Scheduled air service to Auckland Airport later this year
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Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
Scheduled air service to
Auckland Airport later this year
By Tony Stickley
Whitianga will later this year have a daily a lot of sense for us and we think we will be
scheduled air service connecting the town quite successful with it.”
directly to Auckland Airport, with its relatively Mr Bacon said that flying into Auckland
easy connections to the rest of the city. Airport was considerably more convenient
From mid-December, Barrier Air is than Ardmore in terms of connectivity with
planning to start operating two flights a day, rental cars, buses or people being picked up.
one in either direction, in an ultra-modern, Recommissioning the GPS approach to
turbine engine-powered Cessna Grand Whitianga would also provide a level of
Caravan, which will whisk passengers to their dependability, as planes could fly in pretty
destination in a smidgen over 20 minutes. much all weather, using instruments to
The new service will appeal to people navigate. “It is a much better experience
wanting to avoid the road journey over the for passengers because they are above the
hills between Whitianga and Kopu and then weather,” Mr Bacon said.
the gridlocked Southern Motorway. It will In addition, the Grand Caravan offered a
also find favour with people who currently high degree of comfort and safety. “Being a
use charter aircraft to and from Ardmore 14-seater, they offer a really nice passenger
Airport, which is not ideally located so far experience,” Mr Bacon said. “They have
south of Auckland. leather seats and air conditioning and all
Barrier Air CEO, Grant Bacon, said they the latest safety equipment, which provides
were looking to operate six or seven days a good experience compared to some
a week. smaller planes.
In preparation for the new service, Barrier Ticket prices would be a little over or under
Air is recommissioning the Whitianga $80 one way, depending on peaks and troughs,
Airfield’s GPS approach, meaning the planes and passengers would likely be allowed 20kg
can fly in almost all weather as visibility will baggage and 7kg carry-on.
not be an issue. However, as there are no Planes would overnight in Whitianga,
landing lights at Whitianga, the planes will probably leaving around 7:30am and
only operate during daylight hours. returning from Auckland at 5:00pm in
Barrier Air will be drawing on its experience summer or 4:30pm in winter.
in flying between Auckland Airport and both Mr Bacon said they had worked closely
Great Barrier Island and Kaitaia in Northland, with the Mercury Bay Aero Club, the owner
and between North Shore Airport and of the Whitianga Airfield, and had also kept
Great Barrier. the Civil Aviation Authority informed of
Currently the airline operates three 14-seat their proposals.
Cessna Grand Caravans and is in the process Barrier Air had also discussed its plans with
of purchasing a fourth for the Whitianga Thames-Coromandel District Council which
route. In peak season it has 35 or 36 staff was keen to promote the new service for
members, but this will rise to 37 when the Barrier Air CEO, Grant Bacon, at one of the airline’s Cessna Caravans. the town and the benefits it would bring for
new service comes on stream. The airline plans to start a scheduled service between Whitianga and Auckland local businesses.
Mr Bacon said that their experience with Airport using the Caravans later this year.
Local tourism operators would reap the
the Kaitaia route since 2015 made them in Kaitaia and we think that we are ready for this route will actually be easier, because rewards, not just from day trippers but also
confident that Whitianga would be at least as another route and we think that Whitianga is Whitianga has a bigger population base and from visitors who might want to stay two
successful. “It is a town that is going places the place to be. the drive to Auckland is arguably worse, or three nights in Whitianga. “We will be
and it is a community with a lot of ties to “Whitianga is something that we had been having to battle South Auckland traffic. offering accommodation packages, so we
Auckland,” he told The Informer. “We have talking about for a while. Following the “So, it is a similar type of journey [by road will be putting tourism dollars into the town,”
actually built up quite a successful operation success we have had with Kaitaia, I think compared to Kaitaia] and that is why it makes Mr Bacon said.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Final act of kindness from a true
community man
By Suzanne Hansen
Earlier this year, Alan Arbuckle, a long-time past community contributions. Glenn remembers his a single block story under it, and then lowered optimism, Alan dove into a long treatment plan
resident of Whitianga, who in life was known time with Alan at the Mercury Bay Golf Club the original house to create a two-story home which gave him much more time than expected.
for his generosity and community service, where Alan was instrumental in keeping all of the with panoramic views of the Bay. He enjoyed He eventually moved to Ohinemuri Resthome in
made his last contribution to two Mercury electrics going, often negotiating underground welcoming and entertaining his extended family Paeroa because it was closer to family. He was
Bay organisations - the Mercury Bay Golf cables where people had unwisely planted trees. and their friends, especially on the front balcony, happy there and lived a simple life of playing
Club and St John - as well as the New Zealand Alan would sometimes dig for days to find the where the nieces and nephews and guests would housie, reading the paper and walking around
Cancer Society. origins of faults to fix. spend many summer evenings with a beverage the grounds.
The generous bequests in his will, made In 1984, the Golf Club purchased the land in hand watching the many passers-by. Alan passed away on 21 November 2019
through Alan’s lawyer, was the final gesture that is now the back nine, financed by member When Alan sold Mercury Bay Electrical in and at his funeral was remembered by Grant
of community kindness from a man known in debentures. In 2004, Alan generously forgave 1991, he retired and took up a new passion of as “a man of great humility, never thinking of
Whitianga for giving his time and resources to his $6,000 debenture. According to Glenn, Alan cruising and travel. Grant says his uncle loved himself.”
so many. was a quiet man who had a wry sense of humour the life on cruise ships, wearing his tuxedo to According to Graham Eccles, president of the
Born on an orchard in Richmond Nelson, and enjoyed the camaraderie of the game. dinners and events, and even did a 109-day Mercury bay Golf Club, Alan’s bequest to the
the only boy with five sisters, Alan was schooled Alan’s nephew, Grant Signal, said that the trip around the world. Plans for another cruise club “will be put to good use.”
and trained as an electrician in Feilding. Golf Club was a happy place for Alan who loved a few years ago were unfortunately interrupted Alan’s contribution to St John was used in the
One weekend in the early 1960s Alan and a golf, although golf did not always love Alan or by a dire cancer diagnosis. But with his usual purchase of the new Mercury Bay Health Shuttle.
friend travelled to Whitianga on holiday and he treat him kindly.
immediately fell in love with the area. He went A long-term member of the Lions,
back to Feilding, sold everything and came Alan joined the organisation in Feilding in 1963
to Whitianga permanently. He got a job with and transferred his membership to Whitianga
Mercury Bay Electrical and rented a room in a in 1970. When he transferred, it was noted on
boarding house. He joined several community his membership form that, “Alan has been a
groups and became the “go to man” for numerous particularly good Lion in our club. He has been
working bees and fix-it jobs. a very willing worker and accepted many special
Alan’s deep connections with the community jobs for projects and carried them out willingly
spanned but was not limited to the Mercury and efficiently.”
Bay Golf Club, the Whitianga Lions and Kauri During his time with the Whitianga Lions,
2000, and he was an original investor in getting Alan served in many leadership positions,
the Whitianga Marina project started. He even including vice-president in 1975 and president
had a berth in the marina, although he never from 1976 to 1977.
had a boat. As former Thames-Coromandel Over his 52 years as a Lion, although Alan
District Council mayor, Glenn Leach, said, received a number of awards and accolades,
“Alan belonged to everything he needed to fellow Lion Gordon Barnaby remembers Alan
belong to, to keep the community running.” as humble man, a quiet bachelor who never
A respected businessman, Alan had the sought kudos.
opportunity to buy Mercury Bay Electrical In 1981, Alan bought 10 Buffalo Beach Road
in 1980 and ran that until 1991 when it was in Whitianga, which at the time was a modest
purchased by 100% Electrical. Throughout single story house on the beachfront. A keen Long-time past resident of Whitianga, Alan Arbuckle, passed away on 21 November 2019.
that time, his electrical skills were sought after project man, it wasn’t long before he started to Two Mercury Bay organisations - the Mercury Bay Golf Club and St John -
and utilised in his trade, but even more in his rebuild. He lifted the house off the ground to build received generous bequests in his will earlier this year.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 5 May to Wednesday, 12 May - This week we have a great chance to see a meteor shower, the Eta Aquarids, which are tiny specks
from the ring of ice and dust left by Halley’s comet as it travels around the Sun. From 5 to 7 May, the Earth will pass through the thickest part of this material
and after midnight on those nights or just before dawn will be the best time to see any slightly yellowish meteors which will be travelling fast and could
even leave a trail in the sky. They should shoot by at one or two per minute. The International Space Station (ISS) makes some good passes this week and
bright Jupiter and fainter Saturn are high in the pre-dawn sky. Wednesday, 5 May - The Moon now sits just above and to the right of bright Jupiter with
Saturn in the early morning or late evening sky. Look for meteors before dawn coming from near Jupiter and Saturn. Thursday, 6 May - The Moon is now
below both Jupiter and Saturn in the pre-dawn sky, while the ISS can be seen from 6:22pm low in the SW. Look for meteors before dawn in this region. Astronomy Tours and B&B
Saturday, 8 May - A bright ISS pass tonight from 6:24pm in the SW. Look for meteors before dawn. Monday, 10 May - A good ISS pass tonight from Phone (07) 866 5343
6:27pm in the west passing just above Orion. Wednesday, 12 May - A very low ISS pass tonight from 6:30pm in the NW. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021
New tractor for Whitianga
Coastguard’s AC36 boat
The Whitianga Coastguard unit is privileged to have been allocated one of the 9m Protector boats
that were used as chase and safety vessels in the recent America’s Cup (AC36) in Auckland.
The 26 vessels have largely been funded by Lotteries grants with the purpose of being allocated to
Coastguard units around New Zealand after the AC36 sailing has concluded.
The AC36 boat will join Te Morehu, the Whitianga unit’s current 9m vessel, as a second primary
rescue vessel. Delivery of the boat is expected in August.
On Wednesday last week, the unit took ownership of a brand-new Kubota tractor that will be used
to tow the AC36 boat. “Our vessels all need their own individual towing appliances, hooked up and
ready to go when we receive a call-out,” says Graham Caddy, Whitianga Coastguard operations
coordinator. “Generous support of Kubota New Zealand and Central Motors Ngatea, the Kubota
dealer covering the Coromandel, made it possible for us to acquire the tractor. TRS Tyre and Wheel
has also chipped in to ensure the tractor was fitted with upgraded with tyres more suitable for what
we’ll be using it for.”
Kubota New Zealand was also the main sponsor of the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club’s Billfish
Classic tournament. “Kubota’s involvement in the Mercury Bay area is quite exceptional,”
says Graham. “Not only are they supporting our recreational anglers to have a good time out on the
ocean, they’re also ensuring we can get to those anglers as soon as possible should any of them ever
get into trouble on the water.”
Pictured are those who were present when the tractor was delivered on Wednesday. From the
left - Stuart Brown (Whitianga Coastguard president), Mark Browne of Central Motors Ngatea, Hamish
Lim of Kubota New Zealand, and Whitianga Coastguard members Graham Caddy, Steve O’Neill and
Niels Dijkstra.
699 - 427May
Issue 948 July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Coromandel baches take honours at regional
Architecture Awards
Success in forging a comfortable relationship with their surroundings was a common theme The house, a four-bedroom family beach retreat, was designed by Strachan Group Architects,
supporting two northern Coromandel baches to secure honours at the recently-announced Waikato/ constructed by North Coromandel Builders and inspired by a typical New Zealand red shed on the
Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards. opposite river bank.
Waiapapa Bach (pictured left), located in Whangapoua, and Hill to Horizon (pictured right) at Otama Hill to Horizon at Otama Beach was described as “…cleverly modelled with a mannered response
Beach were both selected as regional winners in the house category of the annual awards presented to the surrounding neighbourhood, this holiday house fits easily into its rural, coastal setting.
by the New Zealand Institute of Architects The stained cedar cladding changes colour with the light, lending a mutable versatility to the exterior.
The judges described how the Whangapoua home spoke to its surroundings “…with scoria-red The well-appointed and comfortable interior and outdoor living spaces ably cater for a couple or a
corrugated iron and walnut-stained cedar cladding recalling the classic Kiwi farm shed. holiday crowd. The quality of the bathrooms is particularly worthy of mention. Both restful and lively,
this is a house of many moods.”
“The house nestles into its location next to the Pungapunga river and responds sympathetically
to the landscape beyond. Everything is considered, from exceptional detailing to spaces that are The house was designed by Studio Brick Architects and Lloyd Hartley Architects.
both functional and inviting, from multi-use bedrooms to an open-plan entertaining area. Outdoor A total of three of the seven category winners were on the Coromandel with a bach in Whangamata
rooms with screen actuators mimic the ritualistic aspects of camping while retaining access to the also featuring, prompting the award organisers to specifically note the increased volume of houses
comforts of modern living.” being built on the Peninsula.
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021
Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
The Small-time Investor
By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
Okta
My shares are up 8.69 percent, which is partners and contractors. This allows you
$361.99. It’s a small pullback from last week. to give them more or less access to your
The markets are steadily back on an uptrend company’s information. What do they need
with some dips and troughs to be expected. and what adds value to the relationship,
I’m happy with the returns and it’s good to be but doesn’t give away too much? Customers
back into positive returns. can easily register and log in using Okta
Nineteen of my picks are up and 14 are software so they can buy or signup to your
down. My biggest winner is Tesla, up 48.1 business online.
percent, followed by SmartPay, up 34.8 The adoption of mobile and cloud means
percent. My biggest loser is still Plexure, that a company can no longer have a network-
down 39.7 percent, followed by Microstrategy, based view of security. Instead, they need
down 32 percent. Last week’s purchase of to securely enable access for various users
Eroad has done really well and is up 12.53 regardless of their location, device or network.
percent already. This then needs to be updated and checked all
This week, I am investing my $75 into an the time without the users realising it.
American technology company called Okta. They partner with a number of other
They write software that helps larger firms
software businesses and as these partnerships
manage access control. Large firms with lots
grow and expand, Okta’s moat and usefulness
of employees that are constantly changing
will hopefully snowball. More than 10,000
need clever ways to manage who has access
to which computer systems, information, organisations trust Okta’s software and APIs
documents and applications. Okta provides a to sign in, authorise and manage users.
solution that easily links users to resources. With security and identity management
Okta provides an Application Programming being a growth area, I’m investing my $75 this
Interface (API) that allows other software to week into Okta.
use its functionality. This means that if you Please remember that what I write in this
are writing business software and you don’t column is all my personal opinion. Many
want to write all the software for identity of my investments are losing money. I am
management, then you can link in the API sharing my thoughts and strategies so you
from Okta and use their systems for this part can learn from my mistakes. Be careful with
of your software. APIs are really common in your money.
modern software and it is a great way to add If you wish to join in and buy shares using
functionality to your software without writing online platform, Sharesies, you can use
everything from scratch. this link - https://sharesies.nz/r/KHQQWP.
Okta is not only for your staff, it also allows You and I will each get $5 into our Sharesies
you to manage the identity of customers, accounts.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021
Local Flavour
By Joanna Mannington - Food and nutrition teacher at Mercury Bay Area School
Sustainable is attainable
Stop Food Waste Day was on Wednesday, Whitianga is 25 years behind many other regions food waste reduction measures. each shop and meal? Combining better waste
28 April. If anything, COVID-19 has highlighted in New Zealand that already are implementing • Feeding people - One in nine people management with eating fewer animal products
the value of food and the fragility of our strategic plans for waste management and in the world is undernourished. will have further positive impacts on the
food systems. minimisation activities. For example, Waipā Redistributing food through food rescue environment. Meat-free Mondays or Meatless
Shortly after Auckland’s last lockdown, I was District Council aims to change attitudes to charities significantly assists people who May provide an opportunity to give this a try.
fortunate enough to attend the New Zealand waste in Waipā by - face food insecurity. Buying food with less packaging is another
Food Waste Summit in Auckland. With an • Changing the view of waste as a problem Whitianga currently has a window of proactive move.
estimated 30 percent of food not making it from to waste as a resource so there is no waste opportunity to design our new resource recovery In the meantime, try this recipe. The chutney
the paddock or packhouse to the plate and food at all. centre to include food waste composting. is roasted in the oven until everything has
waste being responsible for 25 to 30 percent • Building resource recovery capacity so that What other tangible differences can we make reduced and caramelised.
of household carbon emissions, addressing waste is reused and recycled back into the
food waste is a logical place to start being community and the local economy.
more sustainable. Roasted Feijoa Chutney
• Collecting, monitoring and using waste Ingredients
Currently all Whitianga’s waste is trucked
data to plan for the future. 3kg feijoas, peeled and roughly chopped
over to the Waikato. Imagine the impact that
What is Thames-Coromandel District Council 1.2kg onions, peeled and thinly sliced or chopped
trucking 30 percent less waste over the hill
would have on just methane and CO2 emissions and Whitianga’s food strategy? By tackling 8 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
alone. If local households had the ability to food waste, Whitianga would win threefold - 150g ginger, peeled and grated/chopped
collect organic waste for central composting or environmentally, economically and socially. 1.5kg light brown sugar
vermiculture, our community could utilise the • Environmentally - Food loss and waste 2 dessert spoons salt
resulting compost resource in local markets or currently contribute to eight percent of 300ml cider vinegar
council gardens. global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing 1 quill cinnamon, broken up roughly
Whitianga is at the very end of the food food waste is ranked as the third best global 6 green cardamom pods, crushed
supply chain. We need to grow more of our food solution in addressing climate change. 6 star anise
for our own food security as well as reduce the • Saving money - Economic losses from food 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
costs trucking it to Whitianga. In the event of a waste are estimated at USD940 billion per 1 dessert spoon dried chilli flakes
fuel shortage or transport issues in the future, year. Food businesses could face a 14-fold Method
we would be more self-sufficient. return on their investment if they introduce Mix all ingredients together and leave covered in non-reactive roasting dishes overnight.
Next day, place in an oven preheated to 180C°.
Cook the chutney for two to three hours, stirring from time to time. It's ready when the liquid
has mostly evaporated and the onions and fruit have started to caramelise.
Taste for seasoning, then spoon into very hot sterilised recycled jars and seal. Let them cool
down, then store in a fridge or very cool room away from the sun.
Leave for at least a week before using.
NB if you wish to speed the process up you can start cooking the chutney in a large pot to heat
and reduce then transfer to the roasting dish to caramelize.
4
Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021
Board Talk
By the Mercury Bay Area School Board of Trustees
Much to be proud of
There is much to be proud of in how our clearly and listen to others.
community responded to the COVID-19 In the senior years, a major piece of ongoing
pandemic. One stand-out is how our kura work has been to develop a way of measuring
managed through lockdown and how we what matters. What is success, what does it
coped with the constraints that was put on look like, sound like and feel like? Discussions
our students, teachers and parents. It is all the focused on confidence, self-awareness, critical
more remarkable that against this backdrop our and creative thinking, and the ability to navigate
school achieved so much. the future. The teaching staff quickly pivoted
Below I have tried to summarise the reports to provide learning for students with NCEA
which were presented to the Board of Trustees Levels 1, 2 and 3 on their horizons. The success
by the deputy principals - Anne-Maree of the students and teachers’ efforts in 2020
McDougall for the Primary Years, Jenny Bloom can be seen in the 57 students who completed
for the Middle Years and Mike Wilkinson for formalised work experience placements which
the Senior Years. My thanks to them. resulted in volunteering, apprenticeships,
In the Primary Years, during 2020 we focused and part-time and full-time employment. The
our attention on those things that matter Gateway programme saw seven students move
most - wellbeing, connections between school into apprenticeships.
and whānau and the need to maximise on the time The success of Mercury Bay Area School
and resources available. There were significant students at NCEA is notable. Sixty percent of
improvements in writing, mathematics and last years’ Year 11 students achieved NCEA
statistics across the primary years and really Level 1 with Excellence or Merit compared
promising signs that the level of te reo Māori to a national average of 53 percent. Forty-five
across the primary school is rising. On the percent of last years’ Year 12 students achieved
pastoral side there is a counsellor available NCEA Level 2 with Excellence or Merit
for primary students to support wellbeing and compared with a national average of 42 percent
helping to develop a culture of seeking support and 50 percent of last year’s Year 13 students
when needed. achieved NCEA Level 3 Excellence or Merit
In the middle years, there was outstanding compared with a national average of 44 percent.
commitment from staff who worked through The challenges of 2020 were unprecedented
the holidays in order to have educational and the response by our kura was outstanding.
programmes available to students during I want to acknowledge the commitment of our
lockdown. Staff embraced trying new things and students, teachers and whānau to the collective
using technology in different ways to deliver wellbeing of the school community, and to
learning. One of the aims in the middle years learning and achievement.
is to develop confident thinkers and reflective It is so easy to take for granted what is there
learners. Achievement of this is monitored in before us every day, but you have to step back
responses to four dispositional statements so and try to see it with fresh eyes to realise that
that by Year 10 the vast majority of students there is nothing more important than the making
feel that they take responsibility for their own of confident, capable, creative, self-aware
learning, understand the needs and strengths of people able to navigate the future.
others, reflect on, persevere with and improve Dan Asquith
their learning, and can communicate their ideas Chair Mercury Bay Area School Board of Trustees
Catherine’s Column
By Catherine Delahunty - Coromandel Peninsula resident and former Green Party MP
Remembering and forgetting
I always find this time of year a bit hard to to a gulf between ourselves and our cousins
deal with. ANZAC Day comes and no one whose fathers were in the territorials.
wants to talk about the current wars or even I think it’s important to remember the
the real reasons for wars like World War I. people we have lost, but also to ask why they
No one wants to talk about the post-traumatic died and what impact did that really have on
stress which affects frontline soldiers and the the next generations.
effects on their families. We individualise The impact of war on women (if not nurses,
sacrifice which might make us feel less terrible spies or soldiers) gets a low profile. We do not
about young lives taken, but it’s not as if the talk about raped women and their children
young soldiers are consulted about strategy. although they suffer in every war. We do not
If they had been consulted about Gallipolli, talk about the violence women sometimes
they might have refused to participate. experience from traumatised men who come
What are the effects of war and military life home volatile and damaged. We do not talk
on the following generations? We are used about rape as a weapon used in the attacks
to minimising the impacts on families, but a on Parihaka to the more recent mayhem in
quick look at my ancestry tells me a different Kosovo, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. We do
story. My Irish ancestors came to Thames out not talk about the role of our own armies,
of desperation. They carried the scars of the always claiming the moral high ground which
English military occupation of their country, we might hope is well-deserved, but if not
not to mention the English Parliament’s scrutinised cannot be assumed.
complete and deliberate failure to mitigate I knew a SIS soldier who lost a foot in a
famine in their home county of Tipperary. bomb blast in Afghanistan and nothing he
They were survivors of an ongoing war told me reassured me as to why we were
of occupation. fighting there, let alone why the USA was
My English grandfather was born in India there. Nobody won that war, but no doubt
into the ruling British Raj who were occupying some arms manufacturers have done okay out
India and he grew up to be a doctor and a of it.
Colonel in the Indian Army. His twin brother My father-in-law spent four years in a
was killed fighting on the Afghani border. prisoner of war camp during World War II.
Our first ancestor to live in India came out He was traumatised and unsupported. He
from Devon in 1810 to be a soldier for the East refused to go to ANZAC Day events. I feel I
India Company. Militarism in the defence of should honour his experience which shattered
capitalism is part of our inheritance. many aspects of his life. I feel that I could go
My mother was deeply affected by growing to an event if it was really about peace. But if
up in a military family living in military it was about peace, it would not be run by the
compounds, surrounded by parades and military but by the peacemakers, those who
guns and rigid authoritarian rules. She hated have rejected violence and will talk honestly
all violence and rejected all militarism, about who benefits from wars. Until those
but it certainly affected her life and also led voices are privileged, I am staying at home.
Issue 948
699 - 427May
July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Pharmacy staff give COVID-19 jab the thumbs up By Gillian O’Neill Frontline health workers on the Coromandel and some are bit scared,” Jacqui says. have begun rolling up their sleeves for the “So it’s nice to be able to put people’s minds COVID-19 vaccine with two staff members at rest by letting them know we have had it at Mercury Bay Pharmacy among those who done and it was absolutely fine.” have received the first jab. Waikato District Health Board is Jacqui Asplin and Julie Denning-Kemp coordinating the vaccine delivery travelled to the vaccination clinic at Thames programme locally and Jacqui says this Hospital on Wednesday last week to receive will be stepped up in the coming weeks the first of two doses of the Pfizer vaccine in with the vaccine also being administered what say was an easy and painless process. in Whitianga. “They are working through “It was super easy,” Jacqui says. the process of compiling lists of all those “Our appointment was at 9:30am, we had who want to have it, because it is voluntary, some forms to fill in, we answered some then they will know how much vaccine medical history questions and then we supply they will need and they will come were called in, it was over before I knew it, and do the vaccinations here,” she said. I didn’t even feel the injection.” The DHB had contacted healthcare Pharmacy staff are included in Group 2, providers inviting them to provide details the current phase of the vaccine schedule of staff who wished to be vaccinated. which, along with frontline health workers, “From there it was a really simple process,” includes long-term residential care staff and Jacqui says. “I sent through the names residents, and older Māori or Pacific people and the next day they sent me through a being cared for by whānau. choice of available times, and then we just Vaccines for Group 3 are due to commence booked in. later this month and will target people aged “Obviously, our whole staff couldn’t go 65 or older, those with disabilities, pregnant at the same time, so Julie and I decided we women, anyone with a relevant underlying would go first. It felt quite significant when health condition and people living in I got that email saying your COVID-19 custodial settings such as prisons. vaccination time is confirmed. It has been “We are getting close to having this rolled such a tough year and we’ve waited so long out to the wider public and we have lots of to get to this point so it was quite exciting customers asking us questions about the to realise that it is actually happening, the Mercury Bay Pharmacy staff member, Jacqui Asplin, after she has received vaccine, some aren’t sure what it involves vaccine is here and the process is underway.” her first COVID-19 vaccination shot at Thames Hospital last week. Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021
Thumbs up to COVID-19 jab As well as reasons linked to their jobs, proactive in encouraging its members both Jacqui and Julie say there was a personal to take up the offer of the COVID-19 aspect to their decision to be vaccinated. vaccine as soon as it was available to them. “I would really like to travel again, hopefully “We circulated an email to all our members in the not too distant future, and I think it’s which had been sent out by the Grey Power likely that being vaccinated could become NZ Federation Health National Advisory a requirement for that in some places,” Group,” she says. “We 100 percent support Jacqui says. “I did read the information their recommendation that members protect about the vaccine and did some research themselves and others in the community by beforehand, and I was confident it was the being vaccinated.” right thing to do.” “We are all aware that vaccinations are Apart from some mild soreness at the the most effective way of protecting not injection site, typical of any vaccination, only ourselves but also those around us,” both ladies say they had no symptoms or the National Advisory Group stated. “This is side effects. “We went and had a coffee and another way we can continue to be part of a wander around Goldfields Mall wearing the ‘team of 5 million’ doing our duty to try our stickers saying I’ve had the COVID-19 to eradicate this virus from the community. vaccine, they even gave us a lollypop,” Many of our seniors already utilise the Jacqui laughs. various immunisation programmes available With flu season underway, Jacqui also to ensure our children, grandchildren and suggests that over 65s who are keen to have great-grandchildren are protected from the the flu vaccine did so as soon as possible so many illnesses which are part of our day to they were ready to receive the COVID-19 day living. vaccine as soon as they became eligible. “In recommending the vaccine to our “That’s because there needs to be a two- seniors, it is also timely to remind them that week wait between the two vaccines, so it we must continue to use the contact tracing just makes sense to get the flu vaccine done app, sign into premises, wearing a mask so you won’t have to put off your COVID-19 when out and about on public transport, vaccine when the time comes,” she says. social distancing, washing our hands, staying Both vaccines are free. home if sick and if necessary getting tested.” Merle Edwards from Grey Power Vaccination for the general public is Whitianga says the organisation was being scheduled to begin in July. Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11
Stay or go? The question looming
for Coromandel’s coastal communities
By Gillian O’Neill
A managed retreat away from low lying areas “[Then] you can go to Wellington and say we’ve
may end up being the only viable solution for done all the work, so if you want to save this
many Thames-Coromandel communities as the place this is how much, so government where
district confronts the financial realities of dealing is your money. We (council) are not going to be
with the impacts of climate change. able to do it, I tell you,” he told the meeting.
Urgent action has now been recommended TCDC Mayor Sandra Goudie, who co-chairs
for some areas where the existing risk of the SMP Committee, also acknowledged the
inundation is already greater than what experts reality of what that could ultimately mean.
had anticipated. Mercury Bay councillor, “What we can do is look at where we can go and
Tony Fox, has described the challenge of that’s what we are doing now, that’s our adaption
responding to rising sea levels as the largest option,” she said.
any local councillor will face during their time Concerns were also raised about the future
in office. insurability of properties and infrastructure
The latest modelling conducted as part of the in low-lying areas. “It’s coming to the stage
Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) process where properties in the line of this danger will
has revealed that large parts of Thames and the either become uninsurable or they’ll end up
Thames Coast are already in serious danger in with a 15 percent excess. We have to be ready
the event of a major storm, even without any for it and we’d better have people in our coastal
further sea level rise. communities ready for it,” Mr Fox warned.
Royal HaskoningDHV, the consultants Coastal erosion in front of the Mercury Bay Boating Club in Whitianga. Emphasising the committee’s role in ensuring
coordinating the development of the four SMPs A managed retreat from low lying areas may end up being the only viable solution every councillor in the Thames-Coromandel
for the Thames-Coromandel District, have for many Thames-Coromandel communities as the district confronts the realities of dealing District was up to speed with what the
advised that design, costing and consultation on with the impacts of climate change. communities they represent are facing, Mr Fox
potential solutions, including managed retreat for true of the whole of that Thames Coast Road,” strategy should be considered in more detail,” said buy-in was needed from all parties. “If they
these areas, need to be done urgently. “It’s about Ms John told the committee. the recommendations state. are not engaged now, get seriously engaged
what could happen and what we are going to do Detailed reports on the specific infrastructure While it was agreed to seek additional funding because the biggest thing on this council that
to be ready for it. We didn’t expect that level under threat including schools and homes, under the next TCDC Long Term Plan for any one is going to face and do is this project,”
(of risk) to be apparent right now,” Sian John of is currently being fed back to the four Community additional scoping work, particularly to gain he said.
Royal HaskoningDHV told the latest meeting Coastal Panels charged with providing input into details around the estimated timelines within As well as submitting to the draft TCDC Long
of Thames-Coromandel District Council’s the plans. which adaptation needed to happen, it is already Term Plan to seek council funding for more
Shoreline Management Committee. While the risk to Whitianga and Cooks Beach believed that protection measures will be beyond detailed modelling, the committee also resolved
Discussions also need to be commenced with was deemed to be short to medium term rather the financial reach of council. to hold a workshop with both an insurance expert
Waka Kotahi/New Zealand Transport Agency, than urgent, it has also been recommended Mr Fox emphasised that even the $180 million and representatives from Waka Kotahi.
with the loss of road access now a serious risk that design and cost benefit analysis of estimated cost of protecting the shoreline from The next stage of the SMP process will see
for communities including Colville and Tairua/ mitigation or retreat options for Whitianga be Thames to Te Puru alone was beyond what 30,000 the Community Coastal Panels draft potential
Hikuai. “[In Colville], on a king tide the water assessed now, given the scale of such a project. ratepayers could afford, and said work needed to adaptive options and evaluate them against the
comes over the road now, so that’s going to “The consequences of inundation with sea level be done across the entire Coromandel Peninsula community’s priorities vis-à-vis use of and
happen much more frequently as time goes on, rise of above 0.5m are predicted to be significant. to understand what the solutions would be and access to the coast. From this, an action plan will
so there will be real access issues and that is Hence, as for Thames, a longer-term plan/ the costs so a case could be made to government. be developed for public consultation.
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Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021Issue 948
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July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021
Issue 948
699 - 427May
July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Making time for the mums in our lives
No matter what age or stage they are at, ready to consider myself a senior citizen,” and the mix of men and ladies and ages was scene that she hadn’t previously known
when it comes to the mums in our lives, Suzanne laughs. “Ruth and I went along and great to see.” about. All round, a pretty good outcome from
arguably the most valuable thing we can give although Ruth was somewhat anxious about The mood was so good that Ruth, and a day out with the mum in your life.
them is time. Depending on circumstances, such a new experience, we were made to potentially Suzanne too, will be making The Whitianga Senior Citizen’s Club meets
that could involve sharing our time with them, feel very welcome. We were met at the door a return visit. “It is a club for over 55s, every Monday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the
but it could also mean ensuring they get some by club president, Adrian Telders, and from but anyone can join in and there was a range Whitianga Town Hall to socialise and play
precious time to themselves. there introduced and welcomed around the of ages,” says Suzanne. “With 40 to 50 people a variety of games and enjoy afternoon tea.
Getting out and about for a fun family day room. We were given the run-down and told turning up each Monday, it is clearly a club All of the games are fun and non-competitive.
is bliss for some of us, but if juggling young to join in whatever game tickled our fancy. which keeps active.” The club also organises a lunch out each
kids (or even temperamental teenagers) is “Ruth is an avid card player, so we gravitated Suzanne was delighted that their day out month as well as mid-year Christmas and
part of the daily routine, pampering with a that way. Ruth joined a table with three others together had not only paid off (Ruth had Christmas luncheons. The cost is $5 per
glass of wine and some peace and quiet might and she was completely welcomed. The game an absolute blast), but had also helped her member yearly, plus a $2 entry on the day.
for some be a more appealing option. was 500 which she had never played, so she uncover quite a gem on the Whitianga social All are welcome to come along and join in.
Informer contributor, Suzanne Hansen,
was hesitant, but the ladies at the table said,
recently experienced the joy of a shared
‘Sit down and we will teach you.’”
outing with her mother-in-law, Ruth.
Ruth moved to Whitianga last October to Suzanne says while the intent of the visit
be closer to daughter-in-law, Suzanne, and was to support her mother-in-law, she herself
son, Mark. After some months of settling thoroughly enjoyed the connections made
in to her new home, Suzanne was keen to and was touched by the positive and open
encourage Ruth to get to know more people ambiance. “Teaching and learning a new
in the community and decided the best card game can be daunting, but because of
way to do that was to go along for the ride, the non-competitive nature of the club, they
with the Whitianga Senior Citizens Club took Ruth under their wings and they were
settled upon as a good first step. patient and nurturing,” she says. “There were
“Ruth is not naturally comfortable with a few card tables in play so when one table
joining new clubs or meeting new friends, claimed 500, they rotated folk so that there
so I decided I would spend the day there too, were constantly new people to meet. It was
although at my tender age of 61, I am not quite lovely how relaxed and jovial everyone was,
If you are looking for ideas how to make Mother’s Day - Sunday, 9 May - extra special for Mum,
why not consider what these Informer advertisers have to offer -
An Indian or Thai buffet for lunch or dinner at That Curry Place in Whitianga, a roast dinner at the
Mercury Bay Club with a complimentary dessert and glass of bubbles, a free round of mini golf
(with a paying child) at Wild Wood, a pamper gift package from Coastal Sanctuary, a meal at Smitty’s
Sports Bar & Grill with a complimentary dessert or glass of bubbles, a trip to lunch in a chauffeur-
driven classic Rolls Royce supplied by Whitianga Classic Rollers or some time out with Nanny Neera
looking after the kids.
See the opposite page for more details.
Informer contributor, Suzanne Hansen, with her mother-in-law, Ruth.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021Issue 948
699 - 427May
July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Crossword Puzzle 948
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________
Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
their prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week
following the issue in which they were announced the winner.
ACROSS DOWN
1. Blossom part 1. Launch forward
2. Curved span
7. Illicit
3. Rebuff
8. Sixteenth of pound 4. Egypt’s capital
10. Fast food snacks 5. Religious gifts
12. Slimness 6. Shut
9. Receives as salary
14. Tie with rope
11. Tidal zone trees
16. Annoys constantly 13. Movie filming area
17. Without deviation 15. Prickly desert plants
20. Bring into accord 16. Kindest
18. Disastrous
23. Frosting
19. Official decree
24. Quick drawings 21. Necessity
25. Noxious 22. Reflected sound
Last week’s solution
Last week’s winner - Annie Warner
“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week)
“Tēnā te ringa tango parahia” - That is the hand that pulls up weeds. Equivalent in English, “Now, there’s a hard worker.”
Saying of the week supplied by Te Puna Reo o Whitianga - a playgroup with a focus on Māori tikanga and te reo Māori.
The group meets every Monday and Tuesday at 9:00am at the old dental clinic at Mercury Bay Area School. All those with pēpi or young tamariki are welcome to join.
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021What’s On In the next few weeks
Regular Activities session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available.
Op-Shops Mercury Bay Tennis Club
• Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga.
(west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Mercury Bay Table Tennis
• The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Meets every Tuesday from 9:00am - 11:30am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. (07) 869 5162 or (027) 565 5575 for more information.
• St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Mercury Bay Badminton
10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets every Wednesday from 9:30am - 11:00am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome.
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Phone (07) 866 5476 for more information.
10:00am - 2:00pm. Alcoholics Anonymous
Whitianga Senior Citizens Club Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone
Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.
etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. Serenity Al-Anon Group
Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by
Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. someone else’s drinking.
Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga
SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Meets every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga.
Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely.
computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on Check out our Facebook page or phone (027) 294 1750 for more information.
(027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. ICONZ for Girls
AA Driver Licensing Every Tuesday during the school term from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish
The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Town Road. For girls 8 - 13 years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information.
Scrapbags Quilting Group ICONZ (for Boys)
Meets every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome. Every Tuesday during the school term from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish
phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information. Town Road. For boys 5 - 10 years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information.
Mercury Bay Creative Fibre Dog Walking Group
Meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, Meets every Thursday at 2:00pm at Lovers Rock, Robinson Road, Whitianga. An opportunity to socialise your dog.
Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information.
Matarangi Craft Group
Meets fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Specific Activities/Events
Mercury Bay Quilters Thames Valley First XV Rugby - Saturday, 8 May
Meets the first and third Mondays, and second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10:00am - 4:00pm at Whitianga Mercury Bay Area School v Hauraki Plains College in Wahi. Kick-off at 12:30pm.
Social Services, Cook Drive. New members welcome. Phone Margaret on (07) 866 0411 for more information. Thames Valley Senior Rugby - Saturday, 8 May
Mercury Bay Community Choir Mercury Bay Senior A v Waihi Athletic Senior A in Whitianga. Kick-off at 2:00pm.
This “all-comers” choir rehearses every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area school Music Room. Mercury Bay Senior B v Hauraki North in Whitianga. Kick-off at 12:25pm.
New rehearsals start on 8 February. New singers always welcome. Phone (022) 643 7462 for more information. Coromandel Town Senior B v Waihou in Te Aroha. Kick-off at 12:25pm.
Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club Whitianga Marathon
Meet every Wednesday at 1:00pm and every Thursday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga.
Saturday, 22 May. Four course options - 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km. Entries now open.
Phone Gavin on (07) 866 2343 or (021) 146 9203 for more information.
Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club See whitiangamarathon.co.nz for more information.
Meets every Thursday at 6:45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Come along and join in or phone Alan on Whitianga Town Garage Sale
866 4024 or Cheryl on 0274 527887 for more information. Saturday 5 - Monday, 7 June. Entries now open, $15 fee. All fees to be donated to a Mercury Bay community group
Mercury Bay Pickleball Club or charity.
Meets every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per
Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19Sudoku
Sudoku Puzzle 948
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________
Win two Trumpet ice creams. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
their prize from Buffalo Beach Four Square directly before the Wednesday of the week following
the issue in which they were announced the winner.
Sudoku Puzzle Instructions
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of nine boxes
inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
Last week’s solution
1 6 4 2 8 3 5 7 9
2 9 7 5 6 1 4 3 8
8 3 5 4 7 9 2 1 6
4 7 6 9 3 2 8 5 1
5 8 2 1 4 7 6 9 3
9 1 3 8 5 6 7 4 2
3 4 8 6 1 5 9 2 7
7 5 9 3 2 8 1 6 4
6 2 1 7 9 4 3 8 5
Last week’s winner - Monika Gladbach
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021Fishing Report Letters to the Editor
Sponsored by Mercury Bay Marine - Tel (07) 867 1280 See our requirements with regard to letters and contributions below
Favourable weather conditions caused many anglers to try their luck out on the water last week and Dear Editor - Clayton’s pedestrian crossings Dear Editor - Supergold Card funding for
they weren’t disappointed. “The fishing was very good,” says John Ellwood, skipper of charter boat, in Whitianga the Whitianga ferry
MV Whai. “Snapper, kingfish and trevally were all keen to bite. The inside of Great Mercury Island During the course of the remodelling of I have just returned from a six week, 4,000km
and Korapuki Island fished very well. The Black Rocks also delivered good results on the outgoing Whitianga’s Albert Street and The Esplanade, road trip that took me as far south as Bluff, and
tide in approximately 20m of water. Most of the anglers I took out used squid as bait, which seemed Thames-Coromandel District Council into the wilds and not so wilds of Southland,
to do the trick just fine. introduced what I refer to as Clayton’s Otago, Canterbury, Taranaki and so on.
“There’s some good crayfish around at the moment too, some divers have done very well.” pedestrian crossings. An area of pavement was Along the way, being a Supergold Card
marked out with raised yellow dots on either holder, I enjoyed the bonus of funded transport
Those onboard the Whai on Friday last week were in for an additional treat when they spotted a large
side of the road inviting pedestrians to cross the on buses, trains and ferries which helped me
pod of dolphins playing in the water at Korapuki Island. “It was spectacular,” says John.
road between these two yellow pavement areas. immensely on my journey.
Further down the coast towards Tairua, seasoned angler, Peter Maxwell, says the Aldermen Islands Unfortunately not in Whitianga. It seems that
But while pedestrians may have thought
have also delivered very good results. “There were lots of snapper of a beautiful size,” he says. even though we have a large number of elderly
this layout invited a safe crossing of the road,
“There are still some large kahawai schools around, so catching some bait wasn’t a problem. A good relying on the Whitianga ferry (many of whom
the motorists were not legally obliged to give
berley trail also helped. struggle financially) for reasons such as visits
way to pedestrians.
“For those fishing from the shore, dusk was still the best time of day for a few good catches. I do not know how many close calls there to the doctor, shopping and visits to the Ferry
The anglers I’ve spoken to most certainly weren’t disappointed.” have been of pedestrian/motorist clashes at Landing Cemetery, there has been zero progress.
On the game fishing front, last week was nothing short of memorable for Tairua-Pauanui Sports these crossings, but something has prompted In fact, since 2015 and despite valiant
Fishing Club member, Kevin Robinson, who had success with three marlin. efforts supported by Coromandel MP,
council to revisit the set-up. Just recently by
He tagged the first two and landed the third, a fish of 122.35kg. Scott Simpson, former Waikato Regional
these yellow dotted areas in Albert Street and
Council representative, Clyde Graf, and The
In Whitianga, angler Darryll Williams weighed a broadbill of 97.40kg on Friday on The Esplanade, posts have been stuck in
Informer among others, for reasons unknown,
last week. the pavement with a sign screwed on each post the total lack of Supergold Card funding for the
advising, “Pedestrians must give way to traffic.” Whitianga ferry still stands as both an exception
With these new signs, TCDC has now gone and a mystery.
from the sublime to the ridiculous. I always I have read a few documents from 2016 which
thought that at a pedestrian crossing, the traffic almost sound like the tasks of Odysseus.
had to give way to the pedestrians, not the other One example from WRC being, “At this stage
way round as now prescribed by council on the onus is on Thames-Coromandel District
these signs. Council and Grey Power to develop a business
Instead of removing the yellow dots and case that clearly demonstrates that there is a
thus removing all confusion and danger for problem with the present service and [WRC]
pedestrians and motorists alike, TCDC is needs to step in.” What?
now emphasising the danger and saying to The ferry service was and still is excellent.
pedestrians, “Cross here and run the risk of The only problem is that many elderly,
being killed/maimed/injured by a motorist.” especially those who are no longer able to drive,
Where has common sense gone? find it a financial burden and feel quite trapped.
Peter Mackenzie John Macassey
Whitianga Kuaotunu
Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21You can also read
