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TheMercury Bay
Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Slowest driver as
popular as the
fastest at
Leadfoot Festival -
see page 19.
(Continued on page 2)
“Best ever”music and
theatre line-up for 2016
Creative Mercury Bay chairperson Jan Wright.
Issue 675 - 10 February 2016 Circulation 6,500Phone 07 866 2090
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Since the inception of Creative Mercury Bay (CMB) in 2012, the organisation has delivered an eclectic mix of performing arts - including plays,
classical and jazz music, community talent shows, dance concerts and film workshops - to the people of Mercury Bay. Their 2016 programme
promises to be their best ever. Stephan Bosman spoke to CMB chairperson Jan Wright and trustee Len Salt about their plans for the year ahead.
The CMB programme will this year kick off
with three weekends of workshops focused
on the art and discipline of Taiko Drumming.
The workshops will be conducted by
Auckland's Haere Mai Taiko Drummers and is
the result of collaboration between CMB and
Mercury Bay Area School Japanese teacher
Judy Evans.
CMB has worked together with Judy to
secure funding to purchase four taiko drums,
which will form the basis of Whitianga’s own
Taiko drumming group. The workshops will be
held on the 19 - 20 March, 9 - 10 April and
23 -24 April.
The next big event on the CMB calendar will
be the Mercury Bay Music Festival, happening
over Queen’s Birthday weekend, 3 - 5 June.
Jan says more than 25 acts are already booked
to perform, covering a range of genres from big
band, jazz and blues to folk and world music.
Don McGlashan, Apra Silver Scroll finalist
Mel Parsons, the wildly popular Miho Wada
and her jazz orchestra and internationally
acclaimed musical director Mark Dennison
with his 13 piece band are amongst the artists
who will be performing over the weekend.
July will see the first of CMB’s Arts on Tour
presentations, “Everest Untold.” Described by
Theatre Review as, “The untold story all New
Zealander's should know,” the performance is
part climbing experience, part history lesson
and part personal revelation.
For lovers of high quality classical music,
CMB founder patrons Toby and Diana
Morcom will host Russian pianist Professor
Oleg Marshev at their home in Cooks Beach on
24 July. The Morcom family home has a grand
piano, which is necessary for a performance of
this calibre.
“Tickets are strictly limited to 50, which is
not an ideal situation given the popularity of
these events,” says Jan. “However, without
a grand piano in the Whitianga Town Hall,
our choices are very limited. Funding for a
grand piano permanently located in the town
hall is very high on our wish list for the future.
It would open the door for a wider range of
performance options than we have right now.
It would also give our own music students
a concert level instrument to practice on
once they get to the higher grades in their
music exams.”
Arts on Tour comedy “Under the Same Moon,”
written by award winning Kiwi Chinese Dr
Renee Liang - paediatrician by day, poet and
playwrightbynight,willfeatureon9September
in the Whitianga Town Hall. Two time winner
of “Best Actress” in the New Zealand 48
Hour Furious Filmmaking Competition
Hweiling Ow plays ten characters and tells the
story of Hong Kong matriarch Porpor Grace
who arrives in NZ for her granddaughter's
wedding. Porpor hasn’t exactly been invited,
but while she’s in New Zealand, why not get
a cultural fix by joining a Kiwi Experience
backpacker bus tour? Unfortunately her
understanding of cultural norms is a little... off.
Under the Same Moon is described as a
heartfelt comedy about daughters and their
wayward mothers, featuring a cultural crash-
course in family love, plenty of laughs and a
few tears.
“An added bonus will be the opportunity to
involveHweilingandReneeinsomeinteractive

The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 675 - 10 February 2016Page 2
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(Continued from page 1)
The Mercury Bay Informer is published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed
throughout the Coromandel Peninsula.
Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of
contributions are entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only
be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name and
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Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner
or publisher.
Owner - Mercury Bay Media Limited
Publisher - Petra Roodt
Editor - Stephan Bosman
Contributors - Len Salt, Gillian O’Neill, Meghan Hawkes, Cheyenne Walmsley,
Deli Connell and Jack Biddle
Ofﬁce - 14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510
Mail - PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542
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workshops with MBAS drama students while
they are in Mercury Bay,” says Jan.
On 3 November, Caitlin Smith (known as the
“Story Singer”) will be joined on stage by well-
known band Beyondsemble's Jon Sanders and
Craig Denham. “This will be a cabaret-style
concert, something that we have done a few
times before,” Jan says. “They are immensely
popular and people love the opportunity to get
up and dance to some great music.”
The last few months have been extremely
busy for CMB. “We have been thrilled to
welcome two new trustees, Whitianga locals
Ernie Pitchfork and Linda Stratford, and some
other skilled people onto the team,” says Len.
“Well known music fans Pam and Thom Dodd
have also made a generous donation to CMB
and will become the first members of our newly
launched Patrons of Performance programme.
This is a programme that will recognise
the financial contributions made by individuals
to CMB.
“The announcement of the Mercury Bay
Music Festival has generated a high level
of interest and support from local people
wishing to support this kind of event.
Thames Coromandel District Council has
given us a huge vote of confidence by agreeing
to fund the event to the tune of $60,000
over the next three years. In addition to that,
some of our existing sponsors have already
also indicated that they’ll back us with extra
support for the festival.”
The objective is for both CMB and the Music
Festival to generate extra visitor numbers to
the Mercury Bay area. “We plan for the Music
Festival to be self-sustaining within the next
three years,” Len says. “Our aim with Creative
Mercury Bay is to make a positive contribution
to the artistic, business and cultural economies
of Mercury Bay on a long-term basis.”
The workload on a handful of volunteers to
run an organisation like CMB is enormous.
“We’ve been extremely fortunate to have
had great support from Pub Charity for our
annual programme over the past few years
and just before Christmas we were ecstatic
to receive confirmation from Trust Waikato
that they will fund a part time administrator/
coordinator position for CMB,” says Jan.
“We’ll be advertising the position very soon.
Having a paid administrator/coordinator to
take the load off the volunteers will ensure
that CMB can continue to provide high quality
performance events for Mercury Bay well into
the future.”
Creative Mercury Bay
line-up for 2016
The rule is there are no rules. Well, not quite, but you don’t have to be any kind of golfer to get out
and take part in the St John Ambulance Golf Day on Sunday 28 February at the Mercury Bay Golf Club.
Teams of six or individual players (who will be placed in teams) can enter the annual fundraiser.
The ambrose format (where, in essence, the best shot among all team members are played) ensures
that the event is always a lot of fun.
As in previous years, local businesses have supported the event with a variety of prizes and also
items that will be raffled off.
Included in the entry fee of $30 is a light lunch. During the day a drinks cart will be doing the rounds
on the course and members of the Whitianga Lodge of the Freemasons will be on duty with a sausage
sizzle for those in need of additional sustenance.
All players will tee-off at 10:00am. Entry forms are available at the Mercury Bay Golf Club and at the
St John Opportunity Shop in Coghill Street, Whitianga.
Pictured are the organisers of the Golf Day this year, Keven Clark (left) and Roger Booth.
St John Golf Day entries
now open

The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3Issue 675 - 10 February 2016
A special “Movies under The Stars” community event planned for last Saturday and Sunday at
Lyon Park in Whitianga took a bit of a knock with Saturday’s rainy weather, but ended up as a
fun-filled family evening when the silver screen eventually lit up on Sunday night.
A big 12m x 6m screen and special sound system had been set up especially for the event.
Mercury Bay Community Events Support Trust Coordinator Linda Simonsen said that Dirty
Dancing was scheduled to screen on Saturday night, but had to be cancelled. “Sunday also
started out a bit wet,but cleared up later-on.By the time we came to start it was a nice evening.”
Linda estimates that about 200 people came out for the free event on Sunday evening.
“Everybody settled in with chairs and rugs. The atmosphere was great.”
Linda decided to stick to the original plan and run the classic Robin Williams movie Mrs
Doubtfire, which was scheduled for Sunday evening, first, with the possibility of Dirty Dancing
afterwards. “By the time Mrs Doubtfire finished, it was getting close to 11:00pm. Most of the
people had come as family groups and it was a getting a bit late for the young ones to start
watching another movie, so we decided to hold Dirty Dancing over until the next time.
“Luke Reilly from Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu had laid on special half price pizzas just for the
event, they were really popular. The Mercury Bay Rugby Club bar was open and the Whitianga
Lions’ sausage sizzle and the Shellz Ice Cream Parlour ice cream cart were also well-supported.
All in all it was a highly enjoyable evening, something we really should do soon again.”
Pictured are Whitianga locals Paul and Yvonne Simpson enjoying Mrs Doubtfire.
Mrs Doubtfire under
the stars

“PUT YOUR FEET
UP LOVE, WE’LL DO
THE COOKING.”
Phone for your
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07 866 3809
www.coroglentavern.co.nz
A Sunday well spent
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07 866 0053
or
info@poivresel.co.nz
Valentines Day
Amazing Set Menu
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Tuesday to Sunday
Dinner 6pm onwards
Set menu
for
group
bookings
Open 7 Days
From 5pm
Dine In • Takeaway • Delivery
13 / 1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga
Dine In FREE
on your Birthday
One main, rice & naan.
Minimum 2-person party.
Authentic North
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Wide selection of seafood,
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Children’s menu available.
Check out our new spot
in Whitianga, outside
The Harbour House Cafe -
oppersite the ferry.
KILLER
BURGERS!
Cooks Beach
11am - 8pm
Whitianga
5 - 8pm
Tairua
5 - 8pm
Lunch
12 noon - 2pm
DINNER
5:30 - 8:30pm
THIRSTY
THURSDAY
HAPPY HOUR & TRIVA
4 - 6pm
LUNCH
12 noon - 2pm
Dinner 5:30 - 8:30pm
SNOOKER 1:30pm
Tai Chi 9am
Saturday Morning
Raffles 11am
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11am - 1pm TAB
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12 noon - 2pm
Dinner 5:30pm
Tai Chi 9am
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Tai Chi 9am
Members Draw
Raffles 5:30pm
Meat/Hams
LUNCH 12 noon - 2pm
Dinner 5:30 - 8:30pm
8 BALL
CHARLIE DAVIS DARTS 7:30pm
LOCAL LADS
7:30pm
CLASSIC CAR
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JOHNNY
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Black Caps
v Australia
Day 1 First test
Sing to a rock and roll beat, slick back your hair and turn your collar up,
turn up the volume on the electric guitar.You’ll be right on the money when
the famous Whangamata Beach Hop arrives in Whitianga on Tuesday 29
March (the Tuesday after Easter) for the Whitianga Power Tour pre-event.
It’s a day off for Mercury Bay Area School students and from 10:00am
Albert Street will be closed off between Lee Street and Monk Street for a
party Whitianga hasn’t seen in a long, long time. A Johnny Cash tribute
band will set the scene while locals and visitors will have the chance to
inspect a variety of hot rods and modified and lovingly restored classic
cars from close by. Whispers of a possible Chevy v Ford drag race have
also been heard.
There’ll be food and market stalls and local retailers and business
owners are being encouraged to decorate their shop fronts. It will also be
an opportunity to dress up in your best Beach Hop outfit and maybe win
one of the prizes the Power Tour organisers plan to put up.
Make no mistake, it will be a big day in Whitianga and if it goes well,
who knows, the Beach Hop may just become an annual fixture on the
Mercury Bay calendar.
Beach Hop is coming to Whitianga

LIVE BAND
AGENT SMITH
9PM!
WIN $100 BAR
TAB, JUST BE IN
THE BAR AT 6PM!
RIBS ONLY $15,
5 - 9
DJ Mighty
from 9pm
CURRY NIGHT,
ONLY $10!
BURGER AND
FRIES, $10
AT EITHER
LUNCH OR DINNER
FREE POOL
ALL DAY
Fresh Fish and
Chips - only
$15, 5 - 9
NEW HAPPY
HOUR all day til
6:30!
STEAK NIGHT, $18! STEAK NIGHT,
$18, 5 - 9
Happy hour all
day till 6:30
NOW OPEN • EVERY DAY
From 2:30pm for tapas
cocktails & more!
45 Albert street
07 866 0952
Menu on f.b.
Sharing is caring.
On Valentines Day
get a jug & 2 tapas for
only $40.
Valentines Day Lunch this Sunday.
Only 10 tables available in the courtyard.
$75 per couple. Book Now.
Full menu at
www.govino.co.nz
Ph 07 867 1215
for bookings
Closed Tues
11A Coghill Str, Whitianga
Tel: 07 866 2200
Open 6 days Closed Monday
5pm - 10pm
We are
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Take away
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Special liqueur
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w salsa
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Out Catering Available
Dip & Dine
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New tamarillo
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menu!
Book now for
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Fresh
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Mussels
Sundays
Jazz Brunch
11:30am
Live Music
• Prime Scotch
Fillet
• Pork Cutlets
• Fish of the Day
Woodfired
Pizzas
Mon - Fri
12 noon - late
Fresh
Pacific
Oysters
Sat & Sun
8am - late
Closed
Tuesday &
Wednesday
OPEN
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10am - 8pm
Bike down and
enjoy a coffee
on our deck
Try our
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hardshakes or
spiked floats
OPEN
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10am - 8pm
All our
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Try a
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HAPPY HOUR,
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til 6:30!

TAKEAWAY
• Fresh Fish n Chips
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OPEN 11am - LATE Ph 07 864 8617
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For delicious fish and seafood from around
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LISTEN TO
JACQUI & ANDY
Thames Coast 97.2 |
Whangamata 89.9 | Coromandel 89.1 |
Cooks Beach 90.3 | Matarangi 94.0 |
Coroglen 93.9 | Paeroa 93.2 | Waihi
Beach 104.2 | Hahei Beach 90.3 |
Whitianga 90.3 | Opito Bay 106.7 |
Pauanui 93.9 | Tairua 93.9 | Waihi 90.6
Scott Simpson - National Party MP for Coromandel
Scott’s Thoughts
Parliament has started for 2016 and the Prime
Minister has given his State of the Nation
address. Now its full steam ahead for another
busy year. I’m looking forward to another
full-on year, both here in the electorate and
in Wellington.
One of the significant events of the year has
already occurred with the signing of the Trans-
Pacific Partnership trade deal.
Former Labour Prime Minister Helen
Clark was right when she said it would be
“unthinkable” for New Zealand as a small
trading nation not to be part of the agreement.
I’m confident regions like ours, where primary
products from farming, aquaculture and forestry
are very significant contributors to our local
economy, have the most to gain from our entry
into the TPP.
We must never forget that New Zealand is a
trading nation and has been so since the late 19th
century. Our standard of living has always been
determined on how well we trade. As a nation
we have much to gain and our exporters will
be able to take advantage of new and expanded
opportunities to sell New Zealand produced
goods into markets previously highly protected.
Another matter many people are talking
about is next month’s final flag referendum.
This is the first time New Zealanders have ever
had an opportunity to have a say in what our
flag should be. I think that is important and I
was very pleased to see in the first referendum
that Coromandel voters participated in great
numbers. I hope local people will do so again
for the second referendum next month. I doubt
we’ll get another opportunity to do so for a very
long time.
Finally I just want to again ask that everyone
please take care when near, on or under water.
We’ve had a shocker summer for drownings,
almost all of which could have been prevented.
Ours is a region that prides itself on having
some of the most beautiful coastline and rivers
in the country. Let’s make sure we don’t gain a
reputation for having the most deadly.
The current and proposed New Zealand flags flying next to each other in
front of a private residence in Whitianga.
Thames Coromandel District Council will be undertaking some investigative work along
Albert Street, Whitianga on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 February.
Eight to ten holes will be dug at various places to establish the nature and depth of what
is beneath the street surface. TCDC says that if Albert Street is needed to be lowered
to accommodate wider footpaths in some areas of the planned Whitianga town centre
upgrade, the investigative work will enable them to produce better designs and more
accurately calculate the quantity of the materials that will be required.
The holes will be less than a metre deep and will mostly be dug by hand. Noise shouldn’t
be a disturbance. Certain parts of Albert Street may from time to time be closed off or be
reduced to a single lane while the work is in progress.
Pictured is a map indicating where the holes will be dug.
Investigative work to be
undertaken along Albert Street

Scott Simpson
MP FOR COROMANDE
614 Pollen St.Thames
07 868 3529
EL www.scottsimpson.co.nz
A large part of my job is helping
people. For an appointment please
contact my office.
Authorised by Scott Simpson, 614 Pollen St,Thames
and funded by the Parliamentary Service
email:mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz
Thumbs
Up
To the local Whitianga
lady who picked up a
hitchhiking Auckland
and Coromandel
Rescue Helicopter crew member at
Whenuakite last week. The crew
member had to find his own way back
to Whitianga as space had to be made
in the helicopter for an additional
person that needed to be airlifted to
hospital during a rescue mission.
Mercury Bay Area School Principal John Wright says he’s delighted with the calibre of the 16 new teaching
staff members who joined the school this year.“We’ve been experiencing very strong growth in the school
roll over the last few years. That can sometimes put pressure on our resources in the middle of a teaching
year. It’s been important to me personally that we start 2016 with a strong team, ready and able to deliver
quality education programmes and a strong learning framework right from the start.”
Among the new staff members are Belinda Cannan, faculty head of Arts, Drama and Performing Arts
Technology. Belinda is on a fixed term contract while Mike Wilkinson, who holds the position on a
permanent basis, is away on study leave for the rest of the year.
Pictured are 12 of the new staff members. Back row, from left to right - Yvette Audain (specialist music
programmes), Andrew Fisher (primary school), Rebekha Brandon (primary school), Sally Findlayson
(primary school), Tamati Bryers (Year 7 - 8 Roopu), Rose Mahon (visual arts - in front of Tamati) and Hugh
Fairweather (mathematics). Front row - Maddie Stonehouse (science), Michael Ewing (primary school
and Year 7 - 8), Rahira Frost (primary school), Jean Waretini-Paul (Year 4 - 6 Roopu) and Natelle Lidgard
(primary school).
The teachers absent from the photo are Belinda Cannan, Richard Pincham (metal technologies and
mathematics), Joanna Mannington (hospitality and catering) and Freya Marra (primary school).
Sixteen new teachers
joining MBAS for 2016

Facts, places, food and movies -
the best of the best for Valentines DayBy Deli Connell
Now take that cynical look off your face…
any opportunity to show love and appreciation
for each other has to be good. There’s a bit
too much of other, less beautiful, things in the
world after all, don’t you think?
Yes, we can use the tired old argument
that Valentine’s Day is overrated…
commercialised beyond any sincerity,
bah humbug, but that would be way too easy!
Let’s look on the bright side and wallow in
some of the highlights of the loved-up season.
Valentine’s Day has developed a culture
of its own, steeped in history. Over decades,
nay, centuries, it has evolved through ancient
ritual and ceremony to modern times with the
flickering seduction of the big screen and the
enjoyment of delicious foods and romantic
surroundings in beautiful locations around
the world.
We’ve picked the best of the best right here
for you.
The best facts about St Valentine
A man named Valentinus was martyred on
14 February around 270 AD and is officially
recognised as a saint by the Catholic Church.
He is credited with assisting Christian couples
to marry and for his pains is believed to have
been beheaded. However, this popular name
has been attributed to more than one saint,
with there being around a dozen St Valentines
and a Pope of that name who served for only
40 days way back in AD 827.
But did you know that Valentine is also
the patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy,
the plague, fainting and travelling and,
of course, the betrothed and those who are
to wed?
Poor Valentine’s skeletal remains are
believed to have been found and his (alleged)
skull, swathed in flowers, now resides in the
Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome.
Other bits and pieces of the rest of him have
been shared with churches around the world.
Some believe Chaucer’s poem of 1375
“Parliament of Foules” was first to make
the link between “romantic love” and the
feasting and celebration around the saint
named Valentine. Referring to 14 February
Chaucer wrote, “For this was sent on Seynt
Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh
ther to choose his mate.”
The best locations for love
Pont Des Arts Bridge - This bridge over the
Seine is buckling under the weight of lovers’
locks… couples write or scratch their initials
into the lock, snap it onto the bridge and hurl
the key into the river. Thus their love may
never be broken.
House of Juliet - The lovelorn leave letters at
the “House of Juliet” in Verona, Italy. In the
manner of writing to an agony aunt, they seek
Juliet’s advice from beyond the grave.
Trevi Fountain - Legend has it that throwing a
coin into the fountain means you will return to
Rome, a second coin signals a new romance
and a third? Wedding bells!
Mercury Bay - Totally biased we may be,
but with so many gorgeous beaches to stroll
along, hand in hand, Mercury Bay deserves
to join the list.
The best romantic foods - Foods deemed
‘romantic’ generally are labelled as such for
their aphrodisiac properties or interesting
appearance/texture… say no more. But there
is science behind these goodies. Some of it is
quite fascinating.
Coffee - Love a good flat white? The caffeine
in coffee will get the heart rate up and increase
your blood flow. It makes you feel alive!
Chili - Chili peppers stimulate endorphins
and boost your heart rate, also making you
feel alive!
Chocolate - Chocolate contains theobromine
which is a stimulant like caffeine. Chocolate
also boosts your serotonin production which
makes you feel happy and fights depression.
Choose the dark variety, which is rich in
cocoa solids.
Strawberries - These delicious berries
are heart-shaped and can be dipped into
chocolate… the perfect romantic combo.
Oysters - Raw oysters are a good source of
dopamine which makes you feel goooood!
Vanilla - Here’s a surprise. In addition to
tasting wonderful, vanilla also lowers stress,
is warming and euphoric.
The best romantic movies
And finally the results of a rather unscientific
survey, amongst friends and family,
has thrown up this selection of romantic
movies, perfect for Valentines Day.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
(2004) - Jim Carrey, yes Jim Carrey, in a very
different role playing alongside Kate Winslet
as unhappy lovers who wish to erase all
memories of each other… can’t say any more
without spoiling it!
Pretty Woman (1990) - On paper it all sounds
a bit unsavoury. Businessman hires prostitute
to be his escort and falls in love. A modern
day “My Fair Lady” lifted from mediocrity
by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
Gone with the Wind (1939) - Think mansions
in the southern USA, big skirts, bigger egos
and a strong-willed woman… all set against
the background of the American Civil War.
50 First Dates (2004) - Girl suffers catastrophic
memory loss and boy has to woo her again
every morning when she wakes believing him
to be a stranger. Adam Sandler (love him or
hate him) and the gorgeous Drew Barrymore
star in this cute story.
Love Actually (2003) - A Christmas-themed
must watch in December, but equally
wonderful for 14 February. This film has a
great ensemble cast whose love stories are
cleverly interwoven into one tale.
Dirty Dancing (1987) - Patrick Swayze and
Jennifer Grey… dance student falls in love
with dance instructor and sparks (plus loads
of fab dancing) ensue.
Titanic (1997) - Well we know it’s not going
to end well, but Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate
Winslet love and lose, whilst boosting their
early careers, with this interpretation of the
infamous shipping disaster. Off the bow with
you and pretend to fly.
The Sound of Music (1965) - Another
Christmas Day favourite. Naughty nun nanny
nabs nice Nazi niggler. Julie Andrews in all
her vocal magnificence and fabulous sing
along opportunities.
Roman Holiday (1953) - Vespas, fountains and
ruins with the inimitable Audrey Hepburn
a wayward princess and Gregory Peck
a reporter playing together in beautiful,
historic surrounds. My personal favourite!
And if, after all, there’s no money for the
flights to Paris or Rome or the expensive
delicacies and gifts, you could do worse
than a jolly good movie and dinner at a
great Mercury Bay restaurant... or fish and
chips on a beautiful Mercury Bay beach.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
Mercury Bay as seen from above Brophy’s Beach on a balmy summer’s evening.
No need to go to Paris, Verona or Rome for Valentines Day. It will take some doing to beat
dinner in a Mercury Bay restaurant or fish and chips on a beautiful Mercury Bay beach.
Yes, there’s no place like home.

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Auckland and Coromandel Rescue Helicopter missions for the period 27 December 2015 to
26 January 2016
27.12.15 Waikawau - Responded to Waikawau Bay for a female patient in her 40s suffering injuries after a fall. She
was transported to ACH in a serious condition.
27.12.15 Hahei - Responded to Hahei for a female patient in her 60s suffering a medical condition.She was transported
to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
28.12.15 Tairua - Responded to Tairua for a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical condition. He was transported
to ACH in a serious condition.
28.12.15 Papa Aroha - Responded to Papa Aroha for a female patient in her 50s suffering injuries after a motorcycle
incident. She was transported to WBH in a serious condition.
Rescue Helicopter Update
With with Walter Russell QSM JP - Chairman of the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust
“Wow!” Forty four missions for the Auckland
and Coromandel Rescue helicopter up until
25 January solely on the Peninsula - that’s a
serious amount of rescue operations costing a
serious amount of money.
If you still have a donation envelope laying
around, please post it in with your kind
donation. More generosity shown recently
from locals with sizeable donations from the
Stephenson family of Stephensons Unichem
Pharmacy and the Bernhard family of Coastal
Refrigeration - the latter being in appreciation
of the help the helicopter gave to one of their
family members.
We would like to thank all the people who
attended and helped with the Concert in
the Vines event held at Mercury Bay Estate
outside Cooks Beach in early January that
raised close to $25,000.00 for the Rescue
Helicopter. It was a fantastic day enjoyed by
approximately 600 people.
There are still a few 2016 Mercury Bay
photo calendars available at Market Place
in Coghill Street, Whitianga. So call in and
see Sue to secure one of these calendars
containing stunning photos of our region
taken by local photographers, which will help
with further funding for the helicopter.
The next stage of the Tairua-Pauanui GPS
approach, the flight validation process, is in
the process of happening. This is a major
step towards the establishment of this safe
approach system. Thanks again to the locals
who supported and provided the funding for
this new technology.
Fundraising for the Whangamata GPS
approach has started, so if anyone wishes
to be involved with this, please contact our
trust member for the Whangamata area,
Ross Dingle, on telephone (07) 865 8778
The week before last New World
Whitianga ran an “Add-a-Dollar” campaign
at their check-outs, which raised $4,360 for
the Rescue Helicopter and was added to by
store owners Stacy and Sally Rolton with a
personal donation to bring the amount raised
to $5,000.00. A big thank you to those who
contributed and a very special thanks to
Stacey and Sally for their generosity.
If you wish to contact us, my details
are as follows - phone (07) 866 5032,
email CRHT@xtra.co.nz, PO Box 227,
Whitianga 3542.
29.12.15 Cooks Beach - Responded to Cooks Beach for a female patient in her 40s suffering a medical condition.
She was transported to WBH in a serious condition.
29.12.15 Tairua - Responded to Tairua for a female patient in her 60s suffering a medical condition. She was
transported to WBH in a critical condition.
29.12.15 Coromandel Town - Responded to Coromandel Town for a male patient in his 20s suffering injuries after a
motor vehicle accident. He was transported to WBH in a critical condition.
30.12.15 Kuaotunu - Responded to Kuaotunu for a female patient in her teens suffering injuries after a motor vehicle
accident. She was transported to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
31.12.15 Thames - Responded to Thames for a male patient in his 50s suffering injuries after a motor vehicle accident.
New World Whitianga owners Stacey and Sally Rolton handing a cheque for $4,360
raised for the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust through a
New World “Add-a-Dollar” campaign to trust chairman
Walter Russell (second from the left) and trustee Helen Bourne (on the right).

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He was transported to Thames Hospital in a critical condition.
01.01.16 Kaihere - Responded to Kaihere for a female patient in her 30s suffering injuries after a motor vehicle
accident. She was transported to ACH in a serious condition.
03.01.16 Cathedral Cove - Responded to Cathedral Cove for a female patient in her 50s suffering injuries after a fall.
She was transported to NSH in a moderate condition.
03.01.16 Opito Bay - Responded to Opito Bay for a female patient in her 60s suffering injuries after a fall. She was
transported to MMH in a moderate condition.
04.01.16 Coromandel Town - Responded to Coromandel Town Airfield for a female patient in her 80s suffering a
medical condition. She was transported to WBH in a serious condition.
05.01.16 Cathedral Cove - Responded to Cathedral Cove for a male patient in his 20s suffering a near drowning.
He was transported to MMH in a serious condition.
06.01.16 Pauanui - Responded to Pauanui for a female patient in her 70s suffering a medical condition. She was
transported to WBH in a serious condition.
06.01.16 Port Jackson - Responded to Port Jackson for a male patient is his 60s suffering a medical condition. He was
transported to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
07.01.16 Kuaotunu - Responded to Kuaotunu for a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical condition. He was
transported to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition.
07.01.16 Waihi Beach - Responded to Waihi Beach for a female patient in her 60s suffering a medical condition.
She was transported to WBH in a serious condition.
07.01.16 Waihi Beach - Responded to Waihi Beach for a female child suffering a medical condition. She was
transported to WBH in a serious condition.
08.01.16 Thames - Responded toThames Hospital for a male patient in his 70s requiring a transfer.He was transported
to ACH in a moderate condition.
09.01.16 Waihi - Responded to Waihi for a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical condition. He was transported
to WBH in a critical condition.
11.01.16 Pauanui - Responded to Pauanui for a female patient in her 60s suffering a medical condition. She was
transported to ACH in a serious condition.
12.01.16 Thames - Responded to Thames for a male patient in his 30s suffering injuries after a fall. Declined access
due to weather. Returned to base.
13.01.16 Thames - Returned to Thames when weather improved for the above male patient in his 30s suffering
injuries after a fall. He was transported to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
14.01.16 Onemana - Responded to Onemana for a male patient in his 40s suffering injuries after a surfing accident.
He was transported to ACH in a serious condition.
15.01.16 Kennedy Bay - Responded to Kennedy Bay for a male child suffering injuries after a motor vehicle accident.
He was transported to ACH in a critical condition.
16.01.16 Waihi Beach - Responded to Waihi Beach for a female patient in her 40s suffering injuries after a fall.
She was winched out and transported to Tauranga Hospital in a moderate condition.
19.01.16 Cooks Beach - Responded to Cooks Beach for a male patient in his 70s suffering a medical condition. He
was transported to ACH in a moderate condition.
19.01.16 Opito Bay - Responded to Opito Bay for a female patient in her 40s suffering injuries after a fall. She was
transported to MMH in a moderate condition.
19.01.16 Hahei - Responded to Hahei for a female patient in her 20s suffering injuries after a fall. She was transported
to WBH in a moderate condition.
20.01.16 Whangamata - Responded to Whangamata for a male patient suffering a medical condition. Unfortunately
the patient was announced deceased at the scene.
22.01.16 Whitianga - Responded to Whitianga for a female patient suffering an injury. She was transported to WBH in
a serious condition.
22.01.16 Cooks Beach - Responded to Cooks Beach for a male patient in his 50s suffering surf related injuries. He was
transported to ACH in a moderate condition.
22.01.16 Port Charles - Responded to Port Charles for a male patient in his 50s suffering a medical condition. He was
22.01.16 Colville - Responded to Colville for a female patient in her 50s suffering a medical condition and injuries after
a fall. She was transported to WBH in a serious condition.
23.01.16 Cathedral Cove - Responded to Cathedral Cove for a male patient in his 60s suffering surf related injuries.
He was transported to MMH in a serious condition.
24.01.16 Opoutere - Responded to Opoutere for a female patient in her late teens suffering a near drowning. She was
24.01.16 Opoutere Responded to Opoutere for a male patient in his 50s suffering a near drowning. He was
24.01.16 Hot Water Beach - Responded to Hot Water Beach for a female patient in her 20s suffering a near drowning.
She was transported to ACH in a moderate condition.
24.01.16 Whangamata - Responded to Whangamata for a female patient in her 70s suffering a medical condition.
She was transported to WBH in a critical condition.
25.01.16 Tairua - Responded to Tairua for a male patient in his 80s suffering a medical condition. He was transported
to WBH in a serious condition.
25.01.16 Cathedral Cove - Responded to Cathedral Cove for a female patient in her 20s suffering a medical condition.
She was transported to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
25.01.16 Whitianga - Responded to Whitianga for a male patient in his 40s suffering injuries after a fall. He was
transported to WBH in a moderate condition.
25.01.16 Great Mercury Island - Responded to Great Mercury Island for a female patient in her 40s suffering a near
drowning. She was transported to ACH in a serious condition.
Rescue Helicopter Update
With with Walter Russell QSM JP

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The Kuaotunu cemetery stories
Following SH25 north, just before you get to the turnoff to Kuaotunu village, you can turn left
into Cemetery Road. The road is only a few hundred meters long and at its end, on a hill, is the
Kuaotunu cemetery. Many people don’t know of the existence of the cemetery. Meghan Hawkes
researched the stories behind the very few remaining headstones - stories of a Kuaotunu much
different from the one we know today.
One of the headstones still standing in the
Kuaotunu cemetery is one that is highly
descriptive of our perilous pioneer past. It details
fatal childhood accidents, death in childbirth,
stillbirth and what was a calamitous blow to a
family of that era - the death at a young age of a
husband, father and provider.
On 14 August 1900, the small daughter of
Georgina and John Ferguson, Hazel, aged two
years and three months, was being driven,
along with her brother, in a spring trap (a light
horse-drawn carriage), by an aunt and uncle,
Mr and Mrs FA Marshall. The horse shied
and the trap and occupants were thrown over
an embankment near Mr J Knight’s house.
The boy escaped uninjured, but Hazel’s
neck was broken. The Marshalls were
slightly injured.
Hazel’s funeral at the Kuaotunu cemetery,
where the service was read by Mr James, the
Wesleyan minister, was very well attended.
In 1906 tragedy again struck the family when
Douglas, aged seven, died on 21 November at
the Mercury Bay Hospital after an unspecified
“painful illness,” which could possibly refer to
any of the numerous childhood illnesses of the
time for which successful treatments were then
not available.
One year later, Georgina, the mother of the
family, known as “Daisy,” died in childbirth,
a not uncommon occurrence. It appears the
child, George, died as well - Georgina’s’ death
and the stillbirth of George both occurring
in 1907.
The father of the family, John Bunyan Ferguson,
a goldminer and later a Kuaotunu farmer,
died in 1912, aged only 39, probably leaving the
family at the mercy of financial hardship.
Others of this family, described interestingly
as “surviving members”, are also noted on the
headstone - buried variously at Mercury Bay,
Coromandel Town, Palmerston North and
Surrey, England.
Hazel Ferguson died near the home of Joseph
Knight, who was for many years the County
Road Overseer at Kuaotunu, supporting a wife,
Charlotte, and large family. An old colonist and
resident of Coromandel County for about 16
years, mining lured Joseph to the Coromandel.
Prior to coming to the Coromandel, he worked
as a coal miner in Whangarei. Sadly, mining
was his undoing - for the last few years of his
life he suffered from miner’s complaint.
Miner’s complaint - or silicosis or miners
phthisis - was a dreaded chronic lung disease
common among miners. It was slow to develop
and symptoms did not appear until years after
exposure. The disease was brutal - shortness
of breath, severe cough, fatigue, fever and
eventual death.
Ill health forced Joseph to give up his job
with the county and towards the end he suffered
a great deal. When he died on 16 May 1907,
aged 54, he was praised as a trustworthy and
reliable official and highly respected throughout
the Coromandel County. Often in these cases
the community would rally round, starting up
a subscription to help the family financially.
The Miners Phthisis Act 1915 eventually
provided financial compensation and led to
improved working conditions.
Robert Ritchie lies in the Kuaotunu
cemetery too. The “beloved husband of
Mary” died on 9 January 1940, aged 79 years.
Robert was a proprietor of the Kuaotunu Hotel,
the acquisition being noted in November 1897
in the Thames Advertiser, “The Kuaotunu Hotel
has changed hands, Mr Robert Ritchie having
purchased the furniture and goodwill from Mr
Charles Cowan.”
Robert was previously a miner and later
a famer for some 30 years, a man who had a
great store of reminisces of the Kuaotunu area.
He remembered the early district as “. . . four
stores, several butcher shops, three bakeries,
one tailor, two drapers and a drug store and
everything that was required was to be had at
our door.”
In his day crowds of young men walked the
12 miles to Mercury Bay for a game of football
and about 10:00pm walked back to Kuaotunu.
Miners were a “fine body of men,” there was no
crime in Kuaotunu, police were unnecessary and
doors stayed unlocked. In 1920 the Kuaotunu
Hotel was dismantled and transported to
Pukemiro where it was re-erected as a boarding
house for the coal miners. After that Kuaotunu
became a dry area.
Also in the cemetery is the grave of the
unnamed infant daughter of Dr and Mrs Barnes,
who died in August 1900.
Doctor Barnes came to Kuaotunu in 1896 -
a popular and sociable man who travelled great
distances by horseback to attend the ill and
The headstone on the grave of Robert Ritchie,
a former proprietor of the Kuaotunu Hotel, in the Kuaotunu cemetery.

Stories of Kuaotunu
injured from Mercury Bay to Whangapoua.
He was engaged by the Kuaotunu Medical Fund
Committee, which employed him on a salary,
without any government assistance. About 12
months later, in September 1897, the Mercury
Bay Hospital Board took control of the district
and Dr Barnes was attached to their staff,
while still living in Kuaotunu.
When the new hall was opened in Kuaotunu
in 1897, Dr Barnes was there playing piano to a
“bumper house.”
The accidents and injuries which befell Dr
Barnes’s patients were sometimes out of his
scope, such as when in June 1897 he attended
Thomas Moore, employed in the Venus mine,
whose left hand was shattered by the premature
explosion of a dynamite charge. Dr Barnes
recommended his removal to the Auckland
Hospital. Poor Thomas rode to Coromandel
Town with a mate, arriving at 6:30pm, after a
most trying and painful journey over bad roads,
before travelling on to Auckland.
In 1901, almost a year after their child’s
death, Dr and Mrs Barnes were farewelled
at a well-attended and very enjoyable social.
Dr Barnes had decided to leave Kuaotunu to
take up part of his brother’s practice in England.
Dancing continued until about 10:00pm when
a representative of the Mercury Bay Hospital
Board presented Dr Barnes with a valuable
diamond ring and Mrs Barnes a silver cake
basket inscribed with her monogram. Dr Barnes
thanked those present and stated that his work
had been comparatively easy due to the manner
he had been treated by the people of Kuaotunu.
Dr and Mrs Barnes left by steamer for
Auckland, where they spent a few days, before
proceeding on their way to England. “He will
be missed by both young and old,” said the
Auckland Star. But there was no mention
of the daughter lost the year before and left
behind in the Kuaotunu cemetery, a sign of the
times when bereaved parents were expected to
show great stoicism in those days of frequent
infant mortality.
Although the Kuaotunu cemetery was in use
from 1888, one of the first recognised burials
wasn’t until December 1892 - that of the small
daughter of George Loram, at that time the
proprietor of the Kuaotunu Hotel. The two and
a half year old was “taken bad” on a Friday
evening and died the following day from the
effects of sunstroke.
By 1896 the cemetery was sadly neglected
as a letter to the editor of the Auckland Star
describes. “Eyesore” complained of the
disgraceful state of the cemetery as well as the
road leading to it. Fern and ti-tree had been
allowed to grow to such a height that the few
fences and tombstones around the graves were
obliterated from view. During summer months
the cemetery was in danger of catching fire.
A road had been roughly formed with a ditch
cut on each side and the earth being tossed into
the centre, rendering it practically impassable.
A canal, cut for the drainage of water from the
mine batteries, lacked a bridge, which for a few
paltry pounds could be erected, while metal
on hand could be used to make the road fit
for traffic.
On 8 April 1903 a public meeting was held to
nominate trustees for the care and maintenance
of the cemetery, among them Robert Richie,
who eventually ended up buried there.
The committee raised funds to carry out
much needed improvement to the five acre
cemetery through socials, dances subsidies
and subscriptions.
The cemetery closed in 1943. A total of 65
pioneers of the area were buried there.

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Snorkel days with a
differencethisweekend
The annual Experiencing Marine Reserves
(EMR) Community Guided Snorkel Days
will take place this coming weekend with
a slightly different format to those held in
previous years.
“We are having a ‘Spot the Difference’
snorkel day,” says organiser Lorna Hefford.
“The event will take place over two days,
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February.
On Saturday we will be checking out
Hahei East in the unprotected area of the
Hahei coastline. And then on Sunday we’ll
snorkel Gemstone Bay, which is part of the
Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve. This will
give participants an opportunity to really see
the difference in fish life that a marine
reserve creates.”
Registrations will take place from 10:00am
to 3:00pm each day. Saturday’s registrations
are at 93 Pa Road in Hahei, while on Sunday
registrations will take place in the tent at
the Cathedral Cove car park. “Our backup
location if we need one will be Flaxmill Bay,”
says Lorna.
Snorkel days are part of an initiative by
EMR, which is one of the organisations
under the umbrella organisation Mountains to
Sea Conservation Trust - Nga Maunga ki te
Moana (MTSCT). MTSCT is active in marine
and freshwater conservation through schools
and community education programmes.
From January through to the end of March
EMR run snorkel days in various parts of New
Zealand, as far south as Otago, providing
guides and equipment for those who are
keen to participate. Their aim is to raise
awareness, understanding and involvement
in marine conservation by providing dynamic
environmental education opportunities.
They operate a national programme of hands-
on learning about marine conservation.
EMR is supported by a number of
organisations, including the Department of
Conservation and the Tindall Foundation
amongst others. EMR also has had strong
support from the Bobby Stafford-Bush
Foundation, which was established in 2013
as a “living inheritance” in memory of
Bobby Stafford-Bush who was killed in a car
accident in 2001 at the age of 16. Although
very young when he died, Bobby had a
passionate interest in the sea, marine life,
art and technology. The foundation is noted
for its grants progamme, which has provided
funding for young New Zealanders working
on marine conservation and education or arts
projects in particular.
More information about the snorkel days
and weather updates for this weekend can be
found at www.emr.org.nz.
A participant in a previous EMR Community Guided Snorkel Day in the Cathedral Cove
Marine Reserve thoroughly enjoying the experience.

71 Albert Street, WHITIANGA 07 866 4981
238 Main Road, TAIRUA 07 864 7822harcourts.co.nz
Private, peaceful, charming property - approx. 4 acres of bush.
2 storey attached studio 2 bedrooms 3 bay garaging.
For Sale $579,000
www.harcourts.co.nz/wi20976
Katrina Carlyon M 021 724 200
Larsen Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Stunning 2 bedroom 2 bathroom.
Canal front apartment. Large single garage plus two carparks.
For Sale $425,000
Wayne Anderson M 021 963 354
Peter MacGregor M 021 963 354
Corner site.
Opposite Lyon Park, estuary views.
For Sale Sold
Katrina Carlyon M 021 724 200
U4 73 Sth Highway, Whitianga 113 Albert Street44 Tarapatiki Drive, Whitianga
28 Arawa Lane 8 Hei Esplanade3 Little George Place
96B Buffalo Beach Road, Whitianga 4 Ringwood Place8 Park Lane
Developer’s dream.
Approx 3 acres, with 2 houses on one title.
For Sale Sold
Bronee Stanfield M 027 292 9742
Rob Ball M 021 0238 9767
2 bedroom, office, single garage.
Excellent tenants wanting to stay.
For Sale $340,000
Ann Hamilton M 027 488 6675
Quality fully furnished apartment.
Water views and close to town.
For Sale Sold
2 level brick and cedar home. Open plan living/
dining/kitchen. Two car garaging. A must view!
For Sale $735,000
Marie Osborn M 027 433 4027
U8 18 The Crows Nest, Whitianga Kuaotunu 26 Cuvier Crescent52A Catherine Crescent
3 bedroom 2 bathroom home across the road from the beach.
Beautifully remodelled and well worth viewing.
For Sale $465,000
Ann Hamilton M 027 488 6675
Awesome home with 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom.
Entertaining areas overlook canal.
For Sale $1,550,000
Stunning canal front home. Sun in the morning.
Beautiful evening sunsets.
For Sale $1,370,000
Luxurious canal front. 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom.
North east facing. Must view to appreciate.
For Sale $1,375,000
www.harcourts.co.nz/20865
3 bedroom 2 bathroom 2 living, study and double garage.
Quality home with 2 large storage sheds as bonus.
For Sale $465,000
www.harcourts.co.nz/wi20967 Rob Ball M 021 0238 9767

Tile & Grout restoration work
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Grout clear/colour sealing,
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Shower glass/glass cleaning/treatment
Phone/txt Jack 021 775 118
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“Resource consent in
the back pocket”
The hot topic at the weekend before last’s Annual General Meeting of the Mercury Bay South
Ratepayers Association was the serious bank erosion which is taking place at Flaxmill Bay and
is threatening the stability of Purangi Road.
More than 70 residents and ratepayers turned out to hear Mercury Bay Community Board
Chairman Paul Kelly and Thames Coromandel District Council Area Manager Alan Tiplady give
their assurances on the measures being taken by TCDC to alleviate the erosion. According to
the Ratepayers Association, the matter is of significant concern as Purangi Road is the only
access road into Flaxmill Bay and Ferry Landing.
Mr Kelly spoke of a “soft option” of sand push-ups and dune-planting in the affected area
as being the preferred remedial action, while a resource consent for a harder, seawall-like,
solution was being sought to take more stringent steps if this failed. “We would like to have
the resource consent in the back pocket if it is necessary,” he said.
Mr Tiplady set out the bigger picture of ongoing erosion problems faced throughout the
Coromandel Peninsula. He explained the long processes involved in resolving the problems.
“We have to take a pragmatic approach which is legally sustainable,” he said.
Both speakers faced questions seeking assurances that TCDC would not allow Purangi Road to
be severed. They confirmed that a representative of the Ratepayers Association will be invited
to join a working group of TCDC officials and experts in the field of coastal erosion that will
consider the exact steps to be taken to ensure this does not happen.
The meeting also raised other matters with the TCDC officials, including erosion problems at
Purangi Reserve on the eastern side of Cooks Beach, the need to consult with the community
regarding the Coromandel Great Walks route that is planned through the area and several road
safety issues, particularly pedestrian and cyclist safety at the Flaxmill Bay ford.
The meeting voted to donate $1,000 towards St John Ambulance’s new Hahei Ambulance
Station’s appeal.
Pictured is Purangi Road at Flaxmill Bay last week. Erosion has taken out the footpath and is
now only two metres from the edge of the road.

To the Editor
See page 2 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions
Dear Editor - TCDC Dog Control Policy and Dog
Control Bylaw
We’re writing about the proposed Thames
Coromandel District Council Dog Control
Policy and Dog Control Bylaw, which are being
considered all over the Peninsula, including
Opito Bay, where our family have a bach.
Being a bach community, many people may
have been unaware of the proposed policy
and bylaw. The first we heard about this
was few weeks ago via the Opito Bay
Ratepayers Association.
The proposed changes to the current rules
will significantly reduce the area of the beach
that dog owners can exercise their dogs off
the leash during summer. At the moment
dog exercise is allowed before 9:00am and
after 7:00pm.
The proposal creates an off-leash dog
exercise area at the far eastern end of the
beach - several kilometres from our bach.
It reduces what is currently a 4km exercise area
to 500 metres, which will significantly impact
on our ability to enjoy our beloved beach.
Our dogs are part of our family and they are
a key part of our holidays. Most dog owners
at Opito are responsible. We have trained our
dogs to stay well away from birds, as has the
rest of our family with their various dogs.
There is a broader issue here as well,
which is that TCDC is taking a very hard
line on dog owners - dog rules in the Thames
Coromandel District are already tighter than
those in Auckland.
In Opito’s case, this is apparently to protect
dotterels. The apparent contradiction is that
there are dotterel nesting areas beside the new
proposed off-leash area. These nesting sites
would be put in greater danger by dogs hooning
about, rather than running along in singles and
pairs on the beach.
Simon Farrell-Green and Erin Fogarty (cousins)
Auckland
Editor’s Note - Public submissions on the
proposed TCDC Dog Control Policy and Dog
Control Bylaw have now closed. According
to TCDC, more than 400 submissions were
received. This is a subject that has in the past
generated strong and sometimes extreme
views from different parts of the spectrum.
The Informer welcomes Letters to the Editor as
part of a fair and balanced debate on the subject.
Dear Editor - Trans-Pacific Partnership
Agreement
So the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
has finally been signed. What a triumph
for the wealthy elite. They’ve managed to
avoid the democratic process while signing a
document on our behalf that gives more power
to multinational corporations. But what did we
know about this?
The overwhelming lack of major protests by
New Zealand voters merely confirms the apathy
of the average citizen, or is it our inability to
force transparent information from a neoliberal
government (that puts business before the
environment)? National minister Tim Groser
has managed to keep the agreement secret
and without consultation with the people
affected by it.
With the release of the signed massive
Trans Pacific Partnership document,
can we now expects journalists to give us an
impartial summary? Or will the overseas-
owned media corporations give us a sanitised
version? Certainly the television news didn’t
elaborate on the reasons for the protests that did
happen, but had the prime minister talk about
“rent-a-protest.”
At this point in time New Zealand does not
have a democracy. You can only use your vote
for the wealthy or someone privileged by birth.
Also, billions and billions of New Zealand
dollars worth of land is now in the control of
overseas ownership.
What a shame we aren’t all in favour of
the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement,
like our Coromandel member of Parliament
Scott Simpson. And that while it will take away
the ability of our government to pass some
laws, a loss of our sovereignty.
Peter H Wood
Whitianga
Dear Editor - Legalisation of marijuana
Imagine, if you will, a country called New
Zealand where tourists flock to legally buy
and consume an ancient plant substance called
cannabis/marijuana.
The fantastic tax revenue from such a law
change could be used to fund many projects that
this country is in need of. One of these could be
creating a fund base to allow all citizens to solar
power their homes with a very low interest
loan. This would not only empower the people
but save them from ever increasing power
bills, thereby allowing money to flow more
directly into the economy, which in turn would
stimulate growth.
“Growth,” the magic word politicians are so
in love with. Of course this scenario can only
start to bear fruit if those in power have the best
interest of the whole population at heart.
As things stand at the moment, this is not
the case. All things that have ever been made
or done, started in someone's imagination.
To do anything, you have to have the idea first.
This is what our country lacks, powerful people
with imagination who want something good,
not just for a few, but for everyone.
I think most of us would prefer to live in a
land that feed your body and your soul. From a
small seed, big things can grow.
James Michaels
Otaki BeachA photo Erin Fogarty sent to The Informer of her dog Skipper enjoying the Opito Bay beach.

What’s On the next few weeks
Sponsored by Dive Zone Whitianga Tel (07) 867 1580
Op-Shops
Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street
(west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00am - 1:00pm.
The Church Op-Shop, at St Andrews by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Thursday to
Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm.
St John Opportunity Shop, Coghill Street (east of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday,
10:00am - 4:00pm. Phone 869 5416.
Justice of the Peace
Every Monday 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Phone 866 4476 for more information.
Mercury Bay Community Bus
Available for transport to hospital, specialist or health related appointments outside of the Whitianga area.
Phone 866 4993 for information and bookings.
Road Cycling and Mountain Biking
Road cycling meet every Saturday at 8:00am at the Fire Station intersection, Whitianga. Phone Bryan on
022 155 8944 for more information. Mountain biking meet every Tuesday at 5:15pm and every Saturday at 7:30am at
the Fire Station intersection, Whitianga. Phone Paul on 021 605 230 for more information.
Social Cycling Group
Meet every Sunday at 9:00am at Taylor’s Mistake, Whitianga. Short 45 minute cycle and coffee. Phone Bryan on
022 155 8944 for more information.
Waka Ama “Have a Go” days
First and third Sunday of every month and Thursday afternoons. See Facebook.com/whitiangawakaama.
“Whitianga Movers and Losers” (the Old WW’s)
Wednesdays 5:00pm - 6:00pm at St Peters Anglican Church, Dundas St, Whitianga. $2 donation (to cover cost
of room rent). We promote a slow, steady weight loss based on eating well, nourishing foods and moving more -
towards maintaining our our ideal weight and optimal health. New members always welcome.
Whitianga Probus Club
Meet on the fourth Monday of every month at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Friendly club for
seniors. Visitors welcome. Phone Des Robinson on (07) 866 0960 for more information.
Social Darts
Every Tuesday at 7:30pm at the Mercury Bay Club. Contact Pauline Curtain at paulinecurtain@msn.com for
more information.
Mercury Bay Community Choir
Meets every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area School music room. Non-auditioned. New members
welcome. Contact Kate Nielsen on telephone 866 2573 or (027) 270 9058 for more information.
SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated
Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their
computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on
866 4215 for more information or to join.
Whitianga Toastmasters
Meet Tuesdays from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the Whitianga Art Centre, School Road, Whitianga. Competent Leadership -
listening, critical thinking, giving feedback, time management, motivating people, mentoring and team building. Phone
Merle on 866 0240 or (021) 0241 9368 for more information.
Mercury Bay Table Tennis
Every Tuesday 9:30am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Town Hall. All welcome. Phone Pat or Neville on 867 1447 for
more information.
Mercury Bay Badminton
Every Wednesday 9:30am - 11:00am at the Whitianga Town Hall. All welcome. Phone Diane on 027 246 1915 for
more information.
St John Cadets
Meet every Monday from 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the St John Ambulance Station, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Beth on
(07) 869 5294 or (021) 241 9757 for more information.
Whitianga Senior Citizens Club
Meet Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie etc. Afternoon tea,
55 plus age group. Phone Lance Hayson (president) on 866 5817 for more information.
Operation Cover-Up
Meet the last Wednesday of every month at Whitianga Social Services from 1:30pm - 3:30pm. An initiative knitting
clothing for Missions without Borders in the Ukraine and Moldova. Phone Brenda on 866 5814 for more information.
Whitianga Art Group
Meet everyThursday and Friday,10:00am - 4:00pm,at theArt Centre in School Road,Whitianga.New members welcome.
Phone Rose on 022 139 2968 or Maryanne on 866 4099 for more information.
Coroglen Farmers Market
Every Sunday, 9:30am - 1:00pm. Locally produced seasonal fruit and vegetables, honey, olive oil, jams, chutneys,
home-baking, handmade soap, coffee, hot snacks, art and craft, quality vintage items and much more. Phone Fiona on
866 3315 for more information.
Mercury Bay Pony Club Accumulator Show Jumping Series
Wednesday 10 February at the Mercury Bay Pony Club grounds, Wade Road, Whitianga. Starts at 4:00pm. Entries $5.00
per class ($5.00 ground fee for non-MBPC members). Points to be accumulated over three competition days (the other
competition days on Wednesday 24 February and Wednesday 9 March). See www.mercurybayponyclub.wordpress.com
for more information.
Community Guided Snorkel Days
Saturday 13 February (meet at 93 Pa Road, Hahei) and Sunday 14 February (meet at the tent in the Cathedral Cove car
park). From 10:00am - 3:00pm each day. Compare the sea-life in- and outside the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve with
an experienced snorkel guide. Bring your own togs, towel and sunscreen. A free event, but donations welcome.
Whitianga Art, Craft and Farmers Market
Saturday 13 February from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park,Whitianga. Locally produced fruit and vegetables
and art and craft. Phone Anne on 866 5550 or Doreen on 866 5237 for more information.
Weekly Church Services
Mercury Bay Co-operating Parish
St Andrews by the Sea Community Church, 9:30am every Sunday worship service and kids friendly Bible sessions,
Albert Street, Whitianga.
Anglican Services
St Peter the Fisherman, 9:30am Sunday services. All are welcome, Dundas Street, Whitianga.
Crossroad Encounter Fellowship
10:00am every Sunday, cnr Joan Gaskell Drive and Cook Drive, Whitianga.
St Patrick’s Catholic Church
Weekend Mass Saturday 5:30pm and Sunday 8.30am, Monday - Friday 9:00am (except Tuesday no Mass,
Wednesday 12:00 noon). Tairua Sunday 10:30am, Tuesday 9:00am, tel 866 2189.
Whitianga Baptist Church
10:00am every Sunday, children’s programme, 112 Cook Drive, Whitianga, tel 866 4027.
C3 Whitianga
10:00am every Sunday, children’s programme, 23 Coghill Street, Whitianga,
email info@c3whitianga.org.nz.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
Meet on Sundays 10:00am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Social Services building,
2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Children’s programme. Phone 021 277 2126 for
more information.
Seventh Day Adventists
Home study group. Phone Laurie/Lois on 866 2808 for more information.

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Slowest driver as popular as the fastest at
this year’s Leadfoot FestivalBy Jack Biddle
While getting to the top of Rod Millen’s
1.6km steep and twisting driveway on his
ranch outside Hahei in the fastest possible
time is the main focus for drivers and the
reason most spectators turn out to watch
in large numbers, the 2016 edition of the
Leadfoot Festival (held last weekend) proved
to offer much more.
The appearance of Scott Dixon,
the four-time Indy Car champion and former
Indianapolis 500 winner, was a masterstroke
by the organisers. Driving the oldest and
one of the slowest vehicles in the festival,
a 1906 French built Darracq, Dixon was the
ultimate professional and happily rubbed
shoulders with the many fans who wanted
autographs and photos taken with him over
the two day event. On the track itself he kept
his competitive spirit in check and drove the
old race car, which competed in the very
first Grand Prix at Le Mans, with the respect
it deserved.
New Zealand has produced many great
motor racing champions over the years,
with Dixon rated amongst the very best, which
made his appearance even more special.
It’s not often the slowest vehicle and driver
wins the crowd over, but Dixon took out the
Exhibition Class award (a people’s choice
award) from the highly entertaining drift cars
of American driver and Top Gear host Tanner
Foust and Kiwi-based Curt Whittaker.
What also makes this event so special is
the diversity of entrants, which include single
seaters, tin-top racers, drift cars and even a
speedway stock car making up the numbers
this year. The appearance of quad and
motorbikes also made for crowd pleasing and
breath-taking entertainment.
Access to the pits and the ease of
which spectators can move around the
beautifully prepared property is another
point of difference and the reason Leadfoot
is so popular with race fans and those
simply looking to be entertained in
picturesque surroundings.
The final event of the festival came down
to the highly anticipated Top Ten Shootout
where the fastest drivers have one last chance
to leave nothing in reserve and try and record
the best time. In a surprise result, it was Rhys
Millen who defeated his previously unbeaten
father Rod to claim overall victory driving
his Global Rally Cross Hyundai Veloster in a
time of 0.49.31. The win will keep the Millen
name on the trophy for yet another year.
Rod did have the satisfaction of recording
the fastest time of the day in qualifying
of 0.48.96, but even then he was made to
share that honour with former World Rally
driver Alister McRae, who eventually
took out second place driving his Subaru
Impreza from Sloan Cox in his Mitsubishi
Evo 8. Current New Zealand rally champion
Ben Hunt finished up in a credible sixth place
driving his Subaru Impreza.
In other results, Robert McNair took out
the pre-1960 category driving his 1931 Riley
9 Special in a very impressive 1.04.10 from
Steve Aldersley’s 1929 Austin 7 Special
(1.07.77) and Peter Jordan driving a heavily
modified and immaculately prepared 1951
Citroen (1.04.86).
In the pre-1975 category, the win went to
Rick Bone driving a 1200cc Datsun Coupe in
a blistering time of 54.18 from Paul McCarthy
(in a 74 Ford Escort) and Rod Millen behind
the wheel of a past NZ Rally winning
Mazda RX3.
All up a very successful festival which is
sure to draw spectators and competitors alike
back to Rod’s Hahei ranch and the wider
Mercury Bay area in the future.
Whitianga local Sharon Daly with four time Indy Car champion and former Indianapolis
500 winner Scott Dixon at last weekend’s Leadfoot Festival.

• 7 Day Service
• Weekly runs to
Auckland
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Phone Josh
07 866 5589
027 256 6009
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Local & NZ Wide
furniture movers
NZ WIDE REMOVALS
Whitianga Tractors
& EQUIPMENT CENTRE
Sales Repairs Maintenance
TRACTORS & SMALL ENGINES
Dave and Karen
Phone 07 867 1046 a/hrs 0275 832 343
Email whitianga.tractors@gmail.com
Dakota Drive Whitianga
Your local Husqvarna dealer
Closed Until 22 February
With Laurie Johnston - Chairman of the Mercury Bay Community Patrol
Community Patrol Report
We have received a substantial donation from
a couple of local people that make various
donations to volunteer groups each year,
but prefer to remain anonymous. Isn’t it great to
have people like that living in our area?
Our South Patrol has been busy during
January. An establishment was found unlocked
one night and the patrol duly found the person
responsible for its security, only to be told it was
deliberately left unlocked, even though there’s
a bar inside the building. Well, we can’t help
organizations like that. I am sure there would
be no insurance on the building if vandals got
to know about it.
I have spent quite a bit of time in the Mercury
Bay South area last month and witnessed some
sights, believe me. The most senseless I noticed
was a tractor fitted with a sofa on the back and
freely driving around Cooks Beach. An accident
waiting to happen. If you perhaps see that
tractor, please remind the driver of how stupid
their actions are.
A real problem at the moment is the Cathedral
Cove car park. During last week there appeared
to be no one looking after the car park and
visitors were parking on the no parking broken
yellow lines. It was impossible to get the large
buses that visit daily and also mergency vehicles
in and out safely. Who is in control there? The
area definitely needs policing regularly as the
illegally parked cars are left there for some
time. It’s a real bottleneck .
On the town side for this time of the year,
it has been really quiet. The Whitianga Summer
Concert was well-attended and well-organized
and without any problems.
All our town patrols that report back are
saying the same thing - it’s really quiet.
Well, that’s good, we are happy with that.
Let’s hope it stays that way.
The national community patrols organization
is having its annual training seminar in
Christchurch in June this year and we are
looking for members keen to learn more and
meet like-minded people from around the
country. The word on the street is that as we
are supported at present by the Ministry of
Justice and the Police, another government
organizations might be coming on board.
There could be interesting times ahead.

KSAR Column
with Steve Hart
January has been an active month for Kuaotunu
Land Search and Rescue with four call-outs,
three ending in stand-bys. We also provided
a goup of volunteers at the Whitianga
Summer Concert.
During the month we were called to assist
with the rescue of a lady who fell over a bank
and required a stretcher carry at Hahei, but we
passed this over the the local fire crew who were
closer and were put on stand-by to assist with
a search for a 10 year old boy also at Hahei,
but were stood down soon after when he was
located. We also had a call out to Kennedy Bay
to search for a missing woman from a remote
campsite between Kennedy Bay and New
Chums Beach. She was located uninjured eight
hours later by KSAR search teams not far from
the campsite and was transported by Whitianga
Coastguard to Kennedy Bay.
KSAR teams were furthermore on standby for
10 hours to assist with the rescue of a tramper
injured on Table Top Mountain behind Thames.
The injured man was winched out by the
Auckland and Coromandel Rescue Helicopter
and his friends were assisted out by Thames
Search and Rescue.
On 31 January KSAR provided 25 volunteers
for the Whitianga Summer Concert, including
nine non-SAR volunteers and five volunteers
from Waihi Land SAR. The volunteers once
again operated the bar, including counter staff,
bar support and restockers. This was a full-on
busy day with the restockers basically going
hard-out moving a large quantity of drinks from
a refridgerated container to the bar support crew
who ensured bar staff were kept fully supplied.
At the same time we had another five volunteers
in the car park collecting gold coin donations
for the KSAR building fund. It was a really
awesome day and we appreciate the assistance
from the non-SAR volunteers who gave up
their day to help our cause. It was also great
that Waihi Land SAR could come over to assist
us again this year and raise some funds for
their group.
We are currently nervously waiting on the
outcome of a couple of funding applications
before our new base on Moewai Road,
Whitianga can kickstart. KSAR is funding a
large portion of this project itself from the funds
it has raised through funding activities over the
past five years. We are still very keen to talk to
any local sponsors who may wish to assist with
the project.
In March we have a KSAR team taking
part in the Adventure Racing Coromandel
“Lady of the Mist” eight hour adventure race.
This race will certainly put our team to the test
for endurance.
We will also be on standby for the duration of
the race as one of the challenges for those taking
part is not getting lost… or injured.
If you would like to sponsor our team, please
go to www.givealittle.co.nz/org/kuaotunusar
and donate to Team KSAR. All donations go
directly to our base building project.
We wish to acknowledge the kind donation
received recently from Peter and Margaret
Simpson who donated to KSAR from the
takings at their camp out at Simpsons Beach.
Peter and Margaret have been keen supporters
of KSAR and Peter was a member of the
previous Whitianga search and rescue group
that used to do both water and land rescues in
the days before Coastguard and Land SAR.Part of the KSAR group of volunteers that operated the bar at the Whitianga Summer Concert on 31 January.

ACROSS
1. Hosted (TV show)
5. Cocktail, ... colada
7. Small pool
8. Storms
9. Is that so?
12. Boss
15. Torrent
19. Paris’ ... Tower
21. Speaking unclearly
22. Masterpiece, ... Lisa
23. Length unit
24. Hogwash
DOWN
1. Pickled buds
2. Cycle (bike)
3. Shabby
4. Reduce in rank
5. Irritated
6. Allocate
10. Intends
11. Tibet’s Dalai ...
12. Fuss, ... & cry
13. Italian sparkling wine
14. Bungle
15. Placidly
16. Searched every inch of
17. Pattern
18. Gratify
19. Encourage (3,2)
20. Charmer, ... fatale
Last week’s solution
UK Style Crossword
© Lovatts Puzzles
Win a $6 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 6:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
his/her prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week
following the issue in which he/she was announced the winner.
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Tel no: __________________________________________________________________
Last week’s winner - Maureen Kerr
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07 866 0059
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Mobility equipment available for locals or visitors.
Walking frames, crutches, walking sticks and mobility scooters
Phone Roger on 07 867 1986 for more information
Open
Thurs - Sun 9am - 5pm
other days by phone
appointment
(07) 869 5910
Waitaia Road
Kuaotunu
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Monday 25 January to Monday 1 February 2015
Police Report
With Sergeant Andrew Morrison
General
An offender entered a Purangi Road
address at about 9:00pm on the 31st while
a family was at home socialising and he
stole money from wallets at the address.
He was disturbed when he attempted
to steal an item from the room the family
was in.
The offender is described as tanned
with a thick bushy moustache, in his mid
to late 20s and of medium build. Anyone
with information concerned this burglary is
requested to contact Police.
On the 29th a bicycle located on Kupe
Drive was returned to the owner when
it was reported missing. We locate a lot
of bicycles for which owners are not
located, so if you lose your one please
check with us.
Arrests
31st - 1 x 20 year old Te Kuiti man for
being drunk and disorderly.
- 1 x 45 year old local man for Male
Assaults Female.
Occurrences
Five domestic incidents attended this week.
Two related to Trespass Notices served on
ex-partners at a South Highway address on
the 25th and a Mayfair Close address on the
27th.
On the 29th Protection Order advice
was given to a separating couple at an
Endeavour Close address, while on the
30th a husband and wife are both facing
assault charges after a physical altercation
at a Catherine Crescent address.
On the 1st a couple at a Marine Parade,
Cooks Beach address argued after a
night out and Police were called to calm
the situation.
Cash, a skateboard and sunglasses were
stolen from vehicles parked at a Hahei
Beach Road address on the 25th, while dive
gear and spear guns were also stolen that
day from a Pa Road, Hahei address.
A dingy was stolen from Flaxmill Bay on
the 27th, while on the 28th a car parked at a
Buffalo Beach Road address was searched
through with nothing stolen.
On the 30th keys and money were stolen
from a vehicle parked at a Wharekaho Road
address, while a cell phone was stolen from
the Whitianga Hotel on the 1st.
Traffic
One drunk driver apprehended this week.
31st - 1 x 45yr old local man 815/250.
A car was impounded on the 27th behind
Parklands Place after a Dangerous Driving
incident where the driver decamped and
enquiries are continuing.
Last Sunday and Monday (7 and 8 February), the Mercury Bay Bowling Club’s Pairs Championships
were held in blustery conditions.
Following some very good bowling in the ladies final, Jayne Skinner and Janet Munns were crowned
as the champions. They narrowly defeated Lynn Clifford and Sheryll Roberts.
Wayne Edmonds and Peter Sheehan came out on top in the men’s final after a very close contest
against Adam Haywood and Alan McClennan.
Pictured in the top photo are Jayne (left) and Janet. In the bottom photo are Wayne (left) and Peter.
MB Bowling Club pairs
champions for 2016 crowned

Last week’s winner - Augusta Canegallo
Sudoku
3
2
1
5
6 8 7
9
4
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Tel no: __________________________________________________________________
Sponsored by H&M Pascoe Tel 0274 852 046
Fishing Report With Alan Proctor
Sudoku Puzzle 675
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of nine boxes
inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once. 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 6:00pm Monday each week. The weekly prize is one
butter chicken combo (including rice and a poppadom) from Hurry 4 Curry, Whitianga. The winner
must please claim his/her prize from Hurry 4 Curry directly.
Poor weather for much of last week put
a halt to many fishers’ plans to get out on
the water. Unfortunately this windy spell
coincided with the Bonze International
Marlin Skins Tournament, with the result
that very few trailer boats were able to
compete and those that did endured a very
wild and bumpy ride for the three days of
the tournament. Even the larger launches
were reporting lumpy conditions from time
to time, but they all stuck it out and showed
that there are plenty of fish out wide.
Striped marlin, yellow fin tuna, short bill
spearfish and mahimahi were all caught
in reasonable numbers and most boats out
there were able to catch something or other,
making their trips worthwhile.
Two days before the tournament, in very
calm conditions, junior club member Blake
Wilkins, fishing on “Gonzo,” managed
to land the first blue marlin of the season
in our area, which tipped the scales at a
whopping 228.4 kg - a new junior club
record. With calm conditions forecast for
later this week, we won't be too surprised to
see more anglers battling it out with these
larger fish.
It has been interesting to note the large
number of small striped marlin being
caught this year. Some of these have been
estimated to weigh as little as 30 - 40kg
and many more are in the 70 - 80 kg range.
Anglers are strongly encouraged to tag
and release any striped marlin under 90kg
in weight, which is estimated mainly by
the length from lower jaw to tail being
less than 2,300mm. In addition, with the
assistance of one of our sponsors, our club
has introduced the Loveridge Builders
Tagging Club in which all MBGFC
members tagging and releasing a marlin
are entered into a draw to win $5,000 cash,
one entry for each fish released in
accordance with our fishing rules.
Our efforts to increase the percentage of
marlin being tagged and released are paying
off as is illustrated by the fact that of the
dozen or so marlin caught during the three
days of the Bonze International Marlin
Skins Tournament, only one was brought
to the weigh station. With more and more
people being attracted to this type of game
fishing, it is good to see we can still keep
fish to eat - you get a lot of smoked fish off
just one marlin - and yet retain the health
of the fishery. The much higher number
of tagged fish will also give researchers
an opportunity to increase our knowledge
of the habits of marlin, especially when a
few of them are
recaptured at a
later date.
Tight lines,
Alan

www.plannersplus.co.nz
See us for all your land development,
planning and resource consent requirements.
David: 027 4994833
Tracey: 027 4907988
Office Ph: 07 8671087
Email: info@plannersplus.co.nz
5 Monk Street, Whitianga
Last Wednesday a perfect night for
sailing on the BayRace report by Matt Algie - Skipper of Blue Print
Just another stunning night last Wednesday
for the 13 yachts that lined up for race three
of the Mercury Bay Boating Club’s Steinlager
Twilight Series.
Arnie Leigh on Harmony’s good workout
in the pre-start paid dividends as he (the sole
participant in Division One) hit the line in
blistering fashion and off along the coastline
at a respectable 3 to 4kts. Game On.
Division Two got underway at 5:00pm to
a log jam. Several yachts came into the line
early and with no way out, were forced over
the line, which had them circle round and start
again. We were devastated on Blueprint to see
the yachts having to return.
Although H2Go (Paul Dimock) returned,
he was still the first yacht around Windy
Buoy, followed closely by Twentysomething
(Tim Johnston), Bedouin (Graham Morcom),
True Colors (Carol Boswell), Blueprint
(Matt Algie), Kahurangi (Stue Crockart),
Him Outdoors (Al Joslin), Vanadis (Barry
Goldbury), Loose (Belinda Wallace), Straight
Shooter (Max Ross), Frontier (Prue Morley)
and Contrast (John Wright). I am not entirely
sure of this order as the tears were welling up
in my eyes at the magnificent spectacle of 13
yachts doing battle out on the Bay.
H2Go was the first yacht round Doctors
Buoy (Cook Beach) with Harmony right on
her heels.
A good sized blanket would have covered
the fleet at this point. The leg from here
northwards to Simpsons Buoy was an
enjoyable leg of the course and with cracked
sheets (eased sheets), the crews could relax
and have some truth serum (beer) and freshly
baked muffins.
Rounding Simpsons Buoy, six of the yachts
hoisted spinnakers or gennakers and really
pushed hard heading west (towards New
Zealand). H2Go and Twentysomthing had
cleared out, being lighter sport yachts, but for
the yachts that didn’t hoist spinnakers it was
game on. Six of the following pack finished
within less than a three minute spread.
That is good close racing over a period of an
hour and half.
As the yachts finished - 1 H2Go,
2 Twentysomething, 3 Blue Print, 4 Bedouin,
5 Frontier, 6 True Colors, 7 Kahurangi,
8 Contrast, 9 Straight Shooter, 10 Loose,
11 Vanadis, 12 Him Outdoors and
13 Harmony.
On Handicap - 1 Him Outdoors,
2 Twentysomething and 3 Blue Print.
Thank you to Sandy Wilton in the start
tower and Anne Davy and Sandy and others
for the beautiful food back at the clubhouse.
Justanaside-TraveeneandBarryGoldsbury
on Vanadis are 77 and 79 respectively, Arnie
Leigh on Harmony is in his late 70's and
several other crew are in their 70s, so don’t let
age be a barrier to getting into sailing.
Windborne, Mercury Bay’s famous 62ft schooner, dropped in on the
Mercury Bay Boating Club’s Steinlager Twilight Series race last Wednesday to
see how the 13 participating yachts were doing.

Go in the draw to win a package of Mercury Bay delights (including restaurant, cafe and attraction
vouchers). Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer,
14 Monk Street, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by
6:00pm Monday each week. The winner will be drawn in July 2016 and will be notified by phone.
No correspondence will be entered into once the winner has been notified. Conditions apply.
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Tel no: __________________________________________________________________
Observer Puzzle 675
Down
1 Load vehicle and leave (5)
2 Complaints about awards (15)
3 Run gala badly, becoming gaunt (7)
4 Interact with odd characters out to
be smart (4)
5 Incredible article on time put into
measurement of water depth (10)
6 Cocktail, rushed, is coming up (7)
7 Mad scandal mayor sorted out for
prime minister (6,9)
8 Force here wrecked ancient
property (8)
13 React to art reproduced in reddish-
brown colour (10)
14 Pass judgement on grammatical
structure (8)
17 Faces swimming large lake to
reach mountain (7)
19 Politician with anger restricted
by American judges (7)
22 Some detest a stew’s flavour (5)
23 Root initially under stone I move (4)
Everyman Cryptic Crossword
© The Observer
Across
1 Short broadcast including a siren
prepared for preliminary event (7-6)
9 Payment to shelter dog not available?
Disgusting (9)
10 Odd editor backing protest (5)
11 Just occupied by exercises in
public (6)
12 Buy tea, filling bag (8)
14 Leader needing attention, in bad
shape and beginning to despair (9)
15 Part of poem originally about
lover (5)
16 Comments put forward after
reflection (5)
18 Abandoned right purpose, holding
weight (9)
20 Charm obtaining access (8)
21 Grow quiet during second defeat (6)
24 Finish on intimate terms (5)
25 Tests to carry out, designed to
provide lessons (9)
26 Jumping main hurdles as
novelist (6,7)
During the past few months two more of the five playing fields at the Mercury Bay Multisport
Park in Whitianga received “sand slit” treatment to improve their drainage. Together with
the one field that received the same treatment during the 2014/2015 summer, three fields
(one football and two rugby) will be able to be played on this winter.
According to Thames Coromandel District Council, the contract for the sand slitting of the
remaining two fields has been let, with the work to be done during the 2016/2017 summer.
All five the playing fields of the park will be able to be used by the Mercury Bay winter sport
clubs next year.
A contract has also been awarded for installation of flood lights at the park’s netball
courts and TCDC expects that the work will be completed before the start of this year’s winter
netball season.
Pictured is the recent sand slitting work done at the park.
Mercury Bay Multisport
Park update

Brain Teaser Puzzle 675
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Tel no: __________________________________________________________________
Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Cafe in Whitianga. 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 6:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
his/her prize from Espy Cafe directly before the Wednesday of the week following the issue in which
he/she was announced the winner.
Last week’s solution - Red Herrings
Last week’s winner - Bev Morris
HOUSE WASHING
Call Drew for a free quote
The Expert with the time tested and guaranteed method of removing mould,
lichen, moss and stains. In fact any exterior surface that needs a clean, Drew can
deal to with a harmless but totally effective wash.And remember a pre-paint wash
will extend the life of your paint job and make painting easier.
Buildings. Boats. Fences. Wood. Concrete. Metal.
Call Drew Edwards - The Chemwash Man
Mobile: 0274 375 578 a/h 07 867 8493
Brain Teaser - Calkuro
1. Musician
2. Engineer
3. Publican
4. Waitress
5. Gardener
6. Surveyor
7. RED HERRING
8. Optician
9. Mechanic
10. RED HERRING
Instructions
1. Fill in the numbers without repeating a number
in any row or column.
2. Use only the numbers 1-6.
3. The numbers in each heavily outlined set
of squares (cages) must combine to equal the
number in the top corner using the arithmetic
sign indicated.
5. Cages with just one square can be filled in
straight away with the target number in the top
corner.
6. A number may be repeated in a cage, but not in
a row or column.
© Lovatts Puzzles

Online Current Local News Mercury Bay, Whitianga

Online Current Local News Mercury Bay, Whitianga

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