New face at the helm at Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club
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Issue 937 - 16 February 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
New face at the helm at Mercury
Bay Game Fishing Club
By Gillian O’Neill
A changing of the guard got underway at
the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club on
Thursday last week as new manager, Louise
Davis, arrived for her first day at the helm.
The Auckland native just recently made the
move to Whitianga and is excited about her
new position, taking over the reins from Alan
Proctor who is moving on after seven-and-a-
half-years in the role. “I have no immediate
plans apart from getting out there for some
fishing,” Alan told The Informer. “I’ve
enjoyed my time here and I felt I had done
as much as for club as I could. Seven years
is long enough. It is time for someone new
who will bring in some fresh ideas. Everyone
has different skills and strengths and will
add something different and I wish Louise
every success.
The Fishing Club is just the latest
organisation to benefit from the pulling power
of Mercury Bay and the wider Coromandel in
attracting a growing number of new residents
from Auckland and other larger urban centres.
After spending some time in the town in late
2020, Louise said she had already made her
mind up to move to Whitianga before she
even secured her new position. “I was coming
here one way or another,” she said. “I knew
I wanted to leave Auckland and after a few
visits, I just thought Whitianga was a lovely
town, the people were really friendly. Then I
just picked up [The Informer] and saw the job
advertised and it all happened pretty quickly New manager of the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club, Louise Davis, officially took over on Thursday last week
after that.” and will replace Alan Proctor, who is moving on after more than seven years in the role.
Previously Louise was with the New and enjoys furniture-making as hobby. of her new job, Louise has been enjoying Club which has just seen its single biggest
Zealand Automobile Association holding a “My father was a carpenter and my mother getting to know people in the community. monthly increase in membership for at
variety of senior administration roles over was a machinist, so I got the knitting and “Everyone I have met so far has been really least 30 years. “We now have in excess of
the past eight-and-a-half years. Before that, sewing from her,” she said. “I was lucky to welcoming,” she said. “There is a lot to learn, 2,700 members and that number is growing
she spent 20 years in hospitality. “That was get some of the creativity from both sides.” but I know I also have great support from Alan constantly,” said Alan. “The club is in a good
one of things that really appealed to me about A mum to two adult sons, Louise also has and the team.” She is also looking forward position and that’s a good way to go out,
this position, being able to combine my two a grandson and a granddaughter, all based in to embracing the Coromandel lifestyle by I think. I would certainly like to thank all
most prominent skill sets,” she said. Auckland, but very much looking forward to rekindling her love of kayaking. those who have supported and helped with
Outside of work, Louise counts woodwork visits to Whitianga. Louise takes over at a time of unprecedented the positive steps we have taken during my
among an impressive line-up of talents As well as getting to grips with the demands growth for the Mercury Bay Game Fishing time here.”
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Former Gumtown School to become a
recognised historic place
By Gillian O’Neill
The former Gumtown School at Coroglen, followed by the creation of a purpose built “Classes began in the new building in early name, to Coroglen in 1921.
complete with an original desk and even the school in 1898 to 1899.” The school initially 1899 and it was also regularly used by the “Over the twentieth century Gumtown
hooks where children hung their coats as far had a roll of 19 students. wider community, particularly for church School (Former) was adapted for changing
back as 1900, is set to be added to the official As well as highlighting the former school services and Sunday school. As the timber educational requirements. When the
list of New Zealand’s historic places. as a very well-preserved example of rural industry declined in the early twentieth building was no longer needed as a main
Heritage New Zealand is currently schools of the era, the report also details the century, so did the population of Gumtown classroom in 1978, the community took
consulting with the public regarding plans building’s history and how it has continued and the surrounding area converted to dairy over its management and maintenance.
to classify the one-one room kauri structure to play an education and social role in the farming. The new community changed the Gumtown School (Former) was subsequently
as a Category 2 site recognising it as a place community right through to the present day. town’s name, and by association the school repurposed for use by a playgroup for over
of historical or cultural heritage significance 40 years, has hosted jubilee celebrations and
or value. The building currently sits near the remains in use by Coroglen School.”
centre of the wider Coroglen School site on The building has also served as a polling
Rangihau Road, where new developments booth and more recently as a second-hand
have grown up around it over the years. shop. The Coroglen School Board of Trustees
It is one of two buildings which date along with the Mercury Bay Museum
from the turn of the century township, provided extensive information to support the
the other being the former Gumtown Hall, proposal to list the site as an historic place.
now the Coroglen Hall, on State Highway 25, The report concludes that the former
which already has Category 2 status. school has historical significance as it is the
The Heritage New Zealand report notes original school building at a rural settlement
how the growth of the timber and later gum and reflects the importance of education to
digging industries over the 19th century led the local community for 120 years through
to the establishment of Gumtown beside its community led creation and consistent
the Waiwawa River from 1879 within the use for educational purposes. “The place
rohe of Ngāti Hei. “In 1883, the future site includes the oldest surviving building
of Gumtown School (Former) was owned from Gumtown and demonstrates the size
by Repiu Tokata of Ngāti Hei who claimed and relative permanence of the turn of the
ownership by descent and occupation. century settlement which was able to support
A leading centre for the collection and a purpose-built school. Being one of only
shipping of kauri gum which supplied the two surviving buildings from Gumtown,
timber camps, Gumtown was a thriving the place also reflects the origins of the town
commercial hub by the turn of the century as a leading centre which supported the
with a wide range of established businesses timber and gum digging industries.”
and supported a substantial Pākehā and Māori The full report is available to read at
population. To provide an education for those The former Gumtown School at Coroglen is set to be added to the official www.heritage.org.nz with submissions
families, Gumtown School opened in 1896 list of New Zealand’s historic places. accepted until Tuesday, 9 March.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
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Friday, 19 February - The first quarter Moon lies just above and to the right of reddish Mars which greets the American “Perseverence” rover today
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021
Council split on timeframe
for new vote on Climate
Change Declaration
“Get on with it” was the message several Plan consultation process which would run
elected members of Thames-Coromandel until June. Bringing the date forward would
District Council delivered to the mayor, likely involve the use of external expertise at
chief executive and some of their council an additional cost at a time when questions
colleagues in a debate over the response to a were frequently asked about spending
court ruling that their decision not to sign the on consultants.
Local Government Leaders’ Climate Change However, the revenue argument didn’t sit
Declaration was made unlawfully. well with South East councillor, Terry Walker.
In April 2019, TCDC resolved not to “We’ve challenged the judicial review and
approve Mayor Sandra Goudie signing the lost, $50,000 gone down the trap,” he said.
declaration. However, the High Court found “This is a priority. [The High Court] told us to
that in making this decision, council had not do it, so let’s get on and do it before April…
carried out proper analysis or considered We spend money on a lot of things, but this is
if there was a need for public consultation. a good one to spend money on.”
The decision was therefore quashed and the Council voted 6 - 3 for the April deadline,
elected members ordered to go back to the requesting staff to compile a report that
table and reconsider the matter, following the considers the strategic issues of climate
correct process. change, as per the requirements of the
However, frustration emerged at last Local Government Act and council’s own
Tuesday’s full council meeting when Significance and Engagement Policy.
councillors were told it would be August The members resolved to reconsider its
before a report from staff recommending decision to not authorise the mayor to sign
how to proceed further would be available. the Local Government Leaders’ Climate
Thames councillor, Sally Christie, argued Change Declaration once that report has
that the information should be supplied by been received.
April and was supported by the majority of The mayor and the two Mercury Bay
her colleagues. councillors, Murray McLean and Tony Fox,
“I would have thought, in the scale of refused to support the amended resolution
things that are happening, this is extremely bringing the timeframe forward to April.
important and staff can be shuffled around, Mr McClean said he did not believe there
this is top priority,” said South East councillor, would be sufficient time to prepare what
Gary Gotlieb. Chief executive, Rob Williams, would need to be a substantial and strategic
said the reason for the August date was report, particularly given that the High Court
because the work in preparing the report judge had found that signing the declaration
would be done by policy staff who were could create enforceable legal obligations
also largely responsible for the Long Term on councils.
699 - 16
Issue 937 27 February
July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
NCEA achievements celebrated at Mercury Bay Area School Mercury Bay Area School celebrated their outstanding 2020 NCEA achievements at a whole in Year 12. The Proxime Accessit (runner-up achiever in NCEA Level 3) was Hannah Murphy, school assembly on Wednesday last week. while the Dux of the School (top achiever in NCEA Level 3) and recipient of the Phyllis Simpson At the assembly, 25 students (this year in Year 12) received certificates for endorsing NCEA Level Memorial Cup was last year’s head girl, Juliet Lidgard. 1 with Merit and 10 NCEA Level 1 students received certificates for endorsing with Excellence. Making the achievement for Juliet more special was the fact that Errol Moore, her Year 1 teacher At NCEA Level 2 (this year’s Year 13 students), 13 students received certificates for endorsing at Te Rerenga School, who’s now retired at Waihi Beach, attended the assembly on Wednesday. with Merit and seven students were recognised for endorsing with Excellence. The NCEA “Juliet has done very well,” Errol said. “She has always been a kind and a hard worker, I’m very Level 3 students have also done very well with 13 endorsing with Merit and seven endorsing happy for her.” with Excellence. Pictured in the photo on the left are the top NCEA students. From left to right - Holly Smith, The top NCEA Level 1 student and recipient of the Board of Trustees Prize for Best Academic Austin Morcom, Juliet Lidgard and Hannah Murphy. In the photo on the right is Juliet with her Performance in Year 11 was Holly Smith. This year’s head boy, Austin Morcom, was the top NCEA Year 1 teacher at Te Rerenga School, Errol Moore. Level 2 student and recipient of the Board of Trustees Prize for Best Academic Performance Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021
Issue 937 - 16 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
New home for popular Poetry provides inspiration
second-hand bookshop for new Four Sight exhibition
The Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust’s second-hand bookshop in Whitianga is on the move to
new, more spacious premises.
The shop will farewell its Albert Street location this Saturday, 20 February, and re-open at
5 Blacksmith Lane on Friday, 26 February.
Last week, a group from the Whitianga Menz Shed led by Brian Mearns and Wayne Wilton
demolished two existing offices at the new premises, with Eccles Electrical taking care of the
power needs, in order to make way for the bookshop and some storage space for the trust’s
range of equipment that they provide for cancer patients and their families. The trust is very
grateful to all the men who gave their time and expertise.
Once the new premises is ready to go, the next task will be to relocate the 10,000 plus books
and all the shelving, but the trust hopes their loyal customers, book donors and volunteers will
really enjoy the bigger space.
Pictured is bookshop manager, Anne Pendray, inside the new premises.
A challenge was thrown down to four northern Coromandel artists to create four works each on a common
theme for an exhibition at Hauraki House Gallery in Coromandel Town that starts on Friday this week.
Riding on a former successful two-woman show, “Double Vision,” Diann Cade and Jan Linklater
have this year combined with two well-known artist friends, Jan Panther and Linda Sampson,
to produce 16 paintings inspired by the William Butler Yeats poem, “He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven.”
This has given them huge scope for their varied styles and interpretations, resulting in exciting and
contrasting compositions.
The exhibition is aptly named “Four Sight.”
Diann, whose background is in architectural design and graphics, has been experimenting with a looser
paint application leading to moody cloudscapes or lively semi-abstract works with fluid lines.
Jan Linklater, scientist turned painter, uses landscapes, abstracts and figures to express her love of strong
colour. She has found a sense of drama in the poem which is reflected in this year’s paintings.
Jan Panther expresses her passion for landscape in large, vigorous oil paintings she describes as modern
realism. Favouring a blue/green palette with lots of colour mixing, her energy is apparent in her brush
strokes and individual take on local scenes.
In huge contrast, Linda Sampson uses a limited palette of just five colours, mainly unmixed, to create
super-real paintings which often reflect her sense of humour. Subjects vary from a series of cars to
swimming figures and a still life with flamingo. Her more serious stunning textile piece (pictured) inspired
by the poem title, “Cloth of Heaven,” will take centre stage.
Four Sight, curated by Ed Bucket, will open at 5:00pm on Friday and run until Sunday, 7 March.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021
SeniorNet
By Mavis Hicks
Update
Our new term is ready to go. The first class of please put in a nomination (but get permission
2021 is happening this week. Our Open Day last from the person you are nominating).
week saw members renewing their subscriptions You and the person who are nominated must be
and new people joining us. Both existing and SeniorNet members.
new members registered for the classes we offer This term we have been offered three talks
for this term. by Michelle Patient. We are very fortunate.
It is not too late to join us and register for Michelle is a genealogist, computer geek
our classes. Just phone Lorna or Megan, and DNA enthusiast with qualifications
and talk to them regarding joining or what in chemistry, geology and family history.
classes or workshops you would like to She grew up with a grandmother whose family
participate in. We also offer one-on-one classes. stories, photographs and memorabilia sparked
That’s when members have the undivided her lifelong interest in genealogy and for some
attention of a tutor for one hour to help resolve years she has been speaking to audiences in New
the difficulties they are having with a particular Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom
software programme. We must ensure that the about technology and family history.
tutor concerned is available. As these classes are Michelle also volunteers for several
very popular with our members, book in quickly genealogical societies and is one of the
to avoid disappointment. DNA consultants behind the Australian SBS
Our AGM will be held on Thursday, TV series, “Every Family has a Secret.”
18 March at 2:00pm. The venue is at Whitianga The dates and times for Michelle’s talks -
Social Services, Cook Drive (where our classes • The first is on Tuesday, 23 February
are held). Notices are in the mail together with from 11:45am - 1:45pm on “The Internet
nominations for our committee. Any Notice of Archive.”
Motion must be with our current committee by • The second is on Tuesday, 9 March from
Thursday, 11 March. Please note only financial 2:15pm - 4:15pm. The topic is “What’s All
members can vote. The Fuss About DNA.”
Our current committee look forward to seeing • The third is on Tuesday, 30 March from
you at the AGM and the chat time afterwards. 11:45am - 1:45pm on “Google Tips
It will be good to meet people other than those and Tricks.”
immediate members we meet through our The cost is $10 for members and $12 for
individual workshops. non-members. For more information on any
We need a secretary. Linda, who has done a of the talks phone either Lorna on (027) 486
wonderful job, has left town and it would be 0150 (daytime only please) or Megan on
helpful if you would think about filling that (07) 866 5777 (daytime only please).
position and helping SeniorNet to continue to We look forward to
offer our great service to the mature members seeing you at our classes,
of our lovely community. If you or someone our AGM and Michelle
you know would like to be our secretary, Patient’s talks.
Issue 937 - 16 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Volunteers queue up to help local
tattoo artist get creative
By Gillian O’Neill
It was a bit of an experiment when tattoo various ideas and then I looked at how we
artist, Lee Jones, advertised on social media could blend them together. So in terms of
looking for volunteers to provide a canvas design, it was about 50/50 which is the first
for his own creative designs. Wanting the time I’ve done that.”
opportunity to combine his love of art with Like many of Lee’s images, the inspiration
his tattooing skills, he hoped a discounted has come from a face. “It’s what you might
rate would persuade a couple of open-minded call a surrealist style,” he says. “I like to
people to step up. distort the face slightly so it takes on a moody
Within an hour, the post had to be taken feel. We also incorporated mountains at the
down after a long list of willing bodies came top which represent Sweden where Nik comes
forward to offer arms, legs and other parts from and we have a wave at the bottom to
of their anatomy. In fact, Lee discovered, reflect his passion for surfing.”
far from being deterred by the idea of handing While his designs are all pre-sketched so
over creative control, people were excited at clients can see the overall concept and decide
the prospect of a tattoo that they could never on the best placement, Lee says one of the
themselves have imagined. best things about doing his own work is it
“We realised there were a lot of people
can adapt and evolve during the tattooing
out there that really wanted to get a tattoo,
process. “So you may see opportunities as
but were maybe being held back by not
you go along that will make it even better,”
knowing what to choose,” Lee says.
he says. “That has happened quite a bit with
“They were so open to my designs.
I’ve been wanting to start doing my own stuff this one and I’ve chatted to Nik and said,
for a while, so to have such enthusiasm from what would you think about doing it like this,
people is very exciting.” you have the freedom to be able to do that,
Among those signing up was Blue Ginger you are not confined to what’s in a picture.”
Restaurant chef, Nik Brandt, who was one of While he has been tattooing now for 15
the first to spot the advertisement and says the years, Lee’s love of art and drawing goes
back much further. The prospect of being able Chef, Nik Brandt, is one of more than a dozen people who volunteered themselves as a canvas,
opportunity was too good to miss. “I knew
to now take his trade down this artistic route handing over full artistic licence to Whitianga tattoo artist, Lee Jones.
Lee and his work and I already liked his style,
so I wasn’t worried at all,” he says. points to how far the tattoo industry has come tattoos, but there is also now a real trend chance to do before for various reasons.”
As we chat, Nik is two hours into his second in recent years. towards larger designs. Back in the chair, latest customer, Nik,
day in the chair at Evolution Tattoo Studio in “Tattoos have gone from being seen as “Close to 50 percent of our new clients is feeling good as he nears the end of this
Whitianga. The tattoo was expected to take a bit unusual to pretty much mainstream,” are women and there is a real cross section process of creative collaboration. “I’m really
12 hours, but Lee says it’s progressing well says Tiffany Reed who co-owns Evolution of ages. For example, we are seeing more happy,” he says. “For me it’s about telling the
and he will probably finish in 10. with Lee. “Perception around them has also women in their 60s and 70s who are getting story of where I am at this time in my life and
“This one ended up being a bit different changed. It means not only are we seeing their first tattoos. Usually, it’s something they that’s exactly what Lee has done - aside from
actually,” Lee says. “Nik and I talked about an increasing number of people getting had always thought about but never had a that it also looks super cool!”
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Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021
Issue 937
699 - 16
27 February
July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Kiwi sanctuary off-limits for new chicks after presence of stoat confirmed The island sanctuary serving as a dedicated and the predator trapping system is being the North Island where they’ll be reared until korimako/bellbird and native skinks. nursery for Coromandel brown kiwi has been intensified. “Work continues to track down they’re around 1kg in weight.” “To the Motu and Back” aims to establish temporarily closed to new arrivals after the the stoat/s and Kiwis for Kiwi hopes the motu The Department of Conservation said how a breeding population of Coromandel brown presence of a stoat was confirmed last month. will be safe to continue transferring kiwi the stoat made its way onto the island is kiwi on Motutapu where they will create DNA tests proved that a tūturuatu (shore chicks to in the future,” says Paula. “In the undetermined, however it is most likely that a robust population that can eventually plover) body found on its nest on Motutapu meantime, the safety of kiwi vulnerable to it swam. be returned to safe sites on the Peninsula. in December, had been killed by a stoat. stoat predation is of utmost importance. Until Motutapu has been officially pest free since The goal is to see the first birds returned to the Two further tūturuatu were since found dead a zero-presence of stoat is determined on 2011 and provides a safe haven for threatened Coromandel in the next four to five years with on the island. News of a predator at large Motutapu, kiwi chicks will not be transferred. and at-risk native wildlife including kiwi, efforts continuing with Waikato Regional prompted an urgent response from the Kiwis “All chicks due for release onto Motutapu takahē, tūturuatu/shoreplover, tīeke/ Council to provide sufficient predator- for Kiwi organisation, which coordinates the will be moved to crèching facilities around saddleback, kākāriki/red-crowned parakeet, free areas. work of multiple local kiwi care groups on the Coromandel who have collectively sent more than 100 kiwi chicks to the pest-free island as part of the “To the Motu and Back” project. This included the launch of an immediate rescue operation for two vulnerable recent transfers. “Prior to having an awareness of a stoat presence on Motutapu, Kiwis for Kiwi had released two Coromandel brown kiwi chicks this season to join the 107 already transferred to the motu,” says Paula Williams, Coromandel coordinator for Kiwis for Kiwi. “These chicks from Kuaotunu were around four weeks of age and weighed 450 grams at release. “[We] sent a kiwi-certified dog and handler team to the island on New Year’s Eve to recapture these chicks and relocate them by helicopter to the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua. The team was successful in recatching one of the two chicks.” After an assessment by a predator control expert, alongside the Department of Conservation and Ngāi tai ki Tāmaki, more The young Coromandel brown kiwi chick that was rescued from Motutapu on New Year’s Eve traps and field cameras have been installed after confirmation that a stoat was present on the island. Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021
Issue 937
699 - 16
27 February
July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11The Small-time Investor
By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
Sunrun
From week to week, the value of my would be silly not to convert to the new
investments climbs and drops. Last week it technology and I believe this time is soon for
was five percent less than the week before solar energy and batteries.
and this week it has made up that five percent. Switching to solar power makes sense
Short term it’s interesting, but it’s always the for the environment. Solar is a clean and
long term that matters. Especially when you sustainable energy source. Moving away
are a buy-and-hold investor like I am. from non-sustainable energy is by definition
My investments are currently up 18.9 inevitable, the question is just how quickly
percent. This is $575.13 more value than I will it happen? The faster it happens,
have put in myself. My best performer is still the better for the planet and I am hoping that
Tesla, up 80 percent, and my worst performer my investment into Sunrun will help speed
is Plexure, down 21.5 percent. Eighteen this up.
of my picks are up and four are down. As more and more people move towards
Some weeks I doubled down and bought more electric cars, small savings on power can add
of a share I already have. Of these, Tesla, up. If we are using electricity to power our
Apple and Mainfreight are up and Fisher and homes, our bikes and our cars, then investing
Paykel Healthcare is down five percent. more money upfront can make sense.
I like to invest in companies that help to As solar power costs fall, I think more
make the world a better place. One company and more people will transition their homes.
has as its mission, “To create a planet run When this happens, I believe Sunrun will be
by the sun.” Sunrun provides solar services well positioned to grow and take advantage
for residential properties. If you want to of this change. That is why this week I am
convert your home to solar power in America, investing USD72 (NZD100) into Sunrun.
then Sunrun is a leading provider. Please remember that what I write in this
Any new technology is expensive at the column is all my personal opinion. Some
start and the cost falls over time. The drop in of my investments will lose money. I am
the cost happens quickly as the manufacturing sharing my thoughts and strategies so you
processes scale up and new research and can learn from my mistakes. Be careful with
economies of scale help. I believe that in your money.
the area of solar panels and batteries, we are If you wish to join in and buy shares through
in a time of falling costs. As the costs come online platform, Sharesies, you can use this
down, the value proposition of converting link, https://sharesies.nz/r/KHQQWP, and
to the technology gets better and better. you and I will each get $5 into our Sharesies
There will come a tipping point where you accounts.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021Tickets on sale for Mercury Bay Art
Escape’s Gala Opening Night
A contribution by the Mercury Bay Art Escape
It’s one of the favourite social events on the with members of the public and to answer
Coromandel’s art scene - the Gala Opening questions about how we do things, what tools
Night of the annual Mercury Bay Art Escape. and equipment we use and to talk about work-
The gala evening kicks off the start of the in-progress,” he says. “And visitors really do
participating artists’ Open Studios around the enjoy getting a proper look inside the artists’
eastern Coromandel, as well as the Showcase workspaces, to see what sort of environment
Exhibition featuring one piece of work from they’ve created, to ask about how they learn
every artist involved in the event. This year, and practise their craft and to buy something
it’s happening on Friday, 5 March at 6:00pm directly from the maker.”
at Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach. The artists opening their studios include flax
At the launch party, guests can meet artists weavers, furniture makers, jewellers, glass
and fellow art lovers, and preview work for and mosaic artists, painters, photographers,
sale in the Showcase Exhibition before it’s potters, printmakers, sculptors and
opened up to the public. All enjoyed with a
woodworkers.
backdrop of live music, canapés and a glass of
A piece from each artist will be on display
wine thanks to sponsors, Greywacke Wines.
Mercury Bay Art Escape chairman in the Showcase Exhibition at Hot Waves
and Kuaotunu photographer, Ian Preece, Café from 6 March until Easter Monday.
is looking forward to a great night out. For more information about the individual
“It’s fantastic bringing together so artists and for maps and guides to design
many interesting people from our creative your own self-drive art tour, look on
community,” he says. “Supporters of the the Mercury Bay Art Escape website,
arts appreciate the opportunity to meet local www.mercurybayartescape.com.
artists whose work is on display right in There are also lots of photos on the Art
front of them. As making art can be a solitary Escape’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
process, meeting up at our annual gala launch Whenuakite artist, Gary Nevin, one of the participants in this The Mercury Bay Art Escape organisers
is something I and many other artists really year’s Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studios. would like to thank these local businesses
look forward to. I’m also thrilled that amazing out. Tickets are available on the Mercury arty roadtrip to studios all over the eastern for their generous support - Bayleys,
New Zealand glass artist, Di Tocker, is our Bay Art Escape’s website for only $45, Coromandel Peninsula, from Tairua to Rings The Breeze, Magic, More FM, The Mercury
guest speaker. She’ll be very entertaining and www.mercurybay-artescape.com/shop--cart. Beach. It’s a free event and an excellent way Bay Informer, Guthrie Bowron, New
is putting up a beautiful piece for auction on During this year’s Open Studios, to explore our own backyard. Zealand Holiday Homes, Hot Water Beach
the night.” 50 artists are opening up their workspaces Ian says the Open Studios are a great Top 10 Holiday Park, Rennie Cox Lawyers,
Ian recommends getting in quickly to on the weekends of 6 and 7 March, and 13 experience for artists and the public alike. Sunlover Retreat, The Pourhouse and Hotties
buy tickets as the evening is always a sell- and 14 March. Visitors can plan their own “For the artists, it’s so nice to engage Beachfront Eatery.
Issue 937 - 16 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021
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July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Peninsula Past - 1950
Every now and again, Informer contributor, be,” scoffed one newspaper. One great feature about this field was that it but the cutter still drifted rapidly out to sea.
Meghan Hawkes, reads through the There was also considerable interest in land was simple to reach. The fare from Auckland There were two crew and three passengers
newspapers that circulated in Mercury Bay lying between Whangapoua and Mercury to Mercury Bay was 30 shillings followed on board - Mrs Taylor, a school teacher,
and on the Coromandel Peninsula in earlier Bay. At the Otama goldfield there was by a tramp of 12 miles. Matarangi, it was and her two children. Their water supply ran
years. Here are several interesting nuggets of room for four or five thousand men. There reported, was now quite deserted, its glory out the next morning but Mrs Taylor had with
history she uncovered from 1889. were miles of quartz and gold could easily departed. her a couple of bottles of Elderflower water,
be seen by the casual observer. It was even The cutter Evening Star, when off Tairua, used as medicine, and this was served out in
The Mercury Bay correspondent to the
visible in boulders in the creek. Numbers of met a strong gale and the mainsail was blown teaspoonful’s. After five days and when the
Observer newspaper upset a local resident
men had set to work and others in Auckland away. Heavy seas washed away the dingy Evening Star was about 100 miles eastward
who complained bitterly to the editor, “As I were waiting for the fine weather to get and a full cask of water. A mainsail was of the coast, the wind suddenly changed and
have been accused of sending you the ‘par’ down to Mercury Bay and try their luck. rigged with carpets, tarpaulin and a blanket, the cutter was able to head for land.
which appeared in last week’s Observer,
stating that W L had opened a butcher’s shop,
I wish to state that I did not. Both Mr W L
and his wife are particular friends of mine
and I wouldn’t like them to think I was such
a blackguard as to have had any hand in this
business.” The editor replied “We had no
idea of the offensive meaning of the item or
it would never have appeared. One by one
our country correspondents are cutting their
own throats.”
There was a great rush to Kuaotunu where a
large gold reef had evidently been discovered.
An inspection of the area found there was a
fairly good boat landing, but nothing like a
harbour. There were several Māori whares on
the flat and a store owned by Mr Lee and it
was here that a township would have to be,
though it was thought there would be another
township up near the diggings at the end of the
proposed road. “The usual exaggerated stories
are flying about such as the reef showing dabs
of gold in the stone for a distance of three
miles and that £10,000 has been offered for a
claim. This is not confirmed, nor is it likely to The Kuaotunu goldfield (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-18900628-8-1).
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July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19What’s On In the next few weeks Regular Activities - please contact the organisers of each group/activity to determine if meetings/gatherings Social Services, Cook Drive. Members range in age from 14 to in their 90s. New members welcome to join and share their have recommenced after the summer holidays quilting knowledge, and help make charity quilts for the neonatal unit at Auckland Hospital and the children admitted to Op-Shops Starship Hospital. Phone Margaret on (07) 866 0411 for more information and the days the group meets. Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street Mercury Bay Community Choir (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. This “all-comers” choir rehearses every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area school Music Room. The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to New rehearsals start on 8 February. New singers always welcome. Phone (22) 643 7462 for more information. Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. AA Driver Licensing St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. 10:00am - 2:00pm. Mercury Bay Table Tennis Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open seven days a week from Meets every Tuesday from 9:30am - 11:30am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on 10:00am - 3:00pm. 869 5162 for more information. Whitianga Senior Citizens Club Mercury Bay Badminton Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Meets every Wednesday from 9:30am - 11:00am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. Phone (07) 866 5476 for more information. Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Mercury Bay Pickleball Club Meet the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Meets Every Tuesday from 4:00pm - 6:00pm and every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available. SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Mercury Bay Tennis Club Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on Tour de Friends Biking (027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. A 23km ride social ride around the flat areas of Whitianga. Meets every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 9:00am Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga opposite Taylor’s Mistake, Whitianga. Followed by coffee. Phone Lance Cook on (021) 048 8475 or John Gregory on Meet every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive , Whitianga. (027) 278 0002 for more information. Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone 869 5648 for more information. Specific Activities/Events Whitianga Playcentre Mercury Bay Community Swimming Pool (Located at the Mercury Bay Area School grounds) Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon at 1D White Street, Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, Opening Hours free entry. Visitors welcome. From 10:00am - 5:00pm every Saturday, from 1:00pm - 5:00pm every Sunday, from 6:00am - 8:00am for early Matarangi Craft Group morning lane swimming every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Opening hours subject to weather conditions. Meet fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Entry $4 adults, $3 senior citizens/students/children, $2 pre-schoolers. Concession cards available. Scrapbags Quilting Group Four Sight Exhibition Meet every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome. Friday, 19 February - Sunday, 7 March at Hauraki House Gallery, Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town. Four artists phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information. created 16 paintings inspired by WB Yeats’s poem, “The Cloths of Heaven.” Open from 10:00am - 4:00pm every Mercury Bay Creative Fibre day. Free entry. Meet the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, Whitianga Art, Craft & Farmer’s Market Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information. Saturday, 20 February from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. Whitianga Art Group Smitty’s Sports Bar Singles Night Meet every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for Saturday, 20 February at 8:00pm. Drinks specials, live music and prizes. More information at www.smittys.com. a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information. Coroglen Farmers Market Cooks Beach Garden Circle Sunday, 21 February from 9:30am to 1:00pm at the Coroglen Hall, State Highway 25. Meet the last Thursday of every month from 11:15am - 2:30pm. New members welcome. Phone Leila on 866 3264 or Whitianga Marathon Anne on 866 0268 for more information. Saturday, 22 May. Four course options - 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km. Entries now open. Mercury Bay Quilters See whitiangamarathon.co.nz for more information. Meet the first and third Mondays, and second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10:00am - 4:00pm at Whitianga Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021
Scott’s Thoughts
By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel
You could be forgiven for thinking the most Unfortunately, it was used regularly during
pressing issue confronting New Zealand its January trial period, which just highlights
right now is about male MPs wearing ties at how important it is to our region. I’ll provide
Parliament. Such is the nature of some of what updates throughout the year as Stephan
happens in Wellington. Bosman’s petition, which I presented to the
But in among that sideshow was the very House of Representatives, progresses through
serious business of the Labour government the Health Select Committee.
pushing through the establishment of In other news, recent data shows that the
compulsory Māori representation in local economy is recovering with unemployment
government as well as their plans for what falling to 4.9 percent, but hidden behind
turns out to be a very long and slow process this good news is confirmation of what I’ve
to replace the RMA. The plan is to replace been hearing for many months, businesses
the current RMA with three new acts as a are finding it hard to employ new staff and
start and possibly with a further three more to quality candidates are in short supply. With the
follow. Anyone hoping for a quick solution to situation overseas and our delayed vaccination
the housing issues confronting New Zealand programme preventing the usual movement of
will be disappointed. It’s going to take at least people, particularly seasonal workers from the
a year or two to get the new laws through Pacific, some sectors will continue to struggle
Parliament and then another couple of years to fill positions.
before local councils will be able to implement This skill shortage will have a knock-on
the changes. effect to many industries and will make it
For the first time in several years, I went particularly difficult to solve the housing
up to Waitangi to acknowledge the 181st shortage. Nevertheless, that does not mean
anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of that we cannot ease some of the regulatory
Waitangi. Worries about COVID-19 meant burden that the construction sector faces.
fewer people there than is usual. While Dr We have extended an offer to the government
Shane Reti delivered a good address on behalf to work together to fix the issue that it’s simply
of the National Party, it was great to hear that too difficult to build houses in New Zealand.
next year Judith Collins will be allowed to After the Christchurch earthquakes,
speak on the marae. This is a big win and long- emergency powers helped streamline the
awaited change for all women politicians, consent process and keep house prices
they don’t need their male colleagues to speak affordable. We need to establish a Special
for them. Select Committee to draft legislation which
Now that the Parliamentary year has begun, would allow the immediate rezoning of council
I’ll be keeping the pressure on the government land and free up space for decades of growth.
to reinstate our rescue helicopter service for I’m disappointed the Labour government
the summer peak and over long weekends. rejected our offer out of hand.
Issue 937 - 16 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021
Issue 937 - 16 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23
Let’s Talk About Pests
By Sharon Clay of Peninsula Pest Services - Tel (027) 778 8836
This month’s problem insect is one that hits occurring, but will keep other insects or
our food and is one of our most maddening rodents away and it also helps to keep your
ones - it’s the pantry moth. foodstuffs fresh for much longer.
Several species of these pests can be If you already have an infestation, dispose
found in New Zealand. They infest our dried of all infested foodstuffs in sealed plastic
foods stored in the pantry. The meal moth or bags and remove all foodstuffs and utensils
pantry moth is often found flying around the from the pantry or other affected areas, and
kitchen. These grey moths lay their eggs on wash or wipe down carefully as you clean.
dried stored goods such as flour, cereals and Clean all affected shelves, drawers,
grains, and their larvae feed on the foodstuffs, cupboards and floors with detergent and
producing a webbing that is often the only allow to dry thoroughly. A spray treatment to
indication of spoiled food. all these surfaces should be done, leaving the
Other pests of dried foods are biscuit and spray to fully dry before putting the foodstuffs
spider beetles, and weevils. Small holes in back. Any loose or dried foods should be put
cereal or flour packaging in particular show into airtight containers.
that these insects have bored their way into You can install moth traps, but these do not
your food. prevent pantry moth. They will only monitor
Preventing an infestation is easy if you the number of adults in the area, but will
can keep flour, rice, polenta, cereals, grains, not trap the larvae. Use the traps as a guide
pulses, etc in sealed plastic or glass containers. only to see how large the infestation is and if
Not only will this prevent infestations follow-up treatments are required.
Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 937 - 16 February 2021Letters to the Editor
See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Te Whanganui o Hei’s special place in the history of New Zealand available is erected well out of sight of most members of the public. Perhaps we should fix this.
I’m sure everyone with some connection to this Bay and region and with even just a passing If such an artwork was to come into being, it must stand out and to assist this could I suggest
interest in New Zealand history, will have found Joe Davis’s comments in The Informer of last Thames-Coromandel District Council immediately commences removing the wilding trees of
week of very great interest and significance. They certainly deserve widespread and repeated various types that have been allowed to flourish in an area that is foreign to them? After all, this
exposure and I certainly endorse everything said. is a sand spit and there is nothing wrong with maintaining this piece of nature in its natural state.
The place of Te Whanganui o Hei in the story of Pacific voyaging, and therefore its significance Trevor Ammundsen
in New Zealand history, is needing now to be better known and elevated beyond just our local Whitianga
audience. Joe’s call for action and for greater recognition is very timely as the focus comes back Dear Editor - Freshwater supply in Whitianga
on to New Zealand history in the national curriculum. As he says, the Taputapuatea Spit and Thank you to Dennis Jones for his well-written Letter to the Editor in The Informer of 9 February
Stream enjoy an almost unique place in this, providing virtually the opening chapter of an 800- regarding the availability of potable water for Whitianga. Thames-Coromandel District Council’s
year story. In this context, the Waitangi Day commemoration, for example, could be viewed as answer to the article is woeful and does not address the issues raised.
just a more recent chapter. The questions all the residents need to know from the council are -
It is not too far-fetched to argue as Joe does, that “Whitianga could even be considered the • What is TCDC’s planned action going forward to ensure a continuous supply of fresh water
birthplace of our nation.” After all, it was Ngāti Hei chief, Toawaka, and James Cook who first for the ratepayers of Whitianga given the growth of the town?
sowed the seeds for a “dual heritage” nation here - a full 70 years before Waitangi. • What is in the Council’s Long Term Plan to address this issue?
Whether one agrees with this “birthplace” proposition or not, Ngāti Hei should be given all the • Where is the additional water supply coming from going forward?
support needed to assemble the high-level group proposed, to re-focus the national mind again • What additional storage is planned going forward?
on the history here and specifically the Polynesian heritage links. The Auckland University’s • How much of the developer contributions collected by TCDC are being assigned to
spectacular Geat Mercury Island archaeological project continues as a great basis for wider freshwater infrastructure?
balanced research. As Joe says, things must not be “overcooked,” but it’s certainly time now to Would it be possible for TCDC to answer all five of these questions in a concise manner
dig deeper into Te Whanganui o Hei’s special place in the earliest phases of New Zealand history. without referring me to a council pamphlet or webpage?
John Steele Des Robinson
Cooks Beach Whitianga
Dear Editor - The Taputapuatea Spit in Whitianga Dear Editor - The Mercury Bay Tennis Club
Your article in The Informer of 9 February regarding the new planning for the Taputapuatea I just wanted to let you know what an asset the Mercury Bay Tennis Club and the tennis members
Spit in Whitianga provided a good insight into the thoughts of Ngāti Hei and the development are to your community.
direction they would like to put in place for this piece of land, a development direction which On Thursday, 4 February, I was a visitor at the Mercury Bay Tennis Club’s club evening.
is far more beneficial to our town than the previous gardening project which has thankfully Peter Grant and the members were very welcoming - they quickly organised me onto the court
been halted. for mixed doubles and over an hour or so I had lots of fun tennis with a very friendly bunch of
The significance of Mercury Bay, not only as being “ka poua te toko” (the first landing place locals of all ages and abilities - a highlight of my visit to Whitianga.
of Kupe) and the site of the first powhiri given to a European man, James Cook, should be Thank you to the town for supporting tennis.
recognised. After all, there is no degrading Murderers Bay or Poverty Bay namings in our If any Whitianga tennis players visit Taupo, make sure you find out about the Taupo
region, so let us celebrate this. Something of significance that can be seen far out by seafarers Tennis Club’s club days (every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) and lob along - visitors are
approaching the beach, a huge kūwaha perhaps, or possibly a large statue of Kupe with staff always welcome.
firmly planted. This could be complemented with details of the history of the area being made Shirley Barnes
available to the public to view as they wander through the spit. Currently the only such detail Member of the Taupo Tennis Club
Issue 937 - 16 February 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25You can also read
