Residents sound the alarm over tsunami sirens - Mercury Bay ...
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Issue 941 - 16 March 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
Residents sound the alarm over
tsunami sirens
By Gillian O’Neill
A lack of clarity around what the alternative alert
system will be when the Thames-Coromandel
District’s tsunami sirens are disconnected later
this year has sparked a wave of resistance to the
move from local communities.
While the phasing out of the sirens has been
flagged for almost a year, the announcement,
coming on the eve of the most recent civil defence
alert, that all 27 will be gone by September has
caused consternation among some residents
and the statistics being circulated to support the
decision are causing further confusion.
In response to questions from The Informer,
TCDC communications and economic
development group manager, Laurna White,
said, “New technological methods mean we will
be able to connect digitally, [with] at least 93
percent effective coverage across the district.”
However, while it is not made clear what
these “new technological methods” are, Civil
Defence controller, Gary Towler, also referred to
a 93 percent coverage rate in a recent statement
but said the figure applies to the six weeks
of the year when the district’s main centres,
where cellphone coverage is most reliable, are
packed with part-time residents and visitors.
“It’s estimated that over the peak summer
period, with the use of technology we can
currently reach 93 per cent of the population,”
he said. “By the time the sirens are disconnected, The tsunami siren at the old fire station in the Whitianga CBD.
this will hopefully be at 96 per cent.” had gathered over 1,300 signatures. The petition TCDC says many of the remaining nine clear directive from central government along
But as recently as May 2020, TCDC revealed was launched only five days earlier. sirens do not comply with national standards. with the appropriate funding to achieve this.
surveys had shown the national Emergency Responding to the community concern, “[FENZ] along with the National Emergency “Left to local authorities, we will struggle
Mobile Text Alert system had only a 40 per Mercury Bay councillor, Tony Fox, suggested Management Agency have requested we to achieve a nationally consistent standard
cent successful strike rate on the Coromandel the government needed to step up and take disconnect them,” Mrs White said. “We are not of providing timely alerts and hundreds of
“due to limited cell coverage and geography.” action. “Successive governments have failed being singled out here, all councils throughout thousands of dollars of ratepayer money will
This is below the 44 percent coverage it claims in that they have not provided clear policy on the country who manage tsunami sirens have to simply be squandered. I am not proposing the
is achieved using sirens. this matter and nor have they considered how disconnect if they no longer comply.” solution, but I am mindful that with the building
While promising a public campaign “to help effective warning systems will be funded,” However, residents claim it is unclear code requiring new builds to be double glazed,
educate people and answer any questions,” he said. “What we have is a serious amount of what council’s alterative plan is and the lack in some cases triple glazed, sirens are not the
TCDC did not say if an indoor plug-in device, duplicated effort and wasted time as over 70 of understanding is leaving many feeling panacea. Simply, many folk will not hear them.
something that has already been trialled on the local authorities grapple with the issue and all vulnerable. Nevertheless, Mr Fox insisted Add to this the number of homes/families in
Peninsula, will form part of the solution for end up with non-compatible systems at huge the blame is with the government. “Central remote locations and the effect that climatic
hard-to-reach residents, saying only, “We also cost to ratepayers.” government need to develop a policy and in that conditions (wind) have on siren effectiveness,
have other tools and tactics that aren’t digital to Of the 27 sirens in the Thames-Coromandel policy identify the very best means of notifying and there must be other options.
reach more remote communities.” District, 18 operate via a Fire and Emergency our affected populations of pending tsunami/ “I do not discount any of the options
On Monday this week, a community petition New Zealand (FENZ) paging system that is earthquake disaster in a timely manner,” he but we should all be mindful of the cost of
calling for the sirens to be retained until “real currently being upgraded and will no longer said. “This may include sirens, cellphones or a sirens and their effectiveness [compared to]
community engagement” happens on the issue be compatible with the sirens. In addition, combination of both. What we do need is a very the alternatives.”
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Someone who should know about Royal
Yacht Britannia’s visit to Mercury Bay
By Tony Stickley
Newly-arrived Whitianga resident, Ray Rout, “I think it is marvellous that the visit has been occasions he had the privilege of serving the three months because they could not take me
has spotted a gaffe in an in-ground plaque recorded, but I think Thames-Coromandel Queen - at important banquets. as a civilian.
commemorating the Queen’s visit to Mercury District Council should put the mistake right, Ray, who has been round the world many “So, I had a free trip over here and was
Bay in 1970. because it is not right the way it is,” Ray said. times during his eight years on Britannia, paid for doing it, because I was still on duty.
The inscription, on a plaque at the footpath “It is a bit of a booboo really - a big typo that said the best memory of the trip was meeting I emigrated to New Zealand with my worldly
between Taylor’s Mistake Carina Creek in has been set in concrete.” Raewyn the day after leaving Whitianga. possessions, the only person ever allowed to
Whitianga, says the Queen visited Mercury He also felt that the inscription had faded They wrote often and then four years later do so.”
Bay on 3 March that year, but Ray insists in the sunlight and was a difficult to read. he quit the Royal Navy to start a new life in Britannia, which was also used by British
it was 23 March. And he should know, “I think they will have to make a whole new New Zealand. companies promoting trade around the world,
since he was leading steward on the Royal plaque, so maybe they can put that right when But he was not quite finished with was retired in 2013 and is now moored
Yacht Britannia, which brought the Queen they correct the error,” Ray said. Britannia. “When I emigrated, I went to in Leith, near Edinburgh where the ship
to Whitianga. As leading steward, Ray looked mainly Admiralty House in London to ask if I could is open to the public and is also used for
Ray has good reason to remember the trip, after the admiral, commodore and senior travel on Britannia,” Ray said. “They agreed, corporate functions.
for the next day the ship arrived in Auckland officers on board Britannia, but on three but it meant that I had to sign on for another Ray described the monarch as very easy
where he met his wife-to-be, Raewyn, at a to talk to. The Queen invited 200 former
dance on the waterfront that evening. Britannia crew to Windsor Castle for the 50th
Four years later he was to emigrate to New anniversary of the Royal Yacht, and Ray and
Zealand to marry his sweetheart - the only Raewyn had the opportunity to chat with
person ever allowed to the singular privilege her and Prince Philip for around 10 minutes.
of using the royal yacht to emigrate anywhere. “They were just so natural, they really put
Ray, 74 - who has been in New Zealand you at ease,” Ray said.
for 47 years, including 46 married to Raewyn Ray and Raewyn retired to Whitianga
- said it was his daughter who pointed about six weeks ago, downsizing from their
out the plaque while they were on a walk
Papakura property with a one-and-a-half
around town while still getting to know their
acre section to a more manageable home on
new home.
Leeward Drive. "We looked at many other
He was excited to see the plaque, but
places - Tauranga, Matarangi, Wangamata -
there was a nagging feeling that something
but it was Whitianga that stole our hearts,"
was wrong. So, he checked with his copy of
“HM Yacht Britannia, Antipodes, 1970,” an Ray said.
official booklet given to members of the crew As for the recent royal travails, Ray would
as a memento of their trip. On 3 March that only say he thought the Queen deserved better
year, Britannia was actually in Lautoka, Fiji. and she was no doubt very upset with all that
It was not until Monday, 23 March that the had happened.
ship anchored offshore in Mercury Bay at The Informer has brought the mistake on the
5:00pm, departing at 10:40pm that evening Ray and Raewyn Rout at the footpath containing a plaque about the Royal Yacht Britannia’s plaque to the attention of Thames-Coromandel
after a re-enactment at Shakespeare Cliff of visit to Mercury Bay in 1970. They are looking at an article published in the “Eastern Daily District Council. The matter is being looked
Captain Cook’s landing in the Bay. Press” of 9 December 1997 about Ray’s years as leading steward aboard Britannia. into.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 17 March to Wednesday, 24 March - This week the Moon makes a reappearance in the evening sky as it continues on its 28-day circuit around the
Earth. It will be a helpful guide for locating Matariki in Taurus (the bull) and the brightest stars in the constellation of Gemini (the twins). Reddish Mars will be visible very low in
the northwestern early evening sky while Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury form a nice line-up in the pre-dawn eastern sky. Saturn is the highest of the trio but slightly fainter than
Mercury, while Jupiter easily outshines them all. They will be joined by the International Space Station (ISS) on 23 March. SpaceX launched another batch of 60 Starlink satellites
last weekend, so watch for them as a “string of pearls” marching across the early evening or pre-dawn sky. Thursday, 18 March - The crescent Moon sits just to the left of
the Pleiades or Matariki in the evening with reddish Mars to the right. Friday, 19 March - The Moon is now above the Pleiades with reddish Mars to the right and the red giant Astronomy Tours and B&B
star Aldabaran in Taurus above. Saturday, 20 March - The Moon has moved to the right of Mars tonight. Tuesday, 22 March - The first quarter Moon sits to the left of the twin
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stars Castor and Pollux in the constellation Gemini. Wednesday, 23 March - The Moon is just above the red giant star Pollux with fainter Castor below in the evening, while early
risers can see the ISS pass just above Saturn from 6:40am in the NW. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
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Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021
Public to learn of Buffalo
re-examination findings during
Archaeology Week
Maritime archaeologists, Matthew Gainsford and Kurt Bennett, and Mercury Bay Museum manager,
Rebecca Cox, are pleased with how the re-examination of the wreck of HMS Buffalo went last weekend.
The wreck lies underwater, only 50m from Buffalo Beach in Whitianga.
“Matthew and Kurt dived the wreck on Friday last week and took a heap of photos,” says Rebecca.
“On Saturday morning, the project was blessed with a karakia by Joe Davis of Ngāti Hei. That was followed
by almost a whole day of diving by a team of 14 divers, mostly measuring the wreck and noting things of
interest they have spotted. Saturday evening was an opportunity for the team to identify gaps in the data
that was collected and Sunday was an opportunity to fill in those gaps with another day of diving.”
The divers came from as far north as Auckland and as far south as the Kapiti Coast. “We’ve promoted the
HMS Buffalo Re-examination Project as widely as we could,” says Rebecca. “Five of the divers came from
the Auckland University Underwater Club. We’ve had a few local divers participating as well.”
Rebecca, Matthew and Kurt hope to share the results of the re-examination with the Mercury Bay public
during a presentation at the Monkey House Theatre in Whitianga on Friday, 30 April. “The presentation
will form part of New Zealand Archaeology Week,” says Rebecca. “We’ll charge an entry fee of $5,
which will go towards the project. We will be keeping the project going. The next component will be a
survey of Mercury Bay for any pieces of the Buffalo that may have broken off on that fateful day in 1840
when she ran aground.”
Last weekend’s re-examination featured during the Newshub 6:00pm television news on Saturday.
The HMS Buffalo Re-examination Project is sponsored by the Mercury Bay Museum, the Australian
Institute for Maritime Archaeology, The Mercury Bay Informer, Dive Zone Whitianga, Whitianga Ferry,
New World Whitianga, Global Dive, Subsurface, The French Fig, Café Coghill House, W Gumbley
Archaeologists and Adam Collier (North Real Estate).
Pictured is Joe Davis performing the karakia on Saturday morning.
699 - 16
Issue 941 27 March
July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021
Issue 941 - 16 March 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Tairua Troubadours heading back to the 80s with Jennie Turner’s 20th show By Gillian O’Neill The Tairua Troubadours are going back to described her as a good storyteller, although the 80s for their 2021 production with the she says she never read books until she was an movies, the pop culture, the music and of adult, preferring to make up her own stories. course the decade’s unforgettable fashion all As to the challenge of writing an 80s show, combining to entertain during an eight-show Jennie says she was encouraged by several of run starting on Thursday, 17 June. the current cast members who believe it was The group’s latest offering will bring up a great time to be alive. However, it is also a milestone for writer and director, Jennie the decade that gets most mocked for its very Turner, marking her 20th show, each one distinctive fashion trends. brought to life by an ever-changing cast “When you think of the 80s, it may conjure of locals. The themes over the years have up images of fluorescent pinks and greens,” covered everything from the Wild West to says Jennie. “The punk style was popular and fairytales, and Bollywood to medical mayhem, it seemed everyone was wearing blazers and and Jennie says, while the productions have blouses with giant shoulder pads. We cannot largely improved over the years, the reasons forget the big hair, often permed, and the for doing them never change. “It has always men’s mullet which 40 years on has made been about giving back, helping others, a comeback.” volunteering is one of the most rewarding In terms of music, Jennie says there’s a things you can do,” she says. real mix of different sounds. “The 80s music Jennie’s plays, through the huge introduced new genres, but still featured some commitment of the Troubadours family, have classic bands like The Rolling Stones and raised over $130,000 for various community Queen who found a whole new generation groups and projects, including the Tairua of fans. Michael Jackson ruled the charts. Volunteer Fire Brigade, Victim Support, A 1980s Jennie Turner proudly featuring the iconic perm that defined the decade which, MTV launched in 1981 and forever changed the Pepe Loop Walk, the Tairua Playcentre along with the music, pop culture and fashion, will inspire the Tairua Troubadour’s next show. the way we consumed music.” and Tairua School. A total of $12,000 from says Jennie. “Tickets just sell out so quickly. to add an extra night just to accommodate As always with Troubadours shows, last year’s production, “Save the Date,” was I don’t think it’s just the opportunity to the demand.” the script will try and touch on as many of donated to the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter support a good cause that motivates people. Asked where she gets her ideas from, those recognisable moments both locally Trust while the upcoming show will support I think they appreciate the opportunity Jennie simply replies, “Everywhere. I’m a bit and overseas that audiences will recall. the Tairua Skatepark development. to come together and have a good night, of a social observer, I think I’ve always been “This one will definitely jog a view memories But it’s not all just about financial support. especially over the winter. We saw that even like that.” for people,” says Jennie. “It really is a great outlet for the community,” more so last year with COVID-19, we had Even at primary school, Jennie’s reports Tickets will go on sale late April. Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021
Letters to the Editor
See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Cyclists on footpaths other signals.
I fear that it is only a matter of time before a I do concede that it might be argued that an
pedestrian is seriously injured by a cyclist exception should be made for children learning
riding illegally on the footpaths of Whitianga. to ride. I hold a contrary view. There are plenty
While the majority of these illegal cyclists at of places in Whitianga where children can be
least cede the footpath to pedestrians walking safely taught to ride a bicycle. Once they are
on it, there is a significant minority who demand proficient, they should be supervised by an adult
that pedestrians make way for them and one is until such time as they are safe to go out on their
forced to do so or risk serious injury. own. I find it strange that people think that they
This is particularly galling when the cyclist is should be taught that it is OK to flout the law.
riding a mountain bike or, worse still, an electric I would rather see them being taught to ride
mountain bike. One particularly obnoxious on the road, and be taught the basics of the Road
individual rode up behind me while I was Code, which will be of some use to them when
walking my dog (on a lead) on the footpath and they decide to learn to drive a car.
abused me for not making way for him (he was The Road Code states, “Footpaths. It’s illegal
riding a mountain bike, of course). Because to ride a cycle on footpaths unless you’re
of the road noise coming off the tar and chip delivering mail or the cycle has very small wheels
road surface adjacent to the footpath, I hadn’t (wheel diameter less than 355 millimetres).
heard him until he was right behind me. In fact, As well as people walking, footpaths can be
he then went on to suggest that I should find used by people on push scooters, e-scooters,
some other place to walk my dog! skates, skateboards and other similar ways of
Many of the pedestrians in Whitianga are in getting around.”
an older age group. I’m sure that most cyclists It is time that the law was enforced and I
have no idea that people with any degree of would be keen to see the Police beginning to
hearing loss will struggle to hear someone do that, initially with educational warnings,
coming up behind them, even if they call out. but then with prosecution for repeat offenders.
When there is any significant hearing loss, Kevin Pringle
road noise drowns out all but the loudest of Whitianga
The hoggin footpath along the Buffalo Beach waterfront in Whitianga.
Issue 941 - 16 March 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
BSC - a vehicle for local businesses to
support the community
“BSC - Business Support Community” is a new fitting the BSC philosophy. community can provide. “The outdoor Christmas tree is very expensive.
charitable trust that was recently formed as a The first, a fun ice cream eating competition, “The second legacy project is all about The Informer is underwriting the cost of the
vehicle for Mercury Bay businesses to support will take place at Espy Café on Friday, Christmas. The project is right now our biggest tree at the moment, but we need sponsors.
the local community. The trust was set up by 26 March after the Mercury Bay Area School focus. We’ve already ordered an outdoor We have four tiers of sponsorship available -
the owners of Espy Café, Smart Mortgage & Cross the River Swim. Five participants from Christmas tree that will be standing 9.5m tall bronze, silver, gold and platinum, from $500
Insurance Advisers and The Informer. three different age groups (9 - 12, 13 - 15 and 16 and will be displayed during December every to whatever amount a business can give.
“Businesses often have a good idea to engage and older) will be chosen from all the entrants year at the Whitianga Town Plaza. All sponsors’ logos and their level of
with or show their support of the residents of to eat 2l of Tip Top ice cream as fast as they “The Whitianga Santa Parade will become a sponsorship will be displayed on the custom-
and visitors to the local area, but don’t have can. The 15 participants will each receive Tip twilight parade and will coincide with formal built base of the tree. What better way is there
the resources to make it happen,” says Rohit Top merchandise (beach balls, towels and caps) lighting-up of the tree every year, and a night for a business to be recognised year after year for
Ranchhod of Smart Mortgage & Insurance and the winner of each age group will receive carnival with late-night shopping, food stalls their support of the Mercury Bay community?
Advisers. “That is where the new trust is coming an Espy gift voucher. Enter at Espy Café and live music. This will all happen this year on All interested businesses must please be
into the picture. We hope to be able to put the beforehand or on the day. Saturday, 4 December. in touch.”
word out, join several interested businesses Several fundraisers are also in the “If we market the event properly, we may To know more about BSC or the support you
together and bring the idea to life. pipeline - drinks, nibbles and stand-up comedy attract many thousands of people to Whitianga. or your business may be able to provide to any
“Our focus is two-fold. Most importantly, for the Breast Cancer Foundation, an outdoor Just imagine the benefit for the likes of local of the trust’s planned projects, pop into Espy
the idea must benefit the community. It must retailers, accommodation providers, and cafés Café or email info@smartbrokers.co.nz, info@
concert and BYO picnic with Richard Shelford-
be an opportunity for people to attend or do and restaurants. theinformer.co.nz or bsc.mb2021@gmail.com.
Woodcock (aka “Whitianga’s Bing Crosby”) for
something that wouldn’t otherwise have been
the Whitianga Bike Park and a golf day for the
available to them, and hopefully have a lot of fun
Whitianga Menz Shed.
in the process. And secondly, the opportunity
In addition, two legacy projects have the
must be organised and presented in such a way
potential to not only benefit the community,
that the businesses who are involved get all the
exposure they deserve. If businesses are willing but also to contribute to the prosperity of a
to contribute their time and money to support wide range of local businesses. “Both projects
their community, they deserve their profile are super exciting and provides a genuine
and standing in the community to increase, opportunity for Mercury Bay businesses to be
and hopefully they will see the community recognised for their support of the community,”
supporting them back. says Rohit.
“The beauty of what we’re doing is that “The first is Te Ara o Hei Walk. We think it’s
we’re not binding businesses with membership pretty unique to be able to walk from Whitianga
and membership fees to BSC, we create the to Cathedral Cove and on to Hahei without
flexibility for Mercury Bay businesses to only really getting your feet wet. ‘Packaging’ the
become involved in projects they want to. walk and giving it an identity that celebrates our
Management of the trust is also not limited to area’s significant history, will undoubtedly help
a closed, exclusive group of people. Anyone to transform the walk over time into an activity
interested in the governance of the trust should of choice for discerning tourists. We’re working
let us know and we’ll discuss with them in what with Thames-Coromandel District Council to
way they can contribute.” get all stakeholders, including Ngāti Hei and Espy Café staff members Emily Boswell (on the left), Barbara Roberts (centre) and Priya
Leading by example, the trust has already Destination Coromandel, together to discuss Kaur with some of the Tip Top merchandise that can be won at the “BSC - Business Support
identified and started work on a few projects the next steps and the support the local business Community” trust’s fun ice cream eating competition on Friday, 26 March.
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throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. What’s that Number?
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Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021
Issue 941
699 - 16
27 March
July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Former Smitty’s and Colenso owners are on the move By Jack Biddle After a total of around 22 years working as the atmosphere that gets generated especially owner/operators in the hospitality industry in when the All Blacks are playing in a World Mercury Bay, Gary and Judy Inglis have recently Cup game and are expected to win. Our hearts decided it was time to pull up stumps and move certainly sunk when the Aussie team turned the onto their next adventure in life. Sadly, for the tables and beat the ABs in their semi-final clash many friends they have made over more than to qualify for the final. It left us wondering if two decades, their journey is taking them to the anyone would bother turning up the following South Island town of Blenheim to be closer to week to watch the final without the ABs. their wider family and to also take advantage “As it turned out, we didn’t need to worry of the Marlborough region’s reputation as being as the place was pumping for the big final and the centre of New Zealand’s wine industry. the patrons certainly got into the spirit of the “Judy has in recent years developed a strong occasion. Smitty’s would go on to become the interest in the wine industry and has gone on to place for many local sports fans to gather and gain a qualification which allows her to manage watch a host of different live sporting events in licensed premises such as wine cellars, so we following years under our ownership.” are keen to explore those opportunities once we Prior to taking on Smitty’s, Gary had get settled in,” says Gary. managed a number of licenced taverns around In fact, looking for the next opportunity and New Zealand, including Hawera, Matamata taking calculated risks in life is nothing new for and Mairangi Bay on Auckland’s North Gary Inglis, who will be moving to Blenheim with his wife, Judy, after more than the pair who, along with their business partners Shore. He had also spent time in America two decades of owning and operating hospitality businesses in Mercury Bay. (Tony Richards, Bruce Muir and Tom Costello), completing a food and beverage course seasons in the late 60s and early 70s. In cricket, “There are around 95 mandarin trees on the transformed Smitty’s in the Whitianga main at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. my biggest achievement came in 1974 when I nearly four-acre property as well, so that street from being a fairly ordinary pub into a By the time he and Judy arrived in Whitianga, scored a double century playing senior cricket required some looking after plus it gave us a busy and popular sports bar and grill. he was certainly well rounded and knew his way in Wanganui.” business opportunity to sell the produce onsite “We took the business over on 1 March 1999,” around the hospitality industry better than most. Gary would also go on to manage the to the public. says Gary. “We took a big gamble in 2003 and The sports theme comes easy to Gary. Auckland senior rugby team for a couple of “We really enjoyed Colenso, but after seven made extensive changes to coincide with the He enjoyed a very successful sporting career seasons in the early 80s, which was coached at years we felt it was time to consider other semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup in Sydney in his day, excelling at both rugby and cricket. the time by former All Black coach, John Hart. options. Blenheim was an obvious choice, and then stood back and took a deep breath “My preferred position in rugby was lock, In 2014, Gary and Judy sold Smitty’s and so while we will certainly miss Mercury Bay in the hope it would all pay dividends for us. but as I played my rugby at club level alongside purchased Colenso Café in Whenuakite. and the Coromandel, we are looking forward to We made a considerable financial investment two All Black locks, Andy Haden and Peter “While we had a liquor licence, the pace, the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.” upgrading the pub, including installing several Whiting, my representative chances were clientele and environment were very It will certainly be Marlborough’s gain if big wall-mounted screens for patrons to watch severely limited,” he said. But I did go on to different to Smitty’s, which made Colenso Gary and Judy do get back into the hospitality the live action on, and to embrace and enjoy captain the Auckland Second XV for a couple of a nice change at the time for us,” says Gary. game in one form or another. Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021
Issue 941
699 - 16
27 March
July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11SeniorNet
By Mavis Hicks
Update
There were several beautiful autumn days framework of SeniorNet.
last week. The water was blue and it was Our AGM will be held on Thursday,
just another week in paradise. We are so 18 March at the SeniorNet meeting room at
lucky to live here in Mercury Bay and to be Whitianga Social Services in Cook Drive.
COVID-19 free. The talk given by Michelle Patient
The most important event this month is our (genealogist, computer geek and DNA
SeniorNet AGM. Though we have had to limit enthusiast with qualifications in chemistry,
some of our meetings the past 12 months, geology and family history) to our
it seems this meeting will go ahead as planned. members and non-members last month
Our AGM gives us the ability to review was well received. Michelle will be giving
the past 12 months and plan for the future another talk on Tuesday, 30 March from
of SeniorNet in Whitianga. It is important 11:45am - 1:45pm. This will be about
that our members attend and share with “Google’s Tips and Tricks.” It will cover
our committee the formation of plans to go many interesting features of Google that we
forward in the coming 12 months. have missed and is recommended by people
Our tutors and committee have drawn up who have heard this talk by Michelle in
Thumbs a schedule for the second term of this year,
but there are time slots still to be filled.
the past. The cost for SeniorNet Whitianga
members is $8. Non-members are invited to
Up
The AGM would be a good time to put forward attend at a cost of $12. Members can bring a
suggestions for classes, workshops and talks friend and introduce them to SeniorNet.
that our members would find interesting and Our committee is looking forward to seeing
To all the attend. These suggestions would obviously
be subject to the availability of tutors and
you at our AGM. Remember you have to be
a financial member to vote. Subscription can
volunteers speakers.
Our AGM is also an opportunity for our
be paid at the door, but
please bring cash as we
and sponsors, members to offer to be involved if they have no EFTPOS.
have areas of expertise that fit within the
including the volunteer
divers, who made last
weekend’s HMS Buffalo
Re-examination Project
such a great success.
SeniorNet Whitianga meet at the Whitianga Social Services building in Cook Drive.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021Dotterel breeding season expected to be a success A contribution by the Department of Conservation As the Northern New Zealand dotterel/ adults don’t feed their chicks like other birds. tūturiwhatu breeding season comes to They’re purely there to guard and teach them, a close on the Coromandel Peninsula, and keep them safe.” the Department of Conservation is expecting There are six main sites on the Coromandel a positive productivity rate for the small and - Whangamata, the Tairua Harbour, endangered shorebirds. Opoutere, Matarangi, Colville and the The Coromandel’s beaches are an important Coromandel Harbour - where the birds habitat for the dotterels, a native New Zealand gather after the breeding season to feed and species which now number more than 2,500 socialise, a seasonal activity called flocking. after several years of protection efforts. After flocking, the dotterels return to their Ranger Frouk Miller manages DOC’s nesting sites. conservation work with the birds in the Fencing and signage is erected as soon Hauraki and Coromandel areas, where as nests are found during breeding season, 50 sites are actively monitored by DOC to keep the birds safe from people and create and volunteers. “Because of predation and awareness the birds need to be left alone. coastal property development, the tūturiwhatu Nests usually contain a clutch of three eggs are pushed out onto the beaches, out in the and if predated or lost, the female will lay a open, making them more vulnerable to people, second or third clutch nearby. Regular weekly dogs, avian predators such as black-backed visits to the sites are essential and, in some gulls and harrier hawks, and unfortunately cases, more frequent visits are required. natural elements such as storm surges A dotterel on Buffalo Beach in Whitianga earlier this month. Having a DOC presence on the beaches coinciding with king tides,” she says. “So DOC this season are encouraging. “I would through to mid-March. is also highly beneficial for nest and chick staff and volunteers are kept very busy raising confidently say most of our beaches, popular A noticeable change this season has been management, and for control of dog bylaws, and shifting nests to higher ground to keep or isolated, have breeding pairs on them,” the surge in visitors to the Coromandel, people disturbances and advocacy with them safe.” she says. “On average and as a rule rule-of- after the global COVID-19 pandemic ruled the public. DOC’s work with dotterels during the thumb, we try to successfully fledge one chick out international travel for New Zealanders. Frouk says there are positive signs the breeding season involves an extensive per two nesting pairs, a productivity rate of Frouk says the increase in visitors has public is heeding the message to keep clear network of volunteers, who dedicate a 0.5 or higher, which means we are succeeding brought with it the higher risk of “dog versus of the dotterels and help protect the birds. significant amount of time protecting, in increasing overall bird numbers.” dotterel” incidents - with chicks becoming “They’re taking ownership of the birds monitoring and managing the birds. The Frouk expects about 140 chicks to fledge easy targets for dogs. “[The chicks] can’t fly and advising people to do the right thing,” volunteers make an important contribution to during this breeding season (a productivity for at least six weeks and they need to forage she says. “It’s nice to get good feedback when the breeding success of the species. rate of about 0.7), which began in late August, for food themselves from day one,” she says. on the beach and people thank us for what we Frouk says the signs for dotterel breeding a little earlier than usual, and runs all the way “People are always amazed when told the are doing.” Issue 941 - 16 March 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13
The Small-time Investor Building of fifth RV12
By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
Crowdstrike
aeroplane is underway
My investments are still falling. I am now from all its users to tell you where the latest
only 0.98 percent up. I’ve gone from 18 cyber attacks are and what is vulnerable.
percent gains to less than one percent gains Its service is in the cloud and it protects
in three weeks. It’s quite demoralising. companies that use the cloud. It also protects
I’m confident in the long run things will people when they are working from home.
get better. Working from home means that your
Bond prices have fallen and this means the business’s employees are no longer within
bond yields have gone up. Some people are your safe network and are accessing your
moving their money into bonds and out of the documents and services from all around the
stock market. I don’t really understand bonds world on an unsecured network. It’s a new
and don’t invest in them. So I’m suffering at headache for security teams and Crowdstrike
the moment. It will change and in three weeks helps them with an easy to install service.
it could all be back to where it was. This is an aspect of business that will only
My long-term strategy is not changing with continue to grow and expand. Crowdstrike
the ups and downs. I’m up $34.91. At least has a good reputation in this space.
it’s still positive. The big question is in five or
Being able to help protect workers who
10 years what will the percentages be? There was great excitement two weeks ago when a group of nine Mercury Bay Area School students,
are working from home and having a
Sixteen of my picks are down and 10 seven community mentors and two MBAS staff members formally started the build of a new Van’s RV12
crowdsourced security service makes this a
are up. My biggest winner is Mainfreight, aeroplane. That will be the fifth RV12 built by the Mercury Bay Student Aviation Trust, a joint venture
unique and interesting company on the move. between the school and the Mercury Bay Aero Club.
up 42 percent. My biggest loser is still
Plexure, down 37.6 percent. I’m heavily into Hopefully it will continue to do well and that During the first build session on Wednesday, 3 March, all the boxes were opened and all the parts
growth and technology stocks, and these are is why I am buying USD72 of Crowdstrike unwrapped. “Once on the bench, all the parts were counted and ticked off - this was to ensure that we
being hit the hardest at the moment. this week. have a precise inventory of all the items and that we store them in the correct place so that they are easy
This week I’m going to invest my NZD100 Please remember that what I write in this to find,” says George Fletcher, one of the MBAS staff members involved in the project. “This task gave
into an American cybersecurity company column is all my personal opinion. Currently the students a chance to see what parts are involved in building the RV12. There were some very nervous
more of my picks are losers than winners. faces as they were greeted with long complicated looking part numbers.”
called Crowdstrike. When I asked a job
recruiter last year what career he thought Most of my investments are losing money. Last week Wednesday, the students received what can only be described as a masterclass in all the
I am sharing my thoughts and strategies so different types of rivets and how to use them properly. Towards the end of the afternoon, the students each
students could follow and be guaranteed a job started to assemble a toolbox. “The toolbox uses the same type of instructions as the RV12 kit and uses
for their lifetime, he answered cybersecurity. you can learn from my mistakes. Be careful
many of the techniques as well,” says George. “It’s a great task for the students to do, they will learn the
It’s a line of work that has been in the news with your money. importance of following an instruction manual and signing each task off.”
last week with Chinese state-sponsored If you wish to join in and buy shares through
Pictured are the new aeroplane build team. Back, from the left - mentors Alan Coubray, John Tindall,
hackers attacking Microsoft email servers. online platform Sharesies, you can use this Bob Walters and Bryan Yelland, student Vincent Selfe-Louis, mentor Tony Turner, MBAS staff members
The way that Google maps uses the input link, https://sharesies.nz/r/KHQQWP, and Patrick Pfister and George Fletcher, mentor Graham Greenhorn, and students Carl Radford, Sidney Savage
from all its users to tell you where traffic jams you and I will each get $5 into our Sharesies and Patrick Hargreaves. Front, from the left - students Hunter Coleman, Madison Goodger, Phoebe Asquith,
are happening, Crowdstrike uses the input accounts. Amy Bosman and Jack Fiddler, and mentor Tom McKay.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021Issue 941
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July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Hefty price tag for
TCDC’s “no-frills” budget
A “no-frills” budget that will still see rates essentials and we’re looking at how we can
rise by over 22 percent in the next three years generate revenue in other ways.”
is Thames-Coromandel District Council’s Some of the fees on the increase include
proposed solution to the spiralling costs of dog licenses, health licences, cemetery plots
basic services like water, roads and rubbish. and interments and boat trailer parking.
The draft TCDC Long Term Plan There are no proposed increases for waste
2021 - 2031 is open for public consultation collection or landfill disposal, however
and asks ratepayers to make a clear choice TCDC is seeking feedback on replacing the
about what they are willing to pay for with current blue bags with a wheelie bin, the cost
investments like mains water supply to of which would be included in rates bills.
Wharekaho and coastal erosion work at Meanwhile, an overhaul of construction-
Flaxmill Bay labelled “nice to haves” that related fees will see some costs in this
communities will need to fund on top of the area slashed, including a major decrease in
proposed rates rises which only cover the development charges for the vast majority
cost of essential projects and keeping the of communities.
district running. A specific item the public is asked to
While the long-term proposal is for a 4.8 comment on is the proposed purchase of the
percent average rates increase for every land and buildings currently occupied by the
year of the 10-year plan, this is loaded Matarangi Golf Course. TCDC says it does
heavily across the coming three years - not recommend this action which would
7.1 percent in 2021, 7.7 percent in 2022 and involve borrowing of $2 million. The costs
7.7 percent in 2023 - with all the subsequent of repayments and interest would be $2.41
years looked at again at the next review of for each ratepayer in the district and $34.84
the plan in three years’ time. While there for each Matarangi ratepayer for the next
will be variations across communities, this 20 years. In addition, Matarangi ratepayers
will see average household rates rise from would have an annual targeted charge of
$3,008 to $3,739 in the next three years, $119 for operating costs.
reaching $4,790 by 2030 if the forecasted One cost-saving measure that council
rises continue as proposed. , also wants feedback on is the removal of
“This is a big one,” said TCDC mayor, the stand-alone moloks at Whangapoua and
Sandra Goudie, at the commencement of Opito Bay.
the consultation period. “We’ve signalled Across the district, TCDC has identified
for some time that we’re facing challenges 126 “must-do” capital projects which
around things like dealing with peak summer it has built into its “no-frills” budget.
demand and affordability, increasing These include mostly water and roading
costs with rubbish and recycling, meeting infrastructure, including the new Whitianga
national drinking water standards, planning refuse transfer station, Matarangi wastewater
for sustainable growth, addressing climate treatment plant upgrade and Whitianga
change - all under the lens of COVID-19. Wharf pontoon.
“We need to increase our rates each year Full details on the Long Term Plan
just to maintain what we currently deliver, as well as information on how to
but we share our communities’ concern make a submission are available at
about the affordability of rates increases. www.tcdc.govt.nz. Consultation runs until
So we’re going out with a ‘no-frills’ budget, 12 April. Further coverage will be published
which means we will only spend money on in next week’s The Informer.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021Issue 941
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2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021
Issue 941
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27 March
July 2016
2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19What’s On In the next few weeks
Regular Activities Starship Hospital. Phone Margaret on (07) 866 0411 for more information and the days the group meets.
Op-Shops Cooks Beachcare Group
Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street Make new friends, learn about conservation and make a difference. We meet Thursdays for hands-on weeding and
(west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. planting, 9:00am - 11:00am. Register on our website, www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz or phone Adele on (021) 201 6625.
The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Alcoholics Anonymous
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone
St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.
10:00am - 2:00pm. Serenity Al-Anon Group
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Meet every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by someone
10:00am - 2:00pm. else’s drinking.
Justice of the Peace ICONZ for Girls
Available every Monday (except public holidays) from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Every Tuesday during the school term from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish
Bookings not necessary. Phone 866 4476 for more information. Town Road. For girls 8 - 13 years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information.
Whitianga Senior Citizens Club ICONZ (for Boys)
Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Every Tuesday during the school term from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish
etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. Town Road. For boys 5 - 10 years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information.
Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Cooks Beach Garden Circle
Meet the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Meet the last Thursday of every month from 11:15am - 2:30pm. New members welcome. Phone Leila on 866 3264 or
Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. Anne on 866 0268 for more information.
SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Mercury Bay Community Choir
Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their This “all-comers” choir rehearses every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area school Music Room.
computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on New rehearsals start on 8 February. New singers always welcome. Phone (22) 643 7462 for more information.
(027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. Whitianga Menz Shed
Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel
Meet every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. truck stop. All welcome.
Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. Whitianga Tramping Group
Check out our Facebook page or phone (027) 294 1750 for more information. Meets every second Sunday at 8:30am. Phone Wally on (021) 907 782 or Lesley on (021) 157 9979 for more information.
Whitianga Playcentre
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon at 1D White Street, Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years,
Specific Activities/Events
free entry. Visitors welcome.
St Patrick’s Day at Grace O’Malley’s Irish Inn (The Esplanade, Whitianga)
AA Driver Licensing
Wednesday, 17 March from 5:00pm. Face painting, live music, best dressed male/female and food specials.
The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga.
Guinness and Kilkenny on tap.
Scrapbags Quilting Group
Whitianga Playcentre Open Day
Meet every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome.
Saturday, 20 March from 10:00am - 1:00pm at 1F White Street, Whitianga. Messy play an water play.
phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information.
Email whitianga@playcentre.org.nz for more information.
Mercury Bay Creative Fibre
Auckland Youth Orchestra Concert “Hope”
Meet the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street,
Saturday, 20 March at 7:00pm in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Tickets adults $25, senior $20, Youth
Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information.
(12 - 18 years) $15, child (under 12) $5 - available from Mercury Bay Pharmacy and Eventbrite.
Matarangi Craft Group
Meet fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Coroglen Farmers Market
Mercury Bay Quilters Sunday, 21 March from 9:30am to 1:00pm at the Coroglen Hall, State Highway 25.
Meet the first and third Mondays, and second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10:00am - 4:00pm at Whitianga Whitianga Marathon
Social Services, Cook Drive. Members range in age from 14 to in their 90s. New members welcome to join and share their Saturday, 22 May. Four course options - 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km. Entries now open.
quilting knowledge, and help make charity quilts for the neonatal unit at Auckland Hospital and the children admitted to See whitiangamarathon.co.nz for more information.
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021Issue 941 - 16 March 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21
Customers keep on coming back because of huge product range and personal service The regular customers who return time and run the business, giving people that personal again will tell you there is a whole lot more service and having good relationships with going on behind the doors of Whitianga our customers is very important to us,” Hardware BuildLink on Cook Drive than says Sharon. meets the eye. For Sharon, learning the ropes of the “It’s the most common thing people say hardware trade alongside her job as an early when they come in for the first time. They are learning teacher, has been challenging and amazed at quite how big it is,” reveals Sharon interesting. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve Magee, who along with husband, Hamish, learned about paint, and plumbing and all the have owned the store for the past seven years. rest of it. But I’ve enjoyed it, including building This capacity has enabled them to continually those connections within our wider community grow and expand their product range which through the groups and organisations we have now extends to 13,000 different lines. been involved with through sponsorship and “It means that, in addition to all the common other support,” she says. things you would expect to see, customers also The continuing growth of Whitianga and the know that if they are looking for something wider Mercury Bay means Sharon and Hamish a bit unusual, they’ll probably find it here. are continually looking to see what they can It might not even be on the shelf, so we always supply locally to make their customers’ lives tell people come and ask us, there’s a good easier. “So for example, we have just started chance we’ll have it,” says Sharon. to stock welding equipment. It might not be It is this determination to give their something that a huge number of our customers customers what they need in terms of both want, but for those that do, they can now get products and service that underpins how it here which is fantastic. We also have Cotec Sharon and Hamish set out to and continue to paints, fencing, concrete, lighting, it’s endless operate their business. Hamish, who manages really,” says Sharon. the store full-time, also enjoys putting the skills As well as looking after all their trade from his previous jobs to good use. “He comes customers, Whitianga Hardware BuildLink from a farming background and then worked also has all the typical products that every as an area manager for a transport company. homeowner looks for, whether it’s cleaning He always goes that extra mile wherever he materials for the house and the deck, or the can, whether that’s giving people advice on tools for those pesky repair jobs. products or carrying out repairs. We just had “At this time of the year, grass seed is a huge one woman come in with a lawnmower she seller. Everyone will be getting their gardens was having problems with and he was able sorted after the warm summer, so we’ll be to get it sorted for her in just a few minutes. making sure we have plenty of it in stock over Hamish and Sharon Magee, the owners of Whitianga Hardware BuildLink, That was always our vision for how we would the next few weeks,” says Sharon. at some of the 13,000 different product lines they stock. Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 941 - 16 March 2021
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