The stories Whitianga's new murals tell - The Mercury Bay Informer
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80 Issue 836 - 13 March 2019 Phone 07 866 2090 (07) 867 15 Telephone the Coromandel Circulation 7,200 pport Proud to su Helicopter Trust Rescue The stories Whitianga’s new murals tell By Meg Tatton-Brown Six murals reflecting the Tuia - Encounters 250 themes of “Navigation” and “First Encounters” have been completed throughout the Whitianga CBD during last week’s Tuia 250 Street Art Festival. Talented artists were invited to participate in the festival, which was organised by the Mercury Bay Art Escape. Mercury Bay Art Escape founding artist, Dave Fowell’s mural is located against the Mercury Bay Pharmacy wall in Monk Street. Dave wanted to take a modern approach to the festival’s themes. His work features a contemporary depiction of a Pākehā woman and Māori man playing music together in front of an audience. In the background are sepia images of Māori and Pākehā figures with a woven wall between them to signify the gradual weaving together of two cultures. Within the figures, Dave has incorporated some female family members and a man taken from a painting on the wall of his parents’ home. Pauly B’s mural can be found in Coghill Street on the side of Subway. He is based in the Waikato and has previously created large murals in Auckland, Rotorua and Hamilton. Pauly’s mural in Whitianga represents Māori’s first arrival in Aotearoa as Pacific navigators. There were no people ashore yet to welcome them with a karanga. However, the land, trees and skies were full of birds. The first karanga was the birdsong, calling out across the ocean. This was the very beginning of human habitation in New Zealand, Coromandel Town artist, Caitlin Moloney, on Friday last week, while she was in the process of setting the scene for many future arrivals - completing her mural next to the BNZ in Albert Street in Whitianga. at first Polynesian and later European. Pauly used a stencil projected onto the wall, uses vibrant colours and detailed indigenous mural will also draw attention to conservation and landscapes. The image combines ocean which he then spray-painted over to create the patterns. Her mural references the role fish of the ocean and the life within. waves and creatures, pohutukawa flowers, cool-toned imagery contained in the mural. played in guiding the early navigators to Mercury Bay Art Escape member, birds, flax and fern, together with a Māori Caitlin Moloney’s mural is next to the Aotearoa and signifies exploration through Monique Rush’s mural on the wall outside waka and HMS Endeavour (the explorer BNZ in Albert Street. Primarily a ceramic the eyes of nature. Stars on the mural’s large Hammer Hardware in Blacksmith Lane James Cook’s ship). artist from Coromandel Town, Caitlin’s art fish represent navigation. Caitlin hopes her draws inspiration from nature, Kiwiana Internationally renowned street artists (Continued on page 2) EUROLOC FENCINGPOWDER COATED ALUMINUM TUBULAR FENCING & GATE SYSTEMS • Pool, Garden, Perimeter fencing • Commercial perimeters • Gates • 6 Powdercoated colours • Various designs available • 10 year guarantee • Free quotations • DIY or erected for you Contact: Gates & Fences Ltd Ph 0800 2 B FNCDIN 0800 223 623 07 866 5271 Whitianga Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Whitianga’s new murals Te Rerenga School’s visit to the new Whitianga murals (Continued from page 1) Flox and #TrustMe completed their mural of indigenous triangular designs signify in the service lane between The Cave and momentum towards a greater future and the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk Street. opportunities. The warm rays of the sunrise A stencil was created and projected onto extend out, far beyond the shores of Aotearoa the wall. It is one of the most detailed across the Pacific to a place known historically of the murals and features primarily a as Rangiātea, the origin of Māori migration. navigational theme. Also featuring on the mural is a saying in Centred in the middle of the mural is a large the local dialect of Rangiātea, “E kore au e outstretched koekoeā (long-tailed cuckoo), ngaro, he kakano i ruia mai i Rangiātea.” named Te Kawa. In an old Māori folklore Translated the saying means, “I will never tale, the lost voyager Whatonga was found be lost, for I am a seed sown in Rangiātea,” when Te Kawa reached him carrying a tau signifying the rich indigenous account of ponapona (message cord) from his family, settling in New Zealand. allowing him to find his way back home. Mercury Bay Art Escape patron artist, Other smaller details on the mural include a Michael Smither, along with fellow Art Polynesian stick chart which early navigators Escape member, Anne Bowden, will also in used to determine ocean tide and swell, stars due course have artworks displayed on walls to represent Matariki, fish scales to signify in the Whitianga CBD. Anne will be creating the marine environment, half crescents to mosaic signs for “Men” and “Ladies” to be portray the passage of the moon and patterns placed at the entrances of the public toilets of circles and lines to reference the compass in Blacksmith Lane, once the planned and European navigation. renovation of the toilets is completed. On Friday last week, some of the Te Rerenga School Year 7 and 8 students spent the Situated along the walkway between The location of Michael’s artwork is yet to afternoon in Whitianga visiting the new Tuia 250 Street Art Festival murals. Blacksmith Lane and Taylor’s Mistake be determined. “We wanted to visit the murals for inspiration in our own school murals,” says Anna Yates, is a mural designed and painted by Whitianga Art group member, Peter the Te Rerenga School principal. “This year our senior students will be creating some internationally recognised artists Charles and Nicholson, completed a mural on the wall of murals at our school as a ‘lasting legacy’ project. Seeing the Tuia 250 artworks was a great Janine Williams. the Mainly Casual building immediately next opportunity to look at how different artists interpreted an idea and used colour, pattern and Having created murals throughout New to the new Whitianga town plaza in Albert style to create a story.” Zealand and around the globe, the duo present Street earlier this year. The mural depicts the Stina Towgood-Franke, a Year 7 student, says she loved looking at the art in Whitianga. their Māori heritage in an urban context that Endeavour ship and botanist Joseph Banks “Looking at these amazing murals has inspired me for our very own murals at Te Rerenga features modern interpretations of cultural (a member of the Endeavour’s crew). School,” she says. “Te Rerenga means ‘The Place We Fly From,’ so the ones with birds on design along with native New Zealand Permanent signage featuring the artists’ them have inspired me.” birdlife. inspiration and the stories behind all the Charles and Janine’s Whitianga mural murals will soon be installed at each location. Ella Edkins, a Year 8 student, says she thought Caitlin Maloney’s mural (on the wall of the features New Zealand storm petrel birds in “The murals have all been completed at BNZ in Albert Street) was inspirational. “[Caitlin’s mural] has many different colours and flight. Once thought extinct but rediscovered a really opportune time,” says Jane Parson, looks quite 3D,” she says. “I loved the effects in the waves too. The black lines made the near the Mercury Islands in 2003, main organiser of the Tuia 250 Street Art waves look so real.” the storm petrel is reminiscent of the ancient Festival. “They allow the Mercury Bay Art Jack Horne, a Year 7 student, says he also liked Caitlin’s mural. “I love the spray from navigational history of the Mercury Bay area. Escape to support and grow the visual arts the waves and I also like the fish tail,” he says. “The sharp shapes and the way it curves Great navigators followed not only the stars, community and the presence of visual arts in around gave it way more detail than if it was just a fish.” but also the birdlife that travelled and Mercury Bay, while commemorating the Tuia Pictured are the Te Rerenga School students at artist Pauly B’s mural against the wall of migrated across the ocean. 250 themes. We are delighted with everything Subway in Coghill Street on Friday afternoon. A ribbon and wayfinders in the shape that has been created last week.” What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information provided and sponsored by Week of Wednesday 13 March - Wednesday 20 March - The highlight this week occurs before dawn with a very pretty line-up of the three brightest planets. The eastern sky has bright Jupiter almost overhead, but by far the brightest object is brilliant Venus low down near the horizon. In between the two sits slightly yellowish and very much fainter Saturn. They all occur on the same line, the ecliptic, which is the path all the planets and the Moon appear to follow as they orbit the Sun. Wednesday 13 March - In the evening, the International Space Station will pass right by the Moon in the noth-west at 8:12pm on its 90 minute orbit around the Earth. It can first be spotted very low in the west at 8:08pm, moving at 8km per second. Thursday 14 March - In the evening, the Moon now lies above and to the right of the distinctive sideways Astronomy Tours and B&B “V” of stars that form the horns of Taurus, the Bull. The brightest star is slightly reddish and is the red giant Aldabaran, a huge dying star. Phone (07) 866 5343 Very low in the sky below the horns is reddish Mars, almost on the horizon. Tuesday 19 March - The pre-dawn sky has bright Jupiter high overhead and brilliant Venus much lower down. In between the two is much fainter Saturn. www.stargazersbb.com Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides Tides data sponsored by nzwindows.co.nz 4 Dakota Drive Whitianga Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Tel 07 869 5990 Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 836 - 13 March 2019
Fun-filled morning of play for Playcentre Awareness Week On Tuesday last week, children, parents and caregivers enjoyed a fun-filled morning of play at Soldiers Memorial Park in Whitianga for Playcentre Awareness Week. Whitianga Playcentre president, Kelly Flanigan, says, “Playcentre awareness week is about increasing the visibility of Playcentre and what we focus on - family, community, encouraging messy play and fun.” Children spent Tuesday morning riding bikes, climbing, jumping, making “potions” and playing games. A group parachute activity and story time with Christine Towgood of the Mercury Bay Library were also highlights. The Whitianga Playcentre is located in White Street and provides free early childhood education for children aged 0 - 6 years. The centre is fully equipped with 16 areas of play, including music, reading, carpentry, arts and crafts, a circular path for riding bikes, cars and scooters and a large covered sandpit with plenty of outdoor toys. The centre is a family co-operative with parents and caregivers assuming an active role in their children’s education and pitching in to keep the centre running smoothly. “Playcentre is a great place for people to meet, parents and children alike, and form strong friendships and support,” says Kelly. The Whitianga Playcentre is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. Visitors are welcome. Pictured are some of the children who enjoyed the parachute activity on Tuesday. From the left - Sage McEwen, Zac Corkill, Max Corkill and Maurice Bell. 702 - 13 Issue 836 17March August2019 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Coming Up Mediterranean Dinner Sunday Roast From 5:30pm Open for Dinner from 6pm Full menu at www.govino.co.nz 5 Courses for $60 $5 discount Closed Tuesday Ph 07 867 1215 if booked Great food and great wine before 2pm and Wednesday for bookings Book your table now - Friday 22nd March Double loyalty Thirsty Thursdays Happy hour 6pm - 8pm Tuesday closed stamps all night A free drink of your Late night Buy any burger and get the second for mental choice with any burger up to the same value ½ price! reconstruction Hangry Mexican “Available” 5pm $15 burger! Open from 5pm - 1am Includes all kids meals! Open again Wednesday for burgers & Mexican Come and try our new HANGRY Mexican menu!! • Open 5pm • 866 0196 - Like us on Facebook to see our weekly specials - Open 7 Days Dine in FREE Authentic Lunch from 11am - 2pm on your birthday North Indian Cuisine Dinner from 5:00pm - late Wide selection of seafood, One main, rice & naan. vegetarian & gluten-free. Dine In • Takeaway • Delivery 13 / 1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga Minimum 2-person party. Children’s menu available. Open Friday Open Saturday Open Wednesday Open Tuesday 12 noon - late Open Sunday 4pm - late 12 noon - late 4pm - late 12 noon - late Closed on Tuesday Pasta Try our Wednesday Friday Lunch Special Pan Seared Mondays Special Chicken/Lamb Pizza Special Fish & Chips Duck $18 Souvlaki Happy Hour Grace O’Malley’s CHIEFS v St We are open Come on down for HIGHLANDERS ALL YOU CAN 4pm - 6pm 9 The Esplanade, HURRICANES v CRUSADERS Patrick’s Monday - Monday to Whitianga Sunday EAT RIBS Friday Ph. 07 866 4546 Kick off 7:35pm @ 7:35pm Day!!! 11am till late Tonight from 5pm Wood fired pizzas 6 days Closed Tuesdays 12 - 8:30pm Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 836 - 13 March 2019
Scotch Fillet DJ LEON ONE Our famous Steak Wings salad & fries Burger ONE LIVE Relax pork belly 1kg Cooked to your liking BAND with the coldest night $15.50 $18 • 5 - 9 specials ONE beer in town only $12.50 scotch fillet, Vegas Brown 5 - 9pm 9 to late 5 - 9pm salad & fries 9 - late Check out our Lunch Specials and OPEN FOR Closed Open 6 Days LUNCH and our lunch club for a FREE Lunch DINNER 33/3 Albert Street, Whitianga Upstairs above Fagans ~ ~ ~ P h o n e 869 5919 for res ervatio ns a nd ta k eaways ~~~ HAPPY HUMP DAY DARTS SUPER RUGBY SUPER RUGBY You’ll be fine once Burgers Freshest Fish BREAKFAST? NIGHT CHIEFS LIVE ON THE the caffeine kicks Juicy Steaks Put your feet up love… We’ll cook tonight! LUNCH? 7:30pm v HURRICANES SUPER in… COOLEST BIG SCREEN! DINNER? NEW PLAYERS WELCOME 7:35pm HIGHLANDERS v KIDS MENU! Menu online Hair of the dog? HAPPY HOUR * Cheeky Banter? Best night of the week 5:00 - 7:00pm CRUSADERS Pop into the Tav for lunch coroglentavern.co.nz Early Morning Lala Fix? Phone for courtesy van 7:35pm We’ve got it ALL! 866 3809 EVERY Friday with the Family BALL THIRSTY Members Saturday TAB INDOOR DARTS THURSDAY Draw Morning Raffles POKIES BOWLS 7:15pm 7:15pm HAPPY RAFFLES 5:30pm 11am $1 EACH FREE POOL SNOOKER BISTRO Members HOUR 1Pm GERRY SNOOKER BALL Draw 4 - 6pm LEE 1PM CLOSED QUIZ NIGHT 1pm Raffles 5:30pm 7:30pm ••• ••• ••• $10 LUNCH TUESDAY - SATURDAY 12 noon - 2pm ••• ••• ••• Winning Wheel St Paddys Day Weekend Celebration Jugs Out Meat Raffles $16 Steak Bingo postponed until next Sunday! Monday Free Nibbles Special Happy Hour Thursday! 5 - 7pm Highlanders v LIVE MUSIC Madness! 200g sirloin steak, Crusaders with salad, 4 - 6pm Jugs from Chiefs v 7:30pm “Let’s Go Descarrego” 3pm Kids eat free! chips and an egg! $12 Hurricanes LIVE MUSIC Drink Specials *Conditions Apply Tuesdays Only 7:30pm Doc Jeffries 9:30pm Prizes for Best Dressed Open 6 days a week from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am till late. Free ride from the ferry if you book with us at night. Full menu at www.eggsentriccafe.co.nz, phone 866 0307, bookings essential. The Lost Spring is the perfect venue for your next special occasion Celebrate in style in our newly refurbished pavilion or book a table in our historic school house building 702 - 13 Issue 836 17March August2019 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
O’Neill Aotearoa Surf Film Festival coming to Whitianga On Friday 22 March, the Monkey House Theatre in Coghill Street, Whitianga will welcome the seventh annual O’Neill Aotearoa Surf Film Festival. The festival is aimed at bringing the best of international surf cinema to New Zealand’s coastal communities. There will be two sessions available to attend. Session 1 will begin at 6:30pm and features Australian film Emocean and a selection of short films. Session 2 will begin at 8:30pm and features Portuguese film Rail Road and again a selection of short films. There will be audience giveaways provided by O'Neill and Corona. Everyone who purchases a ticket online goes in the draw to win a Bear Bones Surf Co surfboard valued at $1,099. Tickets cost $25 for a full night pass or $16 for a single session. It promises to be a memorable night of surf cinema and good times. For a full description of the film line-up and to purchase tickets, visit www.asff.co.nz. Pictured is stunning film imagery from a previous Aotearoa Surf Film Festival visit to the Monkey House Theatre. Squids Seafood Restaurant The place for the freshest fish and seafood from around the region as well as an awesome selection of local wine and beer Open for lunch Mon - Fri 11:30am - 2pm Open for dinner 7 days from 5:30pm www.squids.co.nz Fb Squids Seafood Restaurant Blacksmith Lane 07 8671710 Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 836 - 13 March 2019
Weight loss - let your natural Urban pop art on display in health practitioner help Bread & Butter Gallery A contribution by Libby George of Eden Clinic in Whitianga Goals are like a roadmap to success. They show you where you want to be, help you plan your way there and show you when you are off track. SMART goals - goals which are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and have a timeframe - are an important tool for successful weight loss. Setting SMART goals around physical activity, dietary change and weight leads to better weight loss results and can also help you stay inspired to keep up those healthy habits. Recording and tracking your weight can be motivating as you see your hard work paying off. It also enables you to respond quickly to any weight increases if you have been neglecting exercise or indulging in too many high calorie foods. For best results, measure your weight once or twice per week during active weight loss and daily if you are maintaining your weight. Like many others, you are likely to encounter obstacles on your path to lasting weight loss. Some will be predictable, while others may come out of the blue. Instead of giving yourself a hard time, be proactive and positive. Problem-solving techniques can help change your behaviour and create solutions for challenges that crop up. These techniques involve thoroughly understanding the problem and why it occurred, brainstorming potential solutions and choosing the one most likely to succeed. Problem-solving will help you respond differently next time you face a An exhibition of original artworks by renowned urban pop artists Richard Boyd-Dunlop and Brad Novak opened at Bread & Butter Gallery in Albert Street, Whitianga on Tuesday last week. similar situation. Originally from Auckland, Richard is now residing in Napier. He presented his first solo exhibition when There is a single tool that can help you set goals, make and maintain healthy changes, he was just a teenager. He has been exhibiting his artworks for 25 years, with pieces held in public and overcome obstacles, stay accountable and motivated and get better weight loss results - private collections in New Zealand and around the world. your natural health practitioner. A broad collection of mixed media, Richard’s pieces in Bread & Butter explore mediums such as holographic People who set goals with the help of their natural health practitioner and who communicate vinyl, acrylic and digital mediums to create images inspired by current events, popular culture and iconic weekly with them, lose more weight overall. Attending consultations also enables your natural figures. He uses intense colouring, repetition and layering of images to tap into the viewer’s senses. health practitioner to monitor changes in your body composition (fat and muscle mass), His use of holographic elements creates an interactive aspect as the colours and composition transform so you can see the real changes that come from your efforts. depending on the angle they are viewed from. Brad Novak, aka New Blood Pop, is no stranger to Bread & Butter. He exhibited his new series of artworks, Did you know both low fat and ketogenic (low carb) diets are equally successful for weight “Brickwork,” in the gallery during January this year. loss? Your natural health practitioner can guide you with regard to the diet most suitable for Brad’s works are exhibited internationally, with some pieces owned by celebrities such as famed director you and support you in making sustainable, healthy changes for lasting weight loss. Quentin Tarantino. In late 2015, Brad became the first ever New Zealand-born artist to exhibit alongside a Did you also know mindfulness can help you lose weight? This practice of focusing on the range of legendary pop art megastars, including Andy Warhol and Banksy. present moment can increase your awareness of your own hunger and fullness signals, Brad’s pieces in Bread & Butter feature paper-collaged brick wall backgrounds with superheroes and reduce stress eating and help you build a new relationship with food. 1950s glamour actresses over the top, looking out of the frame from a digital lens. In the artworks, To achieve your weight loss goals will take time and effort, but it’s a journey in which your Brad questions whether technology is causing us to become less connected with one another. natural health practitioner will support you all the way. Pictured is Bread & Butter owner, Christine Rabarts, with some of Richard Boyd-Dunlops’ artworks on display in the gallery. Issue 836 702 - 13 17March August2019 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
More than a building After more than 40 years in Albert Street in Whitianga, the Whitianga Vets clinic moved into a brand-new, purpose-built building on the corner of Cook Drive and Lee Street at the end of last year. “We have a total of 10 people working in the clinic and we’ve outgrown our old premises,” says Dave Thurgood, one of the two Whitianga Vets partners. “Moving into a new building has also afforded us the opportunity to acquire some new equipment, which we hope will serve the Mercury Bay community well for years to come.” Dave and Matt Ebbers, the other Whitianga Vets partner, put a lot of thought into the new building. “We’ve had a blank canvas, an opportunity to develop a facility that would enable us to provide the best possible care to our clients and their animals and provide a pleasant working environment for our staff,” says Dave. “It’s fair to say that we’re very pleased with how the building turned out. We want to say a big thank you to the team at GDW Builders for pulling out all the stops to get us into our new building before Christmas last year.” The new building features a small courtyard area where large animal x-rays can be taken, The Whitianga Vets team in the reception area of the clinic’s new building. a staff room, offices, four consultation rooms Back, from left to right - Janet Munns, Kirsty Holtzhausen (vet), Anoushka Wales and Matt Ebbers (vet). (two for dogs and two for cats), separate Front, from left to right - Dave Thurgood (vet), Kimberley Reinsfield, Selena van Vugt (vet), Meg Fryer, Daphne Rea and Ruby Wales. dog and cat waiting areas, a large general Martin Naus, one of the former owners of the soundproof. “The dogs and cats coming to online to external specialists should we need treatment room, separate dog and cat kennels, clinic. “We’ve had Ingrid’s artwork in our old us are already stressed so we went the extra their opinion for an accurate diagnosis. a well-equipped operating theatre, an x-ray premises, but it was sort of hidden away,” mile making sure we keep them separated as “We also hope to acquire a small animal room with a new state-of-the-art x-ray says Dave. “The new building presented a much as we can,” says Dave. “It’s making our ultrasound machine before the end of machine and processor, a large shop/reception great opportunity to display it much more job easier if the dogs we’re treating can’t see, the year. area, ample storage and a dispensary. prominently.” hear or smell any cats and vice versa.” The feedback from clients is that they enjoy Eleven car parking spaces are available Larger dogs are well catered for with The new x-ray machine and processor were the clinic’s new building. “People appreciate outside the building. fold-up examination tables in the two a substantial investment. “What we had in our that what we have here is really more than The benchtop of the counter in the reception dog consultation rooms and among the old premises was really inadequate in this day a building,” says Dave. “They recognise that area is made from swamp kauri sourced dog kennels are two walk-in kennels with and age,” says Dave. “Or new x-ray room is it’s a significant investment in the area and a from Mill Creek Road (south of Whitianga). underfloor heating. lead-lined and the x-ray machine is easy to facility that will ensure that quality veterinary The counter also features stained glass Both the rooms housing the dog and use. The machine not only produces very care will be available in Mercury Bay well artwork created by Ingrid Naus, the wife of cat kennels have dimmed lighting and are clear images, we can also send the images into the future.” WHITIANGA PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC Robert Lindsay Dip Phty(Otago) ADP(OMT), Dip.MT. Co-author of ‘Treat Your Own Shoulder’ and Associates Crystal Vause BHScPhysiotherapy Manipulation / Back and Neck Pain / Work Injuries Sports Injuries / Post Surgery and Fracture Rehab Acupuncture / Hand Therapy / Women’s Health Clinic Physiotherapists with the qualifications to provide excellence in physical health care Dr Adam’s and Hemmes’s Surgery - Ph (07) 868 9579 The Mercury Bay Informer is published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. What’s that Number? Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 24 hours .....................................................111 entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when Police (Whitianga) ........................................................................................866 4000 accompanied by the author’s name and surname, telephone number and residential address. Police (Tairua) ..............................................................................................864 8888 Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher. Police (Coromandel Town) ...........................................................................866 1190 Published by Mercury Bay Media Limited Fight crime anonymously - Call Crime Stoppers .................................0800 555 111 Editor - Stephan Bosman Dog and Noise Control ................................................................................868 0200 Contributors - Meghan Hawkes, Jack Biddle, Cara Bosman, Debbie Wilton, Suzanne Hansen, Dental Emergency (Mercury Bay) ................................................................869 5500 Pamela Ferla and Meg Tatton-Brown Civil Defence ...............................................................................................868 0200 Advertiser Management - Petra Bosman and Alex Kennedy Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) ....................................................866 5911 Administration - Diane Lodge Doctors Surgery (Whitianga) ........................................................................866 4621 Office 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Mail PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542 Medical Centre (Tairua).................................................................................864 8737 Telephone (07) 866 2090, Fax (07) 866 2092 Harbourmaster (Whitianga) ..................................................................027 476 2651 Editorial email info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising email sales@theinformer.co.nz Coastguard Radio Operators ......................................................................866 2883 ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2018 Mercury Bay Media Limited Whitianga Social Services ...........................................................................866 4476 The Mercury Bay Informer is subject to the principles of the New Zealand Media Council. Please contact us first if you have concerns about any of the editorial content published in The Informer. If we were unable to address your concerns ONLINE POLL FOR MARCH 2019 to your satisfaction, you can complain to the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or www.presscouncil.org.nz. Should small businesses and farms be See page 10 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook. made subject to capital gains tax? in the night sky and the Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides. Follow us on Twitter. Check us out on Instagram. Have your say at www.theinformer.co.nz. Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 836 - 13 March 2019
Letters to the Editor See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions Dear Editor - The Informer’s policy on the publication of climate change views Dear Editor - The Albert Street/Campbell Street intersection in Whitianga I would like to respond to your request about the publication of climate change views (and what Why do we have to have a mini-roundabout at the Albert Street/Campbell Street intersection constitutes “hoax” advocacy) - as Letters to the Editor, and website and social media comments - in Whitianga? in The Informer of 20 February. The original intersection worked well and was safe. I have been coming to Whitianga since 1947 If someone chooses to believe that the burning of mined coal, natural gas and crude oil is not and the only comments I have heard from then to before the intersection was changed last year was affecting the climate, I support their wish to declare it publicly. You, as editor, have the power how happy the locals were with the safety aspect of the intersection. Cars parked either side of the to decide what should be published and what should not. Impartiality is a virtue, but repetitious road could back out safely because the give-way arrangement, as it was, provided breaks in the material (propaganda) should be ignored. traffic both ways. Ignoring opinions simply because they are unpleasant is a loss of freedom of speech. We need an A roundabout would provide fewer breaks. independent fourth estate. The cost of installing and maintaining a roundabout would be better spent on covering the As to “hoax advocacy, what comes to mind is that oil companies and the motor trade with their expansion gaps on the concrete bridge going into Brophy’s Beach from the Whitianga CBD. vested interests could be supportive of climate change deniers. Those gaps must be hammering the tyres of vehicles going over the bridge. All my life I have always turned to Letters to the Editor to understand parts of my community. Owen Lloyd Please protect us from apathy. Whitianga Peter H Wood Dear Editor - Coastal erosion Whitianga The opening paragraphs of the Thames-Coromandel District Council Coastal Management Strategy (2018) includes the comment “Council has historically had an ‘ad hoc’ approach to coastal Dear Editor - The Informer’s policy on the publication of climate change views management…” Thank you for raising the issue of your policy with regard to the publication of climate change Exactly, and this view is substantiated by the plethora of coastal policies, statements, views in The Informer of 20 February. strategies and plans considered at great cost by TCDC over the years and yet failed to effectively My view is that The Informer should absolutely adopt the policy of a major New Zealand news meet the coastal erosion problems in Mercury Bay and elsewhere on the Coromandel Peninsula. outlet to not publish the views of people denying the reality of human-made climate change. And this “ad hoc” approach results in groups of concerned residents on the Coromandel banging Persons wishing to question certain aspects of climate science should first check if their questions on council’s doors for some positive action to meet our coastal erosion problems. But the doors stay have not already been answered adequately by any of the world’s leading climate scientists. firmly shut. If they still think they have a valid challenge, then they can submit a paper to a reputable scientific The most recent example is the erosion at Flaxmill Bay, where local residents took remedial peer-reviewed journal. Letters to the Editor do not provide sufficient space for the adequate measures themselves out of desperation from lack of a positive response from TCDC. discussion of complex scientific issues. And similar frustration and desperation is facing a group of concerned residents in Whitianga who “Hoax” advocacy are claims that human-made climate change is some sort of hoax perpetrated have been lobbying council for over 10 years. The erosion at Buffalo Beach has now reached the by persons or groups with a vested interest in falsifying the evidence. stage where the sand dunes in many areas of the beach are being washed away (despite “holistic” Chris Morey planting of dune grasses). The eroded sand from the dunes and from the beach is being washed Whitianga out into the Bay, creating a sand bar running from the Whitianga River entrance and extending northwards along the length of Buffalo Beach. This sand bar is clearly visible with breaking waves Editor’s Note - Peter H Wood and Chris Morey’s letters are representative of a large number of over the bar in stronger weather and has lowered the sea level in parts from 8m down to 2.4m over letters we’ve received on the issue of what our policy on the publication of climate change views the bar. should be. Thank you to everyone who made the effort to write to us. See page 16 of this issue of The answer is retaining walls along the areas of affected dunes also and groynes to retain the sand. The Informer for the policy we’ve adopted. Reasonably straightforward really, ask the residents of Flaxmill Bay. Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 836 - 13 March 2019
Letters to the Editor See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions We are currently informed by TCDC that they have established a coastal engineering section and appointed a coastal engineer. And we understand there is to be yet another expensive consultant outside council to be commissioned to report on coastal erosion. This does seem unnecessary as TCDC already has many previous expensive reports from outside consultants and also as council has set up its own coastal engineering section. I am sorry, but this just seems more of the same “ad hoc” approach by council - get another report, have another policy statement, prepare another strategy plan, etc, etc and nothing physical actually happens. Buffalo Beach is pivotal to Whitianga in many respects and its continued erosion without remedial steps from TCDC is criminal. What more can concerned residents do to get some action? Peter Mackenzie Whitianga Dear Editor - Free speech The New Zealand Green Party no doubt likes to consider itself to be a thoroughly modern party of inclusiveness and fairness and just full of good ideas for us all. However, it would seem that as we get ever closer to the next election, this minor party is showing their true colours… and low and behold… it is not actually green, but red. Taking a page from their Chinese communist colleagues and their draconian policies, the Green Party now seems to be in favour of restricting free speech. An article in The Informer of 27 February invited us all to a Green Party panel discussion in Whitianga with the topic of climate change. At first, I thought that this was just great and was wondering exactly whom they had chosen to put the climate sceptics’ case. It could have been a very interesting discussion. However, on closer reading I saw that it was not to be “… a venue for debating… climate change,” but just for preaching to the converted about the “accepted science.” So, no real discussion, just more of the same old one-sided propaganda from a panel including experts such as lawyer Denis Tegg and teacher Thomas Everth. This would seem to be an increasing trend of restricting free speech following on from a major New Zealand news outlet’s restriction on climate deniers’ comments (alluded to in The Informer of 20 February) and a similar attitude in the newsroom of the BBC overseas. Maybe the Green Party is actually more modern, even post-modern, than I had thought in their embracing of Orwellian group think. Healthy science thrives on robust debate and climate science should be the same. Surely absolutely every scientific theory, old and new, should always be open for discussion. No exceptions. This is the way the world moves forward - old ideas are revised and new ideas exposed and some eventually take over. Why do these closed-minded “experts” feel that their pet theory of climate science should be any different? Alastair Brickell Kuaotunu Issue 836 702 - 13 17March August2019 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11
The St John Siren Sponsored by Mercury Bay Pharmacy - Tel 866 4532 The Whitianga Ambulance Station has again significant increase in workload and staffing, been busy over February. In fact, the month both paid officers and volunteer officers. was the busiest February over the last five years The increase in paid full-time staff is part of with 100 call-outs - 70 medical responses and the Double Crewing Project where funding from 30 trauma related responses. Our call-outs for the government is being used to provide extra the year to date stands at 257, which is 44 up on staffing to ensure our frontline ambulance is fully the same time last year. An air ambulance was crewed. The additional staff will be emergency utilised on six occasions during the month. medical assistants who will support our Our staffing levels have remained stable paramedics. Our volunteer ambulance officers with 20 volunteer ambulance officers and four will crew our second frontline ambulance. full-time paid paramedics. We welcome Amy The intention is to improve ambulance Richardson to our team this month as our availability by having our second ambulance latest volunteer. available and on the road more often and will be St John Whitianga is now starting the process a big plus as it will provide cover when our first of renovating and refurbishing the ambulance ambulance is committed to a call-out. station, which will upgrade the facility to We are looking to increase our volunteer cater for our existing needs and expected numbers from our current 20. If you have future growth over the next 10 to 15 years. a full driver’s licence, are reasonably fit, This upgrade will also cater for the addition of can pass a police clearance and would like extra full-time paid ambulance officers over the to give back to your community, please get next two years and will ensure full crewing of in touch. As an example, if you are retired or our frontline ambulance. semi-retired and have some time on your hands, The station will also be improved and give us a call. We would love to hear from you. expanded with the addition of dedicated St John Remember, DIAL 111 for ambulance Mercury Bay Area Committee facilities. assistance, 24/7. The current building was opened in 1998 Mike Burrows and since that time we have seen a big change St John Whitianga in on our role in the community as well as a Station Manager Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 836 - 13 March 2019
Student art on the Coromandel to be celebrated The Whitianga Art Group is inviting every This year is also the 50th anniversary of the merit awards for each category and “People’s opening ceremony and formal judging by school on the Coromandel Peninsula to Whitianga Art Group. Choice” awards, where members of the talented artist, Charlotte Giblin.” participate in an art exhibition that will form “In honour of the Tuia commemorations public can vote for their favourite pieces via The exhibition will take place when many part of this year’s Tuia 250 commemorations, and our own anniversary, we thought it a $1 donation. visitors are expected in the Mercury Bay featuring the themes of navigation, would be a good idea to celebrate the many The focus will be on exhibiting the works of area for a variety of Tuia 250 events that are first encounters and a shared future. wonderful young artists in our area and hold as many students as possible. There will be a sceduled to take place during that time. The exhibition will be held from Saturday an exhibition where all the schools on the 60cm width restriction, however the artworks The Art Group are happy for students to 19 October until Monday 28 October in Peninsula can be represented,” says Jenny. can be of any height and can be created in any sell their pieces during the exhibition and the Whitianga Art Centre and Gallery in The schools will be asked to select their medium, as long as they are hangable. It is won’t be charging commission on any sales School Road. students’ artworks that will form part of the hoped the exhibition will see approximately made. They are also happy to provide the The exhibition is being organised exhibition. The artworks will be exhibited 100 artworks displayed. students with guidelines as to how much they by Art Group members Pam Mundell, in three categories - junior, intermediate “The students will be given a real exhibition should charge. Jenny Cotterell and Greg Healy. and senior. There will be first place prizes, experience”, says Jenny. “There will be an “Even at this early stage, several businesses have offered to sponsor prizes,” says Pam. “Gordon Harris The Art & Graphic Store will be sponsoring the first place prizes. But we are looking for more merit prizes. The more prizes we can get, the more students can have their artworks recognised and rewarded.” Merit prizes and prizes for the people’s choice awards can be in the form of cash, vouchers or products and should ideally be to the value of approximately $50. Businesses interested in sponsoring one or more prizes can contact Pam at email wagcorocomp@gmail.com. The sponsoring businesses will be recognised for their contributions. The members of the Whitianga Art Group will have new works on display in conjunction with the exhibition of the students’ works. Whitianga Art Group members Pam Mundell (on the left), Greg Healy and Jenny Cotterell are organising a The Art Group members’ pieces will also school students’ art exhibition that will form part of this year’s Tuia 250 commemorations. adhere to the Tuia 250 themes. No more Plastic bags No more Seagulls No more Hassles Issue 836 702 - 13 17March August2019 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13
Annual CRHT get-together on Friday last week The Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust (CRHT) hosted their annual get-together for sponsors and supporters on Friday afternoon last week at Crosby Field (the rescue helicopter base in Whitianga). The event was attended by more than 60 people. In welcoming everyone, Brian Bowering, the chairman of the CRHT, specifically acknowledged the presence of Bernie and Kaye Crosby, the founders of Mother Earth, the CRHT’s biggest sponsor. Brian also made reference to the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust’s new helicopters that will be operating from Crosby Field. “The doors of the hangar on the base will have to be modified to ensure the new helicopters can be moved comfortably in and out of the hangar,” Brian said. “That will require a significant investment from our side, but I’m pleased to say that thanks to tremendous community support, we already have almost all the funds available.” In addressing everyone present, Coromandel MP, Scott Simpson, commended the community for taking on the government last year and winning the fight to keep Crosby Field open. Four representatives of the Auckland Helicopter Trust attended the get-together - bequests manager Kerrie Spicer, retired paramedic Bruce Kerr, volunteer coordinator Debbie Bell and Crosby Field manager Leith Jackson. Bruce Kerr thanked the residents of the Coromandel Peninsula for their support of the rescue helicopter crews when they are on duty in Whitianga. “Our crews are always well-looked after and treated with the upmost respect,” he said. Pictured are some of those who attended the get-together. From the left - Rekha Percival, India Percival, Chris Bowering, Kerrie Spicer, Brian Bowering, Debbie Bell, Bruce Kerr and Leith Jackson. Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 836 - 13 March 2019
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No room for “merchants of doubt” In working on a policy with regard to the future publication of climate change views in The those who will not see” (my emphasis). being used in clinical trials. Informer, we requested Whitianga resident, Kevin Pringle ONZM, to provide us with this opinion It might be interesting to some to explore If the probability that the hypothesis on the role of research and science, or the lack thereof, in matters of significant importance. what actually happens when someone decides is incorrect is less than five per cent, Prof Pringle is a retired paediatric surgeon and has been involved in academic research for to “do” research. Ideally, good research the hypothesis is accepted to be most more than 45 years. During the course of his career, he has worked at four universities (in New arises from an attempt to explore a question. likely correct. It should be noted, however, Zealand and the USA). Until July last year, he has received a 0.2 full-time equivalent salary from Such questions are usually framed along the that there is still a one in 20 chance that the the University of Otago in Wellington specifically to carry out research. He now holds an unpaid lines of, “If I do this, then that will happen” hypothesis is incorrect and should have been position as emeritus professor, which allows him to continue with his ongoing research. or, “A given action will result in the following rejected. However, when the chance that the By law, New Zealand Universities are University of Otago in Wellington and asked outcome.” Such statements are, in fact, hypothesis is incorrect is reported to be one required to “be the conscience and critic if there was any evidence to support those hypotheses. in 100,000, then the hypothesis is almost of society.” allegations. There is. One then designs an experiment to test certainly correct. Some years ago, I received an e-mail from One of the sources recommended by the whether a hypothesis is actually correct One of the basic tenets of science is that Sir David Skegg, who was the vice-chancellor research librarian was the book “Merchants or whether it should be rejected. Ideally at any given experiment must be able to be this stage a statistician should be involved. replicated by another group of scientists who of the University of Otago at the time. In that of Doubt,” written by historians Naomi The statistician can give advice to the should, if the hypothesis is correct, be able e-mail, he stated that he strongly disagreed Oreskes and Eric M Conway (Bloomsbury researcher (or research team) as to how many to independently obtain the same or very with a public statement that had been made Press, New York, 2010). This is a carefully measurements need to be taken. One point similar results. by another University of Otago professor. researched book that fully documents the to remember is that any measurement has an It is important to compare this process with However, he also said that while he disagreed fact that a handful of scientists, most of inbuilt error of that measurement. If a group publishing something on the web as a blog or with the statement that had been made, whom were respected scientists in their fields of people are asked to measure the length of as an opinion piece, or a Letter to the Editor. he fully supported the professor’s right to (but not in medicine or climate science), a given piece of wood, there will be slight Under these circumstances, there is no peer make that statement. decided to argue against the possibility that differences in the results obtained. review. Without such peer review, it can be At most universities, there is a requirement tobacco smoke may cause cancer. The measurements obtained are extremely difficult to determine whether to publish one’s scientific results in what In general, their approach was not to re- then subjected to statistical analysis, what is presented is fact or misinformation, is known as “peer reviewed” forums. examine the science or attempt to replicate which must account for the variations between which is actually designed to distract from These forums are either at meetings of one’s the experiment, but to personally attack the measurements. If a very large number of the real facts or else contradict them without peers or in a journal in which the only articles the person publishing the science or to measurements are made, then the influence of any evidence. published are those that have been reviewed cast doubt on the validity of the science. the outlying measurements (either bigger or Open debate is one of the central pillars by scientists working in that field and who Interestingly, most of their writings were smaller than most of the other measurements) of our democracy. However, it is important have found the results to be valid and worthy not published in peer-reviewed publications, is reduced. Another approach is to use that the debate be based on facts, not on of being published. In most of the better but as opinion pieces, editorials or Letters to confidence intervals which are increasingly distortions or obfuscation. scientific journals, more than 50 per cent of the Editor, none of which were peer-reviewed. the articles submitted are rejected. Those same people used the same tactics to We would like to thank Kevin Pringle for his opinion on the importance of science and I was aware that there were allegations that discredit the science that has shown that the research in matters of significant importance, including climate change. It made some of the strident voices currently arguing current changes in the world’s climate are formulating a policy on the future publication of climate change views in The Informer easy. against the reality of climate change had, secondary to human activity. Effective immediately, climate change statements or data will only be published in The in the past, argued against the deleterious The fact that there is a vocal minority of Informer or allowed to remain published on our website and social media channels if effects of both smoking and second-hand people who still argue against the current accompanied by a specific reference to the source of the statement or data. Please note smoke and that they were now moving on changes in the world’s climate that are now mere reference to a website in general will not be sufficient. Reference to specific peer- from arguing against climate change to fight clearly documented in multiple publications reviewed articles in scientific journals or statements by reputable organisations like NASA attempts to control the harms arising from attests to the incredible efficacy of this and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (which are backed by research ready access to sugary drinks. I enlisted the approach. I remember a line from a Cat or data) will have to be provided. help of one of the research librarians at the Stephens song, “There are none so blind as Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 836 - 13 March 2019
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Sea Scouts pleased with Grateful to the Whitianga how “The Gathering” went Community Menz Shed “The Gathering” attracted a large number of motorcycle enthusiasts to Whitianga last weekend. The Whitianga Sea Scouts were allowed to use the event as a fundraising opportunity and raised more than $4,000 for their new den. The money was raised through a charity auction and raffles at The Whitianga Hotel on Friday evening, a show and shine on Saturday morning and a bike wash on both Saturday and Sunday. Whitianga resident, Lillian Munn (pictured), is grateful to the Whitianga Community Menz Shed, It’s the second year in a row that the event came to Whitianga. after they helped to get her vegetable garden under control. “We’re very pleased with how the weekend went,” says Mike Brown, chairman of the Lillian’s husband, Anthony, recently passed away after a long illness. She spent much Whitianga Sea Scouts. “The Whitianga business community were fantastic in their of her time taking care of him, so her vegetable garden that was once her pride and joy, support with prizes for the charity auction and raffles and the generosity of The Gathering became completely overgrown. participants was just astonishing. We’re very grateful.” Lillian was at her wits end with regard to what to do, until fellow Grey Power Mercury Bay Evan Still, the event organiser, says the participants all had a ball of a time. “Unfortunately member, Jack Skinner, suggested she contact the menz shed to see if they could help her. the weather deterred a few people from making the trip to Whitianga, but all those who turned up thoroughly enjoyed the weekend,” he says. “In order to keep things exciting, Armed with a weed eater, two members of the menz shed, Malcolm Brown (chairman of the we have to move the event around at least every second year and next year we’ll be going Whitianga Community Menz Shed Committee) and Gary Masters, set to work a few weeks ago. to Nelson, but all going well, we’ll be back in Whitianga in three years’ time.” Lillian is really happy with what Malcolm and Gary achieved and can’t thank the menz shed Pictured are Whitianga Sea Scouts adult leaders, Graham Coleman and Laetitia Wilson, enough. “It’s a huge relief,” she says. “I’m thrilled with the results and am beyond appreciative.” with new Sea Scouts Kea, Ellie George, at the show and shine on Saturday morning. Malcolm says the menz shed is always willing to help out where there’s a need. You can contact him on telephone (07) 866 2219 if you think they can assist you in any way. H O U S E WA S H I N G Call Drew for a free quote The Expert with the time tested and guaranteed method of removing mould, lichen, moss and stains. In fact any exterior surface that needs a clean, Drew can deal to with a harmless but totally effective wash. And remember a pre-paint wash will extend the life of your paint job and make painting easier. Buildings. Boats. Fences. Wood. Concrete. Metal. Call Drew Edwards - The Chemwash Man Mobile: 0274 375 578 a/h 07 867 8493 Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 836 - 13 March 2019
MARCH 2019 UPDATE The long summer goes on although the days are starting to good building activity. become a little shorter. It certainly has been great weather Seventy sections on this island have been constructed for construction and beachgoers. so far, which is just under half of the total amount when New Bridge completed. This is really taking shape now and many of the keystone Marlin Waters blocks as part of the abutments have been placed. Work is progressing on the next stage of units. These are Our local contractors have done an outstanding job in two and three-bedroom units in the central area of the bringing this design together. The approaches are currently development. been worked on and these will come together this month. The roading is complete and once the weather turns, While this is going on, the stonemasons are building the we will complete some more landscaping. new wall on the south side of the bridge. In two weeks’ time they will move to the northside. We are still sometime Kupe Drive away from taking the dam out so we will keep you updated Great to see the building activity in this new stage, on that. lots of houses are being built. Currently 26 houses are under Hopper Construction is underway with the roundabout at construction in the development. the entry to the bridge. Town Centre New Island Well done to all involved with the murals in the Whitianga This is all but complete with the streetlights to go in mid- town centre. A great addition to the look of the streetscape. March and landscaping to follow once some rain arrives. A vibrant town centre where people can gather and enjoy Sales on this new area are strong and we expect some the ambience is key to a prosperous community. Our sales office in Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga is open 7 days, Weekdays 9:00am - 4:00pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10:00am - 2:00pm. For further information please do not hesitate to contact our sales office on (07) 866 0164. Email - whitiangawaterways@xtra.co.nz Website - www.whitiangawaterways.co.nz Issue 836 702 - 13 17March August2019 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19
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