Welcomed with p ōwhiri - New Te Korowai doctor - The Mercury Bay Informer
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Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000
New Te Korowai doctor
welcomed with pōwhiri
Dr Ned Azar, the new GP at Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki in Whitianga, and his family were welcomed to Mercury Bay with a small pōwhiri at the Wharekaho marae on Saturday last week.
Pictured are some of those who attended the pōwhiri. From the left - Dr David Wilson (a senior GP in Mercury Bay for many years), Joe Davis (rangatira of Ngāti Hei),
Michelle Azar, Aiden Azar, Dr Ned Azar and Ashleigh Battaerd (nurse practitioner at Te Korowai in Whitianga) with her son, Lex.
Read the story on page 3.
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Several Mercury Bay Golf Club buildings
destroyed in fire
Only a week after putting out a blaze that destroyed a house in Whitianga, the Whitianga Hahei) as well as the Cooks Beach Brigade’s water tanker were on the scene.
Volunteer Fire Brigade were on Saturday last week again called to a building on fire, this time Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigated the scene last Sunday morning.
at the Mercury Bay Golf Club.
The Mercury Bay Golf Course was closed on Sunday, but reopened for play on Monday this week.
With the help of the Cooks Beach and Hahei Volunteer Fire Brigades the fire was successfully In an email sent to Mercury Bay Golf Club members on Sunday, Graham Eccles, club president
extinguished, but unfortunately the greenkeeper’s shed, members’ trundler shed and main golf asked all members to give the club greenkeeper “…space as things will not be operating for
cart shed have been destroyed. The equipment, golf clubs and golf carts inside the sheds have him as normal.”
also been destroyed.
Pictured in the photo on the left is former Whitianga fire chief, Merv George, on the scene on
Putting the fire out hasn’t been without challenges as several fuel tanks were close to the flames. Saturday. In the photo on the right is Whitianga Station Officer Julian Lee (left) and Hahei Chief
At one time four fire appliances (two from Whitianga and one each from Cooks Beach and Fire Office Ian Carter keeping an eye on things.
What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information
provided and sponsored by
Week of Wednesday, 20 January to Wednesday, 27 January - Summer is the time of the wonderful constellation Orion, the hunter, in the evening
sky. It is a huge constellation with the distinctly pinkish star Betelgeuse at its lower right, just below the part of it we call “The Pot.” This star is
actually an enormous red giant and if placed where the Sun is would extend out to Jupiter with the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars all
inside it. However, the most pinkish object in the sky now is actually Mars, the “red planet,” which is getting rapidly further from us in its two year
orbit around the Sun and can be seen low in the northern sky. The International Space Station (ISS) makes some early morning passes this week.
Wednesday, 20 January - A first quarter Moon lies directly to the left of reddish Mars in the evening. Thursday, 21 January - The Moon is now directly
above reddish Mars all evening. Friday, 22 January - The Moon can be found about halfway between Mars on the left and the Pleiades or Mataraki on Astronomy Tours and B&B
the right in the evening. Saturday, 23 January - Early risers can see the ISS from 5:51am in the NW eventually passing right beside Venus. In the evening Phone (07) 866 5343
Matariki lies just below an increasingly bright Moon. Sunday, 24 January - Faint Mercury is at its furthest from the Sun tonight and might be visible very
low in the west just after sunset. Tuesday, 26 January - The ISS makes a bright pass from 5:05am in the NW, passing high overhead. www.stargazersbb.com
Tides data sponsored by
Whitianga and Hot Water Beach tides
nzwindows.co.nz
4 Dakota Drive
Whitianga
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Tel 07 869 5990
Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021
New Te Korowai doctor
welcomed with pōwhiri
By Stephan Bosman
Dr Ned Azar and his family were welcomed doing their own thing and the kids are mostly
to Mercury Bay with a small pōwhiri at the on their phones or in front of their computers.
Wharekaho marae on Saturday last week. We knew from first-hand experience that life on
Ned will be working as a GP alongside nurse the Coromandel has so much more to offer.”
practitioner, Ashleigh Battaerd, at Te Korowai Once the decision was made to move back to
Hauora o Hauraki in Whitianga. New Zealand, Ned started looking at available
Te Korowai was established by the Hauraki opportunities on the Peninsula. Te Korowai was
Māori Trust Board in the mid-1990s. One of the one of his first ports of call. “I loved being part of
organisation’s general goals is to “…enhance Te Korowai before,” he said. “The organisation
the quality of life of all whānau, hapu, iwi, has a genuine desire to see everyone in the
their friends and other persons living within Hauraki area, including the Coromandel,
the traditional tribal boundaries of Hauraki.” healthy and happy. Staff and patients are all
In addition to Whitianga, the organisation has treated like family. It was fortunate that the
offices and clinics in Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha expected growth in patient numbers stimulated
and Coromandel Town. discussions about a GP joining the team at Te
In explaining the pōwhiri to everyone present Korowai in Whitianga and I was delighted when
on Saturday, Ngāti Hei rangatira, Joe Davis, I was offered a position.”
said Ned is the first doctor to join Te Korowai With the coronavirus pandemic still raging
in Whitianga and his arrival in Mercury Bay around the world, the family are relieved to be
signals a special moment for tangata whenua. in New Zealand. “COVID-19 didn’t influence
Following the pōwhiri, everyone enjoyed our decision to come to New Zealand, but now
lunch and The Informer have had an opportunity being able to see for ourselves how normal
to talk to Ned, his wife, Michelle, and their life is here compared to the UK is even more
11-year-old son, Aiden. The family arrived in confirmation that we’ve done the right thing,”
managed isolation in Auckland from the United said Michelle.
Kingdom, their home country, just before Ned agreed. “I’m not much into politics,
Christmas last year. It’s not their first time in but the current government in the UK has a lot
New Zealand. “I worked for Te Korowai in to answer for,” he said. “They could have done
Thames from November 2015 to February much better in the management of the pandemic.
2017,” said Ned. “We’ve moved from Thames The New Zealand government has done an
to Havelock North for another eight months outstanding job and, as a result, Kiwis are able
before returning to the UK late in 2017.” to enjoy summer with almost no restrictions to
Michelle first raised the idea of returning speak of.”
to New Zealand with Ned early last year. Not even two weeks out of managed isolation
“The Coromandel made a huge impression on and Aiden is already making the most of the
us,” said Michelle. “It’s in a roundabout way Coromandel summer. He has completed a surf
good that we spent some time in Hawkes Bay lifesaving summer programme in Tairua and is
during our first time in New Zealand as it made talking about his ideal surfboard. “Aiden is keen
us realise just how special the Peninsula is.” to get into diving too,” said Ned. “I guess it’s
Ned said Aiden is an outdoors child who time to become a real Kiwi dad and get a ute.
loves the water. “In the UK, families are That will make transporting all the gear around
disconnected,” he said. “Everyone is just so much easier.”
Issue 933
699 - 19
27 January
July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3
Whiti Fest summer busking festival to liven up the streets of Whitianga A contribution by Creative Mercury Bay In just over two weeks a new performing Other locations will feature a range of acts, Bay, says the team is excited to share Whiti Fest “Whiti Fest wouldn’t be possible without arts event will hit the streets of Whitianga - some from Mercury Bay’s talented youth with the Mercury Bay community. “We have funding from the Creative Communities Whiti Fest, Mercury Bay’s first busking festival. performers, including 10-year-old violinist been absolutely blown away by the number Scheme and Pub Charity,” says Anusha. Whiti Fest will take place on Sunday, Dashiell Wallace, 17-year-old ukulele player of registrations from performers,” she says. “We are very appreciative to both funding 7 February (Waitangi Day long weekend) from Charli MacDougall and pianist Sarah Morcom. “As a team we have selected a variety of local bodies for their support. The hope is that we 10:30am to 3:30pm across five locations in Some favourites from Creative Mercury performing artists to make Whiti Fest a true can make Whiti Fest an annual tradition in the Whitianga Town Centre. Proudly brought Bay’s successful Bubble Bites series are celebration of the performing arts.” Mercury Bay.” to you by Creative Mercury Bay, the event also performing - poet and artist Pete Delete, Each performer will be paid a modest fee for Creative Mercury Bay’s main purpose will showcase a wide range of performing soul/blues duo Soul Sax and freestyle rock ‘n their performance and like a traditional busking is to facilitate performing arts events that artists from the Mercury Bay area, including roll blues guitarist Scott Burst. festival, will be able to put their hats out for are engaging and enjoyable, and keep the musicians, poets and dancers. Anusha Bhana, chair of Creative Mercury koha or sell merchandise if they wish. performing arts alive in the community. The five performance locations will be The team hopes both locals and visitors to Whakau Reserve/Taylors Mistake, the Whitianga during the Waitangi Day long corner of Hannan Road and Albert Street, weekend will enjoy the event. Soldiers Memorial Park, outside the Mercury Creative Mercury Bay would also like to Bay Museum and the grass area by the acknowledge the support of the Whiti Fest Whitianga Marina. event promotional partners - The Mercury Bay After an overwhelming response to the Whiti Informer, Destination Coromandel, Thames- Fest call-out for performers, 20 performing Coromandel District Council, the Mercury artists have been selected. Each artist will Bay Business Association, Coromandel’s perform two 20-minute sets at two different CFM and All About Whitianga. “Each one of locations, so people will have the opportunity to these organisations have helped us promote view as many of the performances as possible. the event, whether it be through sponsorship Whakau Reserve will be the main performance of advertising, promotional packages or location featuring live performances from En spreading awareness of Whiti Fest through Pointe Dance Studio, Pete “the Rockin” Realtor” their networks,” says Anusha. “Special mention Lawrence, Vegas Brown, Yvette Audain and goes to Mainly Casual and the Mercury Bay special guests from Hamilton, puppetry and Museum for agreeing to provide power for the circus performers Naranjarte. two amplified locations. “All of this generosity Local musical duo Let’s Go Descarrego has made Whiti Fest a genuine community (also known as Stewart Pedley and Leo Magri), performing arts event, which was our aim from will be the official Whiti Fest ambassadors, the outset.” roving the streets with special unplugged Leo Magri (left) and Stewart Pedley, the Let’s Go Descarrego duo, will be roving the streets Follow Creative Mercury Bay on Facebook performances and then closing the event with a with special unplugged performances during Whiti Fest on 7 February, before closing and Instagram for the latest Whiti Fest updates, set at Whakau Reserve. the event with a set at Whakau Reserve/Taylor’s Mistake. including the event schedule. Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021
Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5
“Riding the Waves” on top in Photographic Club’s “24-hour Summer Challenge” The Whitianga Photographic Club held their “24-hour Summer Challenge” on Saturday, Wendy. “After gaining permission, using my 200mm lens so I could be a distance from them and 9 January where club members had to take an image that summed up summer on that day. not disrupt the fun or get wet, I was able to capture the thrilled and determined expressions of Many outstanding photos were entered. After the club members have voted and the votes the children learning to ride the waves with their grandmother.” were counted, Wendy Pemberton was declared the winner with her image, “Riding the Waves” Second equal was Karen Moffatt-McLeod with “Beach Fun” (pictured top right) and Lia Priemus (pictured on the left). with “Island in the Sun” (pictured bottom right). “This family were having so much fun in the water on the day of our club challenge,” says Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021
Thousands of dollars raised in online art auctions The Coromandel Christmas Exhibition finished on Friday last week at Hauraki House Gallery in Coromandel Town. Auctions that were run on Trade Me in conjunction with the exhibition closed two days earlier. Forty-three artists each donated a piece of work to the auctions and the thousands of dollars raised will go to the Colville Community Health Trust to help with their health and wellness programmes in the northern parts of the Coromandel Peninsula. Trade Me came to the party with the fundraising effort by refunding the success fees of all the auctions. The auctions were made possible because of Coromandel Town resident, Lindsay Garmson’s relationship with the participating artists. Lindsay has curated and facilitated the Coromandel Christmas Exhibition for 32 years and has enduring relationships with artists from all over New Zealand. The late Barry Brickell, founder of Driving Creek Railway and a Coromandel Town legend, bestowed a “Distinguished Service Order to the Arts” on Lindsay several years ago. Thousands of people throughout New Zealand participated in the Trade Me auctions and the various art pieces are now in the process of being distributed to their new homes. A Michael Smither painting (pictured) was bought for more than $2,000, a real bargain given that two other paintings in the series formed part of the Coromandel Christmas Exhibition and sold for $5,000 and $6,000 respectively. Michael generously allowed a reserve of only $50 on the painting sold via Trade Me. Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7
Peninsula Past - 1949 Every now and again, Informer contributor, Meghan Hawkes, reads through the newspapers that circulated in Mercury Bay and on the Coromandel Peninsula in earlier years. Here are several interesting snippets of history she uncovered from 1949. When the cruiser Bellona entered Port Whitianga in Mercury Bay, she became the first major warship to do so since Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour in 1769. A picture and a tray made of teak, salvaged from an early ship wreck, were presented to the Bellona and in return the commander gave the town a framed picture of the ship. About 2,000 people inspected the Bellona while the Navy treated the children to a special party. “Ours for a better and brighter Whangamata” was the slogan of an unconventional circular issued by the Whangamata Domain Board. The circular was forwarded to the Paeroa Borough Council with a request for financial assistance as many Paeroa ratepayers used Whangamata as their holiday resort. Plans were afoot to provide safe and sanitary picnic facilities with fireplaces and water available, to make a recreation area and children’s playground, as well as shelter, shade, ornamental trees and seats. “But stop me before I get lost in the sand hills and ti-tree,” warned the curious circular. The Paeroa mayor declined giving financial assistance, saying that Whangamata was in the Thames County rating area and if this request were considered “we would have requests from the Mount, Waihi Beach and other places where quite a few of our ratepayers spend their holidays.” A letter was sent to the Whangamata Domain Board regretting the decision but congratulating them on their enterprise. Whangamata was starting to buckle under the pressure of holiday makers - the previous summer there had been close to 30,000 people in the town at one time. There was no proper post office and only a restricted telephone service. Business was conducted in a room belonging to the post mistress which, with the exception of the telephone, had no other amenities. There was only a single telephone line between Whangamata and Waihi and it was necessary to wait several hours before a call could be taken. Seven passengers were injured when their vehicle went over a verge near Hikuai and fell about 20ft before coming to rest against a clay bank. The party were returning from a shopping expedition in Tairua about 6:00pm on a Friday. Dr Hetherington was called and the injured taken to Waihi hospital in the Waihi Citizens’ Ambulance. Big game fish were more plentiful thn usual around the Mercury Bay grounds this season. Ten launches were equipped with radio telephones and the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club was constructing a shore station to be operated by club members. Advertisement - Morris 3 Fordor Sedan, late 1947, like new, 5,500 genuine mileage, leather upholstery, cash £663, exchange for beach cottage (must be on or near sea front) in Tauranga, Thames, Whangamata or Mercury Bay, cash adjustment either way. Write price and particulars to “Cottage” Box 30, Te Aroha. Holiday scenes in Mercury Bay (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19340131-41-1). Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021
Issue 933
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27 January
July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9
JANUARY 2021 UPDATE
With the peak summer crowds behind us, it’s good to see that Whitianga remains busy its way towards the west. Auckland Stonemasons have also established on site
with those who have chosen to take their break a little later. The weather has certainly and are currently installing profiles for the rock wall. A portion of the wall foundation
played its part and feedback from those who visited our area has been very positive. was laid last year, so the expectation is they will be near the Whitianga Fire Station
It’s back to work for many and it’s pleasing to see many of the local tradespeople canal soon.
coming back to work with a good workload in front of them. Hopper Construction have The excavated material from the canal is being used to raise the ground level on future
been back on deck for more than a week already as they look to complete work on Stage 14. This is the area immediately to the north of the canal and will be developed
multiple stages of the development over the coming year. later this year and into 2022.
Ponds Events
During the past week, one of the detention ponds near Kupe Drive developed a strong The Summer Festival sponsored by Whitianga Waterways appeared to have been a hit
odour. This was due mainly to low flows into the pond resulting in stagnant water with many of the holidaymakers visiting Whitianga. Even though the summer delivered
and continued warm weather. Hopper Construction have undertaken some remedial great beach weather, it’s nice to have had some organised entertainment and events
work on the pond to try and minimize the odour. We apologize for any inconvenience for the whole family, so thanks to all the parties involved with this promotion.
caused during this time. The pond will continue to be monitored during this low
Geese
flow period.
The Waterways appears to have an ever-increasing population of Canadian Geese.
Medical Facility
While not a pest, they are prolific eaters and breeders. Large aggregations of birds
News of the new medical facility development has been very positive for our area. do sometimes cause negative environmental effects. A plan to limit the population of
Work on designing the new facility is advancing at a good pace. It will be exciting to the geese is underway with the assistance of other agencies. This will roll out in the
see construction commencing and the facility taking shape later in 2021. coming weeks. There is potential for these geese to cause issues with the nearby
Joan Gaskell North airfield and planes using the runway.
Hopper Construction have moved straight back into work on that part of the development If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to call our office or visit us on Awatea
north of Joan Gaskell Drive. Excavation of the future canal is progressing and working Drive.
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
Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021Audrey Neville -
90 years young
A contribution by Whitianga resident, Dorothy Preece
On Thursday last week, Golden Girls musical director, Audrey Neville (some will remember
her as Audrey Cooper), celebrated her 90th Birthday at her home in Kupe Drive, Whitianga.
The sprightly nonagenarian did all the organising for the party, which included live vocalist, Dave
Kennedy. “We couldn’t have a party without live music,” Audrey said.
From her first piano lesson at age nine, music has been Audrey’s life.
Soon after she arrived in Whitianga in 1962, Audrey set about getting a group of ladies together to
sing. They were the Glee Club and they held musical soirees to entertain the town.
Audrey lived in Australia for 10 years and directed a music group there. On her return to Whitianga
in 2008, she found many changes in town, “most of them for the better.”
In 2013, Audrey took over from Heather Stephenson to direct the Golden Girls, arranging
fortnightly programmes to entertain rest home residents in Whitianga and Tairua. Audrey is
still arranging the programmes and is looking forward to starting up again after the holidays.
“We love to sing and the residents love to listen,” she said. “The music keeps us all young.”
Many friends expressed congratulations and words of loving appreciation for Audrey at her party, the
highlight of which was the Golden Girls’ gift of a scenic flight over Whitianga. “I was overwhelmed,”
Audrey said. “I just love flying.”
Pictured is Audrey with her son, David Cooper, on Thursday. Dave Kennedy is in the background.
Issue 933
699 - 19
27 January
July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11The Small-time Investor
By Whitianga resident, Max Ross
Square
The share markets are booming at the customer can enter a tip and pay the bill.
moment. One theory is that all the stimulus Square recently added bitcoin purchases
money being printed and handed out is not to their cashapp software. Cashapp allows
going to the people who need it, instead it’s for the transfer of money from one person
going into the share market. Printing extra to another. These are called peer-to-peer
money also devalues the currency that is transactions. Adding the ability to purchase
being printed. If you know the US dollar bitcoin on this platform alongside the recent
and the NZ dollar are going to be worth surge in bitcoin prices, is driving new
less as more money is entering the system, customers to the company’s services.
then you can protect against this by purchasing Square has a dynamic CEO in Jack Dorsey.
other things with your money, like shares He is also the CEO of Twitter. Jack is a huge
and property. It doesn’t make much sense bitcoin bull and has demonstrated his ability
to me that as major economic indicators are to lead and run large technology companies.
showing warning signs, the share markets The company’s competitors are Shopify
continue to rally. (in which I’ve invested last week), which also
My investments are currently up 16.9 allows businesses to trade online and set up
percent, which is $463.83. Four of my picks online shops, and Paypal, a company that is
are down and 14 are up. My best performer aggressively moving in the same markets.
is Tesla, up 77.4 percent, and my worst Square did really well in 2020. Their share
performer is Pushpay, down 21.1 percent. price surged. Maybe they cannot maintain
This week I am investing NZD100 their momentum anymore and will pull back
(USD72) into Square. I bought 0.314 shares in 2021. A major correction due to COVID-19
in the company at a price of USD228.03. economic issues will also drag down the price
Square is a payment provider in America of all shares, Square included.
with ambitions to be your number one stop Please remember that what I write in
for all forms of money processing. They this column is all my personal opinion.
provide payment options for businesses and Some of my investments will lose money.
cash management applications for consumers, I am sharing my thoughts and strategies so
capturing both sides of the transaction. you can learn from my mistakes. Be careful
Square provides sleek hardware for with your money.
payments, including terminals and plugin If you wish to join in and buy shares
extras for your phone that allow you to receive through the Sharesies online platform,
payments. They have an iPAD-like payment you can use this link - https://sharesies.nz/r/
terminal that allows the cashier to enter your KHQQWP. You and I will each get $5 into
order and then the pad flips over and the our Sharesies accounts.
Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021“Shark Man” says research into possible
change in great whites’ behaviour needed
By Stephan Bosman
Following the tragic death of 19-year- have about sharks along the east coast of in the water wasn’t good and I understand the escaped an attack by a 3m great white at
old Kaelah Marlow in a shark attack at the Coromandel. victim got caught in a rip which made her Pauanui Beach by repeatedly punching the
Bowentown Beach on 7 January and recent Addressing the Bowentown attack, splash around more than normal and which shark in the eye after it has latched on to the
sightings of numerous sharks at Matarangi, Riley said all indications are that a great white attracted the shark’s attention.” surfer’s surfboard.
The Informer spoke last week to well-known shark was involved. “I would guess it was a Great whites grow up in the shallow estuary Riley said as the Coromandel east coast
shark scientist, Riley Elliott (also known juvenile great white,” he said. “It really was systems of the North Island, including the is a popular holiday spot, the more frequent
as the “Shark Man”), about the level of an unfortunate set of circumstances that led to Kaipara Harbour, but when they reach sightings of great whites necessitate research
concern residents and holidaymakers should the tragedy. “It was an unsettled day, visibility 2.5m to 3m in length, their metabolisms into a possible change in the behaviour of
accelerate and they start to migrate south in the sharks. “We need to stay in front of the
search of food sources other than stingrays, eight ball,” he said. “In my view, Australia
most notably seals. “Historically, the waters is experiencing way more shark attacks than
off the Coromandel have never provided great necessary as they didn’t focus on the way
white sharks with a decent source of food nature evolved around them. If great white
and great white sightings were extremely sharks are starting to behave differently,
rare,” Riley said. “Bronze whalers love the we need to know and adjust our own
Coromandel, especially the Matarangi area, behaviour accordingly. I’ve already started
but they are very clever sharks and will to put together a research proposal for the
leave humans pretty much alone. The only Department of Conservation as they are the
exception is when you carry fish on you like organisation responsible for approving all
when you went spearfishing. wildlife research in New Zealand.”
“The juvenile involved in the Bowentown In the meantime, Riley said people should
attack most probably made a mistake. continue to enjoy swimming in the ocean.
It’s an incident that really never should have “Just remember to stay away from places
happened. In the circumstances, I would like where sharks may possibly feed,” he said.
to compare it to a 14-year-old driving on a “Swimming in a berley trail is never a good
busy highway for the very first time. There’s idea. And when you enjoy a day at a patrolled
a chance that it’s not going to end well.” beach, always swim between the flags.
The tragedy at Bowentown coincided with That’s the biggest message I have for
the sighting of a great white in the area at everyone. If you swim between the flags,
around the same time. That’s the second chances are you won’t get into trouble and
time in less than a year a great white shark attract unnecessary attention. It will also be
was seen along the Coromandel east coast. easier for the well-trained lifeguards to rescue
The “Shark Man,” Riley Elliott. In February last year, a surfer narrowly you if things don’t go according to plan.”
Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13The 50-foot launch that is being
built in Whitianga
By Stephan Bosman
Unbeknown to many, for the past two years
a 50-foot launch has been taking shape in a
large workshop in the Moewai industrial area
in Whitianga.
With their two sons already living in Mercury
Bay at that time and in search of a lifestyle
change, Brian Harkin and his wife, Jennifer,
farewelled the Big Smoke (also known as
Auckland) and moved to Whitianga in late 2017.
Brian is a boat builder with more than 40 years’
experience and trades under the name Harkin
Boat Works. Having secured the contract to
build the launch while still living in Auckland,
one of the first things he did after arriving in
Whitianga was to sign a lease for the workshop.
Sons, Jarrod and Blair, were keen to help and
work on the launch started in all seriousness two
years ago. “My sons are fourth generation boat
builders and I enjoyed working with them,”
Brian says.
“The boat is mostly made out of epoxy
composite. No question it’s a big vessel. It will
be used as a game fishing charter boat in Tahiti.
Our workshop isn’t high enough for the tuna
tower to be fitted on-site, so we’ve moved the Fifty-foot launch, Seawolf, was moved from the Moewai industrial area in Whitianga to the Whitianga Marina on Tuesday last week.
boat to one of the big sheds at the Whitianga Inset - An artist’s impression of the how the boat will look once completed.
Marina on Tuesday last week. We hope to have
everything completed in the next few weeks will be completed not too long into March. of nine knots, the engine won’t be working appear in boating magazines around the world.
and put the boat in the water before the middle “It’s going to be a real mission for the owner very hard and a range of 4,000 miles will be All those stories are going to make mention of
of February.” to get to New Zealand to take the boat over,” easily achievable.” the fact that the boat was built in Whitianga.
The owner of the launch is living in Papeete Brian says. “He’ll have to fly to Los Angeles Brian says Whitianga is a great place to own I think that’s something really special.”
and used to visit Whitianga regularly before the and from there to Auckland for two weeks of a boat building business. “I don’t think many Talking about life after Seawolf, Brian says he
COVID-19 pandemic struck. “The wonder of isolation. Once he arrives in Whitianga around people realise the range of trades and skills has another project in the wind. “Boat building
technology,” Brian says. “We’ve been in regular the middle of March, the boat should be ready available right here in our backyard,” he says. is in my blood,” he says. “My one son, Blair,
contact since the world went into lockdown, for him.” “I’m really proud of the fact that I was able to has decided to strike out on his own under the
mostly through Facebook Messenger, and it Brian will steam the launch with the owner use a lot of locals in the construction of Seawolf. name Coro Boat Builders and I hope to do some
was like the owner haven’t missed a day of the on its maiden voyage to Papeete, a journey They’re all great people. In terms of logistics, work with him too. In the meantime, when I
construction process. expected to take 10 days. “The boat is fitted Mercury Bay isn’t isolated either. Whenever don’t have to be in a workshop or building shed,
Brian hopes the sea trials of the launch, which with state-of-the-art electronics and is also very I’ve had to order something via courier, it was I plan to fully enjoy life in Whitianga with my
the owner has decided to name “Seawolf,” economical,” Brian says. “It has a large engine in my hand within a few days. family and all the great people I’ve met over the
and variable pitch propeller. At a cruising speed “Stories about the boat is undoubtedly going to course of the past three years.”
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ONLINE POLL FOR JANUARY 2021
the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or
www.presscouncil.org.nz.
Should there a total ban on backyard
See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook.
fireworks on the Coromandel?
in the night sky, and the Whitianga and Follow us on Twitter.
Hot Water Beach tides. Check us out on Instagram. Have your say at www.theinformer.co.nz.
Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021Issue 933
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27 January
July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15Starlings’ apartment block
destroyed, but quickly rebuilt
By Jack Biddle
The iconic bird house bordering Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club patron, Warren Harris’s
home on Buffalo Beach Road and only a stone’s throw from the Mercury Bay Boating Club in
Whitianga, has weathered pretty much everything mother nature has thrown at it over a 50-year
period, but was left lying in tatters recently when vandals holidaying in Whitianga went on an
overnight and early morning rampage in the area.
“The holidaymakers started late at night leaving a litter of broken beer bottles and rubbish
on the grass area leading up to, and close by, the Boating Club,” says Warren, who has been
the unofficial caretaker of the bird house for a 25-year plus period. “An open fire was also
started and then left smouldering on the beach before they eventually headed back to their
holiday accommodation nearby. Not quite finished for the night, they returned a short time later
and proceeded to create more carnage, including hurling beer bottles at nearby houses before
turning their attention to the bird house and knocking it off its poles completely.
“It’s the place generations of starlings have called home, built their nests and laid their eggs
over many years. It may not look much from the outside, but under the A-frame roof there are
12 individual areas partitioned off. It’s like an apartment block for the starlings and there can
be a total of around 40 birds in residence at one time.”
The extent of the damage done to the bird house was soon realised the next morning, but with
some good old local community spirit behind them, Warren and his close neighbours had it
back on its poles and open for business again within a couple of days.
“The real shame of the whole thing is the loss of eggs which were left broken and spread over
the ground in the aftermath of the damage,” says Warren. “Thankfully, while there was some
initial apprehension from the starlings, they have now moved back in and started to rebuild and
reorganise their rooms.
“Thank you to the local Police for their quick action in tracking down the visiting offenders.”
Maybe a name for the rebuilt bird house should be considered. “Starling Apartments” has a
nice chirp to it.
Pictured is Warren next to the birdhouse after it was rebuilt.
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July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23Scott’s Thoughts
By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel
Happy New Year. I hope you have had a voted against our proposal to conduct a formal
chance to take a well-deserved break after a inquiry into the situation, we hope that they
terrible 2020. The weather has been terrific, reconsider their position when Parliament
which has helped to showcase our special part resumes in February.
of the country to all our first-time and annual While we have been living relatively
visitors. No doubt we will see them coming free from the horrors and restrictions of
back for years to come. COVID-19, I am sure I am not alone in
With the increased activity over summer, my concerns for those around the world
and some 400,000 people visiting the who are still suffering from widespread
Peninsula, it has been very reassuring to have community outbreaks.
an emergency rescue helicopter and crew once It is a reminder that our situation could
again stationed in Whitianga. Their service quickly deteriorate without adequate
is never something anyone wants to call on, safeguards at our borders. The new,
but their dedication and expertise is an more infectious strains of the virus are
absolute necessity to ensure everyone can particularly worrying and leave no room for
safely enjoy themselves. While this trial complacency. With this in mind, my National
only lasts for the rest of January, its value to Party colleagues have been imploring the
our community cannot be overstated. I will government to implement pre-departure
continue fighting to ensure that the concerns tests for all returnees and fast-tracking the
of everyone who signed our more than 46,000 vaccination of border workers so that we
signature petition are heard and the helicopter can avoid harsher measures, such as another
returns for long weekends and the full lockdown. When we suggested doing so
summer peak. several months ago, we were criticised and
As the National Party spokesperson for our suggestion was totally rejected by the
Environment, I have also been advocating government. Needless to say, I am pleased
for the government to investigate the polluted they have now changed their mind and
state of Auckland’s beaches. The situation is their approach.
appalling, with as many as one in 10 people Health workers and staff at managed
swimming at popular Auckland beaches isolation and quarantine facilities have had an
likely to become ill. When it comes to unenviable task to deal with the unforeseeable
water quality, the government never misses global pandemic. They have done a terrific
a chance to criticise rural communities, job keeping us safe. We want the government
but they are remarkably silent when it comes to ensure that they continue to have the best
to the health risks around urban beach water possible chance to keep the virus out of
quality. Although the government recently our community. Scott Simpson, National Party MP for the Coromandel.
Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25
Museum Musings Happy New Year! We have started 2021 off with a fabulous number of visitors through the doors of the Mercury Bay Museum. These visitors are from all over Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s awesome to see that people are getting out there and seeing their own country. Thank you to everyone who has visited us and if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for? As the New Year is gaining momentum, we are looking at our strategic plan for the next one, five and 10 years. Through the process we started asking questions of ourselves like, “Are we doing a good job?” “Is there something we should be doing that we are not doing?” “How can we better serve the community?” So far, by asking these questions and after discussion with other partners and stakeholders of the museum we have identified three pillars to focus on over the next few years - • The museum as a repository (eg care and storage of all taonga and archives). • The museum as a tourism destination. • The museum as a research/education centre. The three pillars and the goals attached to each will help guide the museum and the Mercury Bay Museum Trust Board towards future sustainability, trust board succession planning and a museum that is truly a part of the community it serves. We would now like to get some personal thoughts and input from our community about our strategic pillars and our strategy. We have created a survey for feedback, so please use this link and take five minutes to give us your feedback - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ VWQVQG6. The link is also available on our Facebook page. Check out our upcoming event - In Our Backyard Exhibition Open Day. It is this coming Saturday (23 January) from 10:00am to 4:00pm. We will have our friends from the Department of Conservation, Waikato Regional Council, Coast Care/TCDC and Auckland Museum here to help us celebrate and share fantastic information about our backyard. Entry is by gold coin donation and we will have activities available for everyone to enjoy. We will also have exhibition talks at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. The day will be great fun for all - come and join us! Rebecca Cox Mercury Bay Museum Manager The Mercury Bay Museum on The Esplanade, Whitianga. Page 26 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021
SeniorNet
By Mavis Hicks
Update
This is the first SeniorNet column for 2021 be very welcome to join in the tutoring.
and hopefully this will be a better year for Our classes are usually limited to six with
us all. The various lockdown levels last year people with a lead tutor and a helper,
have been a learning curve in many ways. and last for two hours.
One is communication using technology. Schedules will be sent out to our members
SeniorNet Whitianga, is starting the first prior to Open Day. As usual, Lorna is
term of 2021 on 16 February. An Open available for more information, but please
Day will be held on Tuesday, 9 February note her phone number has changed to
from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. The venue is (027) 486 0150 (daytime calls only, please).
Social Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. There has been a suggestion that we
Members can register at the Open Day for run a series of workshops on learning
the new term’s classes and workshops. more about Personal Safety Devices
People interested in joining SeniorNet (IT devices). Megan would like to hear
are also welcome to come along to the from our members who are interested in a
Open Day and see what SeniorNet does. series of workshops. Her phone number is
Our tutors will be available to help you (07) 866 5777.
look through the schedule of classes and There is concern from the government
workshops and see what might interest you. that people are becoming very lax in using
You can then decide if becoming a member the COVID-19 tracer app when entering
and attending our classes or workshops any public place. Please remember we
all benefit from being able to receive
would help you to understand and make
notification of having been in close
better use of your devices.
proximity to an infected person. There are
Our classes are structured to make
two COVID-19 posters in the rooms we use
learning easier and the atmosphere is at Social Services.
friendly. If you are new to Whitianga, We look forward to seeing you all back
this would be another way of meeting people in class.
with similar interests. We have various
“interest” workshops and continually try to
develop new ones to suit members’ hobbies
and other interests.
We are happy to have new members
with a level of technology literacy ranging
from basic to advanced level. Or, if you
have skills to offer as a tutor, you would
Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 27What’s On In the next week
Mercury Bay Community Swimming Pool (Located at the Mercury Bay Area School grounds)
Open from 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Saturday (weather permitting) during the summer school holidays.
Open from 1:00pm - 5:00pm every Sunday (weather permitting) during the summer school holidays.
Open from 6:00am - 8:00am for early morning lane swimming every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (weather permitting)
during the summer school holidays.
Entry $4 adults, $3 senior citizens/students/children, $2 pre-schoolers. Concession cards available.
Coromandel Summer Art Exhibition and Workshops
Until Saturday, 30 January at Hauraki House Gallery, Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town. An exhibition by artists Carolyn
Bayliss, Kay Ogilvie, Chris Tyron, Pete Sephton and Vaughan Udall. Several one-day workshops are running alongside the
exhibition. Email udallvaughan@hotmail.com for more information on the workshops.
Whitianga Art Group Summer Exhibition
Until Monday, 1 February at the Art Centre and Gallery, Whitianga. Open every day from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Free entry.
Whitianga Art, Craft & Farmer’s Market
Saturday, 23 January from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga.
“In Our Backyard” Open Day
Saturday, 23 January from 10:00am - 4:00pm at the Mercury Bay Museum, The Esplanade, Whitianga. Fun activities and
prizes, and expert talks at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Gold coin entry.
Coroglen Farmers Market
Sunday, 24 January from 9:30am to 1:00pm at the Coroglen Hall, State Highway 25, Coroglen.
Whitianga Summer Concert
Sunday, 31 January at the Whitianga Waterways Arena. Express entry opens at 9:45am, main gates open at 10:45am.
Featuring Gin Wigmore, Dragon, The Jordan Luck Band, Stellar* and Hello Sailor. Tickets available from the Whitianga
i-SITE or greenstoneentertainment.co.nz.
Whitianga Marathon
Saturday, 22 May. Four course options - 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km amd 5km. Entries now open.
See whitiangamarathon.co.nz for more information.
Whitianga residents, Jenny Cotterell (left) and Merle Ward, enjoying the
Whitianga Art, Craft & Farmer’s Market on Saturday last week.
Page 28 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021Whitianga Classic Rollers to make
special events even more special
New business, Whitianga Classic Rollers, for bookings and look forward to bringing Charlie looked far and wide for a suitable in Masterton and am in the process of buying
took ownership of their first classic Rolls Royce something extra to the business scene in vehicle to start the business with. “It really had a second Rolls Royce of similar age from him
early last week. Mercury Bay.” to be a Roller,” he said. “In their heyday, they as well, to use as a back-up and to not have to
The business will be offering a chauffeur Charlie decided to start the business as were the epitome of luxury. I’ve considered turn clients away during times when we may be
service for special occasions. “Our mission he has a keen interest in classic cars and the many vehicles, I even made a trip to the South very busy. The second vehicle is also in very
is to make our clients’ special occasions - COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for Island to look at one, but nothing was good good condition and we hope to have it with us
whether it’s weddings, school balls, birthdays, him to continue working as a fly-in fly-out tutor enough. Then, along came the one that we’ve in Whitianga within the next six weeks or so.
or Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and other in the carpet cleaning and restoration industry just received. It’s a 1990 Silver Spur with a “I’ll soon start looking for a second driver to
custom-designed cruises - even more special,” in Australia. “Technically I’m retired, but doing 6.75l fuel-injected engine. The vehicle is in work in the business with me.”
says owner, Charlie Lodge. “We are open nothing isn’t an option for me,” he says. very good condition. I bought it from a collector Previous classic cars Charlie owned include
a 1928 Dodge, a 1955 Ford Consul, a 1990
Jaguar and most recently, a 1946 Nash.
“I’ve sold the Nash as I needed to free up space
for the two Rollers,” Charlie says.
Charlie and his wife, Diane, are active on the
Whitianga rock ‘n roll scene and can always be
spotted participating in large car shows across
the Coromandel Peninsula, including Beach
Hop. “If cars are in your blood, you literally
just have to roll with it,” says Charlie. “I’m
very excited by the idea that I’m turning an
interest into a business.
“I’ve owned several businesses in my life and
understand the importance of good customer
service. Whitianga Classic Rollers is going to
be no different. Meeting all our clients’ requests
at a price that represents good value for money
is what our focus is going to be. Hopefully our
vehicles will become a familiar sight around
Mercury Bay.”
To discuss how Charlie can assist you
with your upcoming event, please phone/text
(021) 616 697 or email
Charlie Lodge, the owner of Whitianga Classic Rollers, at the business’s 1990 Silver Spur Rolls Royce. whitiangaclassicrollers@gmail.com.
Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 29Mega Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Crossword Puzzle 933
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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
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Last week’s winner -
See page 34 for last week’s crossword solution and winner.
Page 30 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021Last week’s Whitianga-based
Letters to the Editor rescue helicopter missions
See page 14 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - Grateful for the incredible service from Mercury Bay Medical Centre
Just before Christmas, I took my one-year-old son into Mercury Bay Medical Centre in Whitianga
with severe breathing difficulties, following a phone consultation with a doctor there. I was so
grateful that they took his condition seriously, despite the busy time, and saw him right away.
When my son started to deteriorate in the next few hours, Mercury Bay Medical Centre immediately
arranged for an ambulance, which took us to the airfield and where we were met by the magnificent
Westpac Rescue Helicopter team, who whisked us to Starship Hospital in Auckland. There we
were transferred to other doctors and treated amazingly for the next few days, until my boy was
released on Christmas Eve.
The reason for writing to you is to say how thankful I am to the local doctors - especially the
lovely woman doctor at Mercury Bay Medical Centre at the time (whose name I didn’t get,
but I think she was a locum) - and the service that followed.
The woman in the ambulance had also been first at the scene many years before when my uncle,
Ray Hewlett (a Whitianga resident), had a car accident and took a similar journey in the Westpac
Rescue Helicopter, which saved his life and for which I am always grateful.
These health workers need to be thanked and celebrated. They work tirelessly in the toughest of
circumstances and are indeed heroes. Thank you so very, very much for all you do.
Sally Angelson
Auckland
For the month of January, while a helicopter operated by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
is based at Crosby Field in Whitianga, we report in every issue of The Informer on the missions
flown during the previous week by the helicopter.
From Monday last week (11 January) to last Sunday (17 January) the helicopter was utilised
on seven occasions, including missions flown between Cathedral Cove and Thames Hospital,
Colville and Waikato Hospital, Whangamata and Waikato Hospital, and Waiheke Island and
Auckland City Hospital.
In addition, the two rescue helicopters based at Ardmore Airport in Auckland (also owned by
the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust) have flown three missions into the Coromandel during
the same period. The Whitianga-based helicopter isn’t allowed to fly during night-time. One of
the Ardmore-based helicopters is utilised when the helicopter in Whitianga is unable to fly or is
engaged in another mission.
Since 28 December last year, the rescue helicopter based at Crosby Field has flown 23 missions
in total.
Pictured is the Whitianga-based helicopter in the skies above Whitianga after a mission flown
The White House, one of the Mercury Bay Medical Centre premises in Whitianga. to Waiheke Island and Auckland City Hospital on Tuesday last week.
Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 31You can also read
