The making of a triplane - The Mercury Bay Informer
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80
Issue 880 - 15 January 2020 Phone 07 866 2090 (07) 867 15 Circulation 7,500
Telephone the Coromandel
pport
Proud to su Helicopter Trust
Rescue
The making of a triplane
Quietly in the background, in a hangar at the Whitianga Airport, a triplane is taking shape.
The main instigator is Mercury Bay Aero Club (MBAC) member and avid pilot, Peter Walton (on the right). Two fellow MBAC members, Martin Little (on the left)
and Doug St George (centre) are of great help. The plane can be seen immediately behind the three of them. Read the story on page 3.
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Jamboree an unforgettable experience for
three local scouts
By Gillian O’Neill
Life lessons and a myriad of awesome while for Cerys, rifle shooting was her favourite
adventures were the rewards for three activity, which was part of a day programme
Whitianga Sea Scouts who fundraised that also included archery, mountain biking,
their way to the 2020 New Zealand Scout drift cars and changing a tyre among others.
Jamboree at the Mystery Creek Events Centre “The whole thing was so well organised,
outside Hamilton. it felt very safe, there was a strong focus on
Caitlin Bird, Cerys Green and Cameron Lee health and safety, and hygiene and everything
have just returned from the 11-day camp, which ran like clockwork,” said Chrissie.
welcomed more than 4,000 Scouts and leaders Each patrol also had a duty day when they
from across the world between 28 December needed to look after their camp maintenance
and 7 January. and do all the catering for their troop. “So, in
The three were all part of the troop the morning they had a cooking lesson showing
representing the Eastern Waikato region who them how to prepare the meals for the day.
travelled under the banner, “the Surf Breakers.” They then had to go to the site supermarket
Whitianga Sea Scouts leaders, Chrissie Reilly and collect all their ingredients. It was a huge
and Darrell Bird, each accompanied the troop task, but it was amazing to see how the children
for half of the camp. managed it and how much they learned,”
“Each troop had their own jamboree village, said Daryll.
each with six patrols of six kids. It is very much The children also loved meeting other Scouts
a youth led programme with the kids taking from across New Zealand and around the world.
responsibility for managing their camp and Caitlyn enjoyed the experience so much,
themselves. Us adults are just there to support,” she is already setting her sights on attending
said Chrissie. future jamborees. “The next one happening near
Darrel agreed. “It was amazing to see the us is in Sydney in 2022 and I would really like
growth within the kids and how their confidence to go to that. There is also the World Jamboree
developed. It was a really safe environment in South Korea in three years, that would be
where they felt comfortable pushing cool,” she said.
themselves,” he said. Any Scouts who had achieved their bronze
Throughout the jamboree, the Scouts were badge was eligible to attend the jamboree at
involved in a range of fun activities designed to the Mystery Creek Events Centre, but needed
challenge themselves and encourage teamwork. to raise the $1,000 cost. “I made necklaces
“The day at Karapiro was my favourite. and windchimes and sold them at markets,”
We were on the water for most of the day, we had said Cerys.
to build a raft and we did sailing, paddleboarding, One of Cameron and Caitlin’s fundraisers
kayaking and tubing,” Cameron said. was collecting and selling pinecones.
Collecting and swapping badges was another There were also several sausage sizzles and
huge part of the camp social scene. “It was next the Scouts, in addition, received a donation for
level and the adults were worse than the kids,” handing out water during the Whitianga Half Whitianga Sea Scouts (from the left), Caitlin Bird, Cerys Green and Cameron Lee,
laughed Darrell. Marathon. “They put the effort in and they have recently attended the 2020 New Zealand Scout Jamboree at the Mystery Creek Events
Caitlin also chose Karapiro as her highlight, definitely earned their spots,” said Darrell. Centre outside Hamilton along with Scout leaders (back) Darrell Bird and Chrissie Reilly.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 15 January to Wednesday, 22 January - This week most of the action with the planets happens in the early dawn sky as they
are mostly near the Sun from our point of view. However, Venus remains a brilliant sight in the western sky just after sunset. It is unmistakable as the
evening “star” at the moment and slowly rises higher in the sky over the next few weeks. A small telescope will reveal that it now has a distinctly non-
circular shape, which will transition to a crescent over the next month or so. There may be some of the Starlink satellites visible in the early evening
this week too. Another 60 were launched two weeks ago. Look for a chain of faint satellites crossing the sky together. Friday, 17 January - The pre-
dawn eastern sky will have bright Jupiter on the horizon with Mars and the red giant star Antares just above it. Antares means “rival of Mars” and it will
be interesting to compare their colours and brightness. Monday, 20 January - The crescent Moon lies just above and to the left of Mars in the dawn Astronomy Tours and B&B
eastern sky. Tuesday, 21 January - The crescent Moon now joins the morning show and almost forms a line with Mars and Antares above it and to Phone (07) 866 5343
the right. Mars and Antares are at their closest today, so a good time to compare their colours and brightness. Wednesday, 22 January - The early
morning Moon is now about halfway between Mars and Jupiter, which are very low on the horizon. www.stargazersbb.com
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by
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4 Dakota Drive
Whitianga
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 880 - 15 January 2020
The making of a triplane
By Stephan Bosman
Quietly in the background, in Peter Walton’s During that time I’ve also had to replace my
hangar at the Whitianga Airport, a replica Mustang’s engine, which was a big undertaking
Fokker Dr1 triplane is taking shape. all by itself.
In mid-2016, Peter and his wife, Lyn, popped “I treat the triplane build like a job, which
into Airdrome Airplanes in Missouri, USA to means I get out of bed, ready to put in the hours
have a look around. that day. It’s the same way I treated life when
Peter is an avid pilot and the owner of a I was in business, if you don’t make the hours
Mustang replica aircraft. He retired in 2007 after count, you’re not going to get anywhere.
a successful business career. He and Lyn spend “Building the aeroplane required a lot
six months of the year in Whitianga, where their of innovation along the way. To be honest,
family home is, and the other six months, when I probably relied more on a small toy model of
it’s winter in New Zealand, in their motorhome the Red Baron’s plane than on the plans that
and on their launch in North America. came with the kitset.
“I’ve wanted to own a replica World War I “Several members of the Mercury Bay Aero
aeroplane for a long time,” says Peter. “When Club are helping me with the build whenever
a friend told me of the wide variety of kitset they have a spare moment or two. Doug St
aircraft sold by Airdrome Airplanes, I simply George and Martin Little were vital in getting
couldn’t stay away. The Fokker triplane the canvas on and Keith Skilling has been a real
immediately caught my eye, not only because help with the painting.”
it’s a full-scale replica, but also because it’s the Sporting the signature red colour scheme of
aeroplane the legendary Red Baron was best the Red Baron’s Fokker, Peter’s triplane has
associated with. I ended up purchasing a kitset already undertaken some taxi runs. “We’re
of the plane, which arrived in Whitianga in getting to the point of fine-tuning,” he says.
December 2016.” “Keep in mind that the Fokker Dr1 flew not
Manfred von Richthofen, the “Red Baron,” that long after the Wright Brothers’ first flight
was a German fighter pilot who shot down 80 in 1903. Obviously, the designers of the triplane
Allied aeroplanes during the course of his career, thought three sets of wings were better than one
19 while piloting a Fokker Dr1. “The plane I’m or two, which has proven over the years to be
styling my triplane after was given the number far from the case. I’m well aware that the plane
FI 102/17 and was one of two prototypes,” says won’t be easy to fly and am allowing for some
Peter. “It was the first Dr1 the Red Baron flew, modifications to make sure the pilot, whether it’s
on 1 September 1917. He shot two aeroplanes me or someone else, will be as safe as possible.”
down that day.” Since Peter and Lyn started to explore North
Once the kitset arrived in Whitianga, Peter America somewhat more than 12 years ago,
set to work. Today, somewhat more than three not long after Peter’s retirement, they’ve
years later, his triplane is not far from flying visited all 50 states of the USA and most of
for the first time. “Lyn and I plan to go back to the Canadian Provinces. Whitianga remains
the USA for six months in April this year,” says their favourite place in the world, however.
Peter. “I would love for the aeroplane to fly by “It’s always great to come home,” says Peter.
then, but if not, it’s not the end of the world. “Nothing beats spending Christmas with our
It’s not a race. When I opened the kitset, all I children grandchildren in Whitianga.
saw was a pile of steel rods, some canvas and a “And who knows, Christmas this year may be
few sheets of plans. extra special if I can take my Fokker triplane
“Over the course of the past three years, for a tiki tour overhead Cathedral Cove and Hot
I’ve been working on the plane whenever we Water Beach early in the morning. I can only
were in Whitianga, about 15-months in total. imagine the sense of satisfaction I will feel.”
858 - 15
Issue 880 14January
August 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
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Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 880 - 15 January 2020
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Long-time Friendship Club volunteers say farewell
By Pamela Ferla
Tairua women, Judie Rutherford and Annette Taylor, stepped down from their voluntary roles at the Tairua Care
and Friendship Club in December last year after 35 years of involvement between them.
Judie answered an advertisement for volunteers 19 years ago. She says the club programme has evolved over
the years, but it still offers companionship and a good lunch for those living on their own or wanting company.
“We used to do crafts and card games before lunch. Now the focus is on meeting others, chatting together and
enjoying a meal. I have loved being involved over the years, but now it’s time to move on,” she says.
Judie is also involved with the Tairua Garden Club and was chairperson of Tairua Information Centre when it
was still looking for a permanent home. She recalls the days when the centre was housed in a shipping crate
in Manaia Road, nicknamed the “cake tin.”
Annette joined the Tairua Care and Friendship Club 16 years ago and says in those early days there were only
about 10 people turning up for meals. Numbers gradually grew to about 30 and now fluctuate. “Our focus at
the Friendship Club is on caring. Sometimes residents on their own don’t see anyone from week to week and
want a bit of company. We get a thrill out of seeing the enjoyment on their faces,” she says.
Annette has also enjoyed the comradery within the volunteer group and says there are a lot of people who
generously give their time in the Tairua community. Annette has worked at Tairua Aged Care as a cook and in
recent years set up a florist business. She has also done arts and crafts at Tairua School and enjoys patchwork.
The Tairua Care and Friendship Club meets on Tuesdays at the Tairua Community Hall. The club’s focus on care
in the community includes running vans to take people to medical appointments.
Pictured are Judy (left) and Annette during their last day as Tairua Care and Friendship Club volunteers.
858 - 15
Issue 880 14January
August 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
“The trees are burning with rage”
By Gillian O’Neill
Much of what renowned Otama artist, he says. That’s perhaps a suggestion that the spaces they create. “Some of the trees in their dynamism, how they shape the world
Michael Smither, has to say goes on the canvas. stretches beyond the art and into a world the paintings have been growing for three beyond, the light and shade they create and
But just a short chat with the personable self- where the artist believes more than a small or four hundred years. Each branch has the potential for surprise that inject a tangible
proclaimed greenie and it’s clear that words shift is required. developed in its own particular way, creating vibrancy into the paintings so that this serious
are also a comfortable medium. His interest in Japanese calligraphy was its own unique shapes through which we can subject matter is delivered with tremendous
The painter enjoyed on Thursday last one of the first things to drive Michael’s look beyond,” he says. energy and a note of defiance.
week a meet and greet with visitors to fascination with shapes and, in particular, It is these views through the trees, There is emotion on the canvasses and
Bread & Butter Gallery in Whitianga equally in the room as Michael lights up
where his latest exhibition “Light Through when discussing his role in the recent
the Trees” is currently open to the public. public art programme which has seen more
As our conversation drifts casually from than 10 murals installed around the streets
Italian painters and music to Michael’s first of Whitianga.
ever mural on the bathroom wall as a child “Doing some of those murals was one
back in New Plymouth, the artist gently of my favourite things that I have done in
unwraps the multiple thought layers portrayed recent years, I thoroughly enjoyed doing
in his latest works. them and I love seeing them when I am in
“All the paintings in Light Through the town. I have always been a big fan of murals.
Trees are based on real trees in Otama. It is wonderful having such great art out in
The trees are burning with rage because of a public space where everyone can enjoy
what we as humans are doing,” Michael says. and appreciate it, rather than locked away
While the exhibition has been several years in private collections, as often is the case,”
in the making, inspired by the Michael’s deep he says.
passion for the environment, the parallels The way art created space for some
between the distress of his brush strokes and challenging but necessary conversations
the reality of the bush fire crisis in Australia during the Tuia 250 commemorations was
are inescapable. “The planet is burning and it another positive development from Michael’s
is not by accident. We have been relentless is perspective.
our destruction and our world cannot take any Yet again, we are back on the subject
more, it has reached the limit,” he says. of space and our conversation and walk
The work is at times sobering, at times around Bread & Butter has provided exactly
angry and certainly powerful. But, whether that - the space to view Michael’s pieces from
intentionally or in spite of himself, Michael many angles, the space to contemplate and
still offers some glimpses of hope and a sense consider the messages the artworks want to
that maybe all is not lost after all. “That’s the convey and the space for a very nice chat on
interesting thing about the shapes created by a sunny Thursday afternoon.
the empty spaces, you only need to step a Light Through the Trees continues until 31
little to the left or the right and you can see Renowned Otama artist, Michael Smither, with one of the paintings from his January. Michael will be in-house at Bread &
things from a while different perspective,” “Light Through the Trees” exhibition currently running at Bread & Butter Gallery in Whitianga. Butter every Thursday from 2:00pm to 2:30pm.
Not getting The Informer delivered in your letterbox?
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Email info@theinformer.co.nz or phone (07) 866 2090.
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 880 - 15 January 2020
No decision yet on ultrafast
broadband for Ohuka Park
A leaflet drop in the Ohuka Park subdivision in Whitianga telling homeowners that “Fibre is coming”
may have caught cable installation company, Chorus, a little by surprise.
While residents in the area say they are delighted that their campaign to have their streets covered
by the ultrafast broadband (UFB) roll-out in Whitianga had a positive result, it appears that the
negotiations to have them included in the project have not yet been completed.
A group representing around 47 property owners in Tarapatiki Drive, Ohuka Place and Tironui Place
made a detailed submission in July last year advocating for UFB to be provided on their streets,
located to the west of Centennial Drive. Work has been underway in several areas of Whitianga
over the last few months with a view to having the fibre roll-out fully complete by August this year.
Leaflets are being delivered to Whitianga households in the vicinity of where works are scheduled
to commence.
Chorus did not confirm if the leaflets had been delivered in error to the Ohuka Park residents,
but said while it was “highly likely” that the roll-out would go ahead in this area, it was still “subject
to agreement.”
“This area is among a number of additions to the UFB coverage area that are being worked through
between Chorus and Crown Infrastructure,” a Chorus spokesperson told The Informer. No further
information was provided in terms of when a final decision would be reached.
The map above shows the current Centennial Drive zone (excluding Ohuka Park) for the planned roll-
out of fibre to deliver UFB to Whitianga and is published courtesy of Chorus.
Issue 880
858 - 15
14January
August 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Rescue helicopter petition
enjoying great momentum
The team at Paper Plus Whitianga are pulling out the all stops to collect as many signatures as they
possibly can in the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust/Informer/More FM-initiated petition to reinstate a
rescue helicopter based on the Coromandel over the summer and other busy holiday periods.
With staff member, Lynne Wilkins, keeping everyone motivated, the team has already collected many
hundreds of signatures.
The petition is enjoying great momentum, with more than 12,500 signatures collected (both online and in
hard copy) in less than two weeks.
Some outstanding news is that Greenstone Entertainment, the promoters of the Whitianga Summer
Concert on Sunday, 26 January, is in full support of the petition and will allow signatures to be collected
before and during the concert. The generosity of Greenstone is highly appreciated.
If you’re a business owner, member of a community group or simply a good sort and have full petition
forms to be collected, or you need more forms, please let us know on telephone (07) 866 2090 or email
info@theinformer.co.nz and we’ll arrange to catch up with you.
Since the launch of the petition, we’ve been contacted by several people who shared with us their
rescue helicopter experiences or concerns. While the petition is running its course, we’ll start working
on a Parliamentary Select Committee submission in support of the petition. If you have a story to tell or
thoughts to share, please be in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
For the link to the online version of the petition, see the advertisements on this page and page 26.
Please do not sign the online version of the petition if you’ve already signed a hard copy form.
Pictured is Lynne Wilkins (in the centre) with Paper Plus Whitianga owners, Derek and Maribel Murie,
on Thursday last week.
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 880 - 15 January 2020
Kids get creative at library activity sessions
Kids across the Coromandel have been keen getting creative and inventive at the various with storytelling and Taniwha mask-making.
activity sessions being hosted by the three district libraries. Dinosaur story time and a fossil dig, sock puppets, Wiggle-Bot madness and a Lego building
The libraries’ school holiday programme kicked off last week and will continue on Tuesday, challenge are among the other fun activities taking place throughout the three-week programme,
Wednesday and Thursday mornings until 23 January. which runs at Tairua and Thames libraries as well as Mercury Bay.
Fourteen children dabbled with paint, glue and cardboard for the opening morning at the Mercury Each session starts and 10:30am and registration is required. Contact your local library for
Bay Library in Whitianga on Tuesday last week, which consisted of an “Art-tastic” session. more information and to book a spot.
“The children had a choice of what sort of art they would like to make from the resources In the photo on the left is Savahna Hull with her creations from the Mercury Bay Library’s
available and they all produced some lovely original pieces,” said librarian, Christine Towgood. Art-tastic session. In the photo on the right is Myles Virbickers showing off his Taniwha mask
The fun continued on Wednesday when seven younger children enjoyed a toddler time session created at the library’s session on Wednesday.
Issue 880
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14January
August 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Uncertainty over future of
Hahei Market Day
The organisers of the annual Hahei Market Day say they are happy and relieved after the wind failed to
disrupt what was a thoroughly successful event on Monday last week.
“Despite the market day finishing a little earlier due to the strong wind, stallholders reported a successful
day and the Kotare Reserve one of their best venues,” said John North, chairman of Hahei’s Florence
Harsant Library, which benefits from the proceeds of the event.
However, question marks are now hanging over the future of the longstanding event with John and other
key members of the organising team stepping down. “Following the transfer of the event from the Hahei
Village Green to the Kotare Reserve several years ago, the market has doubled in size and generates a
financial surplus above what the library needs to operate. These excess funds are allocated with a focus
on community wellbeing. Previous recipients include the Hahei Community Centre, the St John Hahei
Ambulance Station, the Hahei Memorial Garden, Kuaotunu Land Search and Rescue, the Wilderland Fire
Fund, the Auckland and Coromandel Rescue Helicopters, the Hahei Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Hot
Water Beach surf lifesavers,” John said.
Tina North, who coordinates the sale of stalls, and Pam Neate, the library treasurer for the past 10
years, are also retiring, although they will still volunteer at the library. John says there is a simple and
straightforward template for the market day in place that will make it easy for new organisers to take over.
“It is a simple no frills market day - free entrance, no sponsorship and a minimum number of volunteers is
required on the day. We are hoping that within the wider community someone will take up the challenge,”
he said.
Signing off on his final market day, John acknowledged local builder, Jeff Hick, who once again marked
out the stall sites.
Pictured are the retiring organisers of the Hahei Market Day. From the left - Pam Neate, John North and
Tina North.
Advertisement sponsored by
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 880 - 15 January 2020The St John Siren
Sponsored by Mercury Bay Pharmacy - Tel 866 4532
The last month of 2019 started out just like any other month in terms of
call-outs.
However, the last six days of December made up nearly half of the month’s
total responses. Our total responses for December was 115, which was an
increase of 12 on the same month in 2018. These consisted of 68 medical
and 47 trauma-related calls. An air ambulance was utilised on five occasions.
The St John Whitianga total responses for the 2019 year stood at 1,169,
an increase of 26 over the previous year.
St John has provided staffing over the five peak summer weeks to enable us
to crew another ambulance from 10:00am until 10:00pm.
In Whitianga, our staffing levels have remained stable with four full-time
paramedics, one full-time relief paramedic and 19 volunteer ambulance officers.
The really good news is that four new volunteers are currently in the
assessment and acceptance process, so we are looking forward to welcoming
them to the station.
The other bit of good news is that St John has established a First Response
Group in Kuaotunu. We have moved the group from Opito Bay as we have
more qualified ambulance officers available in Kuaotunu. The response area
of the group will be from Opito Bay through to and including Matarangi,
and everywhere in between. Over the last 12 months, the majority of our call-
outs in the northern Mercury Bay area have been in Kuaotunu, closely followed
by Matarangi.
I am hopeful that, as the group develops, we will also have responders in
Matarangi and Opito Bay. We are looking for people to join the First Response
Group. Training courses are provided free of charge and volunteer members of
the group will be aligned to the Whitianga Ambulance Station. It is important
that the community support the group as it is a First Response Group’s function
to respond to ambulance call-outs in the response area and provide treatment
before an ambulance arrives.
We wish everyone a safe summer. Keep an eye on each other, especially
when swimming. Take care with the barbecue to ensure that it is adequately
ventilated before lighting it and please try to moderate your alcohol intake.
Alcohol overdose is not pleasant from any perspective.
Mike Burrows
Manager St John Whitianga Ambulance Station Two of the St John First Responders in Kuaotunu, Carrie Richards-Baldwin (left) and Lise Hermansen.
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Issue 880
858 - 15
14January
August 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 880 - 15 January 2020
A genuine good guy serving the community
for more than 50 years
By Jack Biddle
It was Labour Weekend 1969 when 23-year-old an understatement, with his current workshop Robbie is one of the town’s genuine good guys, who had just been laid off due to lack of work
Robbie Yeomans took the plunge and began and office filled with gear and tools that date a man eager to help others, never seeking the and was willing to give anything a go. That’s one
his life as a local self-employed plumber. back many decades. limelight and always wanting others to succeed. of the things I admire most about Robbie, if you
His total assets consisted of an old Austin A55 As cluttered as it looks, Robbie claims he Over the years he has given back far more were prepared to put in a fair day’s work, then
van, the bare essentials in plumbing gear and a knows where everything is and it’s all within than he ever gained from the local community, he enthusiastically provided the opportunity for
very modest bank account. easy reach. Even the old sheet metal bending much of which has gone unnoticed. apprentices like me to learn the plumbing trade
Whitianga’s population at the time was less and cutting equipment which is now redundant Well respected local identity, former Whitianga and to make a positive start to life.
than a thousand people and the roads either in the world of modern plumbing still has pride Fire Chief Merv George, was Robbie’s very “After my apprenticeship was completed,
side of town were all metal. Qualified plumbers of place on the workshop floor and is going first apprentice and can’t speak highly enough I spent a number of years working for Robbie
were in short supply and Robbie, originally nowhere fast. of his ex-boss. “I owe an awful lot to Robbie,” before deciding to follow in his footsteps and
from the lower North Island town of Greytown, But Robbie’s 50 years on the tools and says Merv. “He gave me an opportunity when start my own plumbing business. Robbie never
was encouraged by his parents, who were playing a significant role in the development of I thought the door had well and truly closed. held a grudge, in fact he wanted to see me take
residing in Whitianga at the time, to have a go Whitianga isn’t where this story starts and ends. He took a punt on a young carpenter’s labourer that big step, and even sold me an old van and
on his own. Overnight, the number of registered threw in a bit of gear to help get me started.
plumbers in town went from two to three. We remain good friends to this day.”
It turned out to be sound advice from his folks While Merv was the first, there were a number
with Yeomans Plumbing (these days trading as of other young Mercury Bay men who served
Mercury Bay Plumbing & Drainage) soon up their apprenticeships under Robbie’s guidance,
and running and thriving in an ever-expanding including his two sons. Anthony is now a partner
local community. “Within five years, I had in Mercury Bay Plumbing & Drainage.
purchased my own section in town where I Robbie’s service to the community in general
built my first workshop, followed by a house, needs to be be acknowledged. Highlights have
invested in much needed sheet metal bending been 15 years as a Scout leader, 40 years in the
and cutting equipment and was also happily Whitianga Lions and 39 years and still counting
married,” says Robbie. with the Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Lynne Yeomans was from a local Whitianga Robbie’s compassion for others less fortunate
family when she first met Robbie. “We tied has also seen a couple of trips to the Pacific
the knot 45 years ago and have raised three Islands over the years to help with much needed
children, two sons - Anthony and James - and a voluntary plumbing work.
daughter - Roseanne - along the way,” she says. With recovery from a recent knee replacement
Over the years, Robbie and Lynne have tasted Robbie’s current focus, son Anthony is now
a bit of everything living in the Mercury Bay the main hands-on person of the business
area, including a spell owning a small farm in partnership. Robbie still calls his workshop
Coroglen and a property in Purangi. Once that home during the day, with office work and
was flushed out of the system (excuse the pun), helping Anthony find the necessary bits and
the family moved back into Whitianga in the pieces keeping him busy.
early 1990s. Robbie calls himself a quiet achiever, which
Home and happiness for Robbie has always is undoubtedly an understatement. He arrived
been a roof over his and his family’s heads and in Whitianga to start a plumbing business
a good size shed for his business requirements. more than 50 years ago. Along the way he has
To say he doesn’t throw much away would be Well-known plumber and genuine good guy, Robbie Yeomans, in his workshop in Whitianga. achieved an awful lot more.
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ONLINE POLL FOR JANUARY 2020
the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or
www.presscouncil.org.nz. Is the government’s decision to not base a rescue helicopter in
See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook. Whitianga over summer (or at all) a broken promise?
in the night sky and the Whitianga and
Hot Water Beach tides.
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Issue 880
858 - 15
14January
August 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Water restrictions also affecting properties not forming part of TCDC’s water supply schemes By Stephan Bosman Water restrictions remain in force across much of the Coromandel Peninsula, ranging from a total watering ban to a sprinkler ban and the use of hand held hoses, sprinklers and irrigation systems on alternate days. Properties not forming part of Thames-Coromandel District Council’s nine urban water supply schemes (Thames, Coromandel Town, Matarangi, Whitianga, Hahei, Tairua, Pauanui, Onemana and Whangamata) and two rural water supply schemes (Matatoki and Thames Valley, including Puriri, Omahu, Wharepoa and Hikutaia) are also affected by the restrictions. According to Mohamed Imtiaz, the council’s infrastructure manager, there are 27,625 rateable properties on the Coromandel, of which 19,558 have active connections to the council’s public water supply network. “We don’t hold records of the number of One of Whitianga Water Cartage’s four tankers. Extra demand and the fact that bulk water carriers cannot at the moment people on their own private water supply, but assume take water from TCDC’s water supply network in Whitianga, necessitated the business to hire in a fifth vehicle. it’s the balance of 8,037 properties,” he says. Properties with their own water supply are mostly dependent on roof water and boreholes. When such properties are running short on water, they have to rely on bulk water carriers to help them out. Graham Mansell, the owner of Whitianga Water Cartage, says the demand for bulk water supply in holiday hot spots like Cooks Beach and Opito Bay has increased significantly this summer. “The lack of rain we’re experiencing isn’t helping anyone,” he says. “Unfortunately, on top of our increased workload, we’re currently not able to take water from the TCDC water supply network in Whitianga. Initially we were told that Thames was the closest place we could take water, which caused a whole heap of hassles, especially over the really busy period around Christmas and New Year. For example, one day a few weeks ago, it took one of our tankers more than 45 minutes to get through Tairua on the way back from Thames with all the extra traffic. “Fortunately we can now take water from Coromandel Town as well, which is making things a little bit easier. “It’s fair to say we’re flat out. With all the extra travelling we have to do to get water, our four existing tankers just cannot cope with the demand and we’ve had to hire in a fifth vehicle. On top of that, there are some places we simply haven’t got the time to get to, like Whiritoa, which we’re for the time being servicing through a subcontractor in the Waikato.” “Unfortunately the extra effort we have to put in isn’t only causing time delays, it’s also coming at a cost, which we simply have to pass on to our customers.” Where Graham would under normal circumstances charge $400 to deliver 10,000l of water to Cooks Beach, the cost at the moment is $700. Mr Imtiaz says bulk water carriers can take water from TCDC’s water supply network if there is a surplus after servicing the properties connected to council’s public water supply in any particular area. “In Whitianga, the river source of water, the Whangamaroro River, is running quite low at the moment and the amount of water we can take from the river is limited by [our] resource consent,” he says. “Hence the water restrictions in the Mercury Bay area and the need to source tanker water from elsewhere. “Generally TCDC’s water supplies are sufficient for our community needs during almost all of the year. However, for a few weeks in the summer, it’s unfortunate that some temporary restrictions need to be imposed to manage water demand within consented limits. This is because the population in our region more than triples during the holiday season.” In order to better serve the community during challenging times, like what the Coromandel is experiencing this summer, Graham has invested in a new 200,000l “bladder,” which he is in the process of filling with trips the Whitianga Water Cartage tankers are making to Thames at night time. “The bladder will come in useful when people are in a genuine crisis and simply cannot wait the extra time it takes us to get to them with all the extra effort we have to put in at the moment,” he says. Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 880 - 15 January 2020
Issue 880
858 - 15
14January
August 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Planning issues, football injuries and record
squids hit the headlines
These days, people can rely on The Informer to bring the all the important news from around
Mercury Bay and surrounds. Once upon a time that was the role of the Bay Bulletin, which was
“dedicated to progress in Mercury Bay and circulated free throughout the Whitianga, Kuaotunu,
Coroglen and Whenuakite Postal Districts.” While technology has certainly changed - not to
mention the way life is being lived on the Coromandel - a glance back at an issue from almost
70 years ago reveals that while the news has certainly moved on, some issues just never seem
to go away...
Vol 3 No 6 Tuesday, 22 May 1951 in the world, but our squids hold the world
Town Planning Scheme Amended record for size. Octopi in Cook Straight are
It has been suggested that at the next superseded in size only by octopi found on
Parliamentary session, legislation is to be the Californian Coast. However, the world’s
brought down which will widely amend the record for a squid - which has 10 arms to the
Town Planning Act and consequently the octopus’s 8 - was one washed ashore at Lyall
Whitianga Extra-Urban Planning Scheme Bay about 1880. Tentacles of the 7ft body
which is proving so detrimental to the were between 50ft and 57ft long overall.
progress of the district and the welfare of Uncle Kinna Scores Magnesia Try
the residents. Mr AS Sutherland, member for Kinna Kelly, the Kaktus King, old and all
Hauraki, admitted that the Town Planning Act as he is, astounded the natives at Tairua last
had presented many anomalous problems and Saturday when he scored a magnesia try.
was due for immediate revision. It must have been a terrific strain on the old
There can be no doubt that after four gents’ physical reserves ‘cos he was showing
years of delay, Whitianga’s Town Planning signs of a severe exhaustion on Sunday
Scheme is proving a very serious handicap morning.
Mr Fred Taylor Joins the Navy Tomorrow The Informer came into possession of a copy of the Bay Bulletin of
to the progress of the township and a definite Tuesday, 22 May 1951, a two-page A4-size newspaper providing interesting insight
hardship to many of its residents. We hear Mr Fred Taylor is on his way to be one of the
into life in Mercury Bay during that time.
of prospective land subdivisions being boys in blue and will be leaving Whitianga
disallowed, building permits of business tomorrow to report for duty at the Naval Saturday’s Rugby Results Tairua barrackers were also on the job and
houses and manufacturing concerns being Base, Auckland. At Tairua, Whitianga soundly trounced Tairua- the atmosphere on the sideline became a little
refused, landowners being denied the right Trevor Bramley Injured at Football Hikuai to the tune of 17 - 3. For Whitianga F heated at times. Mr R Quigg refereed.
to erect a home for themselves on their Whilst playing for Whitianga at Tairua last Chaney (2), K Kelly and E Troughear scored Advertisement
own property and many other unnecessary Saturday, Mr Trevor Bramley suffered a tries and W Just converted one try. The home A bicycle is most necessary to you as a speedy
controls and restrictions being enforced in the fractured cheek bone and was removed to the team’s points were earned by D Laycock who commercial and independent means of
community. Thames Hospital where it is understood he scored a try. It is suggested that the Bay’s transport. Order your new Sports or Roadster
World’s Record Squids in New Zealand is to undergo an operation. His condition is victory was due to a great extent to the keen Model from the Mercury Bay Service
New Zealand’s octopi are the second biggest reported as satisfactory. barracking of their supporters on the sideline. Station Ltd.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 880 - 15 January 2020Issue 880
858 - 15
14January
August 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Changing face of Hauraki Justices of the
Peace Association
By Jack Biddle
We tend not to give them a second thought ranks, which is quite different from what had Services in Cook Drive on Mondays from using a service desk), explain what you need to
during our normal day-to-day routine, been largely seen as a male dominated role 10:00am to 12:00 noon. have done and understand your documentation,
but when we need one, it’s usually with some in the past. In fact, over the last four years, Local rsidents and visitors can track do not sign anything beforehand, take along
degree of urgency. And often members of the all of the new appointments within the Hauraki down a JP outside those hours by visiting photo identification and ensure that a JP can
public who come seeking assistance do so Association’s area have been female. www.justiceofthepeace.org.nz. actually complete your documentation (you
outside of normal business hours. But it’s all However, finding new blood to take on the For members of the public needing a JP in can ask them when you make an appointment).
part of the job for a Justice of the Peace or JP position is not getting any easier. “Part of the the future, the following tips may be useful to For those interested in becoming a Justice
as we commonly know them. criteria for all potential JPs is to have a history ensure things go smoothly - phone and make of the Peace, contact registrar.haurakijp@
Members of the public need the services of community involvement and this is getting an appointment beforehand (unless you are gmail.com.
of a Justice of the Peace for a variety of harder and harder for many due to work and
reasons, including witnessing signatures, family pressures,” Kris said.
taking statutory declarations and affidavits, In Whitianga, there are currently 16 active
and certifying copies of documents. JPs, including David Harvey, who takes
Justices of the Peace have been serving New a leadership role within the local group.
Zealand since 1814. Making their role even He also acts as a mentor for any new JPs locally
more commendable is the fact that all JPs work and provides training and upskilling for those
under both a strict code of ethics and a code in the wider Hauraki Association. “All JPs have
of practice, which includes carrying out their a common thread, which is essentially a strong
duties free of charge. Their work within the desire to serve their community,” David said.
community is on a strictly voluntary basis. “We don’t offer legal advice, our main role is
But despite the hard graft without pay rule, to carry out certain tasks and to have a strong
it’s amazing how long many JPs stay loyal sense of right and wrong. We will always
to the cause. In a recent press statement, endeavour to provide a speedy service to the
Kris Purden, registrar of the Hauraki Justices public, but we also have a responsibility and
of the Peace Association, said that last year the duty of care to ensure procedures are followed
organisation presented certificates to four JPs correctly and everything is in order.
who had served between 27 and 36 years each. “In that regard, the better prepared the public
“There are 99 active Justices of the Peace are, the smoother the paperwork goes for the
in the Hauraki Association currently and a JP concerned.”
further 21 who have been awarded JP (Retired) While most of a JP’s work is done
status,” said Kris. “A Justice of the Peace can from home, the Hauraki Association has
apply for JP (Retired) status after 10 years of established service desks in Waihi, Ngatea, David Harvey - pictured at the 2019 Mercury Bay Emergency Services Market, of which he
service, but most complete many more years.” Whitianga and Thames so that members of was the main organiser - is taking a leadership role within the group of 16
One of the association’s biggest changes the public have easy access to the services. Whitianga-based Justices of the Peace and is also providing training within the wider
of late is the inclusion of more women in the A local JP is available at Whitianga Social Hauraki Justices of the Peace Association.
“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week)
“Kia tere!” - Be quick/hurry up!
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 will reconvene on Monday, 3 February 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 880 - 15 January 2020What’s On The next few weeks
Op-Shops
Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street
(west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm.
The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to
Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm.
St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday
10:00am - 2:00pm.
Bread & Butter Exhibition (Albert Street, Whitianga - Free Entry)
Michael Smither, “Light Through the Trees” - Until Saturday, 1 February. Meet the artist every Thursday (16 January,
23 January and 30 January) from 2:00pm - 2:30pm.
Whitianga Art Group Summer Exhibition
Until Monday, 27 January at the Art Centre and Gallery, School Road, Whitianga. Open daily from 10:00am - 5:00pm.
All new artworks. Free entry. All welcome.
Mercury Bay Library Summer Holiday Programme
Wednesday 15 January - Wiggle-bot madness, 10:30am - 11:30am (ages 5 - 12).
Thursday, 16 January - Scavenger hunt prize-giving, 9:30am - 10:30am. Bring in your completed Scavenger Hunt
booklet and receive prizes.
Tuesday, 21 January - Dinosaur story time and fossil dig, 9:30am - 10:00am (ages 2 - 5).
Wednesday, 22 January - STEAM activities, 10:30am - 11:30am (ages 5 - 12).
See www.tcdc.govt.nz for more information or pop into the Mercury Bay Library, Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga for
more information.
Tairua Community Run (as part of the global Relief Run campaign)
Saturday, 18 January at 6:30am at the Tairua Rugby & Sports Club, Manaia Road, Tairua. 21km and 5km distances
available. $50 entry fee, of which 100 per cent will go towards support for those affected by the Australian bushfires.
Register at www.reliefrun.com.au.
Whitianga Art Craft & Farmers Market
Saturday, 18 January from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. Unique locally
created art, craft and local produce.
Book Launch - “Dying for a Living” by Milton Kiri
Saturday, 18 January at 3:00pm at the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club. More than legendary Milton Kiri’s
autobiography. See the advertisement on page 26 for more information.
Coroglen Farmers Market
Sunday, 19 January from 9:00am - 1:00pm at the Coroglen Hall, SH25. Local seasonal produce, homemade jams
and chutneys, home baking, organic skin care and much more.
Mercury Bay Athletics Association Junior Trainers Day
Sunday, 19 January from 9:30am - 4:30pm at the Mercury Bay Rugby Club, Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga.
A free session run in conjunction with Athletics New Zealand and Sport Waikato. Bring a plate for a shared lunch.
Email mercurybayathletics@gmail.com for more information.
Coromandel Art Group Annual Exhibition
From Friday, 24 January - Sunday, 9 February at Hauraki House Gallery, Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town.
Open daily from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Free entry, everyone welcome.
Issue 880
858 - 15
14January
August 2016
2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19Museum Musings
By Becs Cox - Mercury Bay Museum Manager
What’s the point of museums?
I recently read an article in the New Zealand states in his article, the basic fact many people
Geographic titled, “What’s the Point of miss is that museums are not for exhibitions.
Museums?” Written by Mike Dickison, He says the best analogy of a museum is
the article really gave me some perspective that it really is a research library. We have
on my job as manager of a museum. artefacts and archives that are interesting
We get a lot of queries about why certain to researchers of a certain topic or a person
artefacts are not being displayed and why do researching where they have come from.
we change or take artefacts out of exhibitions. Our first job as a museum is to house and
Our answer to this is we are no longer in an protect the taonga we have in our collections
age where everything is being exhibited with and make sure that, with the correct packaging
no context or even provenance as to why and storage, these artefacts and archives are
they are there. Developing new exhibitions is available to future generations.
inevitable as a museum grows and interacts A museum also has to collect. We love to
with visitors and the wider community. receive new objects, photographs or that old
When designing a new exhibition, it takes letter that has been found at the back of the
a lot of thought developing the well-written cupboard. But an object is only an object if
signage, the audio-visual footage and any we know its history or provenance.
interactive components within the exhibition. We also need to determine if the object fits
When we design a display, our artefacts within the conditions of our collection policy.
may not be the initial focus and therefore With this information, an object can become
are added to create further interest and/or our “gold dust” for future research and that
context into the exhibition. For instance, gets us very excited. If you do happen to find
“Twelve Days - 1769” came about when we something that you think could be our “gold
started looking at what we wanted in our new dust,” please contact us, we would love to
exhibition for Tuia 250. When we looked at take a look - and it doesn’t have to be from
how we as a community museum contributes the 1800s to get us excited, the 1980s is now
to the story of Tuia 250, we discovered that One of the items from the “Twelve Days - 1769” exhibition at the Mercury Bay Museum. classed as “vintage!”
our “point of difference” was obvious and that So next time you visit a museum, think
the exhibition. of the exhibition. This sort of process is very
was the 12 days that Captain James Cook and
The artefacts/objects came after the time-consuming and involves not only me, about what is in an exhibition, but also think
his crew on HMB Endeavour spent here in Te
research was done. At that point we took but a team of volunteers and members of our about what is not. Think about the time and
Whanganui o Hei. These 12 days are a very
each story that was being told and “matched” community too. effort we are putting into preserving your
significant part of our local, if not national,
an object to it and that is how we developed So, as I digressed a little, I ask again what’s history for our future and how we are bringing
history and that was our starting point for
our “Twelve Days - Twelve Objects” concept the point of museums? As Mark Dickison you face to face with our history every day.
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Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 880 - 15 January 2020You can also read
