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80
Issue 862 - 11 September 2019 Phone 07 866 2090 (07) 867 15 Circulation 7,200
Telephone the Coromandel
pport
Proud to su Helicopter Trust
Rescue
Vintage telescope to feature in
museum’s new exhibition
By Gillian O’Neill
Mercury Bay Museum has recently acquired
two very special items for their new display
focusing on the 12 days the explorer James
Cook spent in Mercury Bay in 1769.
A vintage telescope, along with a sextant,
has recently been loaned to the museum by
local resident, Amanda Roche, whose father
brought the telescope from England to New
Zealand several years ago. Amanda has
been living in Whitianga with her husband,
Greg, and children, Isobel (11) and Barnaby
(9), since 2006. Her parents, Ken and Anne
Shelvey, gifted her the telescope and sextant,
but together they made the decision to loan it
to the museum.
“I bought the telescope in the early nineties
at Sotheby’s in London. It cost me £400 at
the time. I saw it in the brochure and I just
decided to buy it,” says Ken, who now
lives in Pauanui with Anne. Ken has had
a passion for all things nautical for most of
his life and in particular the ingenuity of the
early navigators. He was a member of the
1805 Club, a registered charity of England
and Wales, which was founded in 1990 to
preserve and care for the memorials and
graves of those associated with the seafarers
of the Georgian era (1714 - 1837).
“Those seafarers were essentially able to
draw the first maps of New Zealand with an
incredible level of accuracy and all by just
using the position of the sun. It’s extraordinary Ken and Anne Shelvey with Mercury Bay Museum manager, Rebecca Cox (in the centre), and the telescope and sextant
really,” says Ken. Ken and Anne, and their daughter Amanda Roche, have loaned to the museum.
Anne says they were both delighted that Mercury Bay Museum manager, Rebecca know a huge amount about it, but we opened a small optical business. The business
the museum will be using the telescope
Cox, says they were extremely grateful to will certainly be doing some research, was sufficiently successful that, two years
and sextant for their Twelve Days - 1769
have two such impressive items to include it’s a fascinating piece and in amazing later, John Dollond, Peter’s father, gave up
display in conjunction with the local Tuia
250 - Encounters commemoration activities. in the display. Twelve Days - 1769 looks at condition. We will be getting some special silk weaving and went into partnership with
“The fact that the Tuia 250 - Encounters events as noted by Cook and botanist Joseph plinths made for the two items and they his son. In 1761 John Dollond was appointed
commemoration have put such a focus on Banks in their journals and the oral history will be an awesome addition to the display,” optician to King George III and the Duke
the achievements of the early navigators of Ngāti Hei. The events will be reflected says Rebecca. of York. The business eventually evolved
is wonderful. Ken really wants kids to be through 12 objects - one for each of the twelve The telescope bears the name of the into one of the UK’s oldest chains of retail
able to learn about this, he thinks that is so days Cook spent in Mercury Bay. manufacturer, “Dollond London.” Dollond opticians, but the name disappeared after the
important, so it was such a pleasure to be able “The telescope, supported by the sextant, and Company was established in Hatton company was absorbed into the Boots chain
to contribute,” she says. will be one of those objects. We still don’t Garden, London in 1750, when Peter Dolland in 2009.
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Students stage a musical farewell for
retiring principal
By Gillian O’Neill
An extravaganza of student talent along great to say the least. Anna didn’t exactly take themselves and the pride in their school. We see if it wasn’t for our school. It changes lives and
with some wonderful tributes combined at the helm of a well-oiled machine. She had to it when they go out and compete on the sports- I’ve seen people making lifelong friendships
Te Rerenga school on Tuesday last week as do the work and the study required of a first- field and frequently punch way above their through the school. People want to get involved
the community gathered to farewell retiring time principal, but she stepped up and made weight,” he said. again and our newly formed PTA has been a
principal, Anna Yates. a difference. She has worked tirelessly and, Richard said school was about more than just huge success,” he said.
The head teacher made the difficult decision while student achievement has always been at dropping kids off at the gate. Speaking on behalf of the teachers and
to step down recently due to health reasons. the forefront, it’s not just about that. Anna has “So much of what is positive in a community principals of the Coromandel Community of
Despite the emotion of the of the occasion, created a culture here. We see the confidence comes back to what happens at school. There are Learning, lead principal, Brendan Finn, said
Anna was upbeat in addressing the large crowd within our kids, the belief they have in people who maybe would not have moved here Anna’s understanding of education was second
in the school hall. to none. “When you come into Te Rerenga
“There are a lot of feelings today, but more school, if you don’t hear singing, it’s not a
than anything else I’m very grateful. During my normal day. The talent is simply amazing, the
time here at Te Rerenga school I’ve always felt school is so bright and there is such a positive
extremely grateful to be working with such an feeling and that’s a reflection of how Anna
amazing and hard-working group of teachers operates. In terms of our Kāhui Ako, I couldn’t
and students,” she said. have asked for a better role model to work
Reflecting on her time at the school, beside. You’ve achieved so much Anna and you
where she first worked as a relief teacher, Anna have done it with calmness and grace,” he said.
said it had been a time of enormous learning. For their part, the students of Te Rerenga
“I never had aspirations to be a principal, used song and some highly entertaining
but what a privilege it has been to work with movie-making skills to express their thanks to
our staff and students. I think they’ve taught me their principal. From Room 1’s “You are My
more than I ever taught them. Sunshine” to Room 4’s passionate rendition
“I’ve loved it all, from putting plasters on of “Happy” the heartfelt tributes left Anna
sore knees to sticking dirty stickers on a chart, beaming with pride. The performance of Katy
the chats, remembering what it was like to be a Perry’s “Roar” on drums and vocals by Anna’s
child myself,” she said. daughter, Sophia, was a special stand-out.
Anna thanked the Te Rerenga Board of Anna was presented with a number of gifts,
Trustees, staff and parents for allowing her to including a specially engraved school bell.
continue to remain in her role as principal for “I leave school knowing that our children are all
as long as possible. “It has been a difficult 18 so lucky to be taught by such amazing teachers
months for all of us, but coming here made me in such a special, happy place. I will continue to
happy and made me strong, so thank you all for be a familiar face at school as a parent and also
your patience,” she said. to work with the children on a few remaining
Board of Trustees chair, Richard White, projects,” she said
described Anna as a progressive leader, always Acting principal, Mary Kedzlie, will remain
doing more than just what was necessary. From the left, retiring principal of Te Rerenga School, Anna Yates, with her daughter, at the helm at the school and the Board of
“Our school has blossomed with Anna at the Caitlyn Yates, teacher, Helen Rhind, and Year 4 student, Angelina Rore-Stephen, Trustees will advertise the position of principal
helm. Seven or eight years ago, things weren’t who presented Anna with a farewell gift on Tuesday last week. in the coming weeks.
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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 862 - 11 September 2019
Mercury Bay Boars say thank
you to kit sponsors
The Mercury Bay Boars Rugby League & Sports Club’s jersey presentation evening on Thursday
last week at Salt Restaurant and Bar in Whitianga wasn’t only a way for the club to thank their
sponsors for contributing to a new kit (jerseys, shirts and jackets) for their men’s players,
but also a celebration of the growth of senior rugby league in Mercury Bay and the wider
Hauraki/Coromandel area.
“Four years ago, we fielded a nine-a-side team in the men’s Hauraki rugby league competition,”
Nickie Tane, the Boars president, said on Thursday evening. “For the past few year’s we’ve had
a full, 13 player team participating in the competition. On Saturday, 14 September we’re hosting
a Hauraki tournament at the Mercury Bay Multisport Park in Whitianga where, in addition to our
men’s team, we’ll have ladies nine-a-side team in action. We actually have 16 ladies playing
rugby league this year.”
The club raised money for a new men’s kit by requesting local businesses and rugby league
fans to sponsor individual jerseys. All the sponsors were presented with a replica of the jersey
they sponsored on Thursday evening.
The following businesses and individuals sponsored jerseys - Concrete Worx (x2), the Reid
family, Merv George Plumbing (x2), The Bess Handz Embroidery, Te Hiwa Brown (who sponsored
a jersey in the name of “Greeny,” his boss), Wioke Biddle, the Hinds family, Guy Shirley Real
Estate, the Waterhouse family (x2), Noah Auriom, the Tane family, The Informer (x3), VHM
Whitianga, Edify, the Phillips family (x2), Richardsons Real Estate Matarangi (x2), The Whitianga
Hotel and Salt Restaurant & Bar, Buffalo Beach Takeaways and The Stunned Mullet.
Pictured is Mikaira Waterhouse (left), the Mercury Bay Boars men’s team coach, with Merv
George of Merv George Plumbing on Thursday evening.
858 - 11
Issue 862 14September
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
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Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 862 - 11 September 2019
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Success for local dog groomers at debut competition
Four very proud not to mention fabulously turned out pooches have recently returned to
Whitianga triumphant after doing very well at the Central Grooming Championship in
Palmerston North.
Groomers, Andrea Towgood and Ruby Wales from Paradise Pets (pictured),
were competing in their first ever competition on Saturday, 31 August and Sunday,
1 September, taking on some of the best in New Zealand. Ruby participated with
schnauzer, Zara, in the terrier/gundog class and shih tsu cross, Bindi, in the salon
freestyle class and got two second places in her level, an incredible achievement given
she has only been grooming for a short time.
“She absolutely blew the judges away and won against people much more experienced
than her,” said Andrea.
Competing at a higher level, Andrea also entered two dogs, airedale, Daisy,
in the terrier/gundog class and pomeranian cross, Toby, in the salon freestyle class.
To her own amazement, she came first in both classes and crowned it all off by taking
out “Best in Group” as well as runner-up in “Best in Show” in which she was up against
all contestants, including master groomers and even members of the New Zealand
groom team.
Bringing home a handful of ribbons and medals, Andrea said she had no idea they
would have such success.
“Needless to say we are very proud. It was the first grooming competition either of us
have attended. We are absolutely stoked with our results but are definitely planning on
doing more competing,” she said.
858 - 11
Issue 862 14September
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
Letters to the Editor
See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Possible competitive advantage to Smart Environmental This business case was broadly based on the Waiuku Medical Centre which has a similar
I applaud the Informer for its courage to run last week’s story about Thames-Coromandel number of enrolled patients as the two local medical practices. The Otorohanga Medical
District Council and Smart Environmental. The story raises serious questions that need to be Centre, again a similar population base, has also provided support and valuable advice to
answered honestly and answered now. the Trust.
In the six months or more since the issue of a possible commercial waste competitive The Mercury Bay Medical Facility Trust is a charitable trust registered under the Charitable
advantage to Smart Environmental surfaced, all responses have been from TCDC staff. Trusts Act. Once the point is reached where funding is being sought, tax exemption status
But it is the councillors, and particularly the mayor, who have been elected to take the ultimate will be obtained from the Charities Commission. However, until we have a commitment to
responsibility who should be fronting up and telling us what is happening. proceed, we cannot, in good faith, go to the public and raise funds. The Waikato District Health
Sandra Goudie is standing for re-election. She should be asking The Informer to interview Board has been approached and to date we have been told there is absolutely no funding -
her now so that her answers can be published and judged by the public before they vote. look at their deficit!
Ben Grubb The purpose of the trust is to provide the bricks and mortar to set up a new facility for doctors,
Tairua x-ray, ultrasound, district nurses, specialist
rooms, a pharmacy and a space that can be used
Editor’s Note - As the local body elections are
for the wellbeing of the community. Other service
approaching, we have forwarded Ben Grubb’s
providers could well wish to be accommodated as
letter to all current TCDC councillors for comment.
well. The levels of medical service provided will
We will publish their replies as soon as they come
be determined by the medical profession.
to hand.
Questions have been asked as to why there
Dear Editor - A new medical facility in Whitianga has not been wider public consultation. It must
We wish to reply to recent correspondence be recognised that we are dealing with private
in The Informer about a new medical facility businesses which is quite different to an open
in Whitianga. public negotiation. The trust has engaged
The need for a new long term, purpose-built independent professional advice to assist and that
medical facility in Whitianga has long been person is now dealing with all negotiations as
recognised. It was Joan Gaskell who set up the original group to establish such a facility, well as working on progressing the MOU. Each stage of the process has taken time and has
but without success. The current Mercury Bay Medical Facility Trust was formed to take a new limited what could be disclosed to the public. The stage will be reached where wider public
look at this idea and investigate the feasibility of developing a medical facility in Whitianga. engagement will happen and will be very welcome.
Mercury Bay Medical Centre has indicated it would like to engage in this process and has Finally, we are five people giving our time freely without remuneration to get this project
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the trust. While we acknowledge that over the line. All of us have donated our time and travel expenses, not only to attend meetings,
the MOU has no legal standing, once it was signed, it allowed for a broader exchange of but also to travel to inspect facilities that could inform our vision of providing a healthcare
information between the parties. facility that will provide for the needs of this community for decades to come.
Although seed-funding of $250,000 was provided to the trust by Thames-Coromandel We would welcome those people with the necessary skills to help to get in touch with any
District Council as their support for the proposal, the trust is an entity entirely independent of of us.
the council. Approximately $30,000 of the seed funding has been spent to develop a business Murray McLean (chair - email mmcl@xtra.co.nz), Merv George, Bill Stead, Kevin Pringle
case identifying options for size, cost and structure, who pays for the fit-out, what provision is and Alison Henry
made for other services and the rentals generated. Trustees of the Mercury Bay Health Facility Trust
Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 862 - 11 September 2019
Dr Lance O’Sullivan addresses
Coromandel educators
Around 120 educators from across the Coromandel Peninsula gathered in Tairua last Friday to hear
New Zealander of the Year, Dr Lance O’Sullivan, discuss health, education and the impact of culture on a
child’s wellbeing.
Dr O’Sullivan was invited by the Coromandel Community of Learning and hosted in Tairua by
long-time friend, Brett Rhind and his wife, Neisha.
“One of the key goals for our Kāhui Ako (Community of Learning) is around cultural connectivity and the
importance of that for learners and their families. Through his work and his own personal experience,
Lance has a real understanding of this and so it was fantastic to have him come to speak to our teachers
and principals,” said Brendan Finn of Tairua School, lead principal for the Community of Learning.
Dr O’Sullivan described how moving to a Māori medium school when he was around 15, enabled him to
understand his culture for the first time and how that had a lifechanging impact on him. He also shared
memories of time spent at his grandparent’s home in Kirikiri near Kopu.
The doctor who is based in Kaitaia is well known for his work with poorer Northland communities
where access to healthcare is a major issue. His latest project aims to put 200 mobile medical clinics in
supermarket carparks over the next two years. “When something is failing at this level, I don’t think we
can just tweak it and do it in a different way. In order to address deprivation we need to disrupt the status
quo,” he said of the current health system.
Describing education and health as “the two most important factors in the development of a society,”
Dr O’Sullivan said he believed schools were facing similar challenges as well as opportunities in terms
of technology which could breakdown isolation barriers experienced by areas like Northland and
the Coromandel.
Pictured on Friday are (from the left) Neisha Rhind, Dr Lance O’Sullivan, Joe Davis of Ngāti Hei, Brett Rhind
and lead principal for the Coromandel Community of Learning, Brendan Finn.
Issue 862
858 - 11
14September
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Community celebration to mark
Māori Language Week
By Gillian O’Neill
A Whitianga playgroup is inviting the
community to come together to celebrate
Māori Language Week and at the same time
help raise funds for much-needed resources.
Te Puna Reo o Whitianga will this
week host a celebration of Māori culture
showcasing music, crafts, food and sharing
more about their organisation with the wider
community. The playgroup, which aims
to grow understanding and appreciation
of te reo and tikanga Māori, is holding the
event in partnership with community group,
Huiarau i Te Reo.
Co-ordinator, Alicia Grubb, says it’s an
exciting opportunity for Te Puna Reo.
“Our children will be performing some
waiata, we’ll have some poi, we’ll also
have some traditional costumes that people
will be able to try on and have their photo
taken. There will also be some traditional
weaving products, plants, other crafts and a
selection of kai, including seafood chowder, Children and whanau from Te Puna Reo o Whitianga preparing for the community celebration in the
fried bread and baked goods,” she says. Whitianga Town Hall this Thursday and Friday, 12 and 13 September.
Treasurer, Maddie Johnson, says the
running within the Ministry of Education with our children. Eventually our kids will be moved to the area, Kiwis and non-Kiwis.
playgroup has received a lot of help from the
which provides a small amount of funding. attending the school so we’re starting to build It’s an open, welcoming, warm space for
community in putting on the event while local that relationship already,” says Alicia. tamariki and whanau to come along and learn
businesses have donated prizes for the raffles. The playgroup currently runs once a week on
a Monday and has a roll of 19. Both Alicia and Maddie emphasise the alongside each other,” adds Maddie.
“The funds raised will go towards purchasing open nature of the group. The community event celebrating Māori
new te reo resources for our children. “We’re based in the activities room at
Mercury Bay Area School. The school “Everyone is welcome. You don’t need to Language Week starts at 10:00am this
Since we started just over a year ago, we’ve be fluent in te reo, it doesn’t matter what your Thursday and Friday, 12 and 13 September,
relied on a lot of donated items which we’re has been an amazing support to us.
current level of ability is, it’s about coming in the Whitianga Town Hall and entry
so grateful for, but we’d like to be able to One of the Māori principles we try to promote along and giving it a go,” says Alicia. is by koha. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori -
purchase some other things we genuinely is tuakana-teina, which means a brother, “We don’t just want to promote te reo, we also Māori Language Week - started on Monday,
need for our kids and whanau to enjoy,” cousin or more experienced person sharing have a strong emphasis on whanaungatanga, 9 September and will continue until Sunday,
she says. knowledge and helping a younger one. which is all about relationships and bringing 15 September. The theme for 2019 is “Kia
Te Puna Reo o Whitianga is a certified Some of the students who are taking Māori people together. We have people from many Kaha te Reo Māori” - Let’s make the Maori
playgroup for children up to five years old, classes at the school come along and work different cultures, people who have recently language strong.
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Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 862 - 11 September 2019
Issue 862
858 - 11
14September
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
The St John Siren
Sponsored by Mercury Bay Pharmacy - Tel 866 4532
St John Whitianga has had a total of 74 for some time and is now in the process
calls for the month of August, made up of of dying.
62 medical responses and 12 trauma-related This is something that can be resolved almost
responses. We have utilised an air ambulance completely for most people - if it is caught in
on four occasions. To the end of August, time. If you or a family member displays these
the ambulance service in Whitianga has symptoms, please do not wait to see if it goes
responded to 799 calls, an increase of 12 over away. Call an ambulance for treatment as soon
the same period last year. as possible. There is a four-hour window of
These figures do not account for ambulances opportunity from when you first start feeling
from outside the area that are utilised for these symptoms to re-oxygenate the injured
calls, while the local Whitianga paramedics tissue and we want to help you get started on
are busy on another call at the time. the path to recovery as soon as possible.
These ambulances usually come from either We have a couple of new recruits on the
Tairua or Coromandel Town, but recently they pathway to volunteering on our ambulance
have come from as far afield as Thames and in Whitianga, increasing us to 19 volunteer
Paeroa. As you can imagine, with a vehicle ambulance officers and four paid full-
responding from such a long distance away, time paramedics, supported by a full-time
the time it takes to get to you is dramatically paramedic covering staff leave.
increased. We ask for patience at this time We are always looking for people from
as we are getting to you as quickly as we the community who are able to volunteer
possibly can. their time to become volunteer ambulance
Recently we have been called to help officers. If you have been thinking about
people who were “not feeling quite right” doing something for your community,
and have been feeling this way for between maybe now is the right time to give us a call
12 to 24 hours. These symptoms could be and we can sit down and have chat about
strange sensations in the neck, shoulders what is involved. Call the Whitianga St John
and chest area that is described as a general Ambulance Station on (07) 866 4747 and
discomfort or ache, heaviness in one or leave your name and telephone number if you
both arms - sometimes with numbness or are interested or even better, pop in for a cuppa
tingling, dizziness, feeling faint, finding and chat with our friendly team when they are
it hard to catch their breath, nausea, cold on station.
sweats and, according to family members, As always, if you need assistance, dial 111
looking horrible. Many of these incidents have and ask for Ambulance 24/7.
had a diagnosis of a myocardial infarction From your friendly team
(heart attack), which means part of the heart at the Whitianga St John
muscle has not received oxygen and nutrients Ambulance Station
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 862 - 11 September 2019Road conditions putting students at risk
By Gillian O’Neill
Safety improvements on a stretch of state “As the Rangihau Road and SH25 are all congested area at certain times of the day. McLean, who undertook to raise the issue
highway near Coroglen School have been within the 100km/h zones and there are “This intersection is also the bus stop for the with council.
ruled out despite a plea from the principal who no footpaths, or in most places grassed Mercury Bay Area School bus. In the morning Allan Tiplady, TCDC’s Area Manager North
says the potential for tragedy is very real. verges, the potential for a fatal or serious approximately 12 students gather here to get told The Informer, “A letter was presented to
Principal, Jean Saunders, has written to accident involving a pedestrian is of concern... the bus at around 8:00am. There is nowhere the Mercury Bay Community Board at its last
several individuals and agencies describing When driving around the country, I have yet for the bus to pull over and so it must stop on meeting. As per standing orders, the Board
the hazards on two roads in the vicinity of to encounter another small community such the road, blocking the intersection completely. could not formally discuss this on the day,
the school and calling for immediate action to as ours that does not have a speed restriction, I have at times had to wait behind the bus, but have instructed council staff to follow up.
prevent death or serious injury. usually 70km/h, but sometimes 50km/h,” also stopped on the road in a 100km/h area, We are now making contact with the principal
The detailed letter describes how recently the letter says. with my three grandsons in my car, before and others in the community to get a full
one student was hit by a car after getting off a Coroglen School is located on Rangihau being able to turn into the school road,” understanding of the issues and how they can
bus, while the principal herself experienced Road, which is the responsibility of Thames- Mrs Saunders has stated in the letter, be addressed.”
two separate incidents where injury was Coromandel District Council. However, which has been sent to the New Zealand In relation to SH25, the New Zealand
narrowly avoided. the junction of the road with SH25 is a highly Transport Agency (NZTA), the Mercury Bay Transport Agency said there are currently no
Community Board, Thames-Coromandel planned safety improvements along the section
District Council Mayor Sandra Goudie and of SH25 identified by Mrs Saunders.
Coromandel MP Scott Simpson. “We are currently reviewing speeds
The principal says fears over road safety were
on state highways around the country
also affecting the school’s ability to access the
where communities are calling for change and
local community. “We frequently want to take
where our research shows that current speeds
our children to places within walking distance
are not safe and appropriate for the road.
of the school, in particular the Gumtown Hall
and the river. While we, of course, ensure We have had to prioritise those roads in
a high adult to child ratio to minimise risk, terms of where action is most needed
these short journeys are stressful for staff and and at this point SH25 at Coroglen is not being
some children. Also, our tsunami evacuation reviewed. However, this does not rule out us
plan requires the school to walk up the reviewing speeds on this road in the future,”
Rangihau Road, which is unsealed and has said Ross I’Anson, the NZTA Acting Director
virtually no verge,” she says. of Regional Relationships.
Mrs Saunders says a speed restriction in the “We do continually monitor the performance
area would be a first step towards reducing of the state highway network to make sure it is
the risk. Ultimately, however, she would like meeting the needs of our communities in a safe
to see pedestrian pathways installed to protect and efficient manner. This project has been
students and any other pedestrians using added to our safety improvements database for
the area. consideration in the future,” he said.
Despite sending the letter over a month Mrs Saunders says she is frustrated by
The junction of SH25 and Rangihau Road at Coroglen is an area of concern for ago, the principal says the only meaningful such a response which ignores the clear
Coroglen School principal, Jean Saunders, who is asking for road response the school has received to date evidence that has been sent to the NZTA by
safety measures to be introduced to protect students. was from Mercury Bay councillor, Murray Coroglen School.
Issue 862
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14September
August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11Shining bright in Whitianga
By Jack Biddle
If you’re a regular user of The Esplanade original primary school which was located
end of the waterfront footpath in Whitianga, on School Road, not far from Buffalo Beach.
you may have noticed Dave Clark sitting on From there, it was a spell at Wesley College
the front porch or at the dining room table of in Pukekohe. Returning home, aged 17,
his house enjoying the spectacular views of he joined up with local man, Roly Smith, and
Mercury Bay. then Ben Bendal to go cray fishing full-time.
Dave, 85 years young, is easily recognised A move across the ditch followed, where
by his distinctive white beard, a hint to his Dave found work on a ship carting coal from
past life and experiences at sea. If there was the busy coal mining town of Newcastle.
a perfect fit for the term “salty old seadog,” Wanting to discover more of the world,
then it would be Dave. he spent 97 days at sea onboard a boat laden
Not many know that when they wave with wheat bound for Dublin.
at Dave, they are connecting with a man Soon after, Dave joined the English
whose family played a major role in bringing Merchant Navy. Over the next two years,
Whitianga out of the dark way back in the he visited many faraway places and
mid-1940s. waterways, including the Mediterranean,
Dave’s parents, Howard and Bertha Clark,
Suez Canal, Cape Town, USA, Caribbean,
established and ran the very first stand-
Persian Gulf, Buenos Aires, England, France,
alone 230-volt power station in Whitianga,
Canada and Belgium before arriving back in
which transformed the then small town of not
New Zealand.
many full-timers from candles and oil lamps
to electricity. Life had turned almost full circle when Dave
“There was an almost instant demand for all settled back in Whitianga and found work
the modern-day appliances at the time, such onboard a cray fishing boat called Ronamor
as washing machines, fridges and eventually with his old mate, Burt Chaney.
televisions, which resulted in the business After meeting Margaret Crawford who came
Clark Electrical being formed,” says Dave. from a well-known Coroglen family, marriage
“As a fully qualified electrician, Dad was also soon followed. In 1957, Dave and Margaret
able to carry out repairs on these appliances. moved to Taupo where Dave tried his hand
So, from generating the power itself, his at trout fishing and boat building, eventually
business interests in town grew considerably.” constructing his own 37-foot fishing boat
While younger brother, Peter, joined the named Le Vega. “The boat was launched on
family business, Dave had other ambitions. the same day as the President of the United
His mind was firmly set on a life at sea. States, John F Kennedy, was assassinated,
Born in April 1934, Dave was initially so it’s a hard date to forget,” says Dave.
schooled at Epsom Normal in Auckland before During their seven years in Taupo, Dave
becoming pupil number 30 at Whitianga’s and Margaret had three children - Shirley Dave Clark sitting at the dining room table of his house on The Esplanade in Whitianga.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 862 - 11 September 2019Shining bright
(deceased), Linda and Gary - before returning This continued until the quota system came
home to Whitianga in 1964. A short time into play in around 1988. “There simply
later, the couple purchased their house on The wasn’t enough quota, we caught our limit in
Esplanade previously owned by Dr Liggins, just 10 days,” says Dave. “We appealed the
the local doctor at the time. As it turned out, quota limit, but after three years of frustrations,
it was Dr Liggins who delivered Margaret along with the two boats devaluing rapidly,
into the world in May 1936 at the Mercury we decided to end our operation. Challenger
Bay Hospital. was sold to a company in Tasmania.”
“Le Vega was put to work as a commercial Not wanting to sit on their hands for too
fishing vessel, longlining for snapper at long, Dave and Margaret pulled up anchor
sixpence a pound and then as a charter in 1989 and pointed Defender towards Fiji.
fishing boat earning around 10 pounds a day,” The boat became home for 20 years,
says Dave. travelling between American Samoa and New
Next on the agenda was a tin shed Guinea with the occasional spell in Australia.
which would house a new project - “It was a wonderful life, we traded fish for
a 44-foot commercial fishing boat built from fruit and other essentials with the locals from
kauri sourced from the construction of the the islands we visited and learned that life can
new Kopu/Hikuai Road which opened in be enjoyed living on the barest of essentials,”
March 1967. says Dave.
“Back then there was a row of tin sheds When it was time to head home in 2009,
on the land where the OPC/Moana seafood Defender was sold with Dave and Margaret set
processing factories are these days,” says on seeing out their days together sitting on the
Dave. “The area was known by locals as ‘Tin front porch of their home on The Esplanade
Town.’ It took two and half years to build overlooking the Bay. Sadly, Margaret,
Challenger, the name we gave to the vessel a diabetic, suffered ill health and passed away
we built in the shed. We launched the boat in in hospital only a few months after their return
1971. Margaret and I did the majority of the to Whitianga.
build ourselves. It was a true team effort.” If you wonder what’s going through Dave’s
Challenger was in service for seven years mind as he sits on the front porch or at the
when one of the banks operating in New dining room table of his house, the view of
Zealand at the time offered to finance Dave Mercury Bay holds a lifetime of memories
and Margaret into another new boat. The exact of a life at sea. It’s also a fitting spot to think
replica of Challenger, christened Defender, about and remember Margaret, his soulmate.
was completed in six months and launched on After his family provided Whitianga
25 January 1978. with its first power station many years ago,
One of the bank’s conditions was that today Dave Clark continues to shine bright in
the two vessels work together as a pair. the town he happily calls home.
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2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 862 - 11 September 2019
Issue 862
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August 2016
2019 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15What the candidates say
In order to better inform our readers on whom to (eg do you believe in anthropogenic climate I grew up in here and I chose to move home and being realised. I am one half of the organising
vote for in the upcoming local body elections, change)? In your view, should Thames-Coromandel raise my family. I have attended a couple of dune team for the Whitianga Charity Ball which
we have asked all the candidates Mercury Bay have signed the Local Government Leaders’ Climate planting days. Yes, I support the new skatepark in fundraises for not-for-profit community groups.
voters will be able to vote for a series of questions Change Declaration? Whitianga. It is great to see something that was To date we have raised some $25,000 for various
(and to provide us with a photo). Q4 - How should TCDC address the coastal erosion needed/spoken about when I was a teenager community groups.
We publish herewith our questions to and answers issues in Mercury Bay? Where, in your view,
received from the candidates running for a seat are the coastal erosion “hotspots” in the area? Answers received from Bill McLean
on the Mercury Bay Community Board. We have What have you done to get a better understanding Q1 - I live in Whitianga.
requested the candidates to limit their answers to of the issue (eg have you attended any of the Q2 - I am not and never have been affiliated to any political party. At next
approximately 400 words. Shoreline Management Plan meetings that were year’s general election, my vote will go to the party that I believe closely
We have randomly drawn the candidates’ represents my views on a variety of issues.
recently held across the Coromandel Peninsula)?
names to determine the order in which we publish Q3 - Climate change is inevitable. But it is also a polarising issue for
Q5 - In your view, what are the three most important
their answers. many. Unfortunately, the government’s views and possible action/s have
In next week’s Informer, we will publish our infrastructure/community facilities projects
TCDC has provided for in their Long Term Plan not been made clear. My personal view is that TCDC’s stance, by not
questions to and answers received from the signing the Local Government Leaders’ Climate Change Declaration,
candidates vying to represent the Mercury Bay 2018 - 2028? Outside of these three projects, what
is appropriate. Until more information and possible recommendations are
Ward on Thames-Coromandel District Council, spending do you think TCDC should prioritise?
offered for consideration, how can anyone make a proper assessment
the candidates running for the office of TCDC Q6 - Do you think the current solid waste contract and commitment?
mayor and the candidates contesting the Thames- between TCDC and Smart Environmental is Q4 - Since 2012, after a long period of inaction, we are dealing with
Coromandel seat on Waikato Regional Council. adequately meeting the needs of all the communities current erosion issues in the Mercury Bay Ward with the assistance of
Our questions to the Mercury Bay Community in Mercury Bay? district funding. The future is being assessed as announced at the recent Shoreline Management Plan
Board candidates - Q7 - What are your thoughts on the proposed meetings that I have attended, understood and fully support. Current actions and future actions should not
Q1 - Where do you live? Mercury Bay medical facility in Whitianga? be confused.
Q2 - Are you at the moment a member of any Q8 - What have you been doing recently to practically Q5 - By their very nature, Long term Plans are “living documents” and are regularly reviewed at council level.
political party, have you been a member of any support the Mercury Bay community (eg volunteer Consequently, over time, some items are committed, some may be modified, some may even fall out of the
political party in the past five years and, if you are member of an emergency service or community mix and new ones may be introduced.
not at the moment a member of any political party, group, participation in dune planting activities, Key areas for me include upgrading of boat launching facilities within the ward, town centre upgrades in
which party do you associate the closest with? financial support for the proposed skatepark in Whitianga, self-funding infrastructure improvements like the new Hot Water Beach toilets, etc.
Q3 - What is your position on climate change Whitianga, etc)? Personally, I would like to see the elimination of septic tanks at or near areas that have a sewage treatment
plant and more stringent control of forestry/farming margins to reduce/eliminate contamination of harbours,
Answers received from Gilbert Bannan rivers and foreshores.
Q1 - I live in Hahei, permanently since 2010 and a property owner Q6 - The Smart Environmental solid waste contract is a council issue. My visits to the Whitianga transfer
since 1993. station have always been handled well.
Q2 - I am not currently a member of any political party, nor have been. Q7 - The proposed medical facility in Whitianga is somewhat hampered by the lack of a published
I am a centrist who leans a little to the right. feasibility study. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Mercury Bay Medical Facility Trust and
Q3 - Climate change is caused by human activity. We need a measured a local doctors’ practice is a start, but it needs a viable, professionally-based action plan before it can be
response through thorough planning and consultation. Central government properly considered.
must assist with cost, as many local authorities do not have the financial Q8 - I help the Community in a variety of ways. Ten years (and still going) with reading support at Mercury
capability to implement necessary outcomes. Bay Area School, eight years’ service and currently chair of the Mercury Bay Community Patrol, six years as
I am not convinced council should sign the Local Government Leaders’ president of the Mercury Bay Golf Club, two years lobbying to achieve action with coastal erosion (resulting
in action) and currently completing six years on the Mercury Bay Community Board - and I am standing for
Climate Change Declaration, as some of the commitments are vague.
a third term.
There are avenues for council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
particularly in areas where there is increasing tourist traffic. The Shoreline Answers received from David Harvey
Management Plans should offer solutions to the physical impacts of climate change. Q1 - I have been consistent actions agreed and funded, and if we
Q4 - Coastal erosion issues need to be managed in conjunction with the local community as often long-term coming to the vote to counter mother nature, all work must be
residents can provide more accurate information on what has occurred over many years. The Shoreline Coromandel completed headland to headland in one go.
Management Plans are an excellent start to focus on erosion issues. “Hotspots” are Flaxmill Bay and Cooks since I was a Q5 - The three TCDC functional areas that I view as
Beach, with ongoing work at Tararu and Thornton and Ngarimu Bays following the January 2018 storm. child, owned being important for the people of the district and our
I attended two Shoreline Management Plan meetings recently in Kuaotunu and Whitianga and the public a section here visitors are the provision of safe water and waste
meeting in Cooks Beach regarding the Flaxmill Bay and Cooks Beach erosion projects. since 1983 and facilities, the provision of sea, air and land corridors
Q5 - The Coastal Management Strategy, water treatment plant upgrades to ensure all water schemes meet lived in Whitianga to cater for commercial and domestic movement,
New Zealand drinking water standards and the Whitianga skatepark that will provide a community facility since 2002. and designated emergency safety zones, and the
for our younger people. Q2 - I am not provision of accessible community green and open
Priorities include those outlined in the Three Waters Review recently announced by the government, a member of a spaces for all to enjoy.
developing the Shoreline Management Plans, tourism management and freshwater management. political party The three TCDC functional areas that I view as
Community Plan consultations will no doubt highlight additional priorities. and in serving requiring an increased priority are the strategic
Q6 - There was some initial concern with the non-collection of rubbish bags in cages, but it appears most New Zealand and its people I remain apolitical. management of our growing tourism industry,
residents have adapted. Prior to any new contract being awarded, there should be community and business I do not believe that one person or group has all the open accessibility to the TCDC information data
input to ensure community concerns are considered. answers and prefer diverse teams working together libraries and open review of regulations/bylaws with
for the benefit of all Kiwis. a view to providing agile services and partnering.
Q7 - The concept is sound as residents in Mercury Bay often have to travel to Thames or Hamilton for
Q3 - I believe that human endeavours have changed Q6 - Based on my experience, I am satisfied with
medical events. However there needs to be a robust business case developed to determine support from
our environment over a period of time and that our the TCDC kerbside collection service provided
local medical professionals to ensure viability and ongoing service. traditional “four seasons” patterns have adjusted. through Smart Environmental. I see my recycling
Q8 - I am currently a Trustee of the Kotare Reserve Memorial Garden and a Committee member of the As part of ensuring a sustainable future, we must and household waste being collected, and the
Grange Road Water Association. I have recently participated in the dune planting at Buffalo Beach, financially all acknowledge that we need to adjust how we live, Whitianga transfer station being open sufficiently to
supported the proposed skatepark in Whitianga and assisted with Daffodil Day in Hahei. in a measured way. meet my needs.
Answers received from Rekha Giri-Percival My understanding is that through a democratic vote Q7 - I support the provision of health and wellness
our council acknowledged climate issues and are facilities within the area. I recognize the considerable
Q1 - Whitianga. solutions there and at Flaxmill Bay. Earlier this working toward addressing these. I see this as a work that the trustees of the Mercury Bay Health
Q2 - I am not year I met on site with these communities to look step in the right direction. Facility Trust have done and the many national,
a member of a at and discuss the issues. The areas mentioned Q4 - I recently attended the Shoreline Management regional and community stakeholders that they are
political party. above as well as Buffalo Beach and Brophy’s Plan meeting in Whitianga. While I acknowledge required to satisfy as part of producing a workable
Q3 - The climate Beach are the hotspots in our ward. the central policy drivers for the ongoing use and affordable plan. I am very happy to see that one
is changing. This Q5 - Within our ward and in no specific order - of consultants, I am keen to see the three-year of the major issues has been satisfied with a group
is a complex Flaxmill Bay and Cooks Beach coastal erosion, programme of work shortened and greater of local doctors participating in the process.
issue. One I the Whitianga transfer station - one that allows recognition taken of past studies and local Q8 - Currently I provide Justice of the Peace and
would like to see for better recycling, and Dalmeny's Corner bridge knowledge, including younger Kiwi thoughts. celebrant services, I organise the Emergency
greater direction improvement investigation. Not forgetting the I can see four different counter measures Services Summer Festival and I support veterans.
along Buffalo Beach and this has created gaps, Previously I have been involved with the MBAS
on from central completion of the new Whitianga skatepark.
which erosion exploits. If we extrapolate this across Parents and Teachers Association and Board of
government. Spending priority should be given to core the Coromandel, I am sure we will find many erosion Trustees, St John and Kuaotunu Land Search
Signing the Local Government Leaders’ Climate services - we need to get the basics right. “hotspots,” all of which must be taken into account, and Rescue.
Change Declaration does not solve the problem. And where we can, go for Tourism Infrastructure
It is time for action. We have examples in our Fund funding for visitor facilities. Answers received from Leanne Petersen
district, eg the electric car charging network and Q6 - I do not believe it does. Before the contract Q1 - Whitianga.
locally, the Mercury Bay Cycling Strategy which comes up for renewal, we need to start talking Q2 - No, no and none.
has been developed and approved. Also, across about what would meet our needs, eg removing Q3 - Best science shows that, yes, anthropogenic climate change is a real
the district we have the development of Shoreline the single use blue plastic bags and the thing and we need to have discussions now on how we can minimise our
Management plans. composting of food waste. While we are talking impact as a community.
Q4 - We cannot think in terms of a single option about rubbish, a recycling centre (like the Seagull Yes, after reading the Local Government Leaders’ Climate Change
for all, ie hard or soft options only. Each site has Centre in Thames) attached to the Whitianga Declaration, I think we should have signed it.
its own specific issues which must be considered transfer station is a must! Q4 - Coastal erosion is a massive issue in Mercury Bay with areas like
when looking at a solution. I attended the Q7 - I am all for our community having access Purangi, Flaxmill Bay, Brophy’s Beach and Buffalo Beach some of the
Whitianga Town Hall Shoreline Management Plan to greater medical resources, but only if the more serious hotspots. We need to use the best peer-reviewed science
meeting. A day earlier, I attended a community economics of it stack up. to look at each area individually as there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
meeting at Cooks Beach covering the issues/ Q8 - I am a huge supporter of this community. My limited research has shown me that a combination of soft (ie plantings)
Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 862 - 11 September 2019You can also read
