Tourism business CEO cautiously positive as winter visitor numbers exceed expectations - Mercury Bay Informer
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Issue 913 - 1 September 2020 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
Tourism business CEO cautiously positive as
winter visitor numbers exceed expectations
By Gillian O’Neill
Riding out the rollercoaster that is
COVID-19 is an ongoing challenge for one
of Mercury Bay’s top tourist attractions.
However, with winter visitor numbers
up on last year, The Lost Spring CEO,
Alanna Kline, says she is feeling cautiously
positive but above all grateful.
“The reality is we don’t know what is going
to happen going forward, but I did not think
at the end of lockdown that this is where we
would be, so I’m certainly grateful, it has
exceeded all our expectations,” Alanna says.
The Whitianga business reopened on
Queen’s Birthday Weekend after the Alert
Level 4 lockdown and has seen trade steadily
grow since then. “It has been building and
building,” Alanna says. “The restrictions in
Auckland have meant we have had to run a
pretty thin roster over the past few weeks,
because the numbers haven’t been there,
but overall, I think we have received amazing
support from our domestic market.”
Alanna says she believes the strength and
value of the domestic market may have been
underestimated. “We don’t record where our
guests have come from, but we would have
estimated that maybe around 40 percent of
our business was international,” she says.
“On reflection, that might have been on the
high side. We are now learning a lot more
about our domestic market and our location
here puts us in a very strong position. If the
international border remains shut, I think we
could well be in for a bumper summer.”
Despite reduced opening hours, The Lost
Spring’s revenue for June and July was up
on the same period in 2019 with the weeks
since only slightly below when compared to
last year. “It has been very positive and also Alanna Kline, CEO of The Lost Spring in Whitianga.
very surprising,” Alanna says. Currently the entire venue is open Friday they can. That’s the feeling I get when I go urban centres of Auckland, Hamilton and
The strong numbers have enabled the to Sunday, with the spa and restaurant also around Whitianga as well. Even on Friday Tauranga, which already account for up to
hiring of some new staff and Alanna is open on Thursdays. last week there was a real buzz, I couldn’t 70 percent of the Coromandel’s visitors.
hopeful of building back up to full capacity Alanna says, despite all the uncertainly get a park on the main street, it was busy “I think it is spot on,” she says. “That’s
by Labour Weekend. “We’re not looking too caused by the coronavirus, people visiting with lots of people around.” exactly what we are, we are New Zealand’s
far ahead because there is no way to predict The Lost Spring typically were remaining Looking towards summer, Alanna playground and that puts us in a very
what might happen,” she says. “We have to upbeat. “I think overall people are pretty believes Destination Coromandel’s “Where strong position. I think we could see an
just keep watching and planning as best we optimistic,” she says. “They are keen to Kiwis holiday” campaign will be right on incredible number of people spending their
can, but that’s what we are aiming for.” just get on and live their lives as much as the money in terms of targeting those crucial holiday here.”
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Anna’s vision of an orchard garden will be
completed in her memory
A living tribute in the form of an orchard garden our Te Rerenga School community,” current Te
will be how the Te Rerenga school community Rerenga School principal, Mary Kedzlie, said.
will remember and commemorate their beloved In tribute to the former principal, all past,
former principal, Anna Yates, whose two-and- present and future families of the school have
a-half-year fight against cancer came to an end been invited to contribute to the completion of
on 19 August. a project that Anna herself had imagined and
The 43-year-old wife, mother, daughter, begun to develop. “Anna’s vision was to have a
sister and friend, renowned for her beaming thriving orchard where the children could pick
smile, was farewelled at a Celebration of fruit from the trees while playing there,” Mary
Life service streamed live from Crossroads said. “We would like to further develop what is
Church in Whitianga on Monday last week to already established by planting additional trees
reach the many family, friends and colleagues and by having a memorial seat placed in the
unable to attend due to the COVID-19 Level orchard.” Further shade trees and natives will
2 restrictions. Anna formally retired from also be planted around the school grounds with
her role in September last year, spending her parents, children and whānau able to contribute
precious remaining months with her family. both money or mahi to make the project happen.
Heart-shaped messages of love written by the “The Te Rerenga School Board of Trustees
Te Rerenga School children at that time were has also begun planting a wind belt along the
attached to the backs of the chairs at the service, fence line to protect the trees in the orchard as
conveying to those present how much Anna they grow and has purchased over 100 trees for
meant to her students. this purpose,” Mary said. “There are still more
Favourite songs and stories of the loving, trees that need planting that have been put into
generous, fun-filled and super stubborn mother- position. If you have a spare moment and would
of-two who was infamous for her kindness like to come to school with your spade and
along with her shopping obsession, coloured plant a tree or 10, we welcome you to do so.
the service, as did the bright shades and florals Just arrive at the office and we’ll show you
worn at Anna’s request by those in attendance. where the trees are to be planted.”
Also shining through was the strength, Speaking at Anna’s service, her parents,
positivity and humour with which she travelled Colin and Glenda, and brother, Matt, recalled
through her cancer journey, continually defying Anna’s brave journey, her determination and
expectations, spurred on by her desire to give positivity and her huge appetite for life, love
her family as much love as she could, before and adventure. Friends described a wise and
saying goodbye. passionate educator who poured her heart and
Her family were by her side as she passed soul into ensuring the children of Te Rerenga
away peacefully at home where the Waikato/ School loved learning and loved their school.
Bay of Plenty Cancer Society, local hospice And Anna’s husband, Darrell, with daughters
nurses and the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Caitlyn and Sophia alongside him, thanked all
Trust all contributed to helping her loved ones those who had been involved in taking care
care for her in her final weeks. “Anna was a of the adoring mother with a wicked sense of
very special lady, and a wonderful educator Former Te Rerenga School principal, Anna Yates, with her daughter, Caitlyn, humour, loved by all who met her. “We have
and effective leader who was loved and will be during her farewell from the school on 3 September 2019. lost a beautiful lady, God has gained a beautiful
missed by many current students and families in Anna’s two-and-a-half-year fight against cancer sadly came to an end on 19 August this year. angel,” he said.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 2 September to Wednesday 9 September - Mars is now rising at about 10:30pm and is unmistakeable with its reddish colour.
It is getting steadily brighter every week and will be at its best in early October. The Moon is a useful guide to its location on Sunday and Monday.
Jupiter and Saturn remain as a lovely pair high overhead while brilliant Venus lights up the early morning sky. See how long you can follow it in the ever-
brightening dawn sky… it can often be seen in the daytime, but the problem is figuring out just where to look and getting your eye to focus at infinity.
The International Space Station (ISS) has a crew of only two Russians and one American at present since the other two Americans left in SpaceX’s
capsule last month. They are currently trying to find the source of a small air leak on the station. The ISS will be visible early in the evening this week.
Thursday 3 September - The ISS makes a brief pass tonight from 7:30pm in the SW before disappearing into the Earth’s shadow. Astronomy Tours and B&B
Saturday, 5 September - Mars lies just below the almost full Moon in the very late NE evening sky. Sunday, 6 September - The Moon has now moved Phone (07) 866 5343
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020
Art Escape competition winners’
weekend in Mercury Bay
As part of this year’s Mercury Bay Art Escape, new sponsors brought new opportunities to
enhance one of the region’s best-known events. Mediaworks ran a competition for its listeners
on the Breeze radio station where the rather excellent prize on offer for two people was two
nights’ accommodation and an art workshop with artist, Wendy Walls, dinner at Blue Ginger
Restaurant and lunch at The Pour House in Hahei.
Ian Preece, chair of the Art Escape said, “The winners were Cass and her daughter, Cassie,
originally from Yorkshire in the UK but now permanently settled in Tauranga. Things were
understandably delayed because of the lockdown earlier this year, but we finally managed
to make it happen on 22 and 23 August. The ladies had a fabulous weekend and were very
generous in their praise of the overall experience.”
Cass and Cassie said Wendy’s workshop was excellent. “It was great to have our creativity
re-inspired,” they said. “We had an amazing weekend and thoroughly enjoyed every minute,
so thank you all so much,” they said.
“A very generous thanks to Wendy Walls for donating the accommodation and painting
workshop, to Rebecca and Stuart of Blue Ginger and to Karen Vowles of The Pour House for
their generosity in supplying the meals,” Ian said. “Thanks also to Kate, Andy and Jolene of
Mediaworks for making the competition happen for us. We are already looking forward to the
competition for 2021.
Pictured are competition winners, Cass and Cassie, with Karen Vowles (in the centre) of
The Pour House.
699 - 127September
Issue 913 July 2016 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Signs that Coromandel kiwi have survived
a challenging year on the weather front
Despite some serious damage to their programme, as we were unable to access
operations due to the Queen’s Birthday two of our regular listening sites this year,”
Weekend weather bomb, the team at says David. “We were concerned that the
Kapowai Kiwi Group (KKG) have reported prolonged drought in 2019/2020 would have
positive results from their most recent kiwi adversely affected kiwi numbers, as kiwi
monitoring season. depend on moist soil to probe for worms
The storm wiped out 16 stoat traps and and insects. However, kiwi call numbers
several bait stations within the community this monitoring season (April to June 2020)
group’s coverage area in the Kapowai Valley have been surprisingly abundant and the data
and Coroglen Forest. Portions of two tracks suggests kiwi numbers are preserved.”
sustained damage due to large slips on either KKG undertakes a monitoring programme
side of the Kapowai River, limiting access. annually at four or more listening sites and,
“Passage is imminently dangerous until although recording calls during a sample time
the silt stabilises and solidifies,” says KKG period in the winter breeding season is a crude
spokesperson, David Innes. “A number of measurement of the kiwi population, it does
bait stations, situated about shoulder height
provide some indication of what is happening
on trees, were practically filled with silt
to the kiwi population in the area over time.
where flood debris reached up to three metres
The group has been carrying out their
above ground level.”
Despite the damage, the group’s trapping listening programme since 2005 and there
lines still caught 18 rats, three stoats and has been a definite increase in kiwi calls over
two weasels in June, and funding has now this time period. The volunteer listeners are
been secured to replace the damaged traps. trained to identify the high pitched repetitive
“We are very thankful that, through the Small male call and the lower grinding response
Scale Community Initiatives Fund, Waikato from the female, recording times and
Regional Council has just granted KKG directions of calls carefully.
funding to purchase replacement traps so we “We are always looking for people to assist
can restore our full trapping programme,” with kiwi listening, so if you like the idea
says David. of walking into the bush at night and sitting
The Queen’s Birthday flood also washed quietly for two hours from 6:00pm to 8:00pm,
out either end of the ford at the Coroglen bundled up against the cold with a flask of
Forest entrance, 6km from State Highway hot chocolate, please send a message to
25. “This has prevented completion of the rebeccaebbers@protonmail.com, we would Storm damage to the tracks in the Kapowai Valley is limiting
Kapowai Kiwi Group’s full Kiwi listening love to have you on board,” says David. access to the Kapowai Kiwi Group’s coverage area.
Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020
Issue 913 - 1 September 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Museum Musings
By Becs Cox, Mercury Bay Museum Manager
Do you have documents or photos of your forming part of this column is a new
family that you would be able to share addition to our collection of Aldolphus and
with us? Margaret Creed.
We are currently updating our family We look forward to seeing you soon.
history with photos, documents and general Stay safe and warm,
information. Becs Cox
Information in the possession of local Manager Mercury Bay Museum
residents often fills gaps
that we have in our archives.
So, if you are a descendant
of one of our local “settler
families,” we would love to
hear from you.
Once we have this
information updated in
our Mercury Bay Museum
database, we will have more
ability to help researchers
in the future. You do not
need to give us your photos
or documents as we can
scan them for our digital
collection. We will check
with you that you are happy
to share them generally in
the future or whether they
will have restricted access.
Our research team is in
the museum every Tuesday
and we would love to make
a time to see you. One of
the team has just finished
updating our archive on the
Creed Family with photos
and documents, so we are
in full swing. The photo Adolphus and Margaret Creed.
14
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020
Celebrating dad in a year like no other By Gillian O’Neill Father’s Day was first celebrated in the some became home tutors for their children United States 110 years ago after Sonora and teens when schools were forced to close Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, sat in their doors and some of our older dads and church listening to a Mother’s Day sermon. their families endured the pain of separation She decided she wanted to designate a day for as staying apart became the only way to keep her dad, William Jackson Smart. Her mother each other safe. had died in childbirth and William, a Civil My dad still lives in my native city of War veteran, had taken the responsibility of Waterford, Ireland. COVID-19 case numbers singlehandedly raising the new-born and his are starting to climb again there, it is stressful other five children. to watch from a distance. The assumption Sonara wanted to celebrate Father’s you once held, that if anything serious Day on 5 June 1910, her father’s birthday, ever happened you would just instantly fly and petitioned for the holiday to be recognised home, is no longer quite that simple. That in her city. Needing more time to arrange the 18,000-kilometre distance has never been festivities, the mayor pushed the date back much of a barrier, until now. There will be by two weeks and the first Father’s Day no visit to New Zealand this summer, the first took place on 19 June, as it continues to do time in 11 years that my parents won’t spend in America and many other countries around time with me and my family here. Likewise, the world. with our border still closed, there is no real At the first Father’s Day celebration, young possibility of me heading back to Ireland in women handed out red roses to their fathers the near future. With many expats calling the during a church service, and large baskets full Coromandel home, I imagine there are many of roses were passed around, with attendees in this position. It’s another example of how encouraged to pin on a rose in honour of the world has changed for us all. their fathers - red for the living and white in But these uncertain times have certainly memory of the deceased. reminded us of what’s most important in our In New Zealand, Father’s Day was first lives. So, if there was ever a year to be sure observed in the late 1920s and was soon to say “Happy Father’s Day,” then it is surely afterwards officially adopted, to be held this one. Whether it’s with a home-cooked on the first Sunday of September, similar breakfast, a special gift, some wonderfully to Australia. creative artwork direct from the school The sentiment behind the occasion has bag or a phone call from afar, this Sunday, certainly endured. 2020 has been a challenging 6 September, dad gets to be the star of the year for us all and many dads will have had family show. And, for those who no longer their lives disrupted as a result of what has have their dads with them, it’s maybe a quickly become a new normal. Some may chance to reflect on happy memories and the Informer co-editor, Gillian O’Neill, during her last visit to Ireland in 2017 have lost jobs or had to change career paths, role their dad played in their lives. with her daughter, Emily, and dad, Eamonn. Issue 913 - 1 September 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020
Issue 913
699 - 127September
July 2016 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
Car Talk By Jack Biddle
A question for Jack? Just email us or drop us a note.
Labels and recommendations easy to misread at times
An important part of many marketing For clarity then, the recommended tyre pressures only ever drop over time, so setting major damage. If the label says you can use
campaigns these days is encouraging pressures are stipulated by the manufacturer them a little bit on the high side is not a bad 91 octane, however, then there is no major
consumers to read the labels on products of the vehicle as part of the overall package idea as it’s a chore that doesn’t get done as harm done, apart from the added expense,
before purchasing or using. to ensure such things as comfort, safety often as it should be. in adding the higher 95 octane fuel.
There’s that often-used catch phrase and road handling are not compromised. Moving on, what about fuel labels, In general, you can move up in octane levels
to promote food and medicinal products The higher figure is set from the tyre how confusing can they be? On many without any issues, but it is not recommended
that goes something like, “Read the label manufacturer itself and is stating a maximum mainstream motor vehicles, the label to move down.
carefully, take only as directed and seek pressure for whatever application the tyre located inside the fuel filler flap will state a Where it can start to become a bit confusing
medical advice/help if required.” It all sounds is when the words “or higher” are printed on
pretty straightforward and makes good sense. the fuel label. Some owners interpret that to
So are motor vehicles any different? mean the higher the octane levels the better
A label is a label after all and should deliver in terms of fuel economy and performance.
its message in the fewest possible words and The recommendation to use the correct octane
above all else, do its best to avoid confusion. level by manufacturers is loosely based
But sometimes it doesn’t have the desired around engine protection and in some cases
effect or, in some cases, the label can be long-term fuel cost savings. You will struggle
somewhat misleading. to find any wording from a mainstream new
I was recently asked if a tyre pressure vehicle distributor in New Zealand to say a
of over 50psi was correct for a recently higher than recommended petrol octane level
purchased new small SUV. It sounded will achieve a significant improvement in
extremely high, so the question was asked either performance and/or economy.
where the recommendation came from and In New Zealand, the more expensive 98
I was told it was stamped into the sidewall octane fuel is made available to accommodate
of the tyre. Sure enough, if you looked close the very small fleet of road legal vehicles
enough there is wording to say the maximum which have high performance engines and,
tyre pressure was 350KPa or 51psi. therefore, require nothing less than the higher
You can hardly be too critical of an owner octane fuel.
who is trying to do the right thing and The choice of fuel type and its benefits is
pulls up to a gas station to check their tyre a topic that has been well and truly debated
pressures and happens to read the wording on over the years and will no doubt continue to
Always have a look at vehicle manufacturers’ labels to determine recommended
the sidewall of the tyre. be so, as long as petrol is sold.
tyre pressure and the correct octane fuel to be used.
But this is where the confusion lies. From my experience, any claimed benefits
There is a big difference between the may be used for. recommendation of 91 octane or 95 or higher in fuel consumption from using a higher
words “maximum” and “recommended.” As a guide for most mainstream vehicles, octane fuel. than recommended octane fuel is negligible
The recommended tyre pressure for this a tyre pressure of around 32psi is considered So, what does this really mean? The easy to say the least. More savings are gained
particular vehicle was in fact a far more pretty standard these days. Plus, not every bit to grasp is that if the label says 95 octane by improved driver technique rather than
realistic 220KPa/32psi (depending on vehicle gas stations tyre pressure gauge is going to or higher, then you should not use 91 octane anything else.
load). This information was found in the read exactly the same, so a little bit of give because the engine has not been designed to Manufacturers know best, it’s just a little
owner’s handbook and was also located on a and take either way is perfectly acceptable. tolerate the lower octane fuel and in some confusing sometimes to fully understand
label attached inside the driver’s door. Another good point to remember also is tyre cases the engine could ultimately suffer their labels and recommendations.
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020Police Report
By Sergeant Andrew Morrison of the Whitianga Police
Monday, 24 August to Monday, 31 August 2020
General Occurences
The scallop season starts on 1 September and Two family harm incidents attended this week.
runs through to 31 March next year. Divers must On the 24th a separated couple argued about
please take care in the water and boat skippers their relationship at a Centennial Drive address
must please remember five knots or less when and direct advice was given, while on the 26th a
within 200m of a boat displaying a diver’s flag family contacted the Police for support and they
or 50m of people in the water. were referred to support agencies.
Again, the arrest of a man for theft this week On the 24th a Misuse of Telephone incident
highlights the excellent security camera systems was reported and enquiries are continuing to
some stores have in our area. Clear footage of the locate the suspect, while also that day a 37-year-
offender removing packaging and concealing old local man was interviewed in relation to a
stolen property in his clothing is great evidence
Possession of an Offensive Weapon and Wilful
for his subsequent court appearance.
Damage incident on Buffalo Beach Road.
Enquiries are continuing in relation to a
On the 27th a white Nissan Navara registration
bail breach from a Bryce Street address and
anyone on bail is reminded to stick to their number TI5422 was unlawfully taken from
bail conditions or expect the court to consider a SH25 Kuaotunu - Te Rerenga address.
their freedom. While on the 29th a driver caused damage
Arrests by doing wheelies on the lawn of the church
24th - 1 x 34-year-old local man for an at the intersection of Cook Drive and Joan
outstanding Warrant to Arrest for Aggravated Gaskell drive.
Robbery. Traffic
28th - 1 x 20-year-old local man for Theft A red and black Toyota Surf with no plates
Ex Shop. failed to stop for the Police on the 30th on
30th - 1 x 23-year-old local man for breaching South Highway and enquiries are continuing to
bail conditions. identify the driver.
Issue 913
699 - 127September
July 2016 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020
Vietnam adventure begins in quarantine
for Tairua’s Hogarth family
By Gillian O’Neill
Moving country is not an easy task in a “It has been quite an adventure just getting were allowing us to come into their country, such as the breakfast consisting of a scotch
global pandemic, but that’s what former here,” said Chris. “Right throughout the we feel really lucky. There we were, just 17 egg in something akin to a curry broth,
Tairua school teacher and 2019 Waikato journey, you could feel how on guard of us, all expats, on this huge Airbus and has been more challenging. “We’ve also had
District Coach of the Year, Chris Hogarth, everyone was about the coronavirus. they were welcoming us in, it feels like such some coffee deliveries from the lady who is
and his family are embarking on, starting Of course, we all had our face masks on and a privilege.” in charge of HR at the school,” said Chris.
their new lives in Vietnam in the confines of a there were numerous temperature checks at Chris accepted a role teaching Year 4 “She has been viewing houses for us too and
quarantine hotel room. various places. The airport in Hong Kong was students at the Australian International sending us photos, so we’ll hopefully have
The family - which includes Chris, wife almost scary with two 200 gates and just this School in Ho Chi Minh City back in January. our accommodation sorted before we leave
Raewyn and the couple’s two youngest small trickle of people. We could see rows Two months later, the world was in the grip of here. Everyone we’ve encountered so far has
children, Olivia (12) and Ezra (8) - were and rows of planes just sitting on the tarmac.” a new phenomenon in the form of COVID-19 been so helpful and really welcoming.”
on day four of their 14-day isolation period “You can see and feel just how seriously and the planned move in July was anything This is not the first Hogarth family
when they spoke to The Informer via video people here in Vietnam are taking the virus, but certain. adventure. Eldest daughter, Harmony, who
chat a few days ago. how frightening it is and the fact that they “We were still committed to going, we just attended Mercury Bay Area School and now
didn’t know if or when it was going to be lives in Auckland, was born in Samoa where
possible,” Chris said. “At times, as various the couple lived for two years. Returning
things were happening, you began to think to New Zealand, Chris then took a job near
maybe it’s just not meant to be. I was working Akaroa and Caleb, also a former MBAS
on Plan B, thinking about where I might get student, arrived.
another job and how long our money would An eight-year stint in Brunei, where both
last, but thankfully it has worked out.” Olivia and Ezra were born, was next before a
The family is being accommodated move to Tairua around seven years ago.
in two hotel rooms opposite each other. Uncertainty about when Harmony and
There is no opportunity to leave their rooms, Caleb, a student at Canterbury University, will
apart from visiting each other or to go outside. be able to visit made saying goodbye tough.
As we talked, they were awaiting a knock on “All of the wonderful people at Harmony’s
the door in order to have a COVID-19 test, flat went and waited six hours in a queue for
their third to date, with a couple more to come a COVID-19 test just so we could come and
before they are released. safely stand outside and wave goodbye to her
“We’ve been drawing and colouring, while she stood on the deck,” said Raewyn.
and watching TV,” said Olivia, who is “It was just so lovely.”
nervous about starting high school in a new As they count down the days until they
country. “I’ve talked to my friends a lot.” can get out and explore their new home,
A WhatsApp group has been set up with Chris said reuniting with the older children
other expat teachers and their families staying will be another countdown for the close-knit
at the same hotel, and bonds and friendships family. “It’s definitely hard not knowing
have started to form. when we will see them, but it will make it all
While some of the meals like baguettes, the more special when we are able to have
The Hogarth family - from the left, Raewyn, Ezra, Olivia and Chris - and burgers and fries have received a them here and show them everything we have
in their quarantine hotel room in Ho Chi Minh City. thumbs up from the kids, more unusual fare, been up to,” he said.
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Issue 913
699 - 127September
July 2016 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Seventeenth “Support Local/
Tips for Business Owners
Buy Local” winner drawn By Christine Petrie
The move to Alert Levels 2 and 3 shows just 30 percent or 50 percent. Work on
how quickly things can change with New incrementally reducing your costs. Brainstorm
Zealand’s COVID-19 elimination strategy. solutions for retaining well-qualified staff,
Barring a vaccine or cure, COVID-19 will even if with reduced hours.
be with us for some time. Businesses must The criteria for the Small Business
plan for operating at and moving between Cashflow Loan Scheme and Business Finance
the alert levels, and for reduced demand as Guarantee Schemes have been tweaked and
unemployment increases and banks remain are available until 31 December 2020. The
cautious with regard to lending. Wage Subsidy extension is closing on 1
Many Coromandel businesses are reliant on September and the resurgence wage subsidy
Auckland visitors and in this climate need the for 40 percent or more decline/expected
flexibility to be open when travellers arrive. decline in income over a 14-day period from
Given the uncertainty over travel restrictions, 12 August to 10 September is closing on 3
holidaymakers are making spontaneous travel September. The leave support scheme for
decisions rather than planning ahead. people recommended to stay home is still in
Congratulations to Andrea Zwart, the 17th winner in The Informer’s “Support Local/Buy Local” campaign. This is not the time to plod on in hope. place. If you expect your payroll cost to be
Andrea’s entry was drawn on Monday this week by Henry Newton and Alisa Clapham (pictured) of Dino’s Businesses must stay abreast of and implement less than last year, contact ACC to have your
Pizza and Pasta in Whitianga. the latest health and safety requirements. provisional levy reduced.
During the campaign, which will continue until the end of next month, we’re giving away $100 every week They also need to think about profitably Information included in this column is of
to someone who supported a local Mercury Bay business. The prize has to be spent with an Informer operating in a contactless environment. a general nature and is not a substitute
advertiser. Understand your accounts and have a for tailored legal, accounting and other
Andrea’s winning purchase was made at Mercury Bay Pharmacy in Whitianga. plan for income drops of, say, 20 percent, professional advice.
The campaign started in the second week of May. In the first week of October, all entries received during
the 22 weeks of the campaign will go into a second draw, where the winner will win $1,000 to spend with
one or more of our advertisers.
Every now again, the weekly winner also receives an additional prize, provided by a generous local busines.
Andrea is receiving, in addition to $100 from us, a $100 voucher from The Lost Spring in Whitianga.
To enter is easy. Simply email us proof - in the form of invoices or receipts - of your local purchases, or
drop your invoices or receipts into the blue bin on the front porch of our office in Whitianga or in the many
“Support Local/Buy Local” counter boxes around Mercury Bay. Christine Petrie, the author
of this column, is the owner
Please write your name, surname and phone number on all your entries.
of Shifting Focus Business
The philosophy behind the campaign is simple - the more you buy local, the better chance you have of Consulting. She can be
winning.
contacted on telephone
Local businesses need our support more than ever. Make sure to check out our “Support Local/Buy Local” (021) 775 571 or email
video on YouTube, featuring a well-known local family (search for “Informer Support Local/Buy Local”). christine@shiftingfocus.co.nz.
Remember, buying local is an easy way to show how much you love your local community.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020Issue 913
699 - 127September
July 2016 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Remarkable anniversary Urban Homes show home
for Des Gyde opens as demand grows
National award-winning Master Builders, Urban Homes, is set to open the doors of
its first show home on the Coromandel Peninsula at the Whitianga Waterways on
Saturday, 5 September.
This latest masterpiece by the company is designed to function as either a dream
holiday home or beach house as more people look to escape city life and relocate to
the Coromandel.
The trend speaks to data released by realestate.co.nz in July which suggested New
Zealand’s property market remains buoyant amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While the
national average asking price sat at $727,749 throughout June 2020, the Peninsula hit
an all-time asking price high above $800,000 for the first time.
The high price point could reflect the lack of available properties in an area as popular
as the Coromandel, something that Deane Sanders from Urban Homes Coromandel,
believes is driving the market towards new build homes. “They say, ‘If you build it,
they will come,’” he says. “We know people are wanting to move to the Peninsula and
Urban Homes is ready to help people on their build journey.”
Deane is proud of the company’s Coromandel show home offering, which joins four
other Urban Homes show homes in Cambridge and Hamilton, and is looking forward
to turning the key on the property. “Building beautiful homes is in our DNA,” he says.
“We have a range of house and land packages in sought-after locations. We take
ownership of all our clients’ builds, treating them as our very own masterpieces.”
The simple and smart Whitianga show home is crafted with materials suited to coastal
environments. The open plan home features a stylish interior and delivers seamless
indoor-outdoor flow built for entertaining. The design is complementing beach
living overall.
“Urban Homes offers a range of pre-designed floor plans which can be modified to
suit your budget and lifestyle,” says Deane. “Or you can work with our architectural
Friday last week was a special day for Whitianga resident and Mercury Bay Aero Club member, Des Gyde, technicians to design a custom home here on the Coromandel.”
when he celebrated 50 years since his first solo flight on 25 August 1970. “I was 16 years and four days Urban Homes, founded by Daniel and Bronwyn Klinkenberg in 2004, is renowned for
old when I went solo,” says Des. “My family was living in Hamilton at the time. The flight would have
happened on the day of my 16th birthday, but the weather didn’t play ball.” focusing on the client build journey and is the Waikato’s most awarded Master Builder.
To celebrate this remarkable anniversary, Des flew ZK-MBA, the first Van’s RV12 aeroplane built by
The company was named the Waikato’s Most Trusted Business in 2019, a reflection of
Mercury Bay Area School students, to Thames to catch up with Nelson Valiant. Nelson is the son of Lewis its approach to building beautiful homes with integrity.
Valiant, Des’s flight instructor at the time he went solo. “Lewis unfortunately passed away in 2006, but it The company is a proud supporter of Waikato Charity, True Colours Children’s
was great to catch up with Nelson, who was also a keen pilot for many years of his life and is now living
in Thames,” says Des. “We’ve had a lot to talk about.”
Health Trust.
Pictured in the top photo is Des on the day he flew solo for the first time. In the bottom photo are Des (left) The show home in Whitianga is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm
and Nelson at the Thames Airfield on Friday. at 7 Awatea Drive.
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020Issue 913
699 - 127September
July 2016 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17Support for families and those in need of mobility
equipment with Social Services initiatives
Families from Tairua through to Matarangi who have been financially affected by COVID-19 with Life Unlimited allows us to stock a variety of products from wheelchairs and walking
received a little helping hand last week courtesy of Whitianga Social Services and a number of frames to crutches, walking sticks, and toilet and bathroom aids. As we are holding the products
local businesses. on consignment, we only have to pay Life Unlimited once we’ve made a sale. People are very
A total of 25 whānau care packs containing fruit, pasta, vegetables, canned foods, breakfast welcome to pop into our offices on Cook Drive to try before they buy. Whatever we don’t have
cereal, milk, meat, baking supplies and warm blankets were distributed to help support the available, we can order for them.”
families through the last weeks of winter and also let them know that further help is available Sheryll said the initiative is part of a renewed focus on delivering programmes and services for
if needed. Whitianga Social Services partnered with schools from Tairua to Te Rerenga to older people in cooperation with numerous partners. “We’re receiving fantastic support from
sensitively help identify those who might benefit from the packs. OPC in Whitianga in our attempts to support the older members of our community and I would
“We know that COVID-19 has effected some whānau financially and may be causing stress like to take this opportunity to thank them for all they are doing for us.”
within the household,” said Ben Conning, a social worker at Whitianga Social Services. The arrangement between Whitianga Social Services and Life Unlimited coincides with
Funding obtained from the Ministry of Social Development paid for the packs with Countdown Thames-Coromandel District Council’s review of their Disability and Positive Ageing Strategies.
Whitianga, The Whitianga Butchery and The Warehouse Whitianga also supporting the initiative. “While looking at TCDC’s Disability Strategy, I ventured into the New Zealand Disability
Strategy and found an excellent explanation of what a disability is,” said Sheryll. “In a nutshell,
“There’s a Whakatauki (Maori proverb) that goes, ‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari i te
individuals have impairments, not disabilities. A disability is the process that happens when
toa takitini,’ my strength is not of a single warrior but that of many,” said Ben, empahsising one group of people create barriers by designing a world only for their way of living, taking no
the importance of communities working together during challenging times. “If whānau are account of the impairments other people have. Hopefully, easier access to mobility equipment
needing extra support, they can come to Whitianga Social Services. People can also find more will help to break down some of those barriers in our local area.”
information on our website, wcst.org.nz.”
Pictured in the photo on the left is Ben Conning with Whitianga Social Services counsellor,
It’s a busy time at the organisation which has also just entered an arrangement with Life Emma Ribet, (in the centre) and community programme coordinator, Stacey Cullen, at the
Unlimited to help make the purchase of mobility equipment a whole lot easier for Mercury whānau care packs. In the photo on the right is Todd Stephenson (second from the right) of Life
Bay residents. Unlimited, Stacey Cullen, Peter van der Putten (Whitianga Social Services funding coordinator)
“Previously the people in our area had to purchase equipment online or travel off the and Sheryll FitzPatrick (on the right) with some of the moblity equipment that will be available
Coromandel,” said Sheryll, FitzPatrick, Whitianga Social Services manager. “Our arrangement for purchase through Whitianga Social Services.
Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020SEPTEMBER 2020 UPDATE
Mother Nature has a way of keeping things in balance. After a very dry summer the Marlin Waters
rains seem to have come on a reasonably regular basis and it will be interesting to see Cove Construction continues to construct new units in this development with new
what spring has in store for our area. That said, activity has continued in the Whitianga residents moving in on a regular basis. A good range of two and three-bedroom units
Waterways and the sounds of nail guns and other machinery can be heard, which is is currently on the market.
a great sign that activity levels are holding up. While COVID-19 continues to cause Access
a degree of disruption, the market has rebounded strongly from the initial lockdown. Please do not venture onto any development areas without permission. There is often
The drift from Auckland and other urban areas has picked up pace as people make machinery moving throughout the entire project.
choices based on achieving a better quality of life.
Joan Gaskell North
Hopper Construction is making solid progress on the new development. Roadworks
are approaching their final stages. Kerbing is complete and footpaths are underway.
Northpower has once again delivered the electrical infrastructure with Peninsula Civil
close to finishing water and sewer lines. Landscaping work is due for completion
this month.
Canal Works
This week NZ Dredging established in the canal network to commence a round of
dredging. This is programmed to run for the month of September. During this time,
a digger and barge will be operating in the canals. These works will also involve a final
trim of the dam north of the Joan Gaskell Drive bridge, which will allow this area to be
opened to boat traffic.
Mercury Bay Business Association
The MBBA AGM was held last week. A fantastic turnout and great to see so many
businesses represented. A very positive vibe exists within our business community
despite the current difficulties and this will help everyone going forward.
Playground
In the coming weeks, we will look to complete some tree planting in and around this
development opposite the Mobil service station.
Our sales office 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 team on (07) 866 0164.
Email - wwloffice@whitiangawaterways.co.nz Website - www.whitiangawaterways.co.nz
Issue 913
699 - 127September
July 2016 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19New Tairua water treatment
Catherine’s Column
By Catherine Delahunty - Coromandel Peninsula resident and former Green Party MP plant opened
Thames-Coromandel District Council mayor, Sandra Goudie, pictured with Tairua-Pauanui Community
The curse of interesting times Board Chair Warwick Brooks, officially opened Tairua’s newly upgraded water treatment plant on Hinemoa
Terrace last Thursday.
I do not know if everyone is struggling with summer scene. The seabirds and coast birds
uncertainty, but there is a lot of it about. have peace on the beach. It was just beautiful. With Whitianga’s upgrade already complete, TCDC said the commissioning of the Tairua plant marked
Compared to the rest of the world, we are I am so grateful to the oases of calm because “an important milestone in our drinking water standards project - Tautiaki Wai Māori. This is year two of
a three-year project to upgrade 10 water treatment facilities across our district in order to lift the quality
in a better place regarding COVID-19. But I even as a so-called ex-political leader, there is of our drinking water supplies.
have never seen so much paranoid thinking a lot to do. And then there is the uncertainty
“The plants have been fitted with the latest technology and methodologies for treating our water, including
and downright ignorance as there is in social when planning to do things which COVID-19
Evoca-supplied membrane units, and new filtration, dosing and monitoring equipment.
media right now. I understand lack of trust may disrupt.
in governments, but not the attraction to the We want to perform my play, “Question “The installation of the new plant in Pauanui is complete with electrics to be finished next week and we
hope it to be operational by November 2020. Meanwhile, civil works have started on-site for the fourth new
extreme ideas and misinformation. Time Blues,” in Whitianga before the plant in Coromandel Town and is expected to be finished in May 2021.”
Combine that with the election, the second election, but is theatre safe and appropriate
TCDC also recently opted into the government’s three waters reform package that was developed to
wave of COVID-19 in other countries, in Alert Level 2? We have been asked to do
improve the supply and regulation of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater in the wake of the
the sentencing of a white supremacist another season of my play with my sister Havelock North campylobacter outbreak in 2016.
terrorist, police violence, racism in a garden at BATS theatre in Wellington in October,
Council will negotiate and sign a memorandum of understanding and a delivery plan with the government
centre, public funds for private schools and but who knows if it will be possible? detailing how it will invest its funding allocation, which will be $2.4 million over the course of the current
melting icebergs, it has been quite a week. We need to raise funds to fight Oceana Gold financial year. The government has outlined two further tranches of investment into three waters services
My own life this week swung between expanding through Waihi and in the ranges in the next two years. TCDC will need to decide whether to opt-in to the multi-regional groupings that the
intense political engagement and the simple behind Whangamata, but people are getting government envisages will deliver three waters services going forward.
joys of country life. financially stretched by the current crisis.
As a balance to the intensity, my friend We need to support our communities and
and I took a chilled-out walk from Kuaotunu families who were poor before the pandemic
to Matarangi along Bluff Road, now a and there is so much more to do.
walking track. We stood beneath crumbling I am still teaching a Te Tiriti o Waitangi
cliffs and looked out at the blue glory of class on Zoom and loving the committed
the ocean. We walked on white sand gazing and open people in our community willing to
at the misty outline of Te Moehau to the discuss these issues.
north. A yacht with just its genoa sail raised But its spring and time to plant a garden.
sped out of Harataunga (Kennedy Bay) and It is time to clean the chook house and cut
raced down the coast towards Whitianga, the grass. It is time to accept the curse of
the westerly driving it rapidly across the interesting times and find balance in the day.
swell. It was the only vessel on the wide I really feel for everyone who is stressed and
horizon and it gave a focal point of action to tired of what we must go through to survive
the harmonious scene. COVID-19, but it is a chance to value what
We walked on past the empty mansions we have which is each other, at the bottom
with closed curtains. The developed coast of the world, on a Peninsula surrounded by
looks like a stage set in winter, waiting for the ocean, not such a bad place to be.
Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020The Small-time Investor
By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
This week I’m investing in a healthcare Zealand. When you look at the returns
company called EBOS Group. They market, on your investments in the Sharesies app,
wholesale and distribute healthcare, medical, they include dividend pay-outs as part of
pharmaceutical and animal care products in your return.
New Zealand and Australia. They are a large Looking at the sharemarket in general,
company with a good track record, although the risks are that COVID-19 could cause
they recorded a drop in their share price the entire market to drop. Over the last 52
last year. weeks, the price of EBOS shares has dropped
I feel that an investment into a health- by just over nine percent, which is not good
focused company is a good idea, especially compared to the NZX50 which went up 15
where health issues are front and centre in the percent in the same time. Maybe something
news at the moment. is fundamentally wrong and the price will
Let me talk about dividends, which are continue to slide downwards. I’m hoping
pay-outs from a company you own shares in. it doesn’t and that this is a good healthcare
Some companies make a profit. The company investment long term.
decides if they should pay out that profit to I bought 4.4 shares at $22.60 a share.
their shareholders as dividends or invest the After six weeks of buying stocks, I have
profit back into the company. saved more than 600. I have made $30 in
Some investors focus on growth companies referral fees which I’m not including in
and others look for regular and safe dividend my returns. I have spent $3 in transaction
companies. EBOS has a dividend yield of fees (included in my returns) and $1.50 in
3.43 percent. When I invest $100 in the subscription fees (not included in my returns).
company, I might get an increase in value of I have invested $610 into five different
the shares themselves, but I should also get a companies. My total returns are $12.41,
pay-out of $3.43. which equals 1.7 percent. Fisher and Paykel
EBOS has managed to pay out a dividend is up 0.78 percent, Mainfreight is up 8.33
the last 10 years and each year their dividend percent, Pushpay is up 8.08 percent and
has increased. While past performance Smartpay is down 4.03 percent.
doesn’t guarantee future performance, Please remember this is all my personal
this looks like a company that thinks paying a opinion. Some of my investments will
regular dividend is important. lose money. I’m sharing my thoughts and
Dividends are classed as income, so it is strategies so you can learn from my mistakes.
taxed. Returns from growth are not taxed Be careful with your money and only invest
as we don’t have a capital gains tax in New what you can afford to lose.
Issue 913 - 1 September 2020 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Crossword Puzzle 913
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Tel no: _________________________________________________________________
Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to
The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
their prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week
following the issue in which they were announced the winner.
ACROSS DOWN
1. Profession 1. Haitian witchcraft
2. Turn aside
5. Minuscule amount 3. Articles
7. Seep out 4. Pinned (down)
8. Tomb inscriptions 5. Sloping (typeface)
6. Guarantee
9. Gives speech 10. Pimples
12. Teach 11. Rams’ mates
15. Wardrobe assistant 12. Tip of grain
13. Component
19. Extreme
14. Car
21. Brought upon 15. Refusal
oneself 16. Military greeting
22. Starched neck frill 17. Wields
18. Repress
23. Solitary 19. Unzipped
24. Tennis court marking 20. Ethical
Last week’s solution
Last week’s winner - Sharon Young
Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 913 - 1 September 2020You can also read
