649 12 August 2015 Week 2.indd
Transcription
649 12 August 2015 Week 2.indd
The Mercury Bay Phone 07 866 2090 Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 PORTING P U S S L A LOC LOCALS Jazz legend to coach Mercury Bay Big band Circulation 6,100 John Booker, international bathtub racing champion see page 17. By Len Salt Ask any jazz fan in New Zealand who is the biggest name in big band music in the country over the last 40 years and Rodger Fox will be right up there at the top - legendary trombonist, big band leader, mentor, teacher and jazz promoter. On 22 and 23 August he’s coming to Whitianga on a special visit to run workshops with our own Mercury Bay Big Band. So how did this come about? “We have a fabulous trumpet player, Kevin Robinson, who joined the band recently,” says band leader Helen Lee. “He was so excited to find a big band had been created in such a small community. Rodger is a personal friend, so Kevin rang him and asked if he would come and work with us over a weekend.” Rodger already had strong Mercury Bay connections. His brother is Thames Coromandel District Councillor Tony Fox, himself an accomplished touring trumpet player in his younger days. Gathering up a floating pool of around 13 or more musicians, all with jobs in different places and all on different time schedules, getting them to rehearsals and performances all at the same time is a monumental task for Helen. The first challenge for her was finding musicians of a high enough standard to make the band viable. Helen found that there are musicians hiding in Mercury Bay with the level of musical training needed to play in a band at this level and somehow managed to form them into a cohesive and tight unit. “We’re a diverse bunch of people, but I’ve been amazed by the level of commitment,” she says. Most of the band members have never missed a rehearsal since we got together about a year ago and everyone in the band has grown so much in their abilities.” Rodger and Tony Fox grew up in Titahi Bay, Wellington, in a family steeped in musical tradition. Mother Betty played and taught piano and accompanied brass band players in competitions. Father Louis played trumpet and formed what is now the Porirua City Brass Band. Louis was Head of Music at Mana College and formed a 70 strong school band, which included brothers Rodger and Tony, as well as other family members. Rodger set up his own big band in 1973, playing pubs and venues around Wellington as well as national and international jazz festivals. Forty years ago most towns had a big band and there was a national circuit that a top band could travel, gathering large audiences along the way. In his career in music, both in New Zealand and internationally, Rodger Fox has recorded 18 albums, won the New Zealand Jazz Recording of the Year four times and became the first jazz musician to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Massey University. Over the last 12 months the Mercury Bay Big Band has gone from strength to strength. Helen Lee hopes that after the workshop sessions with Rodger Fox they might be able to arrange a public concert or performance at some stage in the future that can be enjoyed by the whole community. For now, the visit by this jazz legend is a significant step towards building the strength of the musical talent in Mercury Bay. Some of the members of the Mercury Bay Big Band in action in the Mercury Bay Area School Hall during an evening with 2012 Masterchef winner Chelsea Winter on Friday 19 June. From left to right - Helen Lee, Jani Dennis, Tabetha McHugh, Maarten Van Es, Steve Davis, Paul Lee, Leonardo Magri (on the drums), Daniel Vickers, Paul Bradley, Bess Kingi, Hannah Trebes and Trevor Hildreth. EUROLOC FENCING POWDER COATED ALUMINUM TUBULAR FENCING & GATE SYSTEMS • Pool, Garden, Perimeter fencing • Commercial perimeters • Gates • 6 Powdercoated colours • Various designs available • 10 year guarantee • Free quotations • DIY or erected for you Contact: Gates & Fences Ltd Ph 0800 2 B FNCDIN 0800 223 623 07 866 5271 Whitianga Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz Museum looking for help Young Ambassador Award to be decided in Whitianga to purchase painting The Mercury Bay Museum would like to raise $4,200 to purchase maritime artist Paul Deacon’s painting of HMS Buffalo in distress (pictured on display in the museum foyer). “It would be fantastic to have such a piece of art work by an internationally acclaimed artist on display for all time,” says Ron Morgan, curator of the museum. “The comments from many of the visitors to Buffalo Week were that the Paul put realism into the history of the Buffalo. The saying that a picture tells a thousand words is appropriate in portraying the events preceding the foundering of the ship. “If the painting could be procured it would enhance our display on the Buffalo, adding to the memorabilia already available at the museum.” The museum would like to procure 84 donations of $50 each. In return donors would receive five free museum passes, a copy of the museum’s booklet on the Buffalo and a print of the painting. Their names will be published in The Informer and included in a donor board to be displayed at the museum. They will also be invited to a cheese and wine evening where the painting will formally be unveiled. If the target isn’t reached, all donations will be refunded. The Informer has committed to two donations (totalling $100) to get the ball rolling. Anyone interested to make a donation can contact the museum or The Informer. 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 surname, telephone number and residential address. 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 and Jack Biddle Office - 14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510 Mail - PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542 Tel - (07) 866 2090, Fax - (07) 866 2092 Editorial - email [email protected], tel (07) 866 2090 Advertising - email [email protected], tel (07) 866 2094 ISSN 2422-9083 (Print) ISSN 2422-9091 (Online) © 2015 Mercury Bay Media Limited Please contact us if you live in the wider Mercury Bay area and would like to have a copy of The Mercury Bay Informer delivered to your lettterbox. ONLINE POLL FOR AUGUST 2015 Should New Zealand become part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement? Have your say - at www.theinformer.co.nz. Want to view a PDF copy of every week’s Informer online? Just visit www.theinformer.co.nz. Page 2 Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. This Sunday 16 August, seven students from around the Thames Valley region will battle it out at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club in Cook Drive for the Lions’ local district Young Ambassador Award. The event is held every year and this year the Whitianga Lions are the hosts. Kevin Robinson (pictured), organiser and secretary of the Whitianga Lions, says the Young Ambassador Award is part of a range of programmes developed within the Lions to help talented young people to reach their full potential. On Sunday the participants will address the audience on a topic of their choice and will also attend an interview with three Whitianga-based judges - Isabel Lloyd (retired school teacher), Stacey Rolton (owner of New World Whitianga) and Jenny Wolf (manager of Whitianga Social Services). Points will be awarded for each participant’s speech, interview and a CV already submitted to the judges. The participant with the most points will receive study assistance (in a variety of forms) to the value of $1,000 and will also be given the opportunity to participate in the Lions’ national Young Ambassador Award. Things will kick-off on Sunday at 11:00am. The guest speaker is John Gully, the founder of Youth for Everest, an initiative exposing students to the Everest region of Nepal. Lunch will be served around midday and the winner will be announced at 2:00pm. The event is every year a highlight on the Lions’ calendar. To attend costs $10 (to cover the lunch). All are welcome. Please let Kevin know beforehand at email [email protected] if you would like to attend. High & Low Tides for Mercury Bay and Hot Water Beach DAY/ DATE HIGH AM LOW AM HIGH PM LOW PM 11:29 Wed 12 4:52 10:59 5:28 Thur 13 5:46 11:52 6:19 Fri 14 6:37 0:21 7:05 12:40 Sat 15 7:24 1:08 7:49 1:24 Sun 16 8:08 1:52 8:30 2:06 Mon 17 8:50 2:33 9:10 2:46 Tue 18 9:30 3:13 9:49 3:24 Tide data sponsored by nzwindows.co.nz 4 Dakota Drive Whitianga Tel 07 869 5990 What’s that Number? Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 24 hours ................................ 111 Police (Whitianga) ....................................................................866 4000 Police (Tairua) ...........................................................................864 8888 Police (Coromandel) .................................................................866 1190 Fight crime anonymously - Call Crime Stoppers ............... 0800 555 111 Dog and Noise Control ................................... ..........................868 0200 Dental Emergency (Mercury Bay) ............................................869 5500 Civil Defence ............................................................................868 0200 Medical Centre (Mercury Bay) ......................... ......................... 866 5911 Doctors Surgery (Mercury Bay) ....................... .........................866 4621 Medical Centre (Tairua) .............................................................864 8737 Harbour Master (Whitianga) ..............................................027 493 1379 Coastguard Radio Operators ....................................................866 2883 Social Services Whitianga .................. ......................................866 4476 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Daffodil Day celebrates 25 years The timing of Mercury Bay Area School student Chelsea McFarlane’s “big chop” this week is almost perfect with Daffodil Day coming up on Friday 28 August. Chelsea is in Year 11 and has organised other students and teachers to get shaved (heads and beards) with her during lunchtime on Wednesday 12 August in the Mercury Bay Area School hall. Her mother has been undergoing cancer treatment and Chelsea wanted to raise some money to say thank you for the support that the family has received from the Cancer Society of New Zealand. Daffodil Day has been running for 25 years. The annual appeal involves thousands of volunteers and many events across the country, culminating in a street collection on the last Friday of August. “The Cancer Society receives no direct government funding, so we rely on the generosity of the community to help us provide our services,” said Maria Low, spokesperson for the Cancer Society’s Waikato/Bay of Plenty Division. Ruth Young of the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Group says that residents of Mercury Bay and surrounds have always been very generous in their support of Daffodil Day. “Collection stalls will this year be set up in Whitianga at New World, Countdown, Four Square, The Warehouse and for the first time outside the Cancer Support Group bookshop,in Blacksmith Lane.” Collectors will also be out and about in Matarangi, Kuaotunu, Cooks Beach and Hahei. To donate this Daffodil Day Look for the volunteer street collectors on Friday, August 28. Text HOPE to 469 to donate $3. Donate online at www.daffodilday.org.nz To support Chelsea’s chop go to https://give.everydayhero.com/nz/chelsea-macfarlane-1. All donations to Chelsea’s campaign go to the Waikato/BoP Division of the Cancer Society of New Zealand. Pictured are Ruth Young (left) and Ann Mulcahy of the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Group outside the Cancer Support Group bookshop in Whitianga. ASK US ABOUT NO PAYMENTS & NO INTEREST UNTIL FEBRUARY 2017 on dental treatments $300 and over with Q Card* *Q card lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Visit lumino.co.nz for more details. Call 07 869 5500 to book an appointment today! Lumino The Dentists Whitianga 12/1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga (opposite the Whitianga Hotel) Practices nationwide | Ph: 07 869 5500 | lumino.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3 Bonding between The Hulk and Kermit the Frog By Gillian O’Neill James Bond fraternised with Marilyn Monroe, Cat Woman chatted over a wine with GI Jane, while The Hulk and Kermit the Frog clearly had a lot to bond over. It was a who’s who of the movie world at the Tairua Community Hall on Saturday night when the Tairua Playcentre hosted “Tairuawood” - a night of glamour, hilarity and some awesome fundraising for a great cause. With Captain Jack Sparrow himself, aka local chiropractor Gordon Winter, running the show as MC for the evening, the laughs just kept coming. The colourful array of costumed characters dined on a feast of roast lamb and chicken before raising their glasses and their bidding arms to claim some terrific bargains in in the charity auction. Snapped up on the night was an overnight stay at Pacific Harbour Lodge in Tairua along with dinner at Manaia Café. The men in the crowd went into battle for the guy’s action pack which included a spear gun, mask and snorkel and fishing rod. Meanwhile the ladies pamper package including hair vouchers, a massage and a pharmacy gift basket was also popular. The quiz provided the opportunity for some friendly competition with Studio City up against Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Strip to name just a few of the aptly themed tables that added to the occasion. Local musicians Adam Fuller and Aaron Dunn provided the entertainment on a fun-filled night. “I think everyone had a really good time. It was a lot of hard work and I do want to thank all our local businesses for the generous support they gave us. Almost everything was donated, from the food to the prizes. It just would not have been possible for us to do this without them,” said Playcentre co-president, Jill Winter. For the growing organisation, Tairuawood was also the perfect stage to connect with members of the community. “It was wonderful for us to meet so many people from Tairua and I guess to give them the opportunity to get to know some of the faces behind Playcentre. One of our goals is to connect more with other sectors of the community. For example, we’ve had Room 1 and Room 3 students from Tairua Club is open daily. Restaurant is open Wed-Sun for Lunch, Thu-Sat for Dinner. school come to visit and spend time with us recently, which has been great,” said Jill. The Playcentre has recently expanded its roll and now has 27 children attending. “It is very popular at the moment and the money raised from this event will go towards new equipment and resources for the children Andy and Angela Gilbert along with Ann and Brendan Finn were among the colourful cast of movie characters at the Tairua Playcentre's “Tairuawood” fundraiser. FREE COURTESY VAN (subject to availability) AVAILABLE TO AND FROM WHITIANGA Main meals from $15 for Golf or Dining Groups (Min 4 - Max 9 people) Wed-Sun Book on 07 866 5394 or thedunes.co.nz Come, enjoy and vote for our Ora-King Salmon Awards dish Three hours Ora-King salmon confit Celeriac and Perigord truffle Goat cheese and Espelette chilli ice-cream Open 7 Days From 5pm Dine In • Takeaway • Delivery 13 / 1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga 8 BALL 7pm Everyone Welcome SNOOKER 1:30pm LUNCH 12 noon-2pm Tai Chi 9am DV D Only for August Bar Trivia from 4pm LUNCH 12 noon-2pm Body Balance 9am Closed Monday to Thursday Open for private bookings - all week. to use as what we have there at the moment is pretty old to say the least. We have also identified work that needs to be done to our building, including replacing the kitchen floor and some work on the roof and exterior. We will be trying to source other funding for that,” Jill added. Open Tuesday to Saturday From 5pm/6pm For lucky hours, From 6pm till late For dinner Dine In FREE on your Birthday One main, rice & naan. Minimum 2-person party. Book a table 07 866 0053 or [email protected] Authentic North Indian Cuisine Wide selection of seafood, vegetarian & gluten-free. Children’s menu available. Members Draw Raffles 5:30pm Meat/Seafood Lunch 12-2pm Dinner 5-8:30pm KARAOKE Semi-Final 8pm Saturday Morning Raffles 11am Only $1 Lunch 12-2pm Dinner 5:30-8pm Junior Rugby Club fundraiser Bledisloe Cup 7:30pm Sunday Roast 3 Course $20 TAB POKIES POOL Indoor Bowls 7:15pm Open 11am Lunch & Dinner Every weekend, Fri, Sat, Sun. Sunday roast all day. Live jam session from 3pm. Rising Can Beer Festival 21st Nov. Bistro Closed Tai Chi 9am Body Balance 10:15am What’s New REVIEW Gossip Girl (All Six Seasons) (M) (Out Now) Based on Cecily Von Ziegesar’s teen novels, Gossip Girl follows the lives of New York’s “A list” elite and privileged. Gossip Girl is a notorious blogger and even the darkest secrets don’t stay hidden for long. This is a wonderful and voyeuristic look at the parties, friendships, relationships and jealousies in the complex world of Manhattan’s Upper East Side society. You know you love it. XOXO! Starring Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Chase Crawford and Ed Westwick. This is the perfect guilty pleasure viewing. A wonderful must see series. Reviewed By Cara. Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz • • • • • MEMBERS DRAW DARTS 7:30pm Lunch 12 noon-2pm Dinner 5:30pm Tai Chi 9am Hot Water Brewery & Restaurant 07 866 3830 TOP MOVIES Cake Duff Black Sea Unfinished Business Freedom Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 New Winter Menu!! Ribs ’n’ Chips Only $15 5-9pm Happy hour 3 - 7pm Chase the Ace Win $250 cash!! $13 Lunch Menu Happy Hour 3 - 7pm $10 Burger & Fries Meat raffles Steak Night Win $100 Bar Tab @ 6pm Meat Raffles $16 Scotch Fillet Musical Bingo 8:30pm DJ Mighty 9pm Jameoke 9pm 11A Coghill Str, Whitianga Tel: 07 866 2200 Come in and try our warm salads Tue - Thur 4:30pm - 9:30pm Fri - Sat 4:30pm - 10pm Sunday 4:30pm - 9pm www.alcaminos.co.nz ALL BLACKS v WALLABIES 7:30pm LIVE BAND Vegas Brown 9:15pm Dinner from 5:30pm Lunch 11.30am-2pm $12 Lunch Special Sesame Tarakihi Salad Lunch 11.30am-2pm $12 Lunch Special Seafood Broth Dinner from 5:30pm Dinner from 5:30pm 2 meals & drinks* $50!! Lunch Fri / Sat / Sun from 12 noon Dinner 6 Days Tues - Sun from 5pm Closed Monday Buy a main to win dinner for two HUMP-DAY NEW WINE OF THE MONTH Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Closed for Lunch Closed for Lunch Weekday Lunch Special - Butter Chicken Combo $5.90!! Join Cooking Classes!! Beat the Winter with Warm Curry!! Thank Frig it’s Poker Night 7pm ITM Cup LIVE 7:30pm Wishing Tree 5-7pm ITM Cup Live from 2:30pm Netball World Cup Live from 12 noon Netball World Cup Live from 4:15pm Netball World Cup Silver Ferns LIVE 8pm Don’t feel like cooking? Come in and take away! Come try our Ora King Salmon competition dish! Come in for a swim and book for dinner. TAB POKIES FRIDAY Vouchers to be won We are FULLY LICENCED Full menu at www.govino.co.nz Ph 07 867 1215 for bookings Closed Tues/Wed Lunch 11:30am-2pm $12 Lunch Special Seafood Chowder Lunch 11:30am-2pm $12 Lunch Special Salt and Pepper Squid Dinner from 5:30pm ($5.00 Corkage fee) LIVE OZ VS NZ PINOT GRIS CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY BYO wine HAPPY HOMETIME HANDLE HOUR 5pm-7pm BLOCK Steak Night $16 Fillet, salad & fries!! Happy Hour 3-7pm Dinner from 5:30pm Out catering available Ph 07 866 2666 $10 Curry Night!! Happy Hour 3-7pm Mon-Fri Sunday Roast from 6pm $5 discount off your meal if booked before 2pm Sat & Sun open for dinner from 5:30pm DARTS NIGHT 7pm Best gosh darn night of the week! Phone for pick-ups in our new courtesy vehicle BENSON $10 Burger & Fries! Drink Specials! Also come try our around-the-world pizzas. Check out the blackboard. Amazing new winter menu, including blue cod with chorizo crust & duck confit cigar rolls with umami sauce Lunch 11.30am-2pm $12 Lunch Special 1kg Mussel Pots FREE POOL All Day!! RUGBY RUGBY RUGBY RUGBY 7:30pm Bledisloe Cup LIVE ITM Cup LIVE from 6pm All Blacks v Australia 6:30pm Warriors v Panthers Live 7pm Netball World Cup Live from 12 noon WHITIANGA PIG HUNTERS CLUB ANNUAL HUNT Free butter naan with a main meal order Weigh in from 1pm cut off 3pm $1.00 from EVERY cake, muffin or slice gets donated to COROGLEN SCHOOL $562 dollars from last year! FREE POOL Kids meals $6 ITM Cup Live from 2:30pm Happy Hour Netball World Cup Live from 1pm Final Live 5pm 4-6:30pm Every weekday All our meals 8pm close. available for take Catch up with Book before 8 aways, including friends and have a bite to eat. or take away. our mains!! 07 866 0456 www.thelostspring.co.nz The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Delicious and Affordable Indian Food “PUT YOUR FEET UP LOVE, WE’LL DO THE COOKING.” Phone for your TAKEAWAY DINNER 07 866 3809 QUIZ NIGHT 7:30pm Vouchers to be won Cakes, brownies, muffins and scones. Fresh and waiting! Page 5 Open all day from 12 noon Friday, Saturday and Sunday ________________ Meeting on helping Nepal this Sunday Open from 5:00pm Wednesday and Thursday ________________ Closed Monday and Tuesday The devastating earthquakes in Nepal earlier this year left a lasting impression on a number of Mercury Bay locals - adults and students (pictured) who visited the Everest region of the mountainous country in April (having returned to New Zealand only a few days prior to the first earthquake). Among them was Richard Vetter, owner of Peninsula Roofing and Scaffolding. When he became aware that John Gully, the owner of Everest Treks - a company specialising in walking adventures in the Everest region, was busy putting groups of people together to travel to the village of Khunde in Nepal in April and May next year to rebuild the village’s communal centre, he was happy to put his hand up to help. The communal centre was severely damaged in the earthquakes. Richard has also promoted the cause at the recent Roofing Association of New Zealand conference in Wellington, where 12 of his industry colleagues indicated that they are either keen to go to Nepal or support the project in another way. Locally a number of people have indicated to Richard that they would also like to support the cause. John Gully is this weekend in Whitianga (see the feature on the Lions’ Young Ambassador Award on page 2 of this issue of The Informer). All those interested in the project are invited to a meeting with Richard and John on Sunday 16 August at 3:00pm at the Peninsula Roofing and Scaffolding premises on South Highway in Moewai Park, Whitianga. “For me, Nepal was a life-changing experience,” says Richard. “I have no doubt the country and its people will make a profound impact on everyone who chooses to become involved in the Khunde Communal Centre rebuild. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to come and listen to what John has to say on Sunday.” TAKEAWAY • Fresh Fish n Chips • Classic Burgers • Heat n Eat dishes R ORDER PHONE YOU DY TO GO! A E R D A E H A Main Road, Tairua OPEN 11am - LATE Ph 07 864 8617 Open 7 Days Ph 07 866 3887 8 Pye Place Hot Water Beach Hot Waves is taking a break from our open mic for the month of August. Will resume Friday 4 September. As always open 8:30am – 4:00pm New quiz night Thursday 3 September. For bookings phone 866 3887 Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 with Stuart Brown - Whitianga Coastguard President Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7 People’s Choice award for Pinky’s WHITIANGA PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC Robert Lindsay Dip Phty(Otago) ADP(OMT), Dip.MT. Co-author of ‘Treat Your Own Shoulder’ and Associates Crystal Vause BHScPhysiotherapy Manipulation / Back and Neck Pain / Work Injuries Sports Injuries / Post Surgery and Fracture Rehab Acupuncture / Hand Therapy / Women’s Health Clinic Physiotherapists with the qualifications to provide excellence in physical health care Dr Adam’s and Hemmes’s Surgery - Ph 866 4621 In a season of Mercury Bay businesses often winning accolades, Pinky’s in Lee Street, Whitianga took away the People’s Choice award at the Central North Island Top Shop Awards of Retail NZ that were announced on Thursday last week. “I want to congratulate all the finalists and winners, but especially Pinky’s Bargains of Whitianga, which won the People’s Choice award, receiving the most votes from the public through an app and the Retail NZ website,” said Retail NZ Chief Executive Mark Johnston at the awards ceremony. “I want to offer them special congratulations for being much loved by customers and providing a fantastic shopping experience.” Pinky’s is a hands-on family business, sometimes described as “industrial chic.” It’s owned and operated by Geith and Shirley Pickford and their son Chris and his wife Kylie. Shirley and Chris made the trip to Hamilton to attend the awards ceremony. Back home in Whitianga, staying behind with Geith and Kylie, Alley Cat (the real boss) managed to sleep the whole time the ceremony was on. In fact, he didn’t even make it away from his comfortable spot on the office chair, which he claimed 18 months ago after wandering in off the street and announcing in no “unpurrtain” terms that he was living there now. So, if it seems like the Pickford family is giving away extra smiles when you see them this week, like a clowder of cats who have scored a large saucer of cream, it’s because of the well-deserved recognition received from their customers and the Mercury Bay public. Pictured are the Pickford family, from left to right - Kylie, Chris, Geith, Alley Cat and Shirley. Thumbs Up To Chris Rendle and Val Elgie of the Mercury Bay Community Radiology and Health Trust and the group of people who arranged for an ultrasound scanner to be installed in Whitianga. Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 To the Editor See page 2 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions Dear Editor - The Informer Website We’ve had a bach at Opito Bay for quite a few years now. I’ve bookmarked in my calendar to read The Mercury Bay Informer each Monday over lunch. It’s a great way to keep in touch with what’s going on in the area. Many thanks for offering your excellent on-line service. Peter Robinson Hamilton Dear Editor - The Tairua Marina The Tairua Marina is in. All the petty acrimonious battles are done and look what we have in Tairua. A wonderful addition for boaties and visitors alike. Not only a well-constructed, but visually appealing, addition to the waterfront. Many locals and visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll along the marina to enjoy the moored boats and the bird life that has found a place in it, on it, and around it. Craig Watts, the developer, and his team have also given Tairua harbour some wonderful safe sandy beaches. The addition of white sand along the foreshore has enhanced the harbour and allowed a much better experience for all, while small boat owners now have a decent launch ramp beside the marina wall. This has meant much fewer vehicles getting stuck in the sand along Paku. We as Tairua residents owe a great deal to Mr Wattts and his team, who have pursued this dream over many years. Work is still continuing in the area, the new developments should further enhance the area and bring some life back to this small town. JP Hewitt Tairua Dear Editor - Buffalo Week The recent commemoration of 175 years since HMS Buffalo was wrecked off Whitianga was without parallel in New Zealand, thanks entirely to Ron Morgan and his team at the Mercury Bay Museum, who did an extremely commendable job of coordinating it. With the representation of both the British and Canadian High Commissions at the event, there was cemented in place an enduring relationship between our three countries based on a shared history - valuable when it comes to international relations. What comes foremost to my mind in this respect are the events surrounding the Rebellion of Upper Canada in 1837, which resulted in my relative, Samuel Lount, being hung (for I am a dual Canadian-NZ citizen) and many of the rebels being transported on the Buffalo to Australia before it came on to Whitianga where it was wrecked. Before the decade was finished, the repercussions of the rebellion reverberated throughout the British Empire to the great benefit of all her colonies by improving both the standard of administration and representation. These sorts of bonds between countries are invaluable, as are the bonds that have developed between descendants of Ngati Hei, members of the crew of HMS Buffalo, especially those crewmen who chose to stay behind rather than return to England, the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 population of the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula. There is a lot more of the story surrounding the ship and its crew yet to be researched and made known, but what is known already is sufficient to think that Whitianga has a valuable piece of historical real estate that it can leverage for its visitor industry as long as it harnesses the right people and has the support of the community, which, if the recent few days is anything to go by, it already has been demonstrated to have. Added to the Buffalo potential, there is just around the corner commemorations around the Buffalo’s replacement vessel, HMS Tortoise, and after that HMS Endeavour. An amazing few days for which my profound thanks to be invited to be part of. Don Armitage Whangarei Dear Editor - Last Week’s Informer Thanks for last week’s Informer. Lots of very good stories to read. Very interesting. Keep it up! Annemarie Apers Whitianga Dear Editor - Privilege by Birth Is privilege by birth part of our democracy? In the far past, people who had won authority, wanted their children to enjoy the power and wealth that being a chief or king brought them. Religion supported the idea that a person was superior to others because of the family they were born into. This kept the rank and file in their subservient position. Do our leaders support our wishes or do they support an elite? Each succeeding family of leaders increases their wealth and imposes their will on dissidents. Laws are made to protect them and when one messes up, society as a whole pays the cost. Privilege by birth is within our multi-cultural nation despite lip service to fairness and equality. During last year’s “Meet the Candidates” meeting in Whitianga before the general election, a number of the candidates said they supported privilege by birth and thus the Maori parliamentary seats. Without mandate, Maori seats have been established in local government. So, is “Jack as good as his master,” or are we still subservient to royalty? The Treaty of Waitangi guaranteed equality of citizenship for all, albeit British at the time. If this has been corrupted, then perhaps the American example of “no taxation without representation” has a place. I note the deer old Queen was born to her position and uses her considerable inherited wealth to support her extended family. She is supported by us and thus “rules” us. Do we want to be a republic? Peter Wood Whitianga The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9 Youth Group Leadership Day at Fun Zone By Gillian O’Neill • Inspection Drilling • Cone Penetrometer Tests • Ground Anchoring • Foundations - Excavations • Drilling - Piling • Retaining Walls - Digger Hire For more information and photo’s visit our website Website www.testdrill.co.nz Email [email protected] Mike 0274 720 882 Ph/Fax 07 866 4643 Twenty-three enthusiastic young people stepped up to showcase their appetite for adventure, resilience and teamwork during the Tairua Youth Group’s first ever Leadership Day the end of last month. With the assistance of funding from Thames Coromandel District Council’s Youth Initiative, the group of 11 - 15 year olds spent the morning taking on a variety of challenges at Whitianga’s Fun Zone. This was followed by a specially designed leadership and teambuilding programme hosted by Paula Dewar from the Waikato Institute for Leisure and Sports Studies. The day was aimed at helping members of the Tairua Youth Group develop the necessary skills to take a more hands-on role in the running of the group. “We’ve been going for just over a year now. To date, the process has been for the kids to identify what they would like to do and achieve and the adult facilitators then try and deliver on that in so far as is practical. The next stage for the group is for some of those young people to step up to take on that organisation and implementation role and we definitely saw some of those individuals starting to emerge during the Leadership Day,” said Marg Chick, one of the founding parents of the group. During their Fun Zone visit, the participants worked in groups of four to challenge each other at laser tag, soccer golf and archery. They also enjoyed the excitement of an offroad Argo ride. “It was a fantastic day and it actually surpassed my expectations. Every single one of the children got involved, worked hard and really enjoyed themselves. Certain individuals really stepped up and took charge, while others you could visibly see coming out of their shell. Every single person got something out of it and I am certain we are well on our way to finding our future group leaders,” said Marg. Currently the Youth Group meets once a month for a planned activity. However, the next goal is to have the rooms where they meet open at least once every two weeks to provide a meeting place for the young people. “We do need more parents to get involved in order to make that happen. We had great parent help and support on Leadership Day, so hopefully working with the group and seeing the benefit for the kids will encourage more people to help out on an ongoing basis,” Marg added. Marg also paid tribute to the staff at Fun Zone who were “outstanding” on the day in terms of their communication with all the participants. Whitianga 07 866 0070 • Spouting • Roofing • Water treatments systems • Septic tanks • Hot Water cylinders • New Housing • Alterations • General Maintenance • Solar water heating • All LPG gas installation The competition was fierce as was the fun for the young and not quite so young participants in the Tairua Youth Group Leadership Day the end of last month. PLASTERCOAT Page 10 0 27 5 [email protected] 2 578 0 6 027 578 0265 OAT • CHRIS RC KER BA • Inspections of plastered houses • Earthen Clay Interior Eco plaster finishes • Water resistant plaster for wet areas • Swimming Pools • Exterior plastering and more PLAS TE For all your plastering needs The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Minister’s brief Whitianga visit Local builders claim gold Two Mercury Bay-based building companies received gold awards at the Auckland/Northland region of the Registered Master Builders’ House of the Year ceremony in Auckland last Saturday evening. In addition to a gold award, Percival Construction was announced the overall winner in the Mitre 10 Renovation $250,000 - $500,000 category. The company received the award for the renovation of a 1970’s Lockwood bach at Whangapoua. Damian Percival, director of Percival Construction, said, “This project was a great one to be involved in. It really was a team effort and we were fortunate to have great clients to work with. We were pushing to get them in by Christmas last year and our sub-contractors really stepped up and helped us achieve this, while maintaining a high standard of finish.” Ohlson and Whitelaw received a gold award for a house in Pukekohe that was entered in the Nulook New Homes $650,000 - $1 million category. Kelly Ohlson, one of the owners of the company, said they have a very good team and that is reflected in both the work they do and their gold award. Pictured is the Percival Construction team on stage on Saturday night receiving their award. From left to right - Mark De Leeuw, Nick Topp (owner of the Whangapoua bach), Tony Perkins, Rob Evans and Damian Percival. Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Michael Woodhouse, Minister of Police, Immigration and Workplace Relations and Safety, paid a brief visit to Whitianga on Wednesday last week to discuss with local business and community leaders the potential for increased growth in the Mercury Bay tourism industry. “The government is looking at measures aimed at encouraging offshore investors to look outside of the main centres for opportunities,” Mr Woodhouse said. “The development of resort accommodation in the Mercury Bay area is an example of something that may benefit from such measures.” In a brief interview with The Informer, Mr Woodhouse said that it’s well known that Chinese and Asian tourist numbers to New Zealand are increasing and it’s a market Mercury Bay is ideally positioned to take advantage of with its unique coastline and natural beauty. “Traditionally these travellers have been more likely to visit on organised group tours,” he said. “That means having the hotel and resort facilities to cater for the group tours. “Local councils also have to be ready for the potential opportunities and have to become pro-active about pursuing them. Infrastructure such as Ultra Fast Broadband can make destinations like Mercury Bay and the surrounding areas more attractive to offshore investors.” Switching to his role as Police Minister, Mr Woodhouse was upbeat about resourcing the Police frontline with better technology. “The provision of iPads and iPhones has saved huge amounts of administration time,” he said. “Police can now file reports directly into the system from a scene, rather than spending hours behind a computer back at the office. This means more time and resources out on the street where and when we need them.” Pictured is Mr Woodhouse (on the left) on Wednesday last week with Thames Coromandel District Council Mayor Glenn Leach (centre) and Coromandel Member of Parliament Scott Simpson. The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11 The St John Siren Sponsored by Mercury Bay Pharmacy Tel 866 4532 Mid-winter has been a relatively busy period for the Ambulance Service in Whitianga. We have responded to 79 call-outs for the month of July, which is an increase of 25 over the same month last year. We utilised our friends at the Auckland and Coromandel Rescue Helicopter on four occasions during the month, enabling rapid transport to hospital. There have been other responses by ambulances from other stations, which are not included in this total. For the calendar year to date we have responded to 581 incidents, which is an increase of 86 over the same seven months last year. On 27 July we responded to eight callouts in a four hour period. Both of our ambulances at Whitianga were busy, fully crewed with volunteer and paid officers. Our communication centre in Auckland priorities calls, so whilst Whitianga were dealing with the higher acuity calls, other ambulances were brought in from Coromandel and Tairua to assist with the workload. The night of the 28th was also busy, on this occasion both of the ambulances at Whitianga were able to cope with the workload. The increased workload is all good as hopefully the community is starting to use the ambulance service as it is supposed to be used as part of the integrated health system. Believe me when I say that we would much prefer that we were called earlier rather than later when circumstances may have become serious. Hopefully it is also a sign of confidence that the community recognises that the ambulance service will make the right decisions regarding a patient’s care. That being - treat and leave at home, treat and leave at home with a referral to the doctor, treat and transport to the doctor or transport to a hospital. Long gone are the days where calling an ambulance invariably meant a trip across the hill to Thames. OK, now to something more important, we’re going to talk about something close to all our hearts, yip, you got it... our heart. LISTEN UP FOLKS, THIS IS IMPORTANT. Over the next couple of months the aim is to publish a series of articles that hopefully will increase all our awareness of our hearts and HEART ATTACKS. Let’s start at the beginning. Just how does our heart work? Your heart is a powerful muscle that pumps blood around your body through a network of blood vessels, arteries and veins. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and veins bring blood back towards the heart. Blood delivers oxygen and food to your muscles and vital organs in your body and then taking waste products away, allowing you to do all the things you do in everyday life. Your heart has four chambers. These chambers are like rooms, each chamber has a valve that opens and closes like a gate to make sure that blood can only travel in one direction, like a one-way traffic system. The top two chambers are called “atria” and the bottom two chambers are called “ventricles.” The right side of the heart is separated from the left side by a thick wall of muscle running down the centre called the “septum.” The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs and the left side of the heart pumps blood around the body. Yip, that’s the whole body, from your head to your big toe. So the left side of the heart has a lot of work to do and to do this the left ventricle has thicker muscle, which allows it to pump blood out with extra force. Did you know that your heart pumps around 70ml of blood with each heart beat and that equates to around 4 - 6l of blood every minute? That’s around the total blood volume in our body being pumped around every minute. AMAZING! Being the hard working muscle that it is, your heart also needs a good fuel supply. It gets the oxygen and food it needs through its own blood vessel network called the coronary arteries. To quote a phrase from Helen ThompsonCarter, “Everything is dependent on my heart, mechanically, electrically, physiologically, emotionally and passionately. Whatever happens it all comes back to how well you heart performs in all areas.” WHAT IS A HEART ATTACK? A heart attack happens when blood stops flowing to part of your heart muscle through the coronary arteries. One of your heart’s coronary arteries suddenly becomes blocked by a blood clot, causing a lack of the blood supply that carries oxygen to the heart muscle downstream from the blockage. Remember that muscles need oxygen and food to perform. If the blood flow isn’t restored quickly, this part of the heart muscle starts to die. Coronary heart disease, also known as Coronary artery disease, is often the cause of a heart attack. Coronary heart disease is when fatty plaque builds up inside the walls of the coronary arteries. Over many years this plaque gets thicker and hardens, making the artery narrower, stiffer and less smooth, this is known as atherosclerosis. So how does a clot form? When we injure ourselves, no matter where in our body, red blood cells will stick together (clot). This is to stop you from bleeding too much. However, if injury occurs within a coronary artery, the blood forms a clot which can lead to a heart attack. A blood clot will form in a coronary artery when plaque tears or cracks. If the artery is already narrow because of a build-up of plaque, the clot may block your artery completely. It is not known why some plaques suddenly tear or crack, while others can cause no trouble for many years. As we’ve mentioned above, if the blockage isn’t treated quickly, the portion of the heart muscle fed by the blocked artery begins to die. This article is written with the assistance of material available on the Heart Foundation website. I hope that this has been interesting. More next month. CHEST PAIN LASTING MORE THAN TWO MINUTES… DIAL 111 AMBULANCE. Mike Burrows, St John Whitianga Station Manager Kitchens Bathrooms WardroBes Furniture shopFitting Custom Renovations or neW Builds 17 Coghill Street, Whitianga. Phone 07 866 4513, [email protected]. www.dimax.co.nz THE GLASS HOUSE EMPORIUM 25 Albert Street, Whitianga Phone 866 4817 Open 7 days. Page 12 Whitianga’s originally owned and operated variety store The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Club 100 a hit The young man and the sea (and the magazine) When Te Rerenga School teacher Fiona Watts (pictured) started to develop numeracy projects for her students some years ago, something interesting happened. The students not only liked the idea, but as they got better at doing the projects, they started asking for more. So, Fiona carried on developing the concept of short maths quizzes, between three and six minutes long, which worked as a kind of skills warm-up before each of her maths lesson started. She called it Club 100 and the quizzes were staged at different levels - from 10, then 20 and 30 through to the top level of 100 which gave the idea its name. When she started the concept, Fiona was teaching in the Manawatu and over the following eight years she began to have more and more teachers asking for copies of the resource that they could use with their own classes. After much prompting from friends and colleagues, Fiona was convinced to submit her Club 100 concept to educational publisher Essential Resources. Within the last couple of weeks the newly published Club 100 book has become available to teachers in schools all across New Zealand and Fiona has just received her first printed copy. It’s a very proud moment for her and a vindication of the effectiveness of this unique programme. “The real reward for me is when I see one of the students get through a level that they have been working hard on and the rest of the class break into spontaneous applause for that young person’s achievement,” says Fiona. Rolla-Tilta-Sectional and custom made doors Garages Automatic Openers Houses We service all makes and models 5 Year warranty on all new doors and openers To say that 9-year-old Charlie Kemp is “hooked” on fishing would be an understatement. Chances are he’ll be called the “Kingfish King” before long, since he caught his first one when he was only about five and at least 10 since. Charlie, in Year 5 at Mercury Bay Area School, was pretty excited about his experiences with dad and his mates, so he wrote a firsthand account of his first kingfish and sent it off to the New Zealand Fishing News magazine. They were so impressed that they published his whole story in their August issue. And it’s fair to say that Charlie knows his stuff, since he was able to give all the details of the gear used, the type and weight of trace, the rod and reel and how it was set up. He also gave a blow by blow account of finding and catching the mackerel for live bait, right through to landing a kingfish so big that Charlie couldn’t lift it onto the filleting table. “I was too tired from the fight,” he said. “Normally we put the kingfish back, but sometimes we keep one for dinner.” There might be a few different career options open to this enthusiastic young angler, professional fisherman being one of them - or maybe journalist, but in the meantime it’s back to school until the next weekend out on the boat. Pictured is Charlie proudly showing his story in the New Zealand Fishing News. Sleepouts Your design or ours Licensed building practitioners All concrete work Ph 07 866 5544 or 027 493 2691 71a Cook Drive, Whitianga www.hoylandcontracting.co.nz platinumhomes.co.nz 07 869 5149 Rob Duxfield 027 4467 961 Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Tile & Grout restoration work including cleaning, repair work Grout clear/colour sealing, re-colouring silicone work Shower glass/glass cleaning/treatment Phone/txt Jack 021 775 118 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13 What’s On the next few weeks Sponsored by Dive Zone Whitianga Tel (07) 867 1580 MERCURY BAY POOLS LTD Concrete Swimming Pool Builders • Design and build new pools • Renovations of existing pools • Pool covers, auto or manual • Quality portable spa pools Contact Peter Thomas M: 0274 806 288 A/h 07 866 4358 www.mercurybaypools.co.nz • Kitchens • Laundries • Vanities • Walk in robes • Splash backs • Media Units Contact Carol Harker: 866 4111 or 027 22 66 289 www.kitchensoncoromandel.co.nz THE GLASS HOUSE EMPORIUM 25 Albert Street, Whitianga Phone 866 4817 Open 7 days. Page 14 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. Free Budget Advice Confidential and no pressure. Phone Whitianga Social Services on 866 4476 for more information. Free Community Meals At St Andrews by the Sea Community Church, Albert Street, Whitianga. Phone St Andrews on 867 1102 or email [email protected] 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. “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 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. 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 Taylor’s Mistake, Whitianga. Short 45 minute cycle and coffee. Phone Bryan on 022 155 8944 for more information. Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club Thursday evenings at 6:45pm in the Whitianga Town Hall. New members and visitors welcome. Just come along or phone Doreen on (07) 866 5237 or Alan on (07) 866 4024 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 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 [email protected] 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. Bridge Clubs Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club meets every Wednesday. Hahei Bridge Club meets every Tuesday. Phone Anne Knowles on 866 5686 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. Free Anger Management Counselling Sessions For men - Every Wednesday afternoon. Phone Whitianga Social Services on 866 4476 for more information. For women - Every Tuesday morning. Phone Whitianga Social Services on 866 4476 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 Social Services Youth Space Corner of Bryce Street and Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Wednesday - Fridays after school. Phone 866 4476 for more information. Whitianga Art Group Meet every Thursday and Friday at the Art Centre in School Road, Whitianga. New members welcome. Phone Rose on 022 139 2968 or Maryanne on 866 4099 for more information. Mahindra Goldrush Rally of Coromandel Street party and ceremonial start on Friday 21 August in Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. From 3:00pm. Food stalls, live entertainment, roving artists and fun contests, including drag racing, quad bike racing and supermarket trolley racing. Official rally on Saturday 22 August around Mercury Bay. Two super stages (at 2:08pm and 3:20pm) down Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga. Servicing and refuelling at the Mercury Bay Multisport Park (at 8:17am, 11:00am and 1:33pm). For more information see The Mercury Bay Informer Events Guide Winter/Spring 2015 and www.theinformer.co.nz. Murder on the Dance Floor - by the Tairua Troubadours Homegrown entertainment at its very best. EFriday 21 - Sunday 23 August and Thursday 27 - Saturday 29 August. Tickets $20 per person. Phone the Tairua Information Centre on (07) 864 7525 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 with Rev Mary Petersen, Albert St, Whitianga. Anglican Services St Peter the Fisherman, 9:30am Sunday services. All are welcome, Dundas St, Whitianga. Crossroad Encounter Fellowship 10:00am Sundays, 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 10:30am every Sunday, children’s programme, 23 Coghill St, Whitianga, email [email protected]. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) Meet on Sundays 10:00am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Town Hall. 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. Always supporting the local community The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 KSAR Column with Steve Hart Training has been the key focus of our members over the past month, putting a few lessons into practise that were taken on board after two recent search operation debriefs. Kuaotunu Land Search and Rescue strives to ensure every search operation is locally debriefed within the group so that we can improve anything that didn’t go exactly according to plan. We had an interesting training session that was based on teamwork and improving search teams’ knowledge of the extensive array of equipment kept in our equipment trailer. The trailer includes all the fundamental equipment that would support a search operation in a remote location, including communications, management and supporting search teams with safety gear, tracking, navigation VHF radios and food/ refreshments. Teams were tasked to set up and then dismantle the VHF repeater and then pack a 24 hour kit solely from gear in the trailer. Next they had a short time to ensure they had equipment and food to cook a two course meal in a remote location. We then moved to Buffalo Beach Reserve and had a KSAR cook-off using only the food and equipment on site where the teams had to cook for the other team a main and soup, including a gluten free and vegetarian option (the twist). It was a fun training session with the teams providing interesting and inventive food with very limited supplies. We enjoyed our dinner on the reserve in a light drissle on a very cold night. We recently hosted Land SAR members from our own unit, Tairua/Pauanui, Waihi, Thames, Hamilton and Hawkes Bay at a two day “Tracking in the Wilderness” course at the Riverglen Holiday Park near Coroglen. The location and venue was ideal for this type KSAR members in their cook-off last month at Buffalo Beach Reserve in Whitianga. of training exercise and involved learning extensive tracking skills provided by tutors from Tai Poutini Polytechnic. Despite an incredibly wet and cold front moving through during the course, the KSAR members reported that the training was invaluable. KSAR members provided the catering for the course with assistance from Love It Bakery and The Coroglen Tavern. We are planning to host more of these courses which bring more visitors to our area with spin offs to local businesses. Plans for our new base next to the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust hangar is gaining momentum with a project manager appointed to help take us through the planning, consent and construction stage. Its been encouraging to see tradesmen starting to come on board and more donations added to the $20,000 kick start that KSAR provided from fundraising. The donation of $2,800 to KSAR from those who attended the Evening with Ian Jones at the Blue Lagoon organised by the Informer was a really generous effort and appreciated by the entire KSAR membership. Marshaling at the Mahindra Goldrush Rally of Coromandel is our next fundraiser, combining front row spots at this exciting event. Anyone wishing to donate to our building project can do so by visiting www.givealittle.co.nz/org/kuaotunusar or mail to PO Box 15 Whitianga 3542. Stay safe. B-ROW PROJECTS P 020 404 31990 E [email protected] • Decks • Fences • Repairs • Property maintenance • Sleep out conversions • Minor alterations Quick response time Free quoting All work considered Call Bram 020 404 31990 Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15 Light winds for Polar Bear Series yacht race By Wayne Wilton (famished crew member of Blue Print) NZ NZ WIDE REMOVALS Local & NZ Wide furniture movers • 7 Day Service • Weekly runs to Auckland • Free Quotes • Friendly & Reliable • Storage Available Last Sunday's Race 6 of the Mercury Bay Boating Club Polar Bear series saw a fleet of nine yachts starting with very little wind. The race was run with a “Mark Foy” start, which means each boat is given a handicap start time. This sees them all setting off at different start times. Ideally, the yachts should all be finishing at about the same time, however, it wasn't to be. The lack of wind and constant wind direction changes found lots of boats in “holes” and lots of “sail experiments” being tried. The front group sailed into a “hole” just off Davis Point and the rear group caught right up. The wind slowly strengthened and saw all boats rounding Simpsons Buoy within three to four minutes of each other. On the leg across the Bay to Doctors Buoy, the fleet spread out. Pterodactyl, JJ, and H2Go flew their spinnakers, making the most of the conditions. John Wright on Contrast also flew his spinnaker to chase down the fleet. The wind strengthened on the beat back to Windy Buoy seeing all the boats putting in lots of tacks. Matt Algie on Blue Print almost had a mutiny on board, as he had burnt the cheese and raisin scones! The crew had to go hungry until they arrived back at the clubrooms where they were met with hot pies and toasted sammies, thanks to Anne and Sandy. Thanks to Sandy Wilton for starting the race, her first Mark Foy start. A special thanks to Chris Johnson and Matt Algie for collating the handicaps. Race Results Mike Phear and crew on JJ. 1st 2nd Paul Dimmock and crew on H2Go. 3rd Lee Boswell and crew on True Colors. 4th Max Ross and crew on Straight Shooter. Carl Reinsfield and crew on 5th Pterodactyl. Stu Crockhart and crew on 6th Kahurangi. 7th Matt Algie and starving mates on Blueprint. 8th “The Crew” on Solvieg. John Wright and Crew on Contrast. 9th Phone Josh 07 866 5589 027 256 6009 www.nzmoveit.co.nz Picturesque - sailing in the sixth race of the Mercury Bay Boating Club Polar Bear series last Sunday. Carpet Cleaning Charlie Lodge & Restoration Residential Commercial Industrial Carpet Cleaning & Restoration - Marine Carpet & Upholstery Upholstery Cleaning - Stain Removal - Rug Cleaning Vinyl Floor Restoration - Spot Dyeing - Odour Control All work undertaken will be to the AS/NZ Standard Institute of Inspection Cleaning And Restoration Certification T: 07 866 0075 M: 027 2806374 Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Meet John Booker - Mercury Bay local and international bathtub racing champion Email message, “If you come, I’ll build you a new boat, same as what my daughter has. And she’s leading the circuit championship over here.” Reply message, “OK, let me think about this… Yip, I thought about it, I’m coming.” This is how Mercury Bay local John Booker ended up participating in the 2015 “Great” International World Championship Bathtub Race in Nanaimo, Canada on Sunday 26 July - about ten days after the email exchange above between him and Canadian friend Jamie Garcia. Last year was John’s first time participating in the race, in a borrowed boat and with a sponsored Volvo Penta Hidea engine. Not only did he finish the gruelling 60km ocean race, he finished in the top ten in the stock class (meaning he raced with an unmodified engine). “Jamie’s daughter, Deisy, is racing with the engine I took to Canada last year,” John says. “He was quite adamant that I would do well in the big race in a new boat and a similar engine. He actually didn’t leave me with much of a choice.” John immediately got hold of a new Hidea engine and shipped it to Nainamo. When he personally arrived at Jamie’s workshop at 6:00pm the Wednesday before the race, there was no time to settle in. “The boat had to get finished,” John says. “That Wednesday night we worked until 10:00pm and most of Thursday and Friday too. Late on Friday we put some silver fern decals Darren Hartley from Coastal Signs made me on the boat. It looked awesome and I felt very proud.” Also on Friday John caught up with his rescue boat crew, the same crew who helped him last year. “It’s a requirement of the race that each bathtub boat must have a rescue boat accompanying it. I contacted my crew from last year before I left New Zealand and they were really keen to help out again. John Booker (on the right) in the parade through Nanaimo the Saturday before the “Great” International World Championship Bathtub Race. “The course changed from last year and they took me up the coast to have a look and discuss the best way to run the race.” The Saturday was occupied with a parade through Nanaimo, last minute fiddling with the boat, a required technical inspection and sea trials. “And of course Saturday night I couldn’t sleep,” John says. “Should I carry more fuel in a bigger tank and be slower at the start, or a smaller tank, less fuel and losing a bit of time refuelling along the way? That was the question.” John opted for a bigger tank and on Sunday, race day, it turned out to be the correct decision. “I had a fantastic start,” he says. “In fact, I lost my rescue boat. Fortunately they caught up with me, otherwise I may have had to withdraw. I felt like I was flying. I expected to race for about an hour and a half. That can be very tough on your legs, so I focused the last 20 minutes getting my blood circulating again. Once you get to shore, you have to get out of your boat, run across a bit of beach, up a ramp and ring a bell. Only then have you finished. Legs not happy to cooperate can be a problem. “My legs lasted just long enough. I ended up ringing the bell on my knees.” Afterwards John was hot property. While talking to the local TV crew, Jamie came by and told him he won the stock class. And not only that, he did better than many of the boats racing in the modified and super modified classes. “And Deisy came second in the stock class, pretty cool,” John says. Looking towards next year, John says if you win your class, there’s the expectation that you move up a class. “I suspect I’m going to spend a bit of time the next ten months or so working out exactly what I have to do make both boat and engine go faster. Who knows, I may just give it a go in the super modified class.” John Booker ringing the bell on his knees, not only finishing the “Great” International World Championship Bathtub Race, but winning the stock class too. AUGUST 2015 UPDATE One of the great things we all enjoy at Whitianga Waterways is talking to non-resident owners or visitors when they come into town. Many of them just can’t believe the transformation that is going on, the building and construction, talk of the main street upgrade, the school roll growing requiring development with new classrooms - and of course the number of events like Buffalo Week that generate interest. As one person said last week, “Whitianga is like a garden bursting into life”. Can’t argue with that! Buffalo Week Firstly a big thanks to all the volunteers and helpers who help put together the week of events around the Buffalo Celebration. A really cool week with lots to do and a lot learnt about the wreck in the Bay. It represented a great dry run for the Cook Celebrations coming up in 2019, which will be huge. Waterways was involved with the events on Saturday and we would just like to make mention of those businesses that assisted - Coromandel FM, Fun Zone, The Lost Spring, Paper Plus, New World and The Informer. It’s great that these businesses came on board with these community events. Of course there were a lot of other businesses too that got in behind the week-long celebration. Another hugely successful event was The Shipwrecked Ball on Saturday night. To the team at RnR Events, an awesome night, great set up and well done. Thanks for being a part of the Buffalo Celebration. Development Hopper Construction (HCL) continues to make good progress. The excavation on the west side of the island is very close to completion. We have moved a huge amount of sand, making way for the canal. In mid-August the stonemasons will be back to construct the canal wall with their team. This will take them longer than a month and they will utilise rock from the Tairua quarry. This is always a fascinating time watching these guys construct the wall effectively with their bare hands. Please note the area is a construction zone and access is not allowed. If you want to go for a look, make contact with the office and it can be arranged. HCL is also working over on the old State Highway, installing a sewer line to the new stage. This has involved some dewatering, which has meant pumps have had to run more than we would have liked and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused to local residents. Concert The promoters of the summer concert were in town last week and all is looking good for Anniversary Weekend next year. Tickets are selling well and we can expect a huge crowd. Construction The sound of nail guns continue to ring out as more homes spring up. The building activity is a huge positive for town and judging by the amount of plans and permits in the system, looks sure to be humming for sometime into the future. 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 office on 07 866 0164. Email - [email protected] Website - www.whitiangawaterways.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17 UK Style Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles UK Puzzle 649 Name: __________________________________________________________________ Tel no: __________________________________________________________________ Win a $6 Big Wednesday 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 [email protected] 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. T HE O DD J OB M AN ACROSS 1. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 14. 18. 21. 22. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. Rotate Rain heavily Denim trousers Canned fish Hindu exercise routine Having three dimensions Contaminate Cranium Merriment Was deficient in Graze crust Beverage vessel Foot joint Make dirty Cylinder Canine skin disease Small vipers Tax on goods DOWN 1. Disembowelling 2. Humble (oneself) 3. Remove (DVD) from player 4. Weightlifting rod 5. Clairvoyant 6. Improve in quality 12. Purring animal 15. Moors 16. Preserves (corpse) 17. Pulling sharply 19. Snacked 20. Drain 22. Native American tent 23. Room beneath a roof GARY VINCENT No job too small. [email protected] 07 866 0059 021 1466 074 Peninsula Home Kills SERVING THE WHOLE PENINSULA - 2011 Processing beef, sheep, pigs & all game Top quality sausages, bacon, ham & salami g Knife sharpenin . le b service availa Phone Nick Burcombe 866 3970 or 021 2125 260 21 Rangihau Road, Coroglen Last week’s solution Last week’s winner - Claire Hyder Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Community Patrol Report With Laurie Johnston - Chairman of the Mercury Bay Community Patrol The area has been busy this last month. Mercury Bay Area Bay School held its annual ball and once again the organisers and participants should be congratulated for the excellent way our younger generation conducted themselves. There was a bit of noise at one of the after ball functions, but that is to be expected. Well done everyone. The Shipwreck Ball held the weekend before last week ran very well, some strange looking people wandering the streets that night. One of our patrols had to wake a resident during the night last month. He had left his garage door open for all to see or take. He was very grumpy until he saw it was us trying to help and then asked us to close it for him. We have been asked to attend a roadshow in Hamilton later this month. It’s basically being run by the Police and will update us on the latest initiatives the Police are using to reduce World record tuna weighed in Whitianga crime and what our involvement will be. All of the Waikato community patrols (now a total of 15) have been invited. The month was marred, though, with the loss of one of our founder patrol members, who was also our most senior member in years of age. Marie Goldsbro passed away suddenly and unexpected. We shall miss her. She was always available at any time of the day to help out. If we got a call through the night from the Police to assist with a situation, we could always rely on Marie getting out of her warm bed and helping. In the days when we stayed with the Auckland and Coromandel Rescue Helicopter all night before their hangar was built, there were many times Marie was one of the team. Well done and thank you Marie, the town will miss you. 19 February this year is a day Auckland’s Donna Pascoe will never forget - the day she hooked and landed a 411.6kg Pacific bluefin tuna in the waters off Cape Reinga. Undisputedly a world record. And on Monday this week it was time for another possible world record, this time a southern bluefin tuna Donna caught with 60kg tackle east of Great Barrier Island. It was Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club’s weighmaster Allory Whiteman’s privilege to weigh the 80.54kg fish in front of a crowd of more than 100 people who gathered at Whitianga Wharf to welcome Donna, the crew of the vessel Gladiator and, of course, Donna’s record-breaking fish to Whitianga. It’s only the second time ever, and the first time since 1967, the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club has weighed a southern bluefin tuna. The record is now pending, awaiting verification. Pictured is Donna with her catch. PENINSULA NAIL GUN SERVICING Ph Ian Sloane 866 4235 027 7263 797 H O U S E WA S H I N G Call Drew for a free quote The Expert with the time tested and guaranteed method of removing mould, lichen, moss and stains. In fact any exterior surface that needs a clean, Drew can deal to with a harmless but totally effective wash. And remember a pre-paint wash will extend the life of your paint job and make painting easier. Buildings. Boats. Fences. Wood. Concrete. Metal. Call Drew Edwards - The Chemwash Man Mobile: 0274 375 578 a/h 07 867 8493 Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19 3 5 1 49 7 8 6 2 Fishing Report With Alan Proctor Sudoku Sponsored by H&M Pascoe Tel 0274 852 046 Sudoku Puzzle 649 Name: __________________________________________________________________ Tel no: __________________________________________________________________ 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 [email protected] to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The weekly prize is one free DVD rental from Civic Video, Whitianga. The winner must please claim his/her prize from Civic Video directly. Once again we have endured another week with very little fishing effort due to a poor weather forecast. With the extremes we have had wind, rain and cool temperatures at times, this poor weather seems to have become the focus. There are a few though that would rightfully argue that there have been quite a few good weather windows amongst this and these guys are still able to get out deep enough to catch snapper and the odd hapuku on a fairly regular basis. Most action appears to have been around Korapuki, Stanley and Red Merc, with vessels often using the islands for some relief from the wind. Kahawai are reasonably plentiful too, with many of them a lot closer to shore, chasing their prey. Several uncommon visitors to the Bay recently have included seals, killer whales (orca), dolphins and there was also a wild pig swimming off Brophy’s beach for some time last week. When the hapless pig finally made land fall further along Buffalo Beach, it successfully dodged the welcoming party who managed to get fairly wet themselves, before high-tailing it back to a less conspicuous patch somewhere in the bush. One other uncommon visitor this week was a southern bluefin tuna which was caught by Donna Pascoe, fishing aboard Gladiator. The fish weighed 80.54kg and is now a pending New Zealand and world record. This is only the second bluefin tuna to be weighed by our club, the last one having been weighed back in 1967. Some of the kahawai that are being caught are much larger fish that have been following the whitebait which are now heading up all the various streams and rivers. With the whitebait season starting this Saturday we can look forward to seeing some of this delicacy around and many are hoping for a repeat of last season’s bumper harvest. In just a few weeks, on 1 September, the recreational scallop season kicks off and these guys will be looking forward to diving into 13 degree water for these juicy morsels and praying they retain the excellent condition they have at the moment. Tight lines, Alan Last week’s solution Last week’s winner - Dave Morse 5 Monk Street, Whitianga Keeping you on the water Office Ph: 07 8671087 Email: [email protected] Open 6 days - SALES SERVICES & REPAIRS Ph 07 867 1280 David: 027 4994833 Tracey: 027 4907988 See us for all your land development, planning and resource consent requirements. www.plannersplus.co.nz The one stop shop for all your boating needs. Located at 14 Moewai Road Whitianga (Out by the Airport) Deals on now... Sounders, Fish Finders and New Outboard Engines *Ask us about Mercury Finance “We know marine and we know great deals” Mobility equipment available for locals or visitors. Walking frames, crutches, walking sticks and mobility scooters Phone Roger on 07 867 1986 for more information Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Sport Results MERCURY BAY AREA SCHOOL JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY Wednesday 5 August A great day for the 2015 MBAS Junior Cross Country. We had a new venue this year, the Mercury Bay Multisport Park. The venue turned out to be perfect as the course was easy to follow and had plenty of vantage points for parents to watch. The event was “event-managed” by MBAS teacher Finn Battaerd's two outdoor education classes and they did a fantastic job. It was really great to see the outdoor education students running a seamless event. The junior students had a great time all round! Results (first six go to Thames Valley Cross Country which will be held on 26 August at the same venue) 8 Year Old Girls - 1 Drew Casey, 2 Eden Boyd, 3 Jasmine Rhodes, 4 Ella Scott, 5 Kiraya Winter, 6 Andaria Bainbridge, 7 Anne Ngov, 8 Mika Renner. 8 Year Old Boys - 1 Cody Scott, 2 Josh Markowski, 3 Zac Sloss, 4 Mark Johnston, 5 Marlon Ross, 6 Theo van der Putten, 7 Kiel Laker, 8 Daniel Revel. 9 Year Old Girls - 1 Macy Costello, 2 Francie Lidgard, 3 Alexis Sloss, 4 Madison Bird, 5 Georgia Major, 6 Milly Lamason, 7 Meg Hoyland, 8 Maya Williscroft. 9 Year Old Boys - 1 Jacob Corley, 2 Bryn Corley, 3 Iori Clarkson, 4 Colville Green, 5 Jack Williams, 6 Pete Calleson, 7 Kenzo Griffiths, 8 Tyler Assink. 10 Year Old Girls - 1 Jazlyn Sloane, 2 Sally Mills, 3 Trinity Holmes, 4 Jemma Mills, 5 Jade Lowe, 6 Harper Sanders, 7 Ashley Cox, 8 Layla Vickers. 10 Year Old Boys - 1 Taylor Wollburg, 2 Jakub Markowski, 3 Rupert Neilson, 4 Michael Armour, 5 Dylan Fitzsimons, 6 Adam Clague, 7 Rory Springer, 8 Dylan Glazer. 11 Year Old Girls - 1 Tiana Tiro, 2 Jasmine McCleery, 3 Olivia Stewart, 4 Louisa Murie, 5 Jasmine Luff, 6 Aaria Reed, 7 Mira Hale, 8 Petra Campbell. 11 Year Old Boys - 1 JJ Twemlow, 2 Seabastian Ross, 3 Nikale Goddard, 4 Max Davenhill 5 Jackson Thompson, 6 Tristan Nash, 7 Toby Dawson, 8 Jared Presland. 12 Year Old Girls - 1 Zoe Smith, 2 Kelly Evanson, 3 Tiela Rudolph, 4 Olivia Brown-Douglas, 5 Lily Rees, 6 Darrion Major, 7 Libby Barrett, 8 Juliet Lidgard. 12 Year Old Boys - 1 Taine Mason, 2 Alexander Neilson, 3 Woody Teacy, 4 Cole Brewster, 5 Jake Teacy, 6 Rory Trebes, 7 Kodi Bale, 8 Ren Tsumura. TE RERENGA SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY Thursday 6 August It was the first time in many years that the event was held The first five in the 10-year-old boys cross country race of MBAS that was held on Tuesday last week. From left to right - Taylor Wollburg, Jacub Markowski, Rupert Nielsen, Michael Armour and Dylan Fitzsimons. outside the school grounds - at the “Sonny Acre’s” farm, down the road from the school. It was a course filled with a few obstacles… lots of mud and puddles! Results (order of girl, then boy) New Entrants, Year 1 and 2 - 1 Ella Simpson, Dylan Grice, 2 Kyla Wharenui, Ari Forsyth, 3 Sienna James, Travis Hudig-Thompson. Year 3 and 4 - 1 Chloe Adams, Seth Smith, 2 Stina FrankeTowgood, Rico Simpson, 3 Ella Edkins, Flynn Simpson. Year 5-8 - 1 Sheridan O’Keeffe, Jac Forsyth, 2 Beth Simpson, Danyl Hudig-Thompson, 3 Isobel Mikkelsen, Donald Holzgang. MERCURY BAY FOOTBALL CLUB Saturday 8 August 11th Grade - The team played the Whenuakite Endeavours and won both games, 6-0 and 7-0. Players of the Day were Tristan Nash and Michael Armour. 13th Grade - The team played Hauraki Plains Falcons four 20 minute games to catch up on some cancelled games from earlier in the season. The first game was a 1-0 win, then two 0-0 draws and finally a 3-1 win for us. Players of the Day were Connor Tainsh and Ren Tsumura. Senior Girls (report by Shannon Trebes) - The Mercury Bay Senior Girls football team went to Morrinsville to face strong winds, a pitch on a hill, and mud, lots of mud, but the main threat was still the Morrinsville College girls. At kick off the Bay had 10 players and played into the wind and up the hill. Mercury Bay held the possession using strong passes and great dribbling, but could not convert this play into goals. The first score came from a long shot by Shannon Trebes and went over the keeper’s head, then ducked down into the net. Halftime score 1-0. In the second half the Bay had the wind from behind and a downhill slope, although this didn’t help much. Mercury Bay had all the possession and multiple shots on target, miss, miss, miss. But all this hard work and determination finally paid off when Taylor Martin-Free scored off an accurate cross from Shaan Wilson’s boot. The rest of the game was played along the same line of all possession but no goals. A great effort considering having only 10 players to their 11 players plus reserves, final score 2-0. This was all available through the help of our sponsors Mercury Bay Pharmacy, Mercury Bay Lionesses, Dino’s Pizza and the Mana-Nui Motel. The Te Rerenga School new entrants and Year 1 and 2 students lining up for their cross country race on Thursday last week. (Continued on page 23) Your local caring funeral directors • Modern chapel & viewing room • • Excellent sound system • • Ample parking • Celebrants available • Funeral Directors for over 140 years Tel (07) 868 6003 Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21 Everyman Cryptic Crossword © The Observer Observer Puzzle 649 Name: __________________________________________________________________ Tel no: __________________________________________________________________ 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 [email protected] 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. Across 1 6 8 10 11 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 Broadcast omits a cub, extremely small (9) Story reversed within eighty minutes (4) Commercial cars and farm vehicles, carbon-free? They’ll manage (14) Annoying one in front of king and son in capital city (7) Crumbly crisp coating that is more strongly flavoured (7) Voice necessary to debate normally (5) Post-Victorian dawn I read about (9) Problem with fraud United Nations beat (9) Dreams ending in rubble in skips (5) Deeds in parties lacking force (7) Large alien with soft feathers? It’s a disappointment (3-4) Play new role in judo team (5,3,6) Slip in small joke (4) State perfect answer, suppressing wrong ones (9) Down 1 Analyst of data that’s roughly intact as it is (12) 2 Yokel having impact on family (7) 3 Colour and energy in dance (5) 4 Soldier, using aromatic substance with hesitation, receiving support (9) 5 Run into police group (5) 6 Parade involving endless trouble for powerful woman (9) 7 Interim changes for stations (7) 9 Substantial artist holding positions popular as singer and actor (5,7) 13 Recording’s first tune does sadly deteriorate (3,2,4) 15 I’m drained, enthralled by upset today in tennis tournament (9) 17 Overall employment system (7) 19 Volume is in poor, distressed condition (7) 21 Star initially followed by ardent crowd (5) 23 Clubs in genuine agreement to end hostilities (5) Last week’s solution Coastal Tyre & Alignment & East Coast Automotive are under one roof So when you need ... Tyres Mechanical Repairs Wheel Alignments WOFs Mechanical Repairs On your … Car Motorcycle Trailer Truck Why drive around? Come to the One Stop Shop! For all your needs - engine oil, Fork oil and chain lube, we are now the Suppliers of Motul Motorbike Oil for the Coromandel Peninsula. Phone Malcolm on 07 866 2120 8a Dakota Drive, Whitianga Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Sport Results (Continued from page 21) Player of the day went to Shaan Wilson and fair play was received by Tia Ngarimu. MERCURY BAY ARCHERY CLUB Auckland District Archery Association Indoor Championships - Saturday and Sunday 1 and 2 August Members of the Mercury Bay Archery Club achieved as follows - Josephine Martin - 3rd Masters Womens Recurve, Karen Moffatt-McLeod - 1st Womens Longbow, Mike Savage (dual Mercury Bay and Lakeview Member) 1st Mens Barebow and smashed the New Zealand record by over 200 points! The Archery New Zealand Indoor National Championships will be held in Porirua in a week’s time - all three archers are attending those too. Karen Moffatt-McLeod has been selected by the New Zealand Olympic Committee as team manager for the Junior New Zealand Archery team that will participate in the Youth Commonwealth Games to be held in Samoa in September. She will appreciate ideas on raising funds as she will have to pay personally to attend the event. MERCURY BAY NETBALL CENTRE Saturday 8 August Year 4-6 - Aftershoxs 40 v Cheeky Coro Kids 1, Rebelz 17 v Firebirds 12, Thunderbird 19 v Firecats 9. Year 7-8 - Black Magic 28 v Hot Shotz 15, Sapphires 27 v Ambush 21, Slammers 55 v The Pigtails 28. Collegiate - All Stars 37 v Wild Cats 25, Balls of Destiny 49 v Legacies 36, Little Reds 56 v Eclipse 12. Seniors - Senior A 41 v Mavericks 34. MERCURY BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Men’s Golf - Saturday 8 August The final round of the Winter Cup was completed, after a gruelling five rounds through heavy conditions. The best three Stableford rounds counted and the winner was Carl Mitchell with 123 points, consisting of 44, 41 and 38. His long hitting a big asset in the conditions. Second was Roger Booth with 119 points, 44,38 and 37. Third equal was Wayne Malcolm and Alan Henderson with 117. Carl was also the winner of the daily Stableford with Carl Mitchell (left), winner of the Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club’s Winter Cup, receiving his trophy from club captain Murray Bennett. 41 points. Second was Wayne Malcolm on 39, followed by Alan Henderson and Keven Clark on 38 and Graham Eccles and Ken George on 35. Alan Henderson scored the only two of the day. Longest Drive (Senior) - Roger Booth, (Junior) - Paul Lupton. Nearest the Pin (Senior) - Craig Hill. TAIRUA COUNTRY CLUB Drawn Pairs/Best Stableford - Thursday 30 July Results - G Cambie/L Brookes 50, N Hoskin/K Crossman 46, B Crawford/G McClelland 44, B Fellows/M McCann 43. Twos - B Crawford, M Towers, B Wickham, S Norton, Hidden Holes - G Cambie/L Brookes, Nearest the Pin B Crawford. Stableford - Saturday 1 August Results - B Crawford 38, G Cambie 36, M Towers 35, C Collier 34, B Fellows 34. Twos - B Crawford, Hidden Holes - G McClelland, Nearest the Pin - B Fellows. Ladies’ Golf - Tuesday 4 August The 18-hole players played the fourth LGU, spoons and a shootout. Results - Larraine Brooks 58, Marilyne McCabe 69, Bev Wickham 73, c/b Robyn Hayward 73, Lisa Radford 75. Top Cats - Robyn Hayward and Lisa Radford. Twos - Robyn Hayward (2) and Maryline McCabe. The 9-hole players played a net round. Results - Bev Waterman 33, Jill Shanley 34, Bronwyne Boverlander 36, Pamela Campbell 37, c/b Shirley Fellows 37, c/b Raye Phillips 37. Par - Saturday 8 August Results - D Morrison +2, A Morrison +1, F Watts, B Fellows, W Rogers all square. Twos - B Fellows, B Crawford, W Rogers, G Cambie, Hidden Holes - D Morrison. Nearest the Pin - M Towers. MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Men’s Singles - Thursday 6 August Six men played four games of 12 ends, playing for the Worden Cup. At the end of play the winner was Alan Henderson with three wins and one draw (7pts/30ends). The runner-up was Rae Jensen with three wins (6pts/29ends). Congratulations to Rae and to Alan, who retains the title from last season. TAIRUA INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Monday 3 August A roll-up evening of bowls. Three mats were required, with each team playing three games of good competitive bowls. Winners - Mal Burrows, Perrine Busby and Barry Spinley. Runners-Up - Bruce Crawford, Beryl Burrows, Jan Spinley and Johnny Morrison. Chocolate Fish Award - Joan Smith, Carol Thompson, Shirley Pederson and Faye Henderson. Raffles - Beryl Burrows, Celia Morrison, Ken Lowe, Peter Carverhill and Ray Bruce. COOKS BEACH INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Fours Championship 2015 - Wednesday 5 August Four teams competed with two teams qualifying. The final was between Phil Costello, Tom Riddle, Lois MacDonald and June Littin and Selwyn Warren, Buck Prendergast, Meryll Hawke and Roy McAuley. Congratulations to Phil, Tom, Lois and June - our 2015 Fours Champions. HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB Purangi Pairs - Tuesday 4 August North/South - 1 Bill Cummings and Ernie Pitchfork 61.79, 2 Alva Gibson and Dave Dylla 57.50, 3 equal Peter France and Anne Knowles and Philip Shewell and Sue Gill 47.14. East/West - 1 Mary Masters and Jean Myles 57.08, 2 Susan Patterson and Chris Ellett 55.42, 3 Annette Cummings and Maureen France 55.00. MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB Winter Competition Round 3 - Wednesday 5 August North/South - 1 Colin McAnnalley and David Dylla 56.77, 2 Sue Gill and Bob Schibli 56.25, 3 Martin and Val Lewis 53.13. East/West - 1 Ernie Pitchfork and Doreen Harris 60, 2 Jenny Layton and Anne Knowles 55.63, 3 Lynn Mitchell and Faye Smith 51.25. MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Wednesday 5 August Best of 3 frames Evan Hayward up from Taupo has two straight wins and takes home the meat. Ian Baumgran has two wins also, (Continued on page 24) Brain Teaser - Red Herrings © Lovatts Puzzles Brain Teaser Puzzle 649 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 [email protected] 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. Name: __________________________________________________________________ Tel no: __________________________________________________________________ Last week’s solution - Binary Puzzle Answers 1__________________________ 2__________________________ 3__________________________ 4__________________________ 5__________________________ 6__________________________ 7__________________________ 8__________________________ Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Last week’s winner - Nigel Clifford Page 23 Sport Results (Continued from page 23) but had lost his first game. Highest Break - Wayne Bellingham. MERCURY BAY JUNIOR RUGBY Saturday 8 August 9th Grade Gold - It was finals day and the team played against Te Aroha at Boyd Park in Te Aroha. The game started well with our team over the try line twice. Te Aroha retaliated with their first try making it 10-5 at half time. The pressure was on in the second half and although we saw a lot of possession and some great hard driving, Te Aroha's defence was good and there was a lot of turnaround ball. This was the toughest game all season and this reflected in the final score. A couple of runaway tries was all that was in it and Te Aroha took the game, 25-15. Our boys never gave up, and kept the gas on right up until the final whistle blew. How proud are we! We didn't win the final but we have had a fun, fantastic season and the team are developing and improving their skills each year. A huge thank you to a few people and businesses. Firstly, to our sponsors - Toni Gordon for the oranges, Placemakers, Coast 2 Coast Scaffolding and Anchor Milk. Secondly, to our parents and supporters, who came each week rain, hail or shine - to cheer their kids on. And finally a huge heartfelt thank you to our coaches, Garth and Scotty, who dedicate their time and energy to our boys each week for months, teaching them about the game of rugby, sportsmanship and camaraderie and what it is to be part of a team. You guys are awesome! One thing is for certain, we will all be back next year, same time same place, see you then, can't wait! 8th Grade - The team took on Te Aroha in the final in Te Aroha. In the first half we held strong and kept the score even at two tries each. The boys showed great defence and attacking skills and the hard work our coaches put in over the season shined through. The second half saw a firedup and hungry Te Aroha team on the field that caught our boys off guard. Final score 35-10. Congratulations to the Bay for a great season of entertaining rugby. MERCURY BAY SECONDARY SCHOOL RUGBY Saturday 8 August 4th Grade - It was the last game of the season up against Waihi at Lyon Park in Whitianga. Everyone was looking forward to a hard game of rugby and we felt the team was up for it. We started to arrive nice and early for a good warm up, waiting for the rest of the team we were looking rather short of players. We had to make some last minute changes and put players in unknown positions, this did not faze our boys and out they went to play. Waihi scored the first try only minutes into the game. This fired our boys up and they came back with a quick try from Callum Walker. Mercury Bay was moving the ball around and getting good gains in the back line, with excellent support from our forwards. We were turning over a lot of the opposition ball at scrum time, which allowed the Bay to move up the field. Unfortunately we missed some crucial tackles, which Waihi scored from. We went into the half time break down 22-5. The coaches told our boys to enjoy the last 35 minutes of the 2015 season and that is what they did. Mercury Bay held Waihi in their own half for most of the second half. It was a very exciting game, with the Bay showing they were very competitive against such a tough side. Great support was shown by all players and special mention to Tangaroa Lewis and Joe Reynolds for an awesome game. Three tries were scored by the Bay in the second half by Harry Evans, Antonio Anderson and Trinity McQueen. Well done boys it was an excellent effort and a great end to our season. Thank you to our coaches and parent supporters. Player of the Day was Joe Reynolds and Achievement Award went to Tangaroa Lewis. Final score 37-20 to Waihi. MBAS First XV (report by team manager Tony Courtenay) - Semi-final time for the First XV. As Mercury Bay was the fourth qualifier, we had the big ask of playing Thames High School at Rhodes Park in Thames. The first half was tight and both teams had chances. Our boys had a stiff breeze in their backs, but couldn’t take advantage of it. The first half ended with an 8-0 lead to Thames. The second half saw Thames coming out firing and using the wind from behind to gain good advantage. Soon the pressure from Thames took its toll and with injuries and missed tackles by the Bay, the floodgates opened. To our boys’ credit, they never gave up and finished strongly, scoring the final try of the game. The final score was 29-5 to Thames. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank our loyal supporters and our coaches Mike Smith and Peter Davy. Also thank you to our sponsors - The Informer, Snapper Jacks, The Warehouse and Peninsula Business Services. The boys were proud representatives of Mercury Bay Area School and Mercury Bay Rugby. Halfback Trae Tane clearing the ball for the Mercury Bay Area School First XV in their semi-final clash against Thames High School last Saturday. Whitianga Tractors & EQUIPMENT CENTRE Sales Repairs Maintenance TRACTORS & SMALL ENGINES Dave and Karen Phone 07 867 1046 a/hrs 0275 832 343 Email [email protected] Dakota Drive Whitianga Your local Husqvarna dealer Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Classifieds and Public Notices ART PROJECT DEATH NOTICE HUNTER - PATRICIA ANNE (PATSY) Passed away peacefully at Whitianga on Wednesday 5th August 2015. Much loved partner of Mike English (Blink) For over 40 years, and loved aunty, second mum, mentor, friend and role model to all her nieces and nephews and grandmother to all their children. There will be a private cremation only. Correspondence to 86 Cook Dr, Whitianga 3510 HOME-BASED CHILDCARE IN MEMORIAM TOY LIBRARY WHITIANGA TOY LIBRARY Isabella Street (off Coghill St) Open Tuesday 4pm - 5:30pm and Friday 10am - 12.30pm. New members welcome. ~Toys for Hire~ PUBLIC NOTICES COROGLEN/GUMTOWN HALL AGM The Annual General Meeting of the Hall is to be held on Tuesday 18 August at 7:00pm. All welcome to attend and help preserve this community facility. WHITIANGA ART GROUP INC AGM The AGM of the Whitianga Art Group will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday 27 August 2015 at the Art Centre, School Road, Whitianga. All are welcome to attend. LEAH GAYE WELLS WILESMITH 2 October 1970 - 16 August 2006 Old friend a year’s gone When you went to rest We didn’t want to let you go Cos you were one of the best Lots of funny mad times We had over the years Sometimes when we think of them It’s hard to fight back the tears But then there’s always Lots of laughter too Oh my goodness Leah Gaye How lucky are we To have known you Forever young Is what you will always be Forever you will stay with us Our beautiful LeeLee We Love you More Joey, Deb & Ness READINGS In Person or Over the Phone. Comprehensive and Accurate. By Appointment. PH: Twyla 021 125 3535. MERCURY BAY AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB AGM To be held on Thursday 27th August 2015 at 7:30pm at Ocean House Plans, upstairs Natal Trust Building, Albert Street, Whitianga (opposite Chang Thai Restaurant). All welcome. TREE SERVICES TREE SERVICE Any tree work at all. Free quotes. Phone Jeremy on (07) 866 0118. PUBLIC NOTICES RnR Events would like to thank the following for their support of the Whitianga Charity Fundraiser: The SHIPWRECK Ball For the big things: Peninsula Party Hire Whitianga Waterways Treeman Trav Peninsula Hire The Informer NZ Makeup Girl Bobs Takeaways Coastal Refrigeration The Maclardy family Placemakers Coast 2 Coast Scaffolding Endeavor Print Vaughan Grigsby Photography Aotearoa Lodge PowerHowse Generators Mercury Bay Community Events For the yummy things: Salt Bar & Restaurant Chef Steven Towgood Blue Ginger Jandals Café OPC Manukau City Seafood Blackbeard’s Smoke House Liquor King For the people power: Gareth Edwards Andrea Towgood Livy Kathan Paul Collier Roger Newport Sarah Mason Steph McGoven Amy Sammons Tony Perkins Lewis Ward Damian Percival Hot Water Beach Life Guards For helping it look so good: The Glasshouse Eloise Green Sue Costello Flight Club Ballroom Anthea Smith Rustic Rose Florist Graham Haywood Whitianga Hotel Wayne Forster For the prizes: Mosaic Carters Building Supplies Fagan’s Espy Café Rustic Rose Florist rist SITUATIONS VACANT FULL TIME AND PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT EDEN CLINIC IN WHITIANGA We are looking for both experienced and qualified beauty and massage therapists to join our busy clinic. Contact Libby on 022 076 0129. CASUAL SKIPPER’S POSITION Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga is looking for a casual skipper to operate tours at least two days per week. Applicants must have current skippers ticket, local knowledge of area, experience with large trailer boats, great people skills, friendly and can work as part of a team, good reliable work ethic. Please contact Mark on 022 414 5711 and email CV and references to [email protected]. WORK WANTED MIKE’S MOWING $25 empty sections, fortnightly or monthly mowing. Free edge spraying. Free quotes. Phone Mike or Deb 866 4678 or 027 320 1703. FARRIER 2nd Hand Covers HorseTransport Saddlery Cover Repairs LAWN MOWING AND RUBBISH REMOVALS Reliable service. Free quotes. Great price. Phone Rebecca 021 064 7659 or 07 867 1586. Ron Cooke 866 5984 027 498 4447 Tricky Trees • • • • Pruning Felling Stump grinding Firewood Call Chris And all those that attended and supported the event. Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 THE BESS HANDZ EMBROIDERED MONOGRAMS Alterations, repairs, zip and hem service. Phone 866 5277. The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz • • • • Hedge maintenance Crown reductions Difficult removals Chip waste to mulch 021 240 9909 Page 25 Classifieds and Public Notices FOR SALE HOME BREW SUPPLIES Beer. Cider. Wine. Spirits. Mercury Bay Pharmacy HOUSE/PET SITTER DRY FIREWOOD Pine, Gum, Cypress. For prices and to order go to www.trickytrees.co.nz or phone Chris on 021 240 9909. SEWING LESSONS CATTERIES KRISTIN’S BOARDING CATTERY Vet nurse, warm, clean, secure, outdoor run. Phone 866 4724. Bella Cattery 5 Golf Road, Whitianga Hours 8am-10am and 4pm-6pm Inspections Welcome Phone 07 866 5631 COURIER SERVICE BLACK LEATHER CORNER LOUNGE SUITE WITH RECLINER AND CHAISE LOUNGE $1,750, as new. Phone 866 0980 or 027 231 6633. BOATS WANTED WE NEED YOUR BOAT NOW!!! Quality late model trailer boats needed for sale on behalf! We have buyers waiting! Call the team at Whitianga Marine Centre today on 867 1182 or come in to 233 South Highway, Whitianga. CHURCH SERVICES ANGLICAN SERVICES SEWING LESSONS/SEWING SESSIONS Want to learn to sew? Skills taught while making a useful item. Want to improve your sewing skills? Sew with a teacher present, so help is at hand. Want somewhere to complete your unfinished sewing projects or start something new? Come and sew with like minded people. Ten weeks of sewing. Tuesday evenings 6 to 9pm. Sessions $15 - $20pp. Phone Sandy Herbert 027 216 2267. TO LET STORAGE SHEDS available, various sizes, reasonable rates. Dry and secure. Free furniture trailer available - conditions apply. Ph: 07 866 5147 STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & HOMES FOR RENT “Our expertise in property management will ensure your investment property is well looked after. You can just sit back and relax. We also offer a selection of quality rental homes for tenants.” We welcome your enquiry at 7 The Esplanade (by the wharf). Robyn Turner 866 0098 or 027 550 0120 [email protected] Licensed under the REAA2008 St. Peter the Fisherman Dundas Street, Whitianga Sunday Service: 9:30am ALL WELCOME HEALTH SERVICES Enquiries Ph 869 5577 www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.co.nz PENINSULAR MIDWIVES Jocelyn Yates 027 9124104 Fiona Kington 021 743 717 or 07 866 0413 Free Pregnancy Tests. FOR HIRE HUGE BOUNCY CASTLE, $100 on site. FREE BBQ and playground facilities. Ph: 866 0038, www.combatzone.co.nz VEHICLES FOR SALE Peninsula Marquee and Party Hire Don’t let winter put you off having a PARTY, let us help: Marquees, Gazebos Patio Heaters, Fire Brazier Tables, Bar Leaners, Chairs Fairy Lighting and much much more. www.partyhirewhitianga .co.nz [email protected] 07 866 5141 Facebook: Peninsula Marquee and Party Hire Page 26 GARAGE SALES 08 Mitsubishi Fuso 4/6 berth M/Homes $84,900 02 Mazda Atenza Sport Hatch, auto $5,900 02 Toyota Corolla H/B, 5 spd, 148kms $5,900 06 Tandem Trailer, tyre rack, winch $7,600 SAT 15 AUGUST, 1B Tudor Close, 01 Toyota Hilux S/C flat deck, 3.0 $9,990 05 Toyota Corolla S/W, alloys, auto $5,900 Whitianga, 8:00am start. Everything 01 Ford Courier XLX C/Cab, canopy $7,900 04 BMW 320i sedan, auto, black $6,500 must go. Furniture, garden equipment, 99 Toyota Hiace Campervan, 2B $13,600 03 Toyota Corolla H/B, red, 1.8 $6,900 general household items. Good deals. 98 Toyota Harrier, 3.0, auto, towbar $5,900 03 Toyota Rav 4, auto, silver, towbar $9,990 Be in quick. 98 Mazda Demio, Auto, 5 dr, silver $3,600 03 Mazda 6 sedan, auto, grey $8,500 SAT 15 AUGUST, 54B Cook Drive, Whitianga, 8:00am. Bath, vanity, shower 19 Campbell Street, Whitianga www.coastalautos.co.nz base, tools, kitchenware and more. The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 The club’s mana is back By Stephan Bosman Mercury Bay Premier Division team captain Kieran Ramage with his Player of the Year trophy. Team coach Dwayne Mansell is on the left and Mercury Bay Rugby & Sports Club president Eric Gaskell is in the centre. Cody and Kelly Hamilton with Cody’s trophy as the year’s best backline player. The Mercury Bay Rugby & Sports Club colours are yellow and black and the all-yellow suit Cody wore at the prize-giving is evidence that if you search hard enough, you can find anything on TradeMe. Issue 649 - 12 August 2015 Last Friday evening my wife and I attended the senior prize-giving of the Mercury Bay Rugby & Sports Club. And in case you wonder, we weren’t given any tickets. We paid for ours. And at $15 per person, it was a bargain. Not because of the seriously good food that was on offer. Or the fact that a few free drinks were available. No, because the spirit we witnessed among the club members were priceless. During the course of the evening, Mike Smith - Mercury Bay Area School deputy principal - had to present the Jimmy Smith Memorial Cup (donated by his father) to the Club Administrator of the Year. Prior to handing the cup to recipient Wayne Smith (no relation, I understand), Mike made a comment that’s still resonating with me, “The club’s mana is back.” In addition to Mike’s comment, there were a few other highlights. One is Premier Division team coach Dwayne Mansell becoming emotional when he thanked his wife Hayley for her support during the season. That left absolutely no doubt that the club is made up of volunteers that give everything they have for the love of their town, their area and the game of rugby. At the end of the day, for coaches, administrators and players and in Mercury Bay none of them get paid it’s all about doing what they love and doing it to the very best of their ability. Another highlight was the few words Premier Division team captain Kieran Ramage said after he was announced Player of the Year. He paid tribute to his father John, who was also Player of the Year previously. And he spoke about the way he felt when Dwayne asked him to captain the team this year. “I stopped at the Coroglen Pub where I had a beer or two,” he said. “Then I went to tell my dad. All my dad said was, ‘Just do The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz your best and the rest will follow.’” And the rest indeed followed. The McClinchy Cup (the highest honour any Thames Valley rugby team can play for) had pride of place in front of the stage. And that was maybe the other highlight of the evening. There’s a sense of a job half-done among the players, coaches and managers. They drew the final against Waihou this year. Yes, the Mercury Bay name is now, finally, on the McClinchy Cup, but next year they want the name on the cup again. The only thing is they want only Mercury Bay on the cup. When my wife and I left the prize-giving, as we were walking to the car, I thought to myself if I didn’t know what mana meant, now I know. And I thought, clearly the players, coaches and managers cannot wait for the season next year. And, frankly, neither can I. And I felt proud, extremely proud, to be calling Mercury Bay home. In addition to the Club Administrator of the Year and Player of the Year, the following awards were handed out during the evening Best Attendance - EdenMclean Most Tries - Harley Hanning and Cody Hamilton Most Points - Beau Hamilton Most Improved - Jesse Hewitt Young Player of the Year - Tyler Relph Most Promising Player - Chaz Stevenson Team Spirit - Cody Muir Managers Cup - the entire 2015 Premier Division team Players Player (determined according to a points system) - Pedro Scardapane Best Forward - Jarrad Hill Best Back - Cody Hamilton Supporter of the Year - John Ramage Mike English Trophy for Best Club Spirit Dwayne Mansell Page 27 PICK UP YOUR FREE Expert advice E d & free test pots of Dulux paint Trust with yoGu B decoratin r project g - Struggling to choose a colour scheme for your new house, renovation or feature wall? - Talk to the friendly experts at GB Whitianga for amazing colour advice....and pick up your free test pot of Dulux during August - One test pot per customer. *Exclusions apply, see in store for details Shop 1, 1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga 07 866 0035 [email protected] www.facebook.com/guthriebowron Make Short Work of it! A local looking after locals for more than 20 years! Building Repairs and Maintenance 150729 INFORMER FREE Testpot 12/08/15 issue All Painting Airless applications (back 1/4 pg 119mm x 171mm) Waterblasting - paths, driveways & fences Window Cleaning Pre-paint clean Drain unblocking Total house wash with enviro friendly detergent Insect spraying Roof Clean / Treatment Best by reputation - guaranteed Commercial Residential Phone Russell Short: 07 866 2097 or 027 360 2937 0800 CAR DUMP GOT a DEAD or ALIVE VEHICLE $ $ $ cash paid Pickup Peninsula wide 0800 227 3867 Second Hand Tyres, Mags, Lights, Radio’s & parts FOR SALE
Similar documents
672 20 January 2016 Week 1.indd
Amy and her friends loved the activities on offer and it sounds like all hands will be up for the next camp too. “What a jam-packed week full off adventure skills and lots of fun,” says Garth “A gr...
More information629 25 March 2015 Week 4.indd
Want to view a PDF copy of every week’s Informer online? Just visit www.theinformer.co.nz. Page 2
More information627 11 March 2015 Week 2.indd
High & Low Tides for Mercury Bay and Hot Water Beach DAY/ DATE
More information