital. Phone (07) 866 5517 for more information and the
Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. days the group meets.
SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Whitianga Tramping Group
Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Meets every second Sunday at 8:30am. Phone Wally on (021) 907 782 or Lesley on (021) 157 9979 for more information.
computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on Mercury Bay Tennis Club
866 4215 for more information or to join. Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga.
Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga
Meets every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive , Whitianga.
Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. The Trees of Christmas and Makers 2 Art Exhibition
Check out our Facebook page or phone 869 5648 for more information. Friday, 11 December - Sunday, 13 December from 10:00am - 4:00pm at the Kuaotunu Hall. A combination of
Serenity Al-Anon Group two well-known Mercury Bay North events. Koha for the Kuaotunu Food Forest will be appreciated.
Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by Combined Churches of Whitianga Community Christmas Carols in the Park
someone else’s drinking. Friday, 11 December at 7:00pm, Soldiers Memorial Park, Whitianga. BYO seating. Alternative day, if wet -
Dog Walking Group
Meets every Thursday at 2:00pm at Lovers Rock, Robinson Road, Whitianga. An opportunity to socialise your dog.
Sunday, 13 December.
Phone Jenny on (021) 186 5797 for more information. Whitianga Baptist Church Giveaway Day
ICONZ for Girls Saturday, 12 December from 8:00am - 11:00am at 112 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Everything free. All welcome.
Every Tuesday from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish Town Road. For girls Whitianga Art, Craft & Farmer’s Market
8 - 13 years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information. Saturday, 12 December from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga.
Whitianga Playcentre Santa at the Pepe
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon and every Friday from 12:00 noon - 2:45pm at 1D White Street, Saturday, 12 December from 10:00am at the Pepe Reserve, Tairua. Santa to arrive at 12:00 noon. Games and
Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, free entry. Visitors welcome. activities, stalls, a sandcastle competition and a colouring contest for pre-school children.
Matarangi Craft Group Harcourts Whitianga Auction and Bake Sale
Meets fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Monday, 14 December from 4:00pm at the Harcourts Whitianga offices, Albert Street, Whitianga. A fundraiser
AA Driver Licensing
The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. for Coroglen School. Home-baking for sale, a charity auction of items big and small and a performance by
Cooks Beachcare Group the school’s kapa haka group.
Make new friends, learn about conservation and make a difference. We meet Thursdays for hands-on weeding and
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020Early bookings urged for Community Christmas Lunch The response to the appeal for financial support for the 2020 Mercury Bay Community Christmas Lunch has been “amazing and very encouraging” according to organising committee co-ordinator, Maureen Kerr. “We really thought the post-COVID climate might have affected businesses and everyone else in their ability to help the Christmas Lunch this year, but they have come on board in a remarkable way,” she says. “We said in our appeal letter that we know this has been a difficult year, but by the response we are getting, it seems that everyone wants to help. “Last year almost no-one booked early to come to the lunch, but on Christmas Day we served 180 people. This year, we really need people to tell us they’re coming, because we have to cap the numbers at 180. We’re planning for a big party. Our message is, ‘Get in early,’” The doors of Crossroads Whitianga Church, where the lunch will be held, will open at 11:00am on Friday, 25 December for entertainment and carol singing. Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon. This will be the third Mercury Bay Community Christmas Lunch, provided free of charge by the generosity of Mercury Bay businesses and individuals. Chefs Hendry Tainsh and Richard (Chocky) Shelford-Woodcock are planning the meal, with Richard taking a greater part on the organising committee. Maureen says this year’s change of venue from the Whitianga Town Hall to Crossroads Church will make the job very much easier. “At Crossroad Church everything is on one site, including a great sound system, and Santa will be there,” she says. For bookings and requests for special mobility transport, please email Maureen at maureenkerr62@gmail.com. Issue 927 - 8 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19
Two decades of volunteering Christmas BBQ at the
honoured Bike Park
Friends and colleagues gathered at Whitianga Social Services on Wednesday last week to send long-term
volunteer, Barbara Hargreaves, off in style as she bids farewell to Mercury Bay.
Barbara has been volunteering in the local community for more than two decades, first as a part-time
resident and later more regularly after a permanent move to Whitianga. She has been a familiar face at the
Whitianga Social Services Op Shop in Coghill Street for the past five years.
Op shop co-manager, Louisa Ebsworth, described Barbara as an “absolute darling” to have around.
“She is just such a lovely person,” she said. “We are really going to miss her at the store, including her
amazing sewing skills. She is the person who looks after our repairs, so she’ll be a big loss.”
Barbara was also well-known for her generosity in seeking out and acquiring clothing items to pass on to
children in the community.
Barbara and her husband have decided it’s time to take life a little easier and are relocating to a retirement
village in Paeroa. “We’ve loved our time in Whitianga,” Barbara said. “We’ve been here 27 years,
first coming back and forth to the bach and then eventually we moved to our house on Cook Drive which
my husband renovated.”
Barbara was overwhelmed by the turnout for her farewell celebration. “They’ve been a lovely bunch to
work with and we’ve had a lot of fun over the years,” she told The Informer. “I think you have to be doing
something to help your community, it’s very important.”
Once she is settled in her new home, Barbara said she will be definitely looking for new opportunities in
Paeroa to continue her volunteer work.
Pictured is Barbara (third from the right in the middle row) enjoying her farewell celebrations surrounded
by her friends from the Whitianga Social Services Op Shop in Coghill Street.
Approximately 30 volunteers, supporters and friends of the Mercury Bay Bike Park gathered on
Friday evening last week to enjoy a Christmas BBQ and appreciate the work done at the park
over the past year.
Everyone agreed the setting is spectacular and the ideal place to get away from hustle and
bustle that is everyday life in Mercury Bay.
One of the most recent additions to the park is a stage that will enable outdoor performances,
including music concerts.
Pictured are three of the park supporters who enjoyed the BBQ. From the left - John Booker,
Grant McDonald and Julian Lee.
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020Issue 927
699 - 827December
July 20162020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Crossword Puzzle 927
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________
Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
their prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week
following the issue in which they were announced the winner.
ACROSS DOWN
1. Absconded 1. Person leaving native land
4. 52-week intervals 2. Boulevard
3. Small measure of spirits
7. Relapse in recovery
4. Ox harness
8. Diary record 5. Refrain (from)
9. Reimburse 6. Put to the sword
12. Edge of highway 10. Fantasy
15. Port working vessels 11. Viola flower
17. Egg-yolk shade 13. Wound together
14. Tropical lizards
18. Not sleeping
16. Expressive
21. Took tiny bites from 18. Slightly open
22. Corroded 19. Resentful longing
23. Drained contents of 20. Reed instrument
Last week’s Crossword solution
Last week’s winner - Patricia Briant
Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020Sewing the seeds of success in new eco t-shirt venture When Dave Fowell established Eggsentric more authentic, manufacturing all of the “You just realise how decimated the clothing producers as soon as that becomes available. Café and Restaurant in Flaxmill Bay 23 years shirts locally from organic cotton and an industry is now in New Zealand,” Dave says. For now, he is excited to start promoting ago, his motivation was to create something organic cotton/hemp blend. “We wanted to use as much locally made and marketing the t-shirts which can be a little a bit different and something uniquely The focus for the past few months has material as possible, but it’s just not produced personalised with supplied text or images or Coromandel both in style and personality. been on building up a stock of around here anymore.” alternatively can feature one of Dave’s own Now he has brought that same passion to 1,600 garments which has presented some Dave is watching closely the development stunning artworks selected from a range of his new start-up, DTees, which is producing challenges, including having to source and of the hemp fabric industry in New Zealand paintings and sculptures he has produced, locally-sewn, ecologically sustainable t-shirts import the materials to make the shirts. and will be looking to work with onshore including as a founding member of the in his Whitianga garage. Mercury Bay Art Escape. Currently Dave is employing one full-time “I’m hoping to be able to add some worker onsite, as well as two additional part- other local artists over time,” Dave says. time staff off-site. “I knew nothing about “So what people are getting is a garment that running a restaurant when I first started out is sewn here in Whitianga using local labour either, so having to learn everything as I go and featuring local art. I think that’s a really along is not a problem for me, in fact I quite exciting thing.” like the challenge of it,” he says. While his priority is promoting the Dave decided to take the plunge with the business’s website as the main point of sale, new venture at the height of the coronavirus Dave is also enjoying being able to introduce restrictions this year, initially using the his products to locals and visitors in person. then closed Eggsentric café as a temporary “I have been doing some of the markets and workshop. “I wanted to try and to do my bit there will be more of those over summer,” by investing something back into the local he says. “It’s a good way to help get our name economy and potentially creating some new out there and of course I really enjoy meeting jobs,” he says. people and talking to them about what we are “I got all the machinery set up in the trying to do. The support has been terrific.” restaurant so I was able to get a sense of Dave also sees the pre-Christmas market how it was all going to work and what sort as a good opportunity for the business. of space I would need. I’ve now purchased a “I think people are definitely looking for an house in Whitianga with a double garage with opportunity to buy local this year and with additional space over it which is ideal.” these shirts they are purchasing a genuinely While many t-shirt sellers simply screen local product,” he says. print images onto imported mass-produced Check out Dave’s range of t-shirts at shirts, Dave’s vision was for something far Dave Fowell, owner of DTees, at work in his newly-established workshop in Whitianga. dtees.co.nz. Issue 927 - 8 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23
Sudoku
Sudoku Puzzle 927
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________
Win two Trumpet ice creams. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
their prize from Buffalo Beach Four Square directly before the Wednesday of the week following
the issue in which they were announced the winner.
Sudoku Puzzle Instructions
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of nine boxes
inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
Last week’s solution
Last week’s winner - Michael Hyder
“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week)
“Mau ake nei” - Forever and a day/on and on
Saying of the week supplied by Te Puna Reo o Whitianga - a playgroup with a focus on Māori tikanga and te reo Māori.
The group members meet every Monday and Tuesday at 9:00am at the old dental clinic at Mercury Bay Area School. All those with pēpi or young tamariki are welcome to join.
Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 927 - 8 December 2020Fishing Report Excitement at Whenuakite
By Alan Proctor of the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club
Sponsored by Mercury Bay Marine - Tel (07) 867 1280 School’s potato weigh-in
There was excitement all round as
A warmer air temperature hasn’t done too much success in the last couple of weeks that we the students of Whenuakite School
to help fishers yet, since it has been accompanied had been getting for a long period before that. harvested their 2020 potato crop
by wind that is regularly strong enough to keep People who have been able to catch their limit recently.
boaties off the water. There haven’t been too reasonably regularly have reported that the
many opportunities at all to head out wide and snapper fishing has slowed somewhat in the last Over the last few months, the
this is causing a little frustration with those week or two. Snapper fishing around the river students and staff had nurtured their
keen to get out for a look, especially given the mouth which appeared to have taken off just a potato tubers planted in buckets in
positive results we’ve heard of a few weeks few weeks ago, seems to have died off again an effort to grow the biggest crop in
ago. Even though there have only been a few recently, perhaps a bit of fresh water in the river the school. Hopes were raised and
yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi caught in the has contributed to this? in a few unfortunate cases sadly
northern part of the country, it has been enough The scallops have been so bad this season that dashed when the official weigh in
to get tongues wagging and it’s good to see these most people have simply given up on trying to was undertaken. With support from
tropical species here so early in the season. get them. There is a group led by Ngāti Hei and the Cooks Beach Garden Group and
A quick look at the forecast sea surface including the Opito Bay Ratepayers Association, teacher, Jan Collins, all the buckets
temperatures on the Metservice site shows the NZ Underwater, the New Zealand Sport Fishing of potatoes were emptied and
water warming off our coast in the next few Council and Legasea, and supported by all the weighed, adding up to a collective
days and this will be under close scrutiny as local fishing clubs, working on a Coromandel school haul of approximately 40kg.
people plan their next venture out. The same site scallop restoration plan. The local scallop beds Each grower took their crop home
does show a finger of warmer water curling in have been deteriorating for a number of years to eat.
towards us around Mayor Island up towards the now and calls to the Ministry for Primary “It was great to see many members
Aldermen Islands. Those fishing last year may Industries for action to address this have fallen of the community come along to
recall that the first yellowfin tuna of the season on deaf ears thus far, so a community-led support the children and admire the
in our area were all caught around the Alderman approach is now underway. crops they grew,” school principal,
Islands, so you would imagine it’s probably a More to come on this later. Eamonn Kelly, said.
good place for a look when conditions permit. Tight lines,
Bottom fishing in close hasn’t produced the Alan To ensure that the entire process
was environmentally sustainable,
the remnants of each crop are
being composted and the soil
is being used in the school’s
eight new raised veggie gardens.
“Mrs Collins promotes environmental education and sustainability across the school and this is
another example of how the children are learning about giving back to the environment,” Mr Kelly
said. “We would like to thank the Cooks Beach Garden Group and The Warehouse for their continued
support and sponsorship of our competition, which is now in its third year.”
Pictured are some of those who were at the big potato weigh-in. From the left - Whenuakite School
caretaker, Mat Barnes, and students Cooper Tuinier, DJ Lamb, Flo Sheriff, Bethanee Smith and
Clara Riddle.
Issue 927 - 8 December 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25You can also read
