The Coromandel in the grip of a very strong sellers' market
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Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,200
The Coromandel in the grip of a
very strong sellers’ market
By Stephan Bosman
Whitianga as seen from the Taputapuatea Stream (Mother Brown’s Creek). The average sale price of residential real estate in town during May this year was $899,024.
In terms of average asking price, the Coromandel was last month the second most expensive residential property market in New Zealand.
Data released last week by property website, price was $875,197, a year-on-year increase weeks at the end of last month. That is a long an increase of 91 percent on the month before.
realestate.co.nz, for the month of June, of 20.2 percent. way away from the realestate.co.nz 14-year Sales varied between $460,000 for a 700m²
indicates that the Coromandel is no longer A lack of stock is playing a significant Long-term Average of 115 weeks. section and $1,717,000 for a six-bedroom
the third most expensive residential property part in the performance of the Coromandel The Quotable Value (QV) House Price Index home. The average sale price was $899,024,
market in New Zealand in terms of asking residential real estate market. At the end of for May this year recorded that the average 38 percent above the average Thames-
price. Instead of trailing behind Auckland last month, there were only 163 properties for New Zealand house price was $931,928, Coromandel District Council rating value for
and the Central Otago/Lakes region, a 15.6 sale on the Peninsula. This was a record 59.4 higher than the realestate.co.nz average all the properties in town. It took an average
percent increase compared to June last year percent lower that the number of properties for asking price for June, and representing a year- of only 27 days for listed properties to sell.
(for an average asking price of $1, 023,208) sale a year earlier and the biggest percentage on-year increase of 23.7 percent. According to realestate.co.nz, a discrepancy
and a Central Otago/Lakes decrease of 12.3 drop in New Zealand. On the Coromandel, the average house between the Inventory of Listings and the
percent (for an average asking price of Across New Zealand, there were 13,861 price was $1,077,224 in May, above - Long-term Average, where the Inventory
$999,354) have seen the Peninsula claiming properties for sale, a 33.3 percent drop but not far off - the average asking price for of Listings is a shorter time period than
second spot behind Auckland where the compared to June 2020. June and representing an annual increase of the Long-term Average, is an indication of
average asking price was $1,162,264. The time it would take to for all the stock 28.3 percent. a sellers’ market. If that is indeed the case,
Only Auckland and the Coromandel on the Coromandel to be sold without any Closer to home, the Ray White Real the Coromandel is most certainly, and
exceeded an average asking price of new listings being added, commonly referred Estate sales data for May this year indicates probably more than ever, in the grip of a very
$1 million. Nationally, the average asking to as the “Inventory of Listings”, sat at eight that 21 properties were sold in Whitianga, strong sellers’ market.
Retirement after going from office junior to
council chief executive at the ripe old age of 25
By Tony Stickley
Allan Tiplady - recognised as one of the different departments during that time.
foremost local government managers in Then came the move to the Salvation Army,
the country - is retiring from his role as followed by seven years in the UK working
Thames-Coromandel District Council Area as area manager for Wokingham, managing a
Manager North. wide portfolio of different services.
Allan, 68, has the rare distinction of Allan was then employed in a similar role
having been the youngest ever council chief at TCDC before being elevated to his current
executive in New Zealand at Alexandra position. “I really enjoyed the work,” he said.
Borough Council when appointed to the post “It is a really fulfilling role because you are
at the age of 25. And at one stage, while at doing things that provide facilities and services
North Shore City Council, he was on a career that have a direct benefit to people’s lives.”
trajectory that would have taken him to the Most satisfying for Allan were the
top post at the Auckland Supercity, but opted completion of a number of improvements
instead to take up a position with Tauranga in the area, including the Whitianga town
City Council. “I have no regrets, we went to centre upgrade (having done the same thing
Tauranga for family and lifestyle reasons,” in Tauranga and Birkenhead), refurbishing
said Allan, who retires officially from TCDC Coromandel Town’s main street, the walkway
on Friday this week (9 July). along Buffalo Beach, new parking areas
Allan’s working life of more than 50 in Hahei and Hot Water Beach to relieve
years has been almost exclusively in local tourist congestion, upgrading of a number
government, both in New Zealand and the of boat ramps, (including at Whitianga and
UK, apart from a four-year stint as business Whangapoua), upgrading the Coromandel
manager for the Salvation Army in Tauranga ferry terminal at Hannaford’s Wharf and
from 2002. Now he and Jenny, his very TCDC’s Area Manager North, Allan Tiplady, is retiring this week after a career building close working relationships with
supportive wife of 45 years, are retiring of more than 50 years in local government different communities.
to Omokoroa near Tauranga to be close to council at the grand old age of 25,” Allan said. and save people from being washed away,” “I think the people are very pleased with
children and grandchildren after six happy “It had some national publicity after being Allan said. what we have done,” Allan said. “What is most
years in Whitianga. published in a local government magazine as As a rising star, Allan’s abilities were soon enjoyable for us is when something is finished,
Born in the little South Island town of the youngest person ever appointed to a town recognised and the following year he was seeing people using it and enjoying it.”
Nightcaps, Allan attended Timaru Boys clerk role in New Zealand.” head-hunted to become chief executive of After 50 years, Allan said he would miss
High School and in 1971 went directly from A series of different posts followed. Birkenhead City Council, where he stayed the work, but would probably continue to
school to work as office junior at Timaru Allan went back to Timaru City Council as for two years. Under the local government do something in local government even in
City Council, where he progressed up the deputy chief executive in 1985 and then reorganisation of 1989, Birkenhead got retirement. “I do enjoy working with the
ranks. In 1977, he took up a position of acting chief executive. In that role he was swallowed up into North Shore City where community, elected members and the staff,
deputy town clerk at Alexandra Borough also the regional civil defence controller and Allan became group manager community and working as part of a whole team and having
Council, being made town clerk two years his organisational abilities were called on in services. He stayed in that role for a “grand total good, trusting relationships with both members
later - effectively the chief executive - at 25. August 1986 when there was similar flooding of six weeks” before taking up a similar post at and staff,” he said. “It is a really important
“That was one of my claims to fame, going to the recent civil defence emergency in Tauranga City Council where he remained for part of the job. I will miss that sort of
from office junior to chief executive of a Canterbury. “We had to do lots of evacuations 13 years, having been group manager of three collegial stuff.”
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 7 July to Wednesday, 14 July - Mercury is now starting to appear lower each morning in the NE as it moves towards the
Sun, while Jupiter and Saturn do the reverse and make a lovely sight in the late evening sky as they climb higher each night. Mars is still visible,
but is now about as far away and dim as it gets. New Moon is on 10 July, so this is a good week to spot the Pleaides/Matariki star cluster in
the pre-dawn sky. The International Space Station (ISS) makes some nice passes this week, but keep in mind that the timings given below may
change slightly if it has to move to avoid space junk. Thursday, 8 July - An extremely thin crescent Moon sits just to the left of faint Mercury,
low on the horizon at dawn with reddish Aldebaran above. Friday, 9 July - A bright ISS pass starts in the SW at 6:29pm passing high overhead. Astronomy Tours and B&B
Saturday, 10 July - A bright ISS pass occurs from 5:42pm in the SW and passes right through the Southern Cross. New Moon tonight, so a nice dark
Phone (07) 866 5343
sky for stargazing. Monday, 12 July - A minute crescent Moon sits just below brilliant Venus in the dusk sky with faint but reddish Mars just above
Venus. Tuesday, 13 July - Venus and Mars are at their closest tonight in the NW dusk sky, with the thin crescent Moon above and to the right. 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 957 - 6 July 2021
Successful op-shop clothing
fundraiser at golf club
The Mercury Bay Golf Club ladies committee
hosted a very successful fundraiser last
Sunday afternoon during which $2,500 was
raised for a new carpet for the clubhouse.
The fundraiser, an op-shop fashion show,
was attended by 100 people.
“In addition to ticket sales and a raffle,
the clothes that were modelled were auctioned
off,” says Jen Heaphy, club manager.
“With an upgraded clubhouse, we’ll be able
to host bigger tournaments with players from
all over New Zealand, and even further afield,
and good on our ladies committee for getting
the ball rolling.”
Ladies club captain, Lynne Butler, says the
fundraiser was a true community effort.
“We received support from all the op-shops
in Whitianga,” she says. “What was also
amazing was that it wasn’t just golfers who
attended the fashion show, there were lots
of other people as well and they were very
generous with their support. I would like to
thank everyone for making it a genuinely
enjoyable event.”
Pictured in both photos are the club members
who modelled the clothes that were auctioned
off. The two models in the photo on the right,
Matty Menzies (left) and Richard Schofield,
were especially popular.
699 - 627July
Issue 957 July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Ambulance volunteer stitches Packed “Seniors Morning Tea”
up top regional award at the Whitianga Town Hall
By Tony Stickley
Congratulations have been flooding in for 25 to 30 hours a week. “She is a very dedicated
St John Ambulance volunteer, Kathryn person and just a great team leader and if there
Gillingham, who has been named the is something to be done, she always puts
Waikato’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year. herself forward.”
Kathryn picked up the volunteering award at John said Kathryn also goes out as a volunteer
a presentation in Hamilton on 24 June attended with the Pauanui Fire Brigade when required,
by some 200 guests, and around 30 individuals helping out with medical emergencies.
and teams who had been nominated in four Very experienced at what she does, Kathryn
different categories. She took first spot due to was nevertheless doing more courses and
her selfless dedication and tireless work for training to advance her skills even more.
her community. She was nominated by the “We are very proud of her,” John said. “She is
Order of St John for her immense commitment always available, always dedicated and always
to Tairua’s First Response Unit. smiling, but she is not someone who likes the
In putting her name forward, St John said limelight.”
Kathryn ensured the “…unit is going and John said that all 12 ambulance officers Mercury Bay Medical Centre (MBMC) hosted a packed “Seniors Morning Tea” at the Whitianga
responds to jobs with the crew that would at the Tairua station were unpaid, part-time Town Hall on Thursday morning last week.
otherwise have to wait if no one is available
volunteers. “The whole station runs on “We decided to arrange this event because our community is growing fast, noticeably in the
and in time-critical situations this can mean
volunteers,” he said. older age group, and people can struggle to find the right contacts and support,” says Lorraine
the difference between life and death.”
Others chipped in on Twitter. Macallister, MBMC business manager. “It is also a great opportunity to meet people face-to-
John Lambie, St John Tairua Area Committee
chairperson, heaped praise on Kathryn’s “Congratulations and many thanks to our face to just talk and socialise.”
contribution to the ambulance service. wonderful Tairua officer…” Presentations were made by representatives from Whitianga Social Services, Hospice Waikato
“This is a very good achievement for a very “We are very proud of Kathryn’s commitment and the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust, Dementia Waikato, the Whitianga MenzShed and St
worthy lady and it is very well deserved,” and passion for helping her community which John Medical Alarms.
he said. means countless lives have been saved in
many time-critical emergencies.”
“We weren’t sure what the interest was going to be and booked the Supper Room at the town
John said that when St John decided to hall,” says Lorraine. “To our surprise, guests just kept arriving and in the end we had to close
discontinue the role of Tairua team manager, When contacted by The Informer,
the doors because there was no space left to sit or stand.
Kathryn stepped forward to fill the breach Kathryn was typically understated and
modest. “I just do what I do because I love “Unfortunately, Age Concern could not join us for the day and they sent their apologies.
to become volunteer team manager while
it,” she said. “I don’t go looking for accolades The presentations were engaging, entertaining and very informative. From the perspective
continuing her other work as a frontline first
and I just love doing what I am doing without of MBMC, we covered the latest on COVID-19 vaccinations, the GP shortage and our plans in
responder. “Fortunately, we were very lucky
any fuss. that regard, phone consultations, the new Whitianga medical facility development and shared
that Kathryn picked up the role and has run
“I appreciate the award very much. medical appointments.
with it for the last 12 months as a volunteer,”
he said. “Despite retiring to Pauanui with her It was lovely to receive it, but it is a job I just “Given the overwhelming positive response we’ve had, we are definitely planning to have more
husband, David, she continued to travel to the love doing and it is just nice to be able to help events of a similar nature.”
Tairua Ambulance Station, putting in at least people when they are not at their best.” Pictured is Lorraine welcoming everyone on Thursday.
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021
Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
A weekend turning rubbish into art By Suzanne Hansen Debbie Lim is a Whitianga-based artist, school holidays, Debbie, with the support Whitianga with a talk by Sustainable collection a fun expedition. The hunters and photographer and integrated wellness coach of the Creative Communities Scheme, Coastlines, a New Zealand charity enabling collectors will then return to the Art Centre who has a passion and affinity for nature and has created an opportunity for parents to coastal clean-up initiatives and education. for sorting, cleaning, and cataloguing their natural solutions. As part of her personal engage with kids in a uniquely fun project of The presentation will be followed by a finds. Debbie is looking for as many kids as practice of REIKI (energy healing), she made collecting rubbish and creating art. The event couple of hours out and around Whitianga’s possible to join in the fun with their parents. it a priority to contribute to the healing of will run on Saturday 17 and Sunday, 18 July. paths, parks and reserves, picking up rubbish. There will be no charge. our beaches and coastline. She set out on The project will kick off at 9:00am on Debbie expects to add an element of treasure On 18 July, a workshop is planned from an ongoing mission to do what we all can 17 July at the Art Centre on School Road, hunting and competition to make the rubbish 9:00am to 3:00pm with a maximum of 30 and should do - pick up the bits and pieces participants. The workshop is an opportunity of rubbish that we find when we are out and for parents and their children to get creative about enjoying our beautiful Coromandel together and make art pieces out of the seashores. previous day’s rubbish collection, which will What started as an act of kindness and be displayed over a couple of weeks in the respect for nature became an obsession as window of Mosaic Gallery in town. Once Debbie found a huge variety of flotsam from the creative flourish is over, the workshop everyday human life all along our shores. attendees will travel to the beach together With growing inspiration and a trip to the to create one last piece of sand art to pay Christchurch Museum, her vast collection of homage to the healing of nature. rubbish soon became an artistic medium. The workshop is a paid event to cover the Debbie spent months collecting, cost of tuition and materials. A ticket costs categorising, washing and sorting her new $30. One ticket covers one adult and up to materials into a palette of colours from which two children. Additional parents and children she created a korowai (cloak) for an artwork from the same family will need to purchase called “Tangaroa’s Tears”. Tangaroa is the an extra ticket. great Atua (god) of the seas, rivers and lakes The eventual outcome from the workshop and the artwork, which also contains Debbie’s will be the creation of a korowai for a new own images of the sea and sea life, was artwork dedicated to Tāne (god of the forest). designed to show the impact we are having on Debbie is excited about the event because our oceans and shoreline with all the debris it will raise an awareness of rubbish we leave around - sometimes innocently or in our public spaces while it will at the same carelessly, sometimes maliciously. time provide a creative and fun outlet for Exhibited at March’s Mercury Bay Art parents and children alike. She hopes to make Escape Open Studios, Tangaroa’s Tears was this an annual event and to spread it wider an inspired hit and now Debbie is turning her across the Coromandel. For more information focus from the sea to the landscape which and tickets go to her website, debbielim. surrounds us. Whitianga artist, Debbie Lim, working on “Tangaroa’s Tears”, an art piece made co.nz, email hello@debbielim.co.nz or phone Over a weekend in the upcoming July from rubbish she collected along the Mercury Bay shoreline. (021) 251 3859. Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021
Tips for Business Owners
By Christine Petrie
My calendar for July says, “I’m not here • Minimum sick leave has increased
to be average, I’m here to be awesome.” from five days a year to 10. For
Settling in the middle of the pack might feel existing employees, the increase kicks
comfortable, and may even be right for a in on the next entitlement anniversary
season, but striving to fulfil a unique purpose of their sick leave after 24 July 2021.
can be much more rewarding. There is no obligation to carry forward
This winter, what can you do to grow more than 20 days unused sick leave
your or your organisation’s “awesomeness”? into the following year.
Can you or your staff learn something new • Bereavement leave entitlements have
through a workshop, book or podcast? been extended to include either the
Do you need to take courage and address the employee or their partner experiencing
things that are holding you back or share your a miscarriage or stillbirth.
dream with an advisor who will hold you A new annual public holiday for Matariki
accountable to reaching your goals? We may starts on 24 June 2022. While this is an
work and live amidst incredible uncertainty, opportunity to attract visitors to our region for
but we can still seize opportunities to be the long weekend, employers will also need
awesome. to plan for the additional costs of this day.
More changes to employment laws have Information included in this column is of
recently taken effect and employers should a general nature and is not a substitute
ensure that their employment contracts are up for tailored legal, accounting and other
to date - professional advice.
Christine Petrie, the author
of this column, is the owner
of Shifting Focus Business
Consulting. She can be
contacted on telephone
(021) 775 571 or email
christine@shiftingfocus.co.nz.
Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Letters to the Editor
See the bottom of page 10 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - The property at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga Notice there is no humiliating mayoral refusal to acknowledge humans are causing climate
I understand that Thames-Coromandel District Council has bought the premises where The change, no refusal to consult and listen, and no hesitation to commit to emission reduction action
Informer office is situated at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga. How do council justify the purchase? and partnering with the community.
Did they not pledge to budget better and focus more on essentials, rather than “nice to haves”? HDC set out a detailed pathway to achieve zero carbon. This includes updating their
How much deeper into the pockets of ratepayers will council reach to fund their empire building? decision-making to include carbon reduction, reviewing procurement to prioritise carbon zero,
Also, what is to become of The Informer, which is undoubtedly considerably more popular than investigating new carbon-reducing three waters technologies, encouraging more walking and
the majority of TCDC councillors? cycling, improving public transport to get people out of their cars, moving the council fleet to low
Patricia Briant or zero-emission vehicles, reducing organic waste at source and green building options. Many of
Whitianga these actions will save ratepayers’ funds.
It required a high court order to compel Thames-Coromandel District Council to consult
TCDC’s reply to Patricia Briant’s letter as well as the letter of Richard Rowley in The Informer of
with their community and take zero carbon action. In stark contrast, our next-door council
29 June regarding the same issue
and Mayor Toby has willingly consulted and is reducing emissions, backed by strong science-
The purchase of the property at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga is part of a strategy, initiated many
based leadership.
years ago with the purchase of the former Whitianga Fire Station building, to acquire the land
Denis Tegg
adjacent to the Whitianga Town Hall and council office building in Monk Street for civic purposes.
Thames
The 14 Monk Street property is the final piece in achieving this.
The long-term vision is to consolidate all TCDC services - including the council offices, library, Dear Editor - The public boat ramps in Whitianga
town hall and information services - onto one centralised site. The public boat ramps in Whitianga are a disgrace. What’s more, they have become disgracefully
dangerous. It is only a matter of time before someone sustains a serious injury.
Editor’s Note - The sale of the property at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga is not impacting on The
At this moment, you have to ask where has the money gone. It costs $80 per annum or $10 a
Informer in any way, shape or form. Mercury Bay Media Limited (the legal owner of the paper)
day to use the parking at the boat ramps, which over a year adds up to a tidy sum for Thames-
has a lease in place, which will remain on foot. The only change is that the paper now has a
Coromandel District Council. Admittedly council have spent a small fortune on “No Parking”
different landlord.
signs, but it would appear none of this bounty has been wasted on maintenance.
Allow us also to set the record straight with regard to some social media posts last week that
After any decent storm it’s usually left for the boaties themselves to clear the debris away to
The Informer is for sale. That is incorrect. The paper is not on the market.
get access.
Dear Editor - Hauraki District Council’s “Zero Carbon Promise” The Dundas Street ramp is more akin to a ski jump than a boat ramp and is only usable thanks
I invite correspondents Elizabeth Resl (in The Informer of 29 June), and Alastair Brickell and to a member of the public using his own waterblaster to make it reasonably safe. The old ramp on
Anthony Hope-Cross (in The Informer of 22 June) to check out the climate pollution reduction Robinson Road is buried under deep mud at one end and coated in green slime at the upper end
actions our neighbouring council, Hauraki District Council, is taking. HDC have just adopted a which, when wet, becomes a tilted ice rink.
comprehensive “Zero Carbon Promise”. The incidents of people slipping and injuring themselves are becoming more frequent and the
HDC mayor, Toby Adams, has no trouble acknowledging that, “It is a proven fact if we question is how long before someone receives a serious head injury from a fall. Not all boaties are
don’t reduce the amount of greenhouse gases… we’ll face huge local and global challenges in young, flexible and bulletproof. Some of us are old, brittle and potential ACC customers.
the future.” There is a truck in town that has a broom on the front which would only take minutes to brush
Mayor Toby freely acknowledges the need for emission reduction action, saying, “You told us the ramps perhaps once a month and let the tide do the rest. It’s not too difficult and shouldn’t be
reducing our carbon footprint is important and we listened.” He then commits HDC “to do more an expensive exercise either.
to reduce and off-set our greenhouse gas emissions” and to “partnering with iwi, community Wayne Hill
groups and others to work towards a zero-carbon future”. Whitianga
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021
Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Car Talk By Jack Biddle
A question for Jack? Just email us or drop us a note.
Clean-car discounts kick off, but not without some controversy
The government has recently unveiled the Fund has also already co-funded over 1,100 further from our shores than the claims made by It certainly won’t happen overnight, but it does
launch of a feebate scheme to boost sales of EV chargers nationwide while distances the government. definitely start the ball rolling.
electric vehicles (EVs) and plug in hybrids between the charges of pure EVs are already The government’s real message here appears That leaves the used car industry to up its
(PHEVs) with the programme officially kicking increasing and expected to continue that way to be while utes are a necessary tool in many game and introduce more second-hand clean
off the beginning of this month. It means as technology improves, and more new models business sectors, they are asking other buyers burners, including pure EVs, onto the local
consumers can get rebates of up to $8,625 for come to market. to consider other options. If utes continue to sell market from the traditional right-hand drive
certain new vehicles and $3,450 for certain used Like any government announcement, like hot cakes to the general public, then owners hotspots like Japan. This has already begun,
vehicles. The policy is designed to increase the clean-car rebate scheme has drawn will pay for the privilege. but consumers caught up in all the hype need
the uptake of low-emissions vehicles (LEVs) comments good and bad across both the The other issue facing the new car industry to be aware that prices will always be based on
in general. motoring industry and the general public. with the introduction of the policy is the demand and can expect to pay high prices for
A fee on higher-emitting vehicles to help fund Utes such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, availability of EVs, PHEVs and LEVs. these vehicles and therefore shouldn’t be swayed
the policy will be introduced from 1 January which have continued to top the sales charts for The global demand for these vehicles is at an all- solely on receiving the government’s clean-car
2022, which will also coincide with rebates several years, are now seen as the bad guys and time high with countries like New Zealand not rebate. Plus, and this is a big consideration to
being offered on other LEVs such as non-plug keep in mind, trade-in prices will no doubt fall
in hybrids. well short of expectations in many cases.
Interestingly, the announcement came at The government announcement has definitely
the same time as the opening of the Mystery created the time to rethink one’s strategy when
Creek Field Days in Hamilton, with brand new it comes to vehicle ownership moving forward.
ute sales (which are one of the targeted high Do you really need that high emitting vehicle,
emitters) going through the roof as consumers is a question that needs to be asked while on the
bought up large, in many cases as a protest vote flip side, what sort of low emitting vehicle does
against paying the penalty come the beginning in fact tick the box?
of January next year. It’s hard to imagine a farmer, for example,
There are some conditions that come with the without a hard-working, dependable ute on
clean-car discount scheme, including having the farm and until such time as a suitable low-
a price cap on vehicles of $80,000, plus the emission vehicle is made available, then it’s
vehicles meet a set of safety criteria to qualify business as usual and like it or not, the fee to
for the rebate. The penalty only applies to new help subsidise the cleaner fleet will need to be
and used car arrivals into the country also, A Tesla electric vehicle as recently seen in Albert Street, Whitianga. paid from 2022.
so the existing second-hand market is, in theory, will be penalised accordingly come 1 January really considered high priority for the majority The best way forward for consumers
not affected. next year, while EVs, PHEVs and LEVs are of manufacturers, especially for those trying considering a change in motor vehicle is to do
The government believes the policy will definitely viewed as being squeaky clean by the to meet high demand from the left-hand drive their homework, seek sound advice and avoid
prevent up to 9.2 million tonnes of carbon government and the best way forward. markets such as in Europe and China. In other making a knee-jerk decision based solely on
dioxide emissions polluting the environment. In an effort to put ute owners at ease, words, the new car industry in New Zealand is receiving, or not receiving, a monetary rebate.
“The clean-car discount will make it cheaper the government went so far as to say the arrival hardly in a position to demand extra allocation, Our current fleet is definitely aging as Kiwis
for New Zealanders to buy electric and low of new hybrid utes were just around the corner, it’s more the overseas factories dictating vehicle hang onto their vehicles longer than most, so this
emissions cars,” says Michael Wood, Minister so those who really needed such vehicles would numbers heading our way in the short to latest government scheme will at least provide
of Transport. soon be catered for under the clean-car scheme. mid-term. an opportunity for some to move to newer and
And to help elevate the concerns around The new car industry was very quick to shoot So, consumers and the government can cleaner cars. In the meantime, the pros and cons
range anxiety with pure electric cars, down those claims, however, with Toyota New expect long waits for new low-emitting vehicles of the long-term environmental benefits of these
the government’s Low Emission Transport Zealand saying new hybrid utes were a lot to finally hit our roads in increased numbers. vehicles will continue to rage on.
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Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021Issue 957
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July2021
2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Whitianga’s Purple
Poppy Man
By Tony Stickley
Although former Army captain, Bruce Page, League) which provides blue crosses for war
admits that the only pets he ever owned were animals.
domestic cats, he has a huge affection and Three New Zealand animals have received
respect for animals that served in theatres of the medal - Ceasar, a WW1 dog whose name
combat around the world. was apparently misspelled, Bess, one of
Bruce, 66, who lives in Whitianga, is the the four horses to return from Europe at the
New Zealand representative for the Australian end of WWI and an Afghan dog which was
War Animal Memorial Organisation adopted as a mascot by New Zealand troops
(AWAMO) which was instrumental in a during their tours of duty in Afghanistan.
permanent memorial to military animals “He wasn’t just their mascot, he acted as a
being erected at the New Zealand Army’s sort of guard or look-out for the troops as
national museum at Waiouru in 2018. well,” Bruce said.
And just as Poppy Day in April marks the Approximately nine million animals
human sacrifice in war with a red poppy, died in WWI and Bruce said that their
New Zealand established a Purple Poppy unbreakable bond with the soldiers and their
Day for animals on 24 February each year. sacrifice needed to be honoured. He noted
It is a tradition which has now been taken that although the horse was the prime animal
up with enthusiasm in Australia, the United for the Kiwi Mounted Riflemen in the deserts
States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India of the Middle East, their fight could not have
and France. been carried out without the support of mules,
Bruce said AWAMO was set up by an donkeys and camels as well.
Australian friend, Nigel Allsopp, whom More than 400 New Zealanders served in
he met while serving as an engineer at the Imperial Camel Corps, who needed to be
Whenuapai, with the rank of flight lieutenant, skilled in dealing with such irritable beasts.
before transferring to the Army as a captain. While horses and camels no longer form
“It is about commemorating the animals that part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s
were used in war and providing memorials logistical resources, dogs were increasingly
to their service,” he said. “There is a whole being used for a variety of functions.
mixture of animals that were used, from “Currently within the NZDF the use of
horses, donkeys and mules to camels, dogs animals, in fact, is on the increase as opposed
and pigeons. And most of the units had a to decline,” Bruce said. “This is primarily
mascot of some sort - it could be anything due to military working dogs and specialist
from a goat to a cat or a rat, or anything.” explosive search dogs being used to combat
Bruce said that in World War I horses were terrorist activities in both homeland defence
undoubtedly the most important animal for and international operations.
the ANZACs in the campaigns in Europe, The Air Force had just built a brand-new
the Mediterranean and Egypt, both for the facility at Whenuapai for training dogs for
cavalry and for transport, along with the search, track and attack in order to protect
mules and donkeys. military assets, including the country’s new
Around 10,000 horses were sent from New 737 Poseidon coastal patrol planes. “If a
Zealand but only four returned. Many were person resists, then the dogs are let loose,”
killed in battle while others were left behind Bruce said. “The Romans used dogs in
because of quarantine restrictions back home. battle against their enemy. It is not quite like
In many cases they were put down by their Shakespeare’s ‘Cry havoc! And let slip the
handlers who feared the animals would be dogs of war,’ but these dogs being trained at
mistreated by the locals after the troops pulled Whenuapai will attack and bite.”
out. “It was considered just too difficult to Bruce said that AWAMO raised money
bring them back,” Bruce said. for memorials by selling pins and other
One of the enduring ANZAC images memorabilia, but in recent years the women’s
from WWI was the painting by Horace section of the Returned and Services
Moore-Jones of “Simpson and his Donkey”. Association had taken up the baton to honour
But without wishing to start a new pavlova animals who had served with the armed
conflict with Australia, Bruce said many old forces. “They have definitely taken it up in a
New Zealand soldiers believed that it was big way, which I think is wonderful,” he said.
actually a painting of a Kiwi soldier and The RSA women’s section and AWAMO
not an Australian Digger, as the Australians also support post-traumatic stress disorder in
believe. ex-servicesmen and dogs play a huge role in
Bruce is also the New Zealand representative that work. “Their companionship is regarded
for the Blue Cross, a British animal welfare as a wonderful therapeutic support for the ex-
group (founded in 1897 as Our Dumb Friends soldiers,” Bruce said.
Former Army captain, Bruce Page, the New Zealand representative for the
Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, at Waiouru in 2018.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021Issue 957
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Issue 957
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Issue 957
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2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Matariki celebrated
with community hangi
On Thursday last week, Whenuakite School celebrated Matariki with a community hangi in
which more than 200 people participated.
“It was a fabulous event which again had wonderful support from our community, Whenuakite
Country Kids Early Learning Centre and many whānau and friends,” says Eamonn Kelly,
school principal. “Our community spirit was superb and there were so many volunteers and
helpers. Each term our tamariki learn of Māori values and concepts, and they participated fully
in the Matariki sharing, preparation and celebrations.”
At the same time, the school community farewelled deputy principal, Michael Ewing, who has
been with the school for two-and-a-half years. Michael is taking some time out to study for a
Master’s degree in education.
“The Matariki celebration kicked off with with a karakia, haka, waiata and speeches,”
says Eamonn. “Michael and his whānau were thanked for the devotion and hard work that they
have invested into Whenuakite School and we wished him all the best for the challenge ahead.
This was then followed by the lifting of the hangi and the shared kai for everyone.
“We had whānau and friends from Whangamatā, Rotorua, Pukekohe and Hamilton as well as
the Ministry of Education and the local kahui ako (community of learning) with us on the day.
“A special mention must go to our superstar deputy principal, Nicola Riedinger, and her husband,
Jason, who planned and organised the event, seeing it through to its successful conclusion.
We thank everyone for the support and are truly grateful for the many donations of time, money
and food, as well as making it a very special and enjoyable day.
“We were pleased that we had locally sourced pork and vegetables, and even some produce
which was grown at school and preserved for the pudding, with our tamariki making the
steamed puddings and preparing the parcels of food that were served.”
Pictured is some of Thursday’s hangi action.
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021Issue 957
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2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19What’s On In the next few weeks
Regular Activities Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club
Op-shops Meets every Thursday at 6:45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Come along and join in or phone Alan on
• Social Services Op-shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street 866 4024 or Cheryl on 0274 527887 for more information.
(west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Mercury Bay Pickleball Club
• The Church Op-shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Meets every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available.
• St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Mercury Bay Tennis Club
10:00am - 2:00pm. Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga.
Justice of the Peace Mercury Bay Table Tennis
Available every Monday (except public holidays) from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Meets every Tuesday from 9:00am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on
Bookings not necessary. Phone 866 4476 for more information. (07) 869 5162 or (027) 565 5575 for more information.
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Mercury Bay Badminton
10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets every Wednesday from 9:30am - 11:00am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome.
Whitianga Senior Citizens Club Phone (07) 866 5476 for more information.
Meets Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie AA Driver Licensing
etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga.
Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Mercury Bay Community Choir
Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. This “all-comers” choir rehearses every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area School Music Room.
Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. New singers always welcome. Phone Kate on (027) 270 9508 for more information.
SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Whitianga Playcentre
Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon at 1D White Street, Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years,
computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on free entry. Visitors welcome.
(027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. Cooks Beachcare Group
Chinwag Café Make new friends, learn about conservation and make a difference. We meet Thursdays for hands-on weeding and
Every Friday from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other planting, 9:00am - 11:00am. Register on our website, www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz or phone Adele on (021) 201 6625.
people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag. Dog Walking Group
Mercury Rockers Meets every Thursday at 2:00pm at Lovers Rock, Robinson Road, Whitianga. An opportunity to socialise your dog.
Rock ‘n Roll every Monday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. All welcome, lessons Scottish Country Dancing
available. Phone Chris on (021) 504 246 for more information. Meets every Tuesday from 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the Supper Room of the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Phone Anthea
Whitianga Art Group on 866 4516 or (021) 158 1522 for more information.
Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for
a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information. Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Winter Tuna Tournament
Alcoholics Anonymous Until Tuesday, 31 August. Entry fee $250 per boat. Great prizes on offer. See mbgfc.co.nz for more information.
Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Thames Valley First XV Rugby - Saturday, 10 July
Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information. Coulter Cup Final - Mercury Bay Area School v Paeroa College in Ngatea. Kick-off at 1:30pm.
Serenity Al-Anon Group Thames Valley Senior Rugby - Saturday, 10 July
Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by Semi-final - Mercury Bay Senior B v Thames Senior B in Thames. Kick-off at 12:25pm.
someone else’s drinking. Semi-final - Coromandel Town Senior B v Waihi Athletic Senior B in Coromandel Town. Kick-off at 2:00pm.
Whitianga Menz Shed Semi-final - Mercury Bay Senior A Marlins v Cobras in Whitianga. Kick-off at 2:00pm.
Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel Arts on Tour New Zealand’s “Aperture - The Life and Work of Ans Westra”
truck stop. All welcome. Saturday, 10 July at 7:00pm at the Coghill Theatre, Coghill Street, Whitianga. A play by actor/director Martine
Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club Baarvinger about the life of a photographer who successfully captured an important part of Aotearoa’s history.
Meet every Wednesday at 1:00pm and every Thursday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Tickets - adults $25, 18 and under $10, available from Mercury Bay Pharmacy and online at eventbrite.co.nz.
Phone Gavin on (07) 866 2343 or (021) 146 9203 for more information.
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021“Leaving our shop, but not our customers” The fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has be able to deliver the same quality service we with each customer directly. “In this time of turns out to be something else. provided Maria and Steve Osborn of Epoch have delivered over the years, but we won’t uncertainty, I need to be able to explain to “This is really a case of us leaving our shop, Antiques & Floristry with an opportunity to really have to raise our prices.” customers what we have available and what but not our customers.” make changes to their business that will not Maria says it won’t be possible for they can expect for their money. Things Some other things will be able to be only allow them to operate more efficiently, customers to order floral arrangements change on a daily basis and I don’t want purchased through the website, however. but also to expand their offering to existing through their website, which in the process of people to see a picture on the internet and Maria is an accomplished artist and is looking and new customers. being developed, as it’s important she deals think that’s what they will be getting, while it forward to focus more on her art. “I certainly “We were forced to rethink our business will be creating floral paintings, and things after eight years in our shop in Albert Street, like succulent chairs and other floral crafts Whitianga,” says Maria. “Supply chain issues that will be available through our website,” around the world aren’t only affecting the she says. “Some of the furniture Steve has price of the flowers that are imported into the restored will also be listed on the website, country, but also the reliability of delivery. together with the range of antiques we used This is a real problem, especially in winter to sell in our shop.” when there is limited domestically-grown Maria and Steve also plan to become flowers available in New Zealand. familiar faces at the weekend and high season “Steve and I started talking about relocating markets in and around Whitianga. “Selling the business to our conservation block 10 our flowers and floral crafts at the markets minutes outside Whitianga and the more will not only be a great opportunity to keep we talked about it, the more it made sense. our name and what we have to offer out there, It really is going to allow us to do more and but also to interact with customers personally, to be more efficient in how we do things. which is something that has always been We fitted out two workshops on the property important to us,” says Maria. to work from, one for my flowers and the In addition, working from home will other for the growing furniture restoration provide Maria and Steve with the opportunity projects Steve is involved in. to produce some of what they need in their “Instead of walking into the shop to place business themselves. “Foliage is a great an order for flowers, customers will continue example,” says Maria. “Make no mistake, to be able to phone or email us, or contact the cost and supply of foliage is under us through social media. We will still deliver pressure at the moment. If we can use our free of charge to any address in Whitianga, property to relieve some of that pressure, Monday to Saturday, exactly as we are doing it will be one less thing to worry about. at the moment. The only difference is that “Working from home will be a different going forward, that will include delivery experience for us, but if it means we can keep from customers who would normally have our prices under control and offer more to our collected their orders from us personally. Maria Osborn of Epoch Antiques & Floristry. The business is relocating from a shop in Albert customers, it will hopefully be a win-win for “Overall, working from home means we’ll Street, Whitianga to Maria and her husband, Steve’s conservation block outside town. everyone.” Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21
Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Catherine’s Column
By Catherine Delahunty - Coromandel Peninsula resident and former Green Party MP
Matariki
It’s Matariki and it’s so much more than star- of family and community which go beyond
Crossword Puzzle 957 the living.
shaped cookies and a national day off from
next year. This Matariki, I am thinking about the
I am learning more about this important Hauraki kuia who taught me so much about
festival bit by bit and I am really enjoying the respecting the land and water, and standing
Name: _________________________________________________________________ first festival I have ever known which actually up for what is right in the context of Hauraki.
celebrates our season and our southern skies. It’s time to feel lucky for the gifts received
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________ Christmas cards of snow and robins, from people like Betty Williams, I am so sad
eating huge roasts and Christmas pudding in she is gone but lucky to have been educated
December have never fit with this country. by her.
Easter, with its pre-Christan European This is the time when frost knocks back the
Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail, scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or roots, is a religious festival but also a taro in the garden and the other plants seem
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim fertility festival and a welcoming of spring. to be barely growing, they are waiting for
their prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week We try and celebrate it as autumn begins and warmth to heat the soil and feed their roots,
following the issue in which they were announced the winner. it doesn’t make sense. this is the natural order and it won’t be long
until the season shifts from Matariki into the
But Matariki is connected to the appearance
lively signs of spring.
of a star group in our hemisphere and it’s
Matariki is our chance to listen to what the
a coherent connection between where we
natural world is saying and to connect with
are and the seasonal realities. I know it’s so where we are. How this festival will develop
much more than just reflecting on lost loved and evolve is unclear to me and I really hope
ones and sharing plans and dreams of the the integrity of its cultural meaning can be
year to come, but these are starting points to respected by everyone.
a new understanding by those of us who are I was listening to a podcast on Chinese
not Māori. New Year this week and it gave me a glimpse
The nights are long and cold and the days of another wonderful cultural event which
short. It makes sense to reflect on our lives, takes weeks, not days, to celebrate. It was
to share food with family, to sit around a fire. fascinating to learn about the colours, foods
I love the way Professor Rangi Matamua and rituals that are upheld by Chinese
guides us to think about Matariki and reminds communities.
us to be “present, not buy the presents” We have so many rich cultures to learn
for family at this time. Whatever way we about, but Matariki is different. Matariki is
experience the world, it’s great to have a indigenous to this land and belongs to tangata
festival that is not about shopping and hyper whenua. We can be part of it and learn from it
activity, but explicitly focused on the bonds if we start with that basic understanding.
Last week’s solution
ACROSS DOWN
1. Sorcerers 1. Irrigating
4. Australian marsupial 2. Influence
3. Footwear item
7. Results
4. Touch lips
8. Steam burn 5. Move forward
9. Remove from danger 6. Between
12. Railway bridges 10. Eject from home
15. Pulled a face 11. Exalts
17. Radio interference 13. Dotted
14. Wondrous thing
18. Playing-card Jack
16. Cave chamber
21. Embarrassed 18. Flying toy
22. Levels 19. Wheat tips
23. Showed gratitude to 20. Breathe rapidly
Last week’s winner - Debbie Holmes
Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021You can also read
