628 18 March 2015 Week 3.indd
Transcription
628 18 March 2015 Week 3.indd
The Mercury Bay Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Ph 07 866 2090 PORTING P U S S L A LOC LOCALS The powerboats are coming Circulation 6,000 Win New Zealand’s best milkshake see page 9. By Len Salt Round four of the 2015 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Series is returning to Mercury Bay this Saturday 21 March. The “Whitianga Ice Supplies Whitianga Offshore 100” will be made up of two half-hour races, starting at 11:00am and 1:00pm. Wayne Valder, skipper of the “Pro-Floors” boat, says that there will be 22 teams racing on Saturday and if there are significant swells they will go ahead and race anyway. “It just won’t be a comfortable Lazy Boy experience out there if the waves are up. We’ll make an assessment on the day and we might do a storm course, which will be closer inshore rather than out to Centre Island and back.” The NZ Offshore Series is made up of two championships - the 100 mile championship and the 60 mile championship. Each championship has different classes within it, depending on the type and size of the boat and size of the engine. The 100 mile boats are high precision race boats, capable of speeds of up to 200km an hour on the water. The 60 mile boats are typically trailer boats that often double as the family ski and pleasure boat during non-race weekends, making this a relatively easy entry level to the sport. The classes in the championships range from big, inboard powered 1,050hp 32-35ft catamarans, also known as “superboats,” down to the classics mono hulls up to 19ft with a maximum 100hp from a single outboard. Offshore powerboat racing started in Wayne Valder in Pro Floors providing some spectacular action in the Mercury Bay round of the 2013 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Series. Photo by Jeremy Ward www.shot360.co.nz. the 1960s and has become one of NewZealand’s best established water sports. Watching the fleet of multi and mono hull, large and small boats thunder across the water and hearing the distinctive roar of engines is spine-tingling. It’s been described as the ultimate “motorsport on water” by those involved and on past visits to Mercury Bay the sight of these huge power boats heading up Albert Street in Whitianga towards Buffalo Beach most certainly turned a few heads and drew a big crowd on race day. Wayne is a regular visitor to Mercury Bay. Pro-Floors is participating in the “superboat” class and is one of the boats to look out for. Wayne’s teammate is Chris Hanley, current vice-president of the New Zealand Offshore Executive Committee - this is so long as he manages to stay in one piece in this high octane super sport. The other boat to watch out for on Saturday will be “Fairview,” a 34ft Skater skippered by Andrew “Flea” Koolen. The boat is, like Pro Floors, capable of a top speed of 200km an hour and it’s not far-fetched to expect a spectacular battle between these two titans. Both Saturday’s races will start and finish opposite Buffalo Beach Reserve in Whitianga. Covering Whangapoua to Pauanui, including Whitianga, Hot Water Beach and Tairua - www.theinformer.co.nz National Dunes Trust conference in Mercury Bay Last week saw the coming together of around 90 members and associates of the National Dunes Trust in Mercury Bay for their annual conference. The event was combined with a series of presentations and field trips around the area. The group started their visit with a trip to Cooks Beach and Hot Water Beach on Wednesday 11 March. Otama and Whangapoua followed on Thursday and everyone ended up in Whitianga on Friday where a series of presentations took place in conjunction with the conference itself. During the field trip to Otama, the group were hosted at the home of Michael Smither and Gian McGregor, both keenly involved in the debate around restoration of dunes in the Mercury Bay area. At Whangapoua the group were greeted by iwi representatives from Ngati Huarere, with a presentation from Wanda Brljevich. Local homeowner Doug Arcus also spoke about management of erosion at Whangapoua. The National Dunes Trust is a combined professional and community body actively involved in dune restoration, with roughly two thirds of the group made up of members of community organisations and interested individuals from around New Zealand. The Mercury Bay gathering included eminent archaeologist Dr Louise Furey, curator of archaeology at Auckland Museum. Doctor Furey has more than 40 years experience in archaeological research in the Coromandel area. The group also welcomed Dr Frieda Gesing from the University of Bremen in Germany to Mercury Bay. In addition to a focus on the ecological and cultural values of dunes, the National Dunes Trust also aims to promote improved understanding of coastal erosion and alternative methods to traditional engineering solutions. By coming together and sharing experience and the results from their work around New Zealand, the suite of solutions available for dune restoration and the management of coastal erosion are gradually extended. Local scientist, Jim Dahm is an applied coastal scientist with 30 years’ experience in the management of coastal erosion and was responsible for initiating coast care community-based dune restoration in New Zealand. Jim is one of the Trustees of the National Dunes Trust and he says that in the past there has been a lack of knowledge about the cycles of beach erosion and subsequent natural recovery. These can happen over a sustained period of time, with sands shifting from one part of a bay or coastline, particularly during storms and The Mercury Bay Informer is published weekly on Wednesdays and circulated 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. Published by - Mercury Bay Media Limited Publisher - Petra Roodt Editor - Stephan Bosman Contributing Editors - Len Salt, Alison Smith, Meghan Hawkes and Jack Biddle Deliveries - 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 would like to receive a copy of The Mercury Bay Informer delivered to your lettterbox. ONLINE POLL FOR MARCH 2015 Local councils must put policy in place regarding places where “legal highs” can be sold. Should Thames Coromandel District Council allow the sale of “legal highs” anywhere in Mercury Bay or Tairua-Pauanui? 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. high seas, to other parts of the same coast or beach. “These days there is greater emphasis on trying to understand coastal erosion and living with it where practical, rather than always trying to control it,” Jim says. “This has seen planning procedures changing with a move away from building very close to beaches and dunes, to give space between buildings and the beach. These days, there is greater emphasis on coastal setbacks and restoring natural buffers, creating the space and the natural systems required for humans and beaches to co-exist. Nonetheless, traditional engineering solutions have been, and still are in some cases, the accepted solution. Our objective in the Trust is to see the majority of New Zealand dunes restored and sustainably managed using indigenous plant species by 2050.” The National Dunes Trust’s involvement in restoration programmes along New Zealand’s coastline is in the hope that over time, an improved balance - the people of New Zealand living more in harmony with our coastlines will be achieved. Participants in a National Dunes Trust field trip at the home of Michael Smither and Gian McGregor at Otama Beach on Thursday last week. High & Low Tides for Mercury Bay and Hot Water Beach DAY/ DATE HIGH AM LOW AM HIGH PM LOW PM Wed 18 5:41 11:41 6:07 Thu 19 6:39 0:10 7:07 12:40 Fri 20 7:35 1:07 8:04 1:37 Sat 21 8:30 2:03 8:58 2:32 Sun 22 9:23 2:56 9:51 3:25 Mon 23 10:15 3:49 10:43 4:17 Tue 24 11:07 4:41 11:34 5:08 Tide data sponsored by nzwindows.co.nz 4 Dakota Drive Whitianga Tel 07 869 5990 What’s that Number? Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police)........................................................................... 111 Police (Whitianga) .............................................................................................. 866 4000 Police (Tairua) .................................................................................................... 864 8888 Fight crime anonymously - Call Crime Stoppers .................. ....... ............. 0800 555 111 Dog and Noise Control .......................................................................................868 0200 Poison Centre ..............................................................................................0800 764 766 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 Harbour Master (Tairua) ............................................................................... 027 476 2651 Coastguard Radio Operators ............................................................................ 866 2883 Social Services Whitianga ..................................................................................866 4476 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Whitianga Sea Scouts raft race champions The Whitianga Sea Scouts enjoyed an exceptionally successful Eastern Waikato Zone Founders Day Camp the end of last month at Camp Gow (a Scout campsite) outside Matamata. A bit of a tradition was reborn when all of the Scout groups at the camp competed for the first time since 2003 in a 5km race down the Waihou River in rafts they had to build themselves. Up for grabs was an impressive trophy which was last won by the Te Aroha Scouts. The Whitianga Scouts entered two teams in the race and 5km downstream their rafts crossed the finishing line in first and second place respectively. A performance the whole area can be proud of. Pictured are the Scouts proudly displaying their trophy. The winning team in the front, from left to right - Corey Anderson, Jed Greig, Troy Bernhard and Gabriel Asquith (Liam McDonnell and Jordan Richmond are absent). In the back the team that came second, from left to right - Ethan Dagger, Maria Booker, Shayla Taylder, Breyton Edgecombe, Ari Yiannoutsos and Corey Jenson. Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3 Vandalism not stopping Garden Group girls With many of the stories that we write at the Informer, it’s not until you start to peel away the layers and get right underneath that you find the real spirit and the depth of the people and places that we are so fortunate to have in our local area. This story is about the immaculate care and energy that a group of primary school girls at Mercury Bay Area School have put into building their Garden Group garden. It’s also a positive story about pride, teamwork and achievement, just the kind of thing that we like to write about. Last week an act of stupidity by some people destroyed a lot of what these girls had spent three years trying to achieve. We don’t usually write stories about vandalism. It rarely happens in Mercury Bay and we are lucky to have a community rich with people who want to look after the resources that we have and to support and care for each other. So, this story is about the enormous spirit these girls have shown in picking up the pieces and wanting to do it all again. The Garden Group’s garden would do anybody proud. The students made the raised beds, using hammers, spades and all kinds of tools, probably for the first time in their young lives. They filled the beds with soil, composted, gathered seeds and seedlings, planted, watered and ran out each day to see how their little plants were doing. There was a lot of laughing and lessons in democracy as in-depth discussions happened and votes were taken about what to plant and where, where the sun was coming from, which plants needed light or shade and room to grow. 650g T-Bone w mushroom sauce $32 Thai beef chillie skewers $16 Members of the Mercury Bay Area School Garden Group at part of their destroyed garden. From left to right - Jade Fisher, Amy Bosman, Phoebe Asquith, Rita Robinson, Charlotte McDougall, Lilly Lindner, Francie Lidgard, Caitlin Klouwens and Tinca Samson. Lessons were learned along the way about which plants needed more water than others, which ones were going to crowd and bully the others to get more space, which ones needed stakes to hold them up and how to keep the birds, caterpillars, slugs and snails away. A worm farm was established and leftover bits of fruit and tasty stuff that Super 15 TAB POKIES Rugby Live Highlanders v Hurricanes 7:30pm Wishing Tree from 5-7pm New Autumn Menu DV D Buy One Main and enter into the draw to win Dinner for Two! Page 4 worms like were carefully deposited into the farm. A compost bin got started and the girls kept the green stuff recycling. Harvest days were exciting and to be able to share a lunch at school made from salad sandwiches grown in your own gardens with your own friends, was really something special. Somewhere along the way the girls FREE POOL Super 15 Rugby Crusaders v Cheethas Live 7:30pm ALL DAY Open for brunch, lunch Saturday and Sunday and dinner 6 nights discovered that the loofahs that we use in the shower to scrub our backs come from a plant. So they found out where to get the seeds and planted them in the garden. Loofah pods take between 150-200 days to ripen and for the girls the excitement was growing as their loofah plants were getting closer each day to the stage where they could pick them. Last week, unfortunately, there was one left. All the rest had been stolen or smashed to pieces. The one that remained had been behind some leaves, so the attackers must have missed it. The shade cloth covering the sandpit of the school’s youngest students had also been slashed. And a large red bowl had been taken from the sandpit. Teacher in charge of the Garden Group, Lena Pooley, thinks that the bowl was used by the intruders. “All the ripe tomatoes were gone, so we wondered if the bowl was used to gather them up and carry them away,” she said. The girls reckon that if the people who took the crops were hungry, they could have asked for food, rather than just take it. And it could have been done without throwing the pumpkins against the wall. But the Garden Group girls are pretty smart and surprisingly tough. They’re a close team and they stick together, so one senseless act isn’t going to stop them. It would be easy to understand if they said, “What’s the point?” and wanted to give up. Yes, there were tears and lots of questions, which were very difficult to answer. But these kids are not down and out. They are ready to plant more seeds and in a few months’ time their garden will be magnificent once more. Happy Hour Every Week Day from QUIZ NIGHT 7:30pm 4-6:30pm Great pizzas also available Full Menu at www.govino.co.nz Ph. 867 1215 for bookings Closed today. In tr o d u c i n g S i g n a t u re S e a f o o d B i r yani and Go at Curr y Delicious and Affordable Indian Food Enjoy restaurant quality food in the comfort of your own home. Food made with freshly ground spices. Enjoy real curry pies. Open for dinner only Open for dinner only What’s New REVIEW Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (TBC) (Out Wed) Having twice survived the Hunger Games, Katniss finds herself in District 13. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss reluctantly becomes the symbol of a mass rebellion against the Capitol and fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage. The beginning of the end starts here. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are outstanding. You really get the sense of this rebellion taking off, as well the political intrigue that is fuelling it. Francis Lawrence has directed this film brilliantly. Reviewed By Cara. The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz • • • • • TOP MOVIES My Old Lady Mockingbird A Tiger Tale Barbie in Princess Power No Good Deed Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Chase the Ace - Super 15 - LIVE Happy Hour 3-7pm Ribs ’n’ Chips Win $250 cash!! Only $15!! Meat raffles Happy Hour Steak Night 3-7pm $16 Scotch Fillet!! Pool Comp 8pm Jameoke 9pm Win $100 Bar Tab @ 6pm $10 Burgers & Fries! DJ Mighty 9pm Dine In • Takeaway • Delivery 13 / 1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga $10 ROAST DINNER 5pm Mercury Bay Big Band 7:30pm BODY BALANCE 9am FREE POOL! $10 Curry Night!! Steak night $16 Happy Hour $10 Burger & Scotch fillet, 3-7pm Fries salad & fries!! Mon-Fri Drink Specials Dine In FREE on your Birthday One main, rice & naan. Minimum 2-person party. Open 7 Days From 5pm SNOOKER 1:30pm 8 BALL 7pm Tai Chi 9am Official Offshore Powerboats After Party Live Band Splinta 9pm MEMBERS DRAW RAFFLES 11am Club Opens11am Garden Bar Meat/Seafood LUNCH 11am Games Room Raffles 5:30pm Free Pool Tables Meals/Bar Early Bird Draw Sports Bar Snacks 5:30pm Tai Chi 9am TAB Pod 07 866 3830 Open Award Brewery Bookings 11am Restaurant winning & Bar beers every day taken Wednesday 18th Open @ 6pm AMAZING SEA VEIWS Asahi, Estrella Damm & Cider on Tap - Craft Beers Bali style décor Friday 19th Open @ 5pm Saturday 21st Open @ noon Live Music Live Music Rob & the Rooster Acoustic Jazz & Blues Good Times! Accoustic Jazz & Blues with Rob & The Rooster Ocean Views Open 7days for dinner from 5pm Lunch from 12 noon Fri / Sat / Sun 11A Coghill Str, Whitianga Tel: 07 866 2200 Tue - Thur 4pm - 10pm Fri - Sat 4pm - 10:30pm Sunday 4pm - 9:30pm www.alcaminos.co.nz STEAK NIGHT SIRLOIN, Egg ‘n’ Chips Surf ‘n’ Turf SCOTCH, Tavern made ONION RINGS w. salad Authentic North Indian Cuisine Wide selection of seafood, vegetarian & gluten-free. Children’s menu available. INDOOR BOWLS 7:15pm RAFFLES 5:30pm Tai Chi 9am 7:15pm Tai Chi 9am MEMBERSHIP DRAW DARTS 7:30pm Dance/Rock ‘n’ Roll Lessons Sunny Large kids terrace with views playground Sunday 22th Open @ noon JAZZ DAY Music From 6pm Free Wi Fi Bookings for large groups or functions Text 027 486 6744 or ph 07 866 2275 Tuesday 24th New Opening times Tues & Wed open @ 6pm Fridays @ 5pm, Sat & Sun @ Noon Closed public holidays Award winning Lamb & Beef 2014 Silver Fern Farms Greek Easter - 4 & 5 April 3 Course meal with coffee - $65 per person LIVE GREEK MUSIC BOOKINGS TAKEN NOW! DARTS NIGHT HAPPY HOUR IS BACK! RAFFLE NIGHT 7.30pm 5pm-7pm Newbees Welcome! SUPER RUGBY Best night of Highlanders v Hurricanes 7:35pm the week SUPER RUGBY TONIGHT CRUSADERS V CHEETAHS 7:35PM POOLS ON US ALL DAY! Gotta Love Sundays HAPPY B-DAY LUCI xxx Start the week of with a delish cup of happiness! We are now FULLY LICENCED Put your feet up and let us do the cooking FULL TAKEAWAY SERVICE P 866 3809 Delicious platters Introducing our new available all day every day “coffee club” 07 866 0456 www.thelostspring.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5 Pedal for Plunket The past two weeks saw 120 team members of The Warehouse, including CEO Simon Turner, cycling on a relay basis the length of New Zealand (2,213km) to raise funds for the Plunket Society. The epic bike trip kicked off in Cape Reinga on Wednesday 4 March, crossed the Cook Strait on the Bluebridge Ferry on Thursday 12 March and finished in Bluff on Tuesday 17 March. In addition to the volunteers taking part in the relay, The Warehouse team members in stores and distribution centres around New Zealand and the company’s support office in Auckland cycled over 110,000km on stationary bicycles in support of the campaign, known as “Pedal for Plunket.” The total distance cycled by all team members equals three times around the world. Customers could support Plunket by adding a dollar to their purchases during the time the campaign was on. The Warehouse Whitianga team have done their bit for the campaign with an impressive effort, involving the whole crew. “We even had staff members coming in on their days off,” said store manager Rachel Reid. “And because we were having fun and doing our bit, our customers don’t mind chipping in a bit to help a good cause.” The team cycled the equivalent of 220km in 15 minute blocks on a stationary bicycle set up in the entrance of their store and colourfully decorated with balloons. The Plunket Society was formed on 14 May 1907 by Dr Truby King, a medical superintendent and lecturer in mental diseases. Dr King believed that by providing support services to parents, the society could ensure that infant children would eat better and therefore reduce child mortality rates. He also believed that this would improve health as the children got older. Plunket was formed at a time when infant mortality rates in New Zealand were significantly higher than they are today and the life expectancy of those who survived into adulthood was only 51 years. Today we can expect to live an average of 81 years (source - Gapminder). This astonishing improvement in survival rates has not been enjoyed in all parts of the world and the fact that we have seen such dramatic changes in New Zealand is due in no small part to the work that the Plunket Society has done with families since it was formed. Plunket provides a variety of support services today, including home and clinic visits, Plunketline – a toll free parent helpline and parenting education programmes. The society got its name from an early patron - Victoria Alexandrina Plunket - herself a mother of eight and wife of William Plunket, Governor of New Zealand from 1904 - 1910. The Warehouse Whitianga team when they reached the “finish line” of their 220km “Pedal for Plunket.” In the words of team member Ann Madden, “We rode as far as the K2 and then on to the Coroglen Tavern...” Got guests coming? Need an affordable bed? See your sleeping specialists - Bedpost Whitianga Lee Street, Whitianga P: 07 866 2448 Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 AUT scholarship for Rebecca Harris AUT University is proud to announce that Rebecca Harris from Whitianga is a recipient of the 2015 Woolf Fisher Firstin-Family AUT Scholarship. The scholarships are aimed to help support and encourage young people from families with no history of successful university education to complete a university degree. Rebecca is the first in her immediate family to enroll at university, something she is extremely proud of. “I'm honoured and excited to have been awarded the Woolf Fisher First-in-Family AUT Scholarship and I can’t wait to see what other amazing opportunities I’m offered Rebecca Harris Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 during my time at AUT,” she says. A student in the Bachelor of Business degree, Rebecca’s goal is to become an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. “As someone who has been raised in a small town dependent on seasonal trade, I see the benefits in effective business practice in our hospitality industry and look forward to helping it become as profitable as well as sustainable as possible.” Prior to studying at AUT, Rebecca was a student at Mercury Bay Area School where she studied eight subjects at NCEA Level Three, achieving an excellence endorsement. As well as being committed to her academic studies, Rebecca is also dedicated to bettering her own community through volunteer work. Named as a New Zealand Local Hero of the Year for 2015, she has raised $30,000 in funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The Woolf Fisher Trust, established by Sir Woolf Fisher, is one of New Zealand’s largest privately endowed educational trusts. Trust chairman Sir Noel Robinson says they are thrilled to offer this Firstin-Family scholarship to Rebecca. “We are proud to have awarded Rebecca this scholarship and we are excited to see where her academic study will take her in the next few years. The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz AUT’s vice-chancellor Derek McCormack says AUT is delighted to have partnered with the Woolf Fisher Trust to establish this scholarship scheme. “Our goal is to encourage these young New Zealanders to follow their dreams by graduating with an AUT degree, to enjoy career success in their chosen field of study, and to provide encouragement and support to others to also aspire to university success.” The Woolf Fisher Trust will invest more than $2 million over the next 10 years in AUT First-in-Family scholarships, which will support up to 40 scholarship holders per year by 2017. Twelve scholarships will be offered in 2015, covering the direct costs of study for the duration of scholarship recipients’ undergraduate degree with a nominal value of around $20,000 per scholarship. The scholarships are for undergraduate degree study at any of the university’s three campuses located in Auckland City, North Shore and Manukau and annual renewal of the scholarship will be dependent on the satisfactory academic progress of the scholarship recipient. The Woolf Fisher Trust says they consider AUT the ideal partner for this endeavour with its commitment to access and opportunity, academic quality and the wide range of relevant contemporary degrees on offer. Page 7 Inter-faith play in Whitianga this weekend Whitianga will see a special dramatic production of a play entitled “Women Who Knew Christ” this weekend. The inter-faith play was originally conceived and written by Sister Claudene Gordon of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, more commonly known as the Mormon Church. Producing the play has been a collaboration between Claudene and Mary Petersen, pastor of St Andrews by the Sea Community Church in Whitianga. Jan Wright has taken on production duties with a team of locals, including Sharyn Morcom, Liz Nichols on music and Karen Higgins. The play is designed to appeal to a wide variety of Christian spiritual followings and has involved the co-operation of most of the other churches in the local area. “We want this play to be a lift into the Easter season and a gift to the community from all those involved. Entry is free and light refreshments will be served,” says Claudene. The play has been performed previously in a number of different locations, including California, Utah and Arizona as well as Hamilton and a recent production in Fiji. “We have worked with the cast to make sure the play is appropriate for a Kiwi audience rather than the original American script. The changes are not major, just really fine tuning to ensure that our local audience gets the most out of the production”, says Claudene. There are a number of songs included in the play, including the opening piece, a Hebrew song by Hamilton singer Nesca Bowlin. The play will be performed Sunday 22nd March at 3:00pm in the Town Hall in Monk Street. Pictured are some of the team invoved in the play. Back from left to right - Linda Stephensen, Maria Dove, Tina Bartlett, Julie Burns-Nevin, Sharyn Morcom and Katie Bartlett. Middle from left to right - Jan Wright, Claudene Gordon, Julie St George, Bess Kingi-Edmonds and Heather Meikle. Front Charlotte Christensen and baby Emily. Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Espy’s milkshake is number one! On Thursday last week The Espy Cafe in Whitianga received the phone call they’ve been waiting for. Their salted caramel and cashew ice cream milkshake with homemade fudge, chocolate sauce and cream has won the inaugural Anchor New Zealand’s Best Milkshake Competition. In the competition, New Zealand was divided into four regions. To get to the final, The Espy’s milkshake, named “Aw Fudge I Crushed My Nuts!” had to attract the most votes from the public in the Central North Island Region. Once that hurdle was cleared, judge Deanna Yang, entrepreneurial owner of iconic Auckland milk and cookies bar Moustache had to decide if The Espy’s milkshake was better than the entries of the three other finalists in Avondale (Auckland), Hastings and Christchurch. Judged by the speed with which Deanna declared The Espy as the winner, it seems as if she didn’t have too much difficulty in making her decision. “We’re absolutely stoked,” says Duncan Wood, owner of the Espy with his wife Bev. “The support of the community was overwhelming. We would like to thank everyone who voted for us in the competition.” Pictured are Duncan (front centre) and Bev (front on the left) with Ayesha McQueen, Espy ice cream parlour manager (front on the right) and the rest of The Espy team. From left to right - Olivia Christiansen, Kylie Clayton, Sherryl Howe, Gaia Hendrikse-Strydom, Peter Searle, Andie Willis, Chere Laker, Sassha Hoar, Rainbow-Sky Quintal, Justine Quintal, Ashleigh Miller and Alice Veevers. Win a milkshake - easy as The Informer and The Espy are giving away 10 of The Espy’s award winning milkshakes. All you have to do to win is to engage in a bit of fun. Taylors Mistake (the public reserve in Whitianga stretching from Albert Street to The Esplanade between the buildings Mainly Casual Boutique and Feetstreat Shoes are in) has an odd name. No two ways about that. Who was Taylor and what mistake did he (or she) make? So, if you were given the opportunity to rename Taylors Mistake, what would you call the reserve? Let us know. Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 If your answer is one of the ten we like most, an award winning milkshake is yours. You can email us, post your answer to us, Facebook us, Twitter us, personally drop your answer in to us or send us your answer via our website www.theinformer.co.nz, whatever works best for you. Your answer must be in writing and must have your name and phone number included. The closing date is Friday 27 March. Please note that we won’t be able to discuss our decision with anyone once the winners have been chosen. The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9 “Dragons” to the rescue at Tairua Information Centre By Alison Smith A call for community action to sustain the Tairua Information Centre has sprouted a multitude of ideas - all aimed at making Tairua a destination rather than a drivethrough stop to seek directions for Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Rowena Brown took the helm as Tairua Information Centre manager on 13 January this year and has been noholds-barred in her drive to secure the future of the centre. First on the agenda is to secure sufficient funding so the centre can sign an extension of its lease by another two years this June on a prime position next to Pacific Harbour Lodge on the main road of town. Rowena put out a call to action for “dragons” - based on the UK television series The Dragon’s Den - to come forward with innovative proposals that would make the centre financially sustainable. “The response was massive,” says Rowena of the call for ideas. “We had people coming in sharing their ideas and some even offering to make a financial contribution, but what stood out overall was that we don’t want to be focusing on building bridges to somewhere else, because Tairua has it all right here.” The community, she says, is adamant that visitors should be given good local knowledge about the unique qualities that Tairua has to offer. “I believe our point of difference is our history. We have the oldest artefact ever found in New Zealand [a pearl shell fishing lure found around Paku Bay and now housed in the Auckland Museum], bones of six moa species, living fossils with the tuatara offshore, a seven million year old volcano [Paku], twin Kauri that are several hundreds of years old and remnants of the kauri logging heritage, as well as our Maori history and the gold mining history which are accessible through walks in the Puketui Valley at Hikuai.” Thames Coromandel District Council invests ratepayer dollars into the Visitor Information Centre network, which has sites at Whangamata, Whitianga, Thames, Tairua, Coromandel and Pauanui. For the past two years it has been preparing centres for the transition to a “locally funded activity,” which means - as is proposed in the draft new Long Term Plan of Council - that from July this year, ratepayers in Tairua and Pauanui will pay $11 toward their local centres, increasing to $16 next year and $19 the year after. They will also contribute $5 this year to two major centres - located at Thames and Whitianga - rising to $7.10 next year and $8.30 the year after. TCDC Area Manager for TairuaPauanui, Garry Towler, says the centres in Whitianga and Thames will be geared up to provide information about activities across the whole Thames Coromandel District, so staff will not only pitch their local towns, but direct visitors to other centres and activities around the Coromandel Peninsula as well. “This decision was made by the full Council in 2013 and it is now coming to fruition,” says Mr Towler. “The issue was hotly debated.” Rowena says a whopping 80-90 per cent of walk-in enquiries at the Tairua Information Centre are people on their way to Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove from outside of the district. She supports Destination Coromandel’s focus on getting international visitors to the Coromandel to flow through to all the information centres. Rowena is gathering ideas for a bigger vision for Tairua and says she sees a sculptural installation of moa, a depiction of the ancient pearl shell lure that confirms Tairua as one of the first places in New Zealand visited by humans and a shuttle bus operated by the information centre taking visitors up Paku and telling them about the incredible history of the area. Rowena also encourages all businesses and tourism operators in Tairua to list with the centre and let them increase Tairua Information Centre manager Rowena Brown with three books she believes contain the answer to putting Tairua on the map - Tairua by Francis Bennett, History of New Zealand by Michael King and Ka the Falcon by Bruce Gilberd. custom for their business. “There are operators that we don’t act as agent for and we should. Everyone should be with us, so come and talk to us about how we can promote your business. We need to source more products to sell and then actively sell them.” She says visitors appreciate being able to speak to a trustworthy, local source of information and believes many travellers are growing suspicious of online forums and guide books where the information provided may have been purchased by advertisers. Those who already have enjoyed the warm welcome of Tairua and the suggestions made by Rowena and her small team of volunteers have returned with boxes of chocolates and even champagne - and this is only Rowena’s first two months in the job. “We encourage all visitors to do the Paku Summit walk to see the amazing vista from the top,” Rownea says. “We tell them if they go up they'll come back to Tairua one day and that's what we want. We don't want them racing off to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach until they've experienced what we have to offer.” Rowena is happy to address all groups who are interested in her vision for Tairua and the Tairua Information Centre. She’ll be speaking to the Tairua Probus Club on 2 April. Of course anyone is welcome to pop into the centre anytime during weekdays to share their thoughts and experience the warm, professional welcome and service that guests from outside the district receive when they visit Tairua. Revitalize with Reflexology Sleep better Less Pain More Energy Nick Reynolds i nternati onal i nsti tute of reflexology [email protected] 0274 799 763 7 Punga Place Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Health Improvement and Maintenance Shiatsu Massage and Jin Shin Jyutsu Gentle Experienced Therapist Phone 021 250 1278 or Phone 866 2313 Claudia Pentner 14 Monk Street, Whitianga House visits available Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Youth awards nominations open 23 May is the beginning of Youth Week 2015. It’s also the date when finalists and winners will be announced for the 2015 Coromandel Peninsula Youth Awards. Nominations have opened and five young people who have demonstrated outstanding abilities or made a special contribution to their community will be chosen as the award recipients. The five categories are Young Creative Award for Artistic Expression, Helping Hand Award for Community Service, Green Thumb Award for Environmental Care, Kia Kaha Award for Perseverance and Legend Award for Excellence. Louise West, health promoter with the Waikato District Health Board (“WDHB”) is involved in organising the event, but she says the initiative and many of the key elements of the awards this year are coming from work that youth groups around the Coromandel themselves have done. So are we seeing a shift away from “top-down” recognition to a more hands on approach by the people directly involved? “There have been Youth Awards for a number of years,” Louise answered. “But this is the first time that the Thames Youth Forum and the Coromandel Peninsula Youth Collective have led the awards process from conception all the way through. The support and the resources have been provided by Thames Coromandel District Council, WDHB’s Population Health and the Ministry of Youth Development, but it’s the youth groups themselves that are driving the bus.” There is no sports award, however. Sport Waikato already hosts sports awards in the area and given the scope of the sports category it makes sense for that to be treated as something totally separate. Louise says there is a specific focus on harm prevention. “It’s a critical part of the social environment, to create a place where young people can develop the skills they will need to make change for themselves and to enable that perspective to be included in their decision making process.” The call for nominations will close on 17 April. Nomination boxes are already available at schools, youth space centres, social services offices, Council offices, libraries and other key locations around the Peninsula. In addition to the five award categories, there is also a “People’s Choice Award for Excellence,” chosen from all the nominations. For the people involved in these awards, it is hoped that the work done by the Thames-based youth groups will inspire groups in other areas to be more involved in the process in future. There are initiatives already under way by Jenny Wolf of Whitianga Social Services and Stephan Lindner of the Whitianga Youth Space to try and make this happen. They are always looking for exceptional young people with the potential to become more involved in leadership roles. Nominees can enter more than one category and they can be individuals or groups, however they must have been living, working or attending school in the Coromandel Peninsula at the time the activity they were nominated for took place. They must be aged between 12 - 24 years to be eligible. You can nominate someone you know or you can nominate yourself. Two referees over the age of 18 are required as part of the process. All entries must be received no later than 5:00pm on 17 April 2015. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony at the Thames Civic Centre. Nominations can be done via email at [email protected] or use one of the nomination boxes. More information is available at www.tcdc.govt.nz/youth-awards. The Whitianga Youth Space on a weekday after school - possible breeding ground for one or more Coromandel Peninsula Youth Awards winners. MERCURY BAY 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 Mercury Bay Medical Centre - Ph 866 5911 hers Gift Voluacble avai Full Facial Special $65 -For men and women Herbal steam cleansing with ozone. Scrub, masque and moisturiser + Hand treatment + Foot treatment Get spoilt! Contact Maria 866 4987 or 021 404 923 14 Parkland Place, Whitianga Top of bed. Large selection. See your sleeping specialists - Bedpost Whitianga Lee Street, Whitianga P: 07 866 2448 Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11 To the Editor See page 2 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions Dear Editor - Genetically engineered foods I am writing in response to TB Burnham’s letter in The Informer of 4 March in relation to “GMO foods,” more scientifically described as genetically engineered (“GE”) foods. “GE plants” have existed for millennia - the only difference in the last 20 years or so is that we now “genetically engineer” (ie select and breed) plants with more precision, accuracy and speed than what we have done previously with traditional plant breeding. All the plants we now eat look nothing like they did one or two thousand years ago. Indeed, the original carrots that were cultivated 1,000 years ago in Persia were purple! As an industrial chemist and microbiologist/biochemist with 35 years’ experience, like 99 per cent of other scientists, I have no safety and health concerns with GE foods. There have been over 2,000 peer-reviewed studies done on GE foods globally, including over 600 on food safety per se (of which 130 were done by non-corporate scientists), that categorically prove the safety of GE foods. More importantly perhaps, in North America alone it is estimated that over a billion farm animals have consumed GE plants and, world-wide, consumers have consumed over 13 trillion meals containing GE-derived foods. Yet there has not been one single validated health issue linked to GE technology. So much for the scaremongering. So, the issue of GE food safety is a non-issue - even the small percentage of scientists against GE plants agree - rather, they have concerns about environmental effects. This is another topic, but suffice it to say that all changes in agricultural technology have to be regulated, managed properly and evaluated to mitigate any possible detrimental effects. This can be and is done and there are many ecologists that believe GE plants are actually better for the global environment (ie better yields, so less of a footprint for food production, less deforestation required for extra cropland and less pesticide and herbicide applications). The consensus of the scientific community and all the world’s leading national and global regulatory and health authorities is that foods derived from GE plants are safe. The anti-GE food activists always bring up the old chestnut about labelling of GE foods with the usual, “If they are so safe, why not label them?” The reason is simple - GE food is the same as non-GE food for safety and nutritional and chemical composition. We don’t label foods with such irrelevant things as, “Made with canola oil that comes from a 32nd cross-breeding plant selection process using varieties X and Y,” or “Mixed using a Krups mixing machine,” so why label GE food that is simply food? If labelling of GE foods is implemented, it will only increase the already widespread misconceptions about GE foods (and then the same anti-GE activists looking for lablling would gleefully proclaim, “Oh, look, it must be unsafe because they have to label it”). In addition, it will lead to less consumer choice (as companies want to avoid labels on their products that may decrease sales), increase food costs for the consumer, give farmers and manufacturers additional administrative work and further stigmatize this beneficial technology that has increased yields and profits for individual farmers. If people don’t want to buy GE-derived food, they can buy organic food, so they do have a choice (even if the science proves that expensive organic food is no different than conventional food). In summary, GE foods are perfectly safe and bring a lot of advantages to global society, such as reduced herbicide and pesticide use, increased yields, reduced topsoil erosion (GE crops facilitate no-tillage farming), crops engineered to better withstand drought and soil mineral deficiencies, crops designed to solve deficiency diseases (eg “golden rice” contains beta-carotene biosynthesis genes that could prevent 670,000 vitamin A-deficient children under five from dying in India every year if it was approved) and crops designed to combat various pathogens that can do serious damage. By the way, insulin used by diabetics used to be derived from the pancreas of pigs, but now human insulin is produced using genetic engineering. This has resulted in a much cheaper, quicker, more consistent supply of insulin that is identical to that produced in the human pancreas - and no further suffering by pigs in this application. People need to move on from the recent explosion of fear mongering and snobbery associated with food. Indeed, people are stressing out so much over their food choices that a new eating disorder has arisen, called orthorexia nervosa. If you want to eat more healthily, stop blaming farmers, corporations, supermarkets, etc and instead take responsibility for yourself. You know what you have to do forget worrying about GE food, organic food, etc. Instead eat smaller portions in general and eat much less sugary and fatty foods. And don’t forget to exercise! Let me leave you with this - you are a “GMO” yourself, a perfect example of a "genetically modified organism” as your mother’s genes were combined with your father’s genes at the moment of conception. PS - If you have access to the internet, may I suggest you type these words into YouTube - “Genetically modified food intelligence debates 2014” for an excellent 1.45 hour debate on the topic. Another good site about GE plants Thumbs Up Thumbs Up To Dino’s Pizza & Pasta in Whitianga for providing pizza bases and ingredients to the Whitianga Youth Space and for cooking them some amazing creations. To Whitianga’s John Mort for organising a very successful Stabicraft Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Trailer Boat Tournament. Sore back at night? Need a better bed? See your sleeping specialists - Bedpost Whitianga Lee Street, Whitianga P: 07 866 2448 Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 To the Editor See page 2 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions and foods is gmoanswers.com, where you can ask questions that university scientists will answer. Terri Lipanovic Whitianga Dear Editor - Camping at the Purangi Reserve What was Thames Coromandel District Council thinking approving the camping of selfcontained vehicles at the Purangi Boat Ramp Reserve? As concerned ratepayers with property backing onto this reserve, we have had to deal with up to seven motorhomes, caravans, buses, vans, cars, etc per night over the summer. We have reported men urinating in full view, never a worry about who is around, dogs doing their business in the bushes. Some stay for two nights, which is permitted, but what about the fact there are four camping grounds in the area that are missing out on business? We hope this is just a short term brainwave of the TCDC and we may get our privacy back. Barry and Marilyn Robb Cooks Beach Dear Editor - The rating game and Long Term Plan submissions Thank you for your editorial on the wastewater debate in The Informer of 18 February and on the proposed new levy for holiday homes in Thames Coromandel District Council’s draft new Long Term Plan last week. Many prefer not to get involved in Council matters or may have short memories or like you, with all due respect - they may be relatively new to the area. I simply say to all our rate-payers, beware - or at least, be aware - that things are not always what they seem to be in print or as they are promised. There’s more than some truth in what former councillor Dal Minogue wrote in his Letter to the Editor in The Informer of 18 February, since it can’t be denied that over the last 13 years we’ve seen a woeful lack of transparency in Council and Community Board procedures, plus many blatant examples of a conflict of interest. Also there could be a few other ways to read Mayor Leach’s “extremely good news” about our expected rates rises over the next ten years and/or Council’s assessment of it as the best - or only - solution. I feel, whether the level of ongoing rate rises is acceptable or not, that TCDC’s plan to move the $46.6m debt from future development to current ratepayers is unethical and irresponsible governance. We should not have to bear the brunt of any Council’s past mistakes, nor its speculative overspending, especially when there’s been no calling to account for it. While the current Council continues to pursue expensive tourism projects such as the Great Walks, it is asking ratepayers’ support in patching up old damage from the poor decisions made. TCDC’s CEO David Hammond says there’s, “No choice but to transfer the [wastewater] debt,” but perhaps it’s more that Council prefers to hand developers and the related trade and business sectors an out, though again at the ordinary ratepayer’s expense. Recommendations for changes to the proposed District Plan are still in the hearing stage. But do you know how closely they impact and inter-relate with the Annual Plan the Council’s actual budgetary tool - that then supports the overall direction of the Long Term Plan? Of the faint five “things that may affect your next rates bills” on p3 of TCDC’s recent Our Coromandel brochure, we already saw headlined the new $200 fixed rate to rent one’s home to short-term holiday guests. This itself is based on a new broad all-in-one definition of “Visitor Accommodation” that in the soon-to-be-reality of the proposed District Plan recommends a maximum of only six paying guests across all zones, except for 10 in the High Density Zone and 12 in the Downtown Core and Commercial Zones. Other things to consider are how stormwater will now be paid for and how our recent property revaluations will also influence our rates. One significant new change to the Long term Plan concerns granny flats and “second dwellings” that are part of your existing house. If you live in an older-style building where your District Plan-newly-defined “minor unit” has a separate kitchen and bathroom, your rates will far exceed those of a much larger, modern million-dollar property where the plentiful space for holiday guests isn’t self-contained. You could be forgiven for feeling confused with all of this. But for the fainthearted with such convoluted Council processes - please don’t give up and do try to have your say before 9 April. We currently have no Rate Payers Association in Whitianga, so this is your only chance! Maggie Johnson Whitianga OPPORTUNITY FOR 16 -17 YEAR OLDS! A chance to get qualifications. Available FREE to 16 &17 year olds not currently working or in school. Dedicated support and guidance in a safe and fun environment. Contact Sharon TODAY! Transport available p 027 496 2684 (phone or text) e [email protected] Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13 MBAS Year 7 and 8 leaders announced Marine reserve outing for Te Rerenga students The last group of Mercury Bay Area School student leaders for 2015, the Year 7 and 8 house captains, were announced last week. At their first meeting the leaders decided to introduce, in addition to all the activities where students can compete for house points, a competition each term where more points can be earned. A frontrunner for this term is an obstacle course and puzzle building challenge. And then there is, of course, among all the leaders the resolve that their house is going to walk away with the coveted House Cup at the end of the year. The leaders are, from left to right - Taine Mason (Mercury), Cara Bosman and Tiana Tiro (Matahorua), Juliette Lidgard and Isabel Lunn (Buffalo) and Zoe Smith and Te Paea Puha (Tainui). Hannah Murphy from Mercury is absent. The week before last week the Room 4 class of Te Rerenga School visited Gemstone Bay and Cathedral Cove as part of their term one aquatics education. The school would like to say a huge thank you to Divezone Whitianga for make the trip such a wonderful day for not only the students, but the parents and teachers too. Cries of, “This is the best school day ever!” were heard as the students snorkeled, kayaked and swam. One group saw an eagle ray while snorkeling and the other group saw a shark while out kayaking. Pictured is Teague McMiken having fun in the water. 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 www.hurry4curry.co.nz Page 14 Delicious Affordable Indian Food 39 Albert Street, Whitianga (Westpac Arcade) Ph 07 866 2666 Open Lunch 11 - 2 Dinner 5 onwards Lunch Special 1/2 Curry and 1/2 Rice & Pappadam $5.95* Chicken or Vegetarian Available Tues & Thurs *(Lamb, Beef and Prawn Extra) The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15 SeniorNet Update • PLU NG• MBI P LUS with Mavis Hicks The SeniorNet Whitianga AGM for 2015 will be held on Thursday 26 March at 2:00pm at the SeniorNet Room at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. This year we will start the proceedings with tea or coffee. It will be an opportunity for members to meet the committee, tutors and tutor helpers. Once the AGM has formally started, the chairman will present the year’s report, officers and committee members will be elected and fees for the 2016 year will be set. Only financial members can vote. Last Friday the AGM papers were posted to all members. If you do not receive them, please phone 866 4215. Of interest to members is the fact that some of us are great travellers. There is an app called Word Lens. It translates from one language to another. Example, you can show text in a foreign language on your device and the app will translate the text to English if you set it to do that. There is a small plug-in device like P 07 866 0377 M 027 227 7252 E [email protected] A 32 Campbell St, Whitianga Ph 07 866 0937 a USB that will download photos from a camera SD card to an iPad. Just plug the device into the power slot and insert the camera card. Make sure the device is switched on, the switch is so tiny it can be overlooked. In preparation for the next terms class schedule, a new handbook with updates and new classes will be emailed to financial members in time for registering for next term. Please don’t be tempted to delete the handbook before reading it, there are changes. Interested in joining SeniorNet? Please phone 866 4215 for a copy of the handbook and see what classes we offer. If you are thinking of buying a laptop, but not sure if you will enjoy using one, join SeniorNet, come to a basic class and see how you enjoy it. We can provide a class laptop for use in the class. Or just phone and arrange to sit in on a class. I look forward to seeing you all at the AGM. Mob 021 063 8367 • • • • Whitianga Social Services, where the members of SeniorNet meet every week. Call Kevin 027 406 7440 Robert 027 446 7961 MY CASTLE INCLUDING REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 101 PEEBLES LANE KUAOTUNU RD 2 WHITIANGA BUILD YOUR PRIVATE SANCTUARY. PRICES FROM $200,000 • 021 130 8745 • 07 - 866 2175 Make Short Work of it! A local looking after locals for more than 20 years! Building Repairs and Maintenance All Painting Airless applications 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 Need a decent pillow? Large selection in store. See your sleeping specialists - Bedpost Whitianga Lee Street, Whitianga P: 07 866 2448 Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Conquering a fear of flying Sue and David Ting live in Kuaotunu and have three sons living overseas. They try not to miss an opportunity to travel and see their boys, but for Sue getting on an aeroplane is something that fills her with terror. She’ll spend weeks dreading the moment she has to step on board the plane. She’s not alone. Psychologist Grant Amos says there are a lot more people than we realise who experience varying degrees of anxiety before or during a flight. “We estimate that between 10 and 25 percent of the passengers on any given flight are not comfortable about being there. Their levels of anxiety can range from mild irritation to white-knuckled, self-medicating terror.” Grant has been running Fear of Flying courses, aimed at helping people overcome their issues, for more than thirty years. Sue decided to take a course after it was recommended to her by Monett Johnston, owner of United Travel in Whitianga. For Sue, it was a valuable experience. “The course is four evenings and I did it in Auckland, so I had to stay over. A lot of ground was covered, but for me the whole thing was fascinating. We spent some time going over what causes people to be anxious on an aeroplane in the first place, we had a tour of the maintenance and engineering facilities at Auckland Airport and we were shown the flight simulator where the pilots are trained and do refresher courses. That was very impressive, to Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Sue Ting see the care and the training that goes into looking after and operating these commercial planes.” Grant started his Fear of Flying courses in the late 1970s when he was working for Air New Zealand. At the time there was nothing available to help people with their fears about travelling by plane. The numbers started snowballing when other Air New Zealand staff saw what he was doing and asked for his help. He developed and refined the course programme over the years. He says there are some common The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz elements in many of the people who have problems with flying. “Successful people, high achievers, top level sports and business people often have issues with flying because they are used to being in charge and making decisions. Once they get on a plane, nothing that happens is under their control, except whether to have red or white wine with lunch. They struggle with that concept. Their fear of flying is often part of a wider range of issues they have.” Grant had participants admit that overcoming their fear of flying triggered a process which helped them face and deal with other problems. For some people conquering their fear of flying can be life changing. Seeing family - perhaps grandchildren - for the first time, visiting places that have always been on the bucket list. Sue still has a degree of anxiety about flying, but it’s definitely at a lower level than it was. She says that understanding how planes are constructed and what happens during the various stages of a flight - when parts of the aircraft move and affect the motion of the plane was very helpful. “The course helped me a lot and I would recommend it to other people who are having the same trouble with flying I had.” Monett is keen for Grant to present a Fear of Flying course in Whitianga. To make it work, about 10 people need to sign up for the four day course. Anyone interested can contact her on 866 4397 for more information. Page 17 Willis Electrical Electrical installations and maintenance DOMESTIC | COMMERCIAL | INDUSTRIAL Paul Willis Registered Electrician Phone: 07 866 2413 Mobile: 027 404 8941 E: [email protected] W: www.williselectrical.co.nz 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 Coromandel Woodcraft Qualified craftsman. Trusted locally for more than 20 years. Kitchens Bathrooms Wardrobes All types of custom furniture 245 B South Highway, Whitianga Phone Gary on 027 293 5947 [email protected] Specialised Building Services From concept through to council consent- we handle it all for you Mark Pennell ph: 027- 418 2817 ah: 867 1707 e: [email protected] recladsrenovationsalterationsleaks What’s On the next few weeks Sponsored by Dive Zone Whitianga Tel (07) 867 1580 Op-Shops and JP 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. Also JP at Social Services, every Monday 10:00am - 12:00 noon. Phone (07) 866 4476 for more information. 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 Op-Shop, Coghill Street (east of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am - 4:00pm. Phone 869 5416. Every first Saturday of the month a special promotion. 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. Contact Pam Phillips (president) 866 5908 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. 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 Arnold or Vivienne Leigh on (07) 869 5995 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. 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. 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. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre Group Spinning, weaving, dyeing, everything to do with fibre. Meet the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Whitianga Town Hall. Phone Betty on 867 1233 for more information. Whitianga Camera Club Meet the first Monday of every month at 7:00pm at Campbells Steak ‘n Ale, Campbell Street, Whitianga. Phone Kay and Paul Evison on 866 2262 or Lia Priemus on 866 2437 for more information. All welcome. Whitianga Social Services Youth Space Corner of Bryce Street and Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Wednesday - Fridays after school. Special activities every second Friday evening. Phone 866 4472 for more informationm. Coroglen Farmers Market Every Sunday from 9:30am - 1:00pm at the Coroglen Hall, SH25, Coroglen. Whitianga Art Group Meet every Thursday and Friday at the Art Centre in School Road, Whitianga. New members welcome. Phone Heather on 866 4474 or Maryanne on 866 4099 for more information. Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Ladies Blue Tournament Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March. More information at www.gamebase.co.nz or phone 866 4121. Whitianga Art, Craft and Farmers Market Saturday 21 March from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Whitianga. Offshore Powerboat Racing Saturday 21 March off Buffalo Beach, Whitianga. A two race format. The first race at 11:00am. Waka Ama Family Open Day Sunday 22 March at Brophy’s Beach, Whitianga. From 9:30am. All welcome. BYO towel, togs and picnic lunch. Phone 866 44476 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. 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 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Coastguard News with Stuart Brown - Whitianga Coastguard President Callouts numbered seven for March. Two urgent callouts on consecutive evenings. One for overdue paddle boarders at New Chums Beach and the other for reports of a sinking vessel off Otama. The remaining callouts were of a general nature, however included two tows from around Cuvier Island which lasted five hours or more. Our callout activity has been down on previous years, which reflects well on skippers and the maintenance of vessels. Our unit was in the top five for ticket sales in the recent Coastguard Summer Raffle. We sold 1,500 tickets (the top unit sold 3,600 tickets). This is the major annual fundraiser for our unit. Thank you to those who purchased tickets and the crews who manned the stalls. We will be applying the proceeds towards upgrading our chart plotters/electronics on our larger vessel Te Morehu. A reminder to skippers that Channel #86 is for ship to shore, trip reports and calls for assistance, including emergencies. As I have indicated in the past, this channel is covered by radio operators working from either Whitianga, Mount Maunganui or Auckland. This is one of the reasons that a call sign is being asked for as the operator may have multiple vessels out with the same name. Channel #61 is licensed to Coastguard as a ship to ship (chat) channel. As the licensee, we also provide the local fishing clubs with the use of this channel for fishing tournaments and updating shore of catches, etc. In some instances the unit may need to step in “and close the channel” for operational activities, however this would be rare. If you need a call sign or wish to update the details of vessels, this can be done online at www.cbes.org.nz. A new call sign costs $45.00 and will be provided instantly once you complete the online application form. Updating the vessel details is free. If anyone is interested in joining our crew (either wet crew or dry crew) or becoming a radio operator please give me a call on 07 866 4607 or 021 0222 5625. Safe Boating Stuart Brown 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 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 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 P: 07 866 5787 F: 07 866 5780 M: 0274 521 298 [email protected] MERV GEORGE Plumbing & Drainage Ltd “Do it by George and you’ll be right” PO Box 74 Whitianga Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19 3 1 95 4 6 2 87 Sudoku Fishing Report with Alan Proctor Sponsored by H&M Pascoe Tel 0274 852 046 Puzzle 628 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 your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga, to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The weekly prize is one free Current Release from Civic Video, Whitianga. The winner must please claim his/her prize from Civic Video directly. With a major fishing competition on last week and lots of anglers on the water, it was a good opportunity to see just how many fish were hanging around in our area. Being a trailer boat tournament, there were many boats that stayed nearer the shore and most of these vessels were pleased with the results. There were reports from all over about the abundance of small snapper that needed to be returned and it is astonishing that the minimum legal length for snapper hasn’t yet been put back to its previous length of 27cm. Many recreational fishers already had a voluntary minimum of 30cm on their boats, even when the legal minimum length was 27cm. Healthy fish between these lengths were returned to the water, but those that were gut-hooked or bleeding badly were retained if they were over 27cm. These fish now legally need to be thrown back dead (or dying), which doesn’t make sense to anyone as the fisherman is then able to continue fishing until a bigger one is caught. With such a large number of fish around at present in this size range, there is a fair amount of unnecessary damage being done that could and should be avoided. Moving on is always an option, but at the moment these voracious youngsters are all over the show in shallower water where dinghies, kayaks and shore fishers would ordinarily fish and getting away from them is not always as easy as you might think. Fishers with larger vessels were able to head out during the trailer boat tournament to the smaller Mercury Islands where larger fish prevailed, including a 12.45kg snapper that Humpster landed to take out the Furuno 2015 Snapper World Cup. There were a large number of snapper over the 5kg mark and of the 89 weighed during the competition, the average weight was a very respectable 3.82kg. Most of these were caught at either Cuvier, Red Merc, Korapuki or south of Hahei. There was a generous smattering of trevally landed from these same spots, although there were some good trevally inside the bay too. Out wide there were two blue marlin landed and quite a number dropped. Several stripeys were caught and at least two boats had triple strikes. There were half a dozen mahimahi caught and the odd small schools of albacore and skippies are out there too. Fishers chasing kingies tended to hang around the Alderman pins and a 22kg fish wouldn’t have got you on the podium come prize giving on the final night. Interestingly, this same area was where several of the marlin hook ups were reported, proving once again you should always fish your feet - you don’t need to go too wide at the moment for a chance to encounter one of these beasts. Tight lines, Alan Last week’s solution Last week’s winner - Frank Gosling Site Safety Services Workplace Drug & Alcohol Screening On Site Medics & Event Medical Services Phone Tracy 021 462 554 www.promed.ac.nz [email protected] Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Cyclone Pam’s ferocity in the waves Cyclone Pam lost much of its ferocity when it passed the Coromandel last Sunday evening, fortunately not much wind and rain. Monday afternoon at high tide was a different story, however, with massive waves pounding Buffalo Beach and Brophy’s Beach in Whitianga. Beach erosion was, not surprisingly, a great concern for many of the people lining the foreshore, watching and photographing the waves. Resource consents for both the extension of the rock wall at Buffalo Beach (past the Buffalo Memorial) and the synthetic wall at Brophy’s Beach have been granted. Thames Coromandel District Council confirmed that the contract for construction of the Buffalo Beach wall has been let and tenders for the construction of the Brophy’s Beach wall will close in the next three weeks. Pictured is a wave rushing towards Buffalo Beach. Photo by Len Salt. New Homes Alerations Coastal Construction Whitianga Ltd Additions Insurance Work Peter McGrath 027 609 7390 For all your building requirements. A/H 07 866 0667 | Email: [email protected] Bad night’s sleep? Need a better bed? See your sleeping specialists - Bedpost Whitianga Lee Street, Whitianga P: 07 866 2448 Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21 Police Report with Sergeant Andrew Morrison Monday 9 March to Monday 16 March 2015 GENERAL Like a lot of other Police throughout the country, we have been assisting with enquiries in relation to 1080 and infant formula threats. These threats are definitely a situation where the offender needs to have a good look at themselves and consider the worry and concern they are causing. I would suggest this offender, unless they are pretty dense, should realise that the threat was stupid and that if they have any remorse they should front at their nearest Police Station to sort it out. Remorse shown after we track you down will be seen as too little too late in my opinion, when seeing how your actions have affected New Zealand and fronting may show you have a conscience. ARRESTS 10th - 1 x 25yr old local man for being Unlawfully in an Enclosed Yard. 11th - 1 x 17yr old Napier woman for Reckless Driving, Failing to Stop, Driving Whilst Suspended and Theft. 13th - 1 x 42yr old local man for Assault with Intent to Injure and Criminal Damage. NZ OCCURRENCES One domestic incident attended this week. On the 12th a couple at a South Highway address were arguing about their relationship and after the initial frustration was taken out on the bathroom door, common sense prevailed and they spent the night apart to calm down. On the 9th two car rear tyres were slashed with a knife or similar at an Eyre Street address. Also that night at about 9:30pm an offender entered a Heritage Close address while the occupants were watching TV and then ran off when confronted. On the 10th a green Nissan Terrano utility registration BZC461 was Unlawfully Taken from a White Street address. On the 13th, as per the arrest above, a 42yr old local man was extremely intoxicated when it is alleged he decided to confront another man with a hockey stick. The victim received a serious laceration to the side of his head and numerous windows were smashed at his address. TRAFFIC One drunk driver apprehended this week. On the 14th a 47yr old local man was apprehended and recorded a result of 400/250. Peninsula Home Kills NZ WIDE REMOVALS Local & NZ Wide furniture movers • 7 Day Service • Weekly runs to Auckland • Free Quotes • Friendly & Reliable • Storage Available Phone Josh 07 866 5589 027 256 6009 www.nzmoveit.co.nz SERVING THE WHOLE PENINSULA - 2011 Processing beef, sheep, pigs & all game Top quality sausages, bacon, ham & salami g Knife sharpenin . le b la service avai Phone Nick Burcombe 866 3970 or 021 2125 260 21 Rangihau Road, Coroglen Got guests coming? Need an affordable bed? See your sleeping specialists - Bedpost Whitianga Lee Street, Whitianga P: 07 866 2448 Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 News from the i-Site with Cara Jordan - manager of the Whitianga i-Site February continued to be a busy month with about 9,000 visitors to the Whitianga i-SITE. We are seeing a mix of international tourists and local visitors, with Europe and Australia featuring strongly. Many accommodation providers have been full over the last couple of weeks, which is wonderful, but provides a challenge for visitors seeking last minute accommodation options. Easter is only two weeks away (if you can believe that) and The Coromandel has a wide range of events coming up over the next month, so start planning your outings. Now in its 12th year, the ECHO walking festival will take place from 21 March to 12 April. Included are walks and events located throughout the Waikato region. Walks are graded according to difficulty and events include overnight tramps, geo-teering, paddleboarding, cycling as well as a huge variety of day walks. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to get out into the fresh air and try something new. Programmes are available at the i-SITE, so come in and visit us. The Thames Heritage Festival will take place from 14 - 21 March with a variety of activities planned to celebrate the history of Thames and its surroundings. Window displays and heritage costume competitions will take you back in time, along with many events to entertain you. Also for those who love the 50s and 60s, the Whangamata Beach Hop is a must-do weekend. This year’s festival takes place from 25 - 29 March, with an amazing range of music and classic cars on display. For a day of family fun, arts, crafts, fine cuisine and live music, drop in at A Taste of Matarangi on Saturday 11 April. This festival is a great day out for the whole family. There is also a fancy dress competition for those with a sense of fancy and fun. Tickets are available at the i-SITE, so we hope to see you all soon. Locals raising money for Cancer Society An energetic team of 16 people participated in the annual Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society’s Relay for Life (where teams had to keep a baton moving around a track for 22 hours) the weekend before last. The purpose was to raise funds for the Cancer Society to provide supportive care for cancer patients, their carers, family and friends, to undertake cancer research and to provide the public with information on ways to reduce the risk of cancer through a smoke free, sun smart, healthy lifestyle. Representing Whitianga in the team were Karen Corbett, Andrea Foster, Jenna Corbett, Linda Shoemark, Charlotte Tucker, Alison Follows and Keera Follows. The other team members came from Morrinsville and Hamilton. The team would like to thank Gisella Colquhoun from Mercury Twin Cinemas for making their hats (which caused them to win the “best hat dress-up lap”) and also Admiralty Lodge, Andreas B&B, Glass Bottom Boat, Cave Cruzer, Sea Cave Adventures, The Lost Spring, The French Fig, Salt, New Wold Whitianga, Squids, Stephensons Pharmacy and Countdown for their support. The team raised a total of $2,811 for the cause. Pictured are the team members in their somewhat distinctive outfits. Farmers “cultivation time” under sowing dicing, power harrowing roll seed roll {cultivated ground} Call now for a no obligation price or booking 027 511 8178 / 07 866 5745 Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED Covering The Whole Peninsula The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Spilled Wine? – Blot up surface wine with a clean towel. Rinse with plenty of water and blot thoroughly. 9 times out of 10 off the shelf products will set the stain, so keep a damp white cloth over the stain and give us a call! 07 866 5095 Page 23 US Style Crossword Puzzle US 628 Name: ___________________________________________________________ Tel no: ___________________________________________________________ Go in the draw to win a weekend for two in Queenstown next winter (transport to Auckland Airport, flights, accommodation and $500 spending money included). Deliver or mail (or scan and email) your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga, to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The winner will be notified by phone. No correspondence will be entered into once the winner has been notified. Conditions apply. MAKING CONNECTIONS BY DAN FEYER / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Last week’s solution © The New York Times ACROSS 1 Opportunity 9 So-called Baghdad by the Bay 15 “____ at the office” 20 Mayor’s title 21 Mr. Darcy’s creator 22 Circle 23 “You can never moor a boat here”? 24 Provide sufficient coverage from risk? 26 Fashion portmanteau 27 Gets close to 29 “Have some!” 30 Feature of Hawaii’s Molokini Crater 32 Some miracle-drug pushers 35 Bothers 39 Atheistic Cuban leader? 43 Like Columbus 44 Low 45 Legendary weeper 46 Desk chairs? 48 Most common key of Chopin’s piano pieces 51 Tour grp. 52 Side in the Peloponnesian War 53 Hit hard 54 Unsalvageable 56 Valentine and others: Abbr. 57 Pvt. Pyle’s outfit 59 Get on 60 Quechuan “hello”? 64 ____-Caps 65 Moved a shell 67 Removing a Band-Aid too early? 70 2:1, e.g., in the Bible 73 On 74 Covering first, second and third base? 78 “Hello, Hadrian!” 79 Tear down, in Tottenham 81 A year in Brazil 82 Aristocratic 83 Certain tide 85 Green deli stock 87 With 115-Down, 1983 Lionel Richie hit 90 Subjects of some modern school bans 91 Add to the Video Clip Hall of Fame? 93 Is forbidden to, quaintly 95 Genre for Panic! at the Disco 96 Drink that might cause brain freeze 97 Diet? 101 Jack-in-the-box part 102 “Lucy” star, in tabloids 103 Bygone Chevrolet 104 Madonna’s “Into the Groove,” originally 106 “Do ____!” 108 Cameron who directed “Jerry Maguire” 112 Diapers? 117 Popular website whose name is a hint to this puzzle’s theme 119 Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors,” e.g. 120 How to make money “the oldfashioned way” 121 Disrespectful, in a way 122 ____ Mountains 123 Heavy-lidded 124 Visitor to a fertility clinic DOWN 1φφφ 2 Place for curlers 3 Home for King Harald 4 Shepherd formerly of “The View” 5 Stinko 6 Big picture: Abbr. 7 50-50 chance 8 It can be sappy 9 Parodist’s principle 10 Charges 11 There’s one every year for Person of the Year: Abbr. 12 Political analyst Rothenberg 13 Roll by a cashier 14 Long, unbroken take, in film lingo 15 Certain ancient Greeks 16 Small caves 17 ____ Dhabi 18 Bookie’s charge 19 Ordinal ending 25 Something you might get two 20s for? 28 Mideast’s Gulf of ____ 31 Morn’s counterpart 33 Bloods’ rivals 34 Coastal region of Hawaii 36 What the Spanish Armada fought 37 Shakespeare’s world? 38 Proven 39 Japanese porcelain 40 A drag 41 ____ acid (vitamin B9) 42 Interlocking piece 43 Became peeved 47 Oil-rich land ruled by a sultan 49 Writer Nin 50 Pair of fins 52 Bits of music 55 Atty. gen.’s employer 56 Word with get or smart 58 Some ski-resort rentals 61 Throb 62 City about 100 miles ENE of Cleveland, O. 63 Paper featured in the documentary “Page One,” for short 64 No. often between 15 and 50 66 Belligerent, in Britspeak 68 Three on a 6 69 Poorly 70 Go poof 71 Without variation 72 Get educated (on) 75 More outré 76 Memorable mission 77 Disinfecting Wipes brand 80 Like light that causes chemical change 81 “Gladiator” locale 84 Resistance 86 “Gladiator,” for one 87 Smirnoff of comedy 88 “____ Como Va” (Santana hit) 89 Cold 92 Country singer Kenny 93 Grandeur 94 “Mazel ____!” 98 Bottom sirloin cut of beef 99 Made out 100 One who takes the bull by the horns 102 Plant part 105 Turns a different shade, say 107 Alternatively 109 Sleipnir’s master, in myth 110 Drunk’s favorite radio station? 111 App creator, perhaps: Abbr. 112 Uncertainties 113 ’60s war zone 114 Back the other way 115 See 87-Across 116 Uptown dir. in N.Y.C. 118 –: Abbr. Mercury Bay Service Station 5 Monk Street Whitianga Phone : 07 866 5485 Fuel, LPG Refill, Bait, Tackle, Ice, Lubricants, Auto Parts We also do Diesel delivery to Wharf and Farms Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 First place for Murphy Perkins in tunnel fun run UK Style Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles Puzzle UK 628 Name: ___________________________________________________________ Tel no: ___________________________________________________________ Win a $6 Big Wednesday ticket. Deliver or mail (or scan and email) your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga, 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 the week following the issue in which he/she was announced the winner. Whitianga’s Murphy Perkins had a good day last Saturday. At 8:45 the 10-year-old lined up with many other children and adults for the start of the challenging 5km Collins Drive Loop Fun Run at Broken Hills south of Tairua. And 38 minutes later he crossed the finish line as the overall winner. The track took in the 500m long Collins Drive Tunnel, one of the longest abandoned gold mining tunnels in New Zealand people can still walk through. The fun run was held in conjunction with the Surf 2 Firth Bush Marathon and in support of LandSAR, the national land search and rescue organisation. Pictured is Murphy with the two certificates he received for his effort - one for being the first boy home, the other for being the first male home (leaving all the men and everybody else - who participated in his wake). ECO PLUMBING & HEATING SOLUTIONS Ph ROSS 027 444 7667 07 866 3374 [email protected] ACROSS 1. Shake with fear 7. Library cabinet 8. Surpass 10. Desert gales 12. Marine creature’s home 14. Sparrow or canary 16. Bring under control 17. Clearly expressed 20. Caving in 23. Light summer dish 24. Plain 25. Unmarried Last week’s solution B-ROW PROJECTS P 020 404 31990 DOWN 1. Rations 2. Young goats 3. Narrow river crossing 4. Satirical routines 5. Wig 6. Halted 9. Solemn vows 11. Orange-rind spread 13. Lenient 15. Blueprints 16. Powerful businessman 18. Exchanged 19. Animals of a region 21. Type 22. Acquire 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 Last week’s winner - Errol Free Top of bed. Large selection. See your sleeping specialists - Bedpost Whitianga Lee Street, Whitianga P: 07 866 2448 Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25 Sport Results (our thanks to the coaches, managers and administrators who provide us with the results) MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB Handicap Pairs Week 2 - Wednesday 11 March North/South - 1 Val Lewis and Martin Lewis 57.87, 2 David Hayes and Diane Hayes 56.98, 3 Gerry Church and Giorgio Allemano 53.73. East/West - 1 Kate Palmano and Gavin Hedwig 68.53, 2 Peter France and Maureen France 63.38, 3 Myra Hoogwerf and Maggie Urlich 61.42. HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB Betty Dunn Pairs - Tuesday 10 March North/South - 1 Alva Gibson and Ngaire O’Brien 73.40, 2 Annette Cox and Peter France 60.00, 3 Laura Scaglia and Chris Death 53.75. East-West - 1 Mary Masters and Sandra Medcalf 62.15, 2 Vivienne Leigh and Chris Ellett 56.25, 3 Anne Knowles and June Baird 54.51. MERCURY BAY TENNIS CLUB Business House - Tuesday 10 March Ocean Leopard Tours def Havard Logging 9-7 3-9 4-3, Connolly Painters def New World 7-9 9-7 4-3, Physio First def The Landing Cafe 7-9, 9-8, 4-3. MERCURY BAY PONY CLUB Twilight Show Jumping - Wednesday 11 March Results 35-50cm 1 Rylee on Jimmy, 2 Isabel on Revi, 3 Lea on Seanna, 4 Eden on Possum. Results 35-50cm 1 Lea on Seanna, 2 Rylee on Jimmy, 3 Grace on Lilly, 4 Isabel on Revi. Results 50-65cm 1 Aimee on Bella, 2 Alex on Ava, 3 Isabel on Revi. Results 65-75cm 1 Sarah on Tuhoi, 2 Aimee on Bella, 3 Nakita on Henry, 4 Alex on Ava. Results 75-85cm 1 Nakita on Henry, 2 Alex on Ava, 3 Sarah on Tuhoi. COOKS BEACH INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Wednesday 11 March It was great to welcome new members to our club night March following our “Have a Go” night the week before. 25 players competed. Winners - Buck Prendergast, Peggy Crosbie and Peg Bassion. Runners-Up - Phil Costello, Jan Prendergast and Al O’Keefe and Selwyn Warren, June Littin and Meryll Hawke. MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Thursday 12 March Winners - Peter Radich, Earl Inch, Glynne Jackson and Allan Gardiner. Runners-Up - Alan Henderson, Pat Fisher, Cheryl Henderson and Anne Jeune. Good Sports - Doreen Davies, Martin Lewis and Colleen Inch. MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Wednesday 11 March Best of three frames. Winner - Brian Codyre with three wins. Two wins to Barry Roach (runner -up) and Wayne Bellingham. Highest break (equal) - Brian Codyre and Barry Roach. TAIRUA GOLF CLUB Ladies Golf - Tuesday 10 March The 18-holers played the first BOP and first Prescott Plate round. Stableford Results - Jenny Goodman 39, c/b Marine Horan 39, Robyn Hunter 38, c/b Lisa Radford 38, Gay Warrington 37, Liz Williamson 36. The 9-holers played a stableford round in handicap fours. Results Division 1 - Sayde Muntz 20, Jill Shandley 19, Gwenda Flavell 17, Mike Trott 16, c/b Jenny Chalmers 16, c/b Maxi Eder 16. Results Division 2 - Betty Oudney 23, Bronwyn Bovelander 22, Janet Taylor 19, Val McLaughlin 15, c/b Ross Weaver 15. PURANGI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 9-Hole Net Competition - Thursday 12 March Results - Mark Bell 30, Jim Brown 32, Jim Mitchell 32, Dick Watson 33, Glenys Free 34. First Round 36-Hole Par Competition Saturday 14 March Results - Jock Peacock +9, John Hughes +5, Warwick Steel +4, Grant Webster +3. Best Ball Pairs - Warwick Steel and Bob Walker +13, Geoff Dalzell and John Hughes +12. MERCURY BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Ladies Golf Summer Putting - Wednesday 11 March Results Division 1 - Raewyn Hill 28, Alma Kitchen 29, Sue Donovan 29, Pam Anderson 31, Chris Watson 31, Judith Claque 32. Results Division Two - Maria Duxfield 32, Chrissie Smith 33, Ann Blair 34, Chris Wight 34. Nearest the Pin on 4 (sponsored by Mainly Casual) - Chrissy Smith, Nearest the Pin on 18 (sponsored by Sheree Henderson) - Munin Tonsri, Twos R Hill (2), Chris Watson (2), Diane Eccles, Chrissie Smith. Men’s Golf - Wednesday 11 March 36 men competed in a modified (international) stableford competition, which encourages more aggressive golf as more points are scored for net birdies and eagles. Finishing first at 18 points with a fine round of 72 gross was Osman Emer. Bruce Massie finished one behind for second place, with Ken George and Aussie guest Wayne Ackers equal third on 16. Also in the prizes were Paul Milbank (14 points) with John Lister and Jack Skinner on 13 points. Closest to the pin were Rick Swain and Jason Yeeles and longest drives were belted by Rod Stewart and Wayne McSorely. Three twos were scored - Steve Albright, Bob Haase and John Lister. The net albatross pool was not struck and will be carried over to this week. A reminder to all that the annual Canada Cup competition will be held on Wednesday 25 March. Ladies’ 9-Hole Golf - Thursday 12 March A field of 14 competed in a stableford competition. Results Division 1 - 1 Ann Kerkhof 20 points, 2 Audrey Vickers. Results Division 2 - 1 Shirley Bowick 22 points, 2 Pat Skinner. There were five pars. Saturday 14 March The annual Whitianga New World Tournament was a great success, with a full field playing for a large prize table sponsored by Stacey and Sally Rolton. Also provided were drinks and food during and after play and a new innovation, breakfast cooked on the BBQ by Stacey. The celebrity guest this year was Stephen "Beaver" Donald of Rugby World Cup winning fame, who smashed a long straight drive to win a prize, just like his goal kicking. The winner of the first division (0-17) was Geoffrey Lowe with a net 63. He was followed by Mark White on 64, David Fussell 65, Wayne Kearney 66, Rod Stewart 67 and Keven Clark on 68. On 69 was Kelly Barson, Jonathan Stieller and Lee Hall, followed by Gerald McCarthy (Napier) on 70. The second division (18-36) was won by club president Colin Anderson with a 64, followed by Dave Simmonds, Kelvin O'Leary and Ray Burgess, all on 67. Next was John Bow on 68, followed by Steve Albright, Ron Watson and Mervyn King (Matamata) with 69. On 70 were Jeffrey Dixon, Thomas Hogan and Jack Skinner. The Ladies division was won by Kay Buckeridge with 67, followed by Patrica Lilley on 69 and Debbie Davidson on 73. Two's were scored by Alan Barradale, Daniel Berglund (Peninsula), Osman Emer, John Lister, Jonathan Stieller and Mark White in the Men’s Division and by Wendy Ann Albright and Kay Buckeridge in the Ladies Division. Kay scored three twos in a great display of accurate golf. Men's Division Longest Drive (0-17) - David Fussell, (18-36) - Stephen Donald, Nearest the Pin (0-17) Andrew Fleming, (18-36) - Alan Barradale. Ladies Division Longest Drive - Wendy Ann Albright, Nearest the Pin - Kay Buckeridge, Non-Affiliated - Sally Rolton. Lea Eisenbarth riding Seanna during the Mercury Bay Pony Club’s Twilight Show Jumping Competition last week Wednesday. Photo by Tessa McQuoid. Stacey Rolton - the owner of New World Whitianga - with the other members of his four ball in last Saturday’s New World Tournament at the Mercury Bay Golf Club. From left to right - Keith Lowen (ex-All Black), Stacey, Dave Simmonds (owner of The Whitianga Hotel) and Stephen Donald (ex-All Black). Pre purchase home inspections Over 25 years experience in the building trade Sore back at night? Need a better bed? See your sleeping specialists - Bedpost Whitianga Lee Street, Whitianga P: 07 866 2448 Page 26 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Race 7 of the Mercury Bay Boating Club Steinlager Series Race 7 of the Mercury Bay Boating Club’s Steinlager Series looked again to be a tactician’s nightmare last week Wednesday evening as the boats jockeyed for prime positions along the start line. The light winds and smooth seas were ideal for those with light, manoeuvrable boats. Ten vessels crossed the start at 5:00pm and headed for the Windy Buoy with no indiscretions to worry the protest committee. It was great to see a new boat in the fleet - Strait Shooter, a Beale 33 owned and crewed by the Ross family, Max and Belinda. It was an even reach to the Windy Buoy mark with H2Go leading, closely followed by the rest of the fleet. The fleet parted on split tacks at the mark, with most boats staying on port trying to get advantage of the outgoing tide. Plenty of tacking to find pressure followed, the majority of the fleet staying within the lay lines in the middle of the course. Contrast held her starboard beat to the north and seemed to lose some ground, however once on port tack she made huge gains though the middle of the course to the Doctors mark. Blue Print’s endeavour into Cooks Beach to look for wind was somewhat less successful than Captain Cook’s endeavour of 1769 and proved to be a bad move as she lost pressure and ground. H2Go and Solvieg had made a significant break on the fleet and were already on their downwind leg while the remainder were still struggling to deal with the shadow of the Doctor. Loose sailed strongly up the middle of the course, closely followed by Strait Shooter. Shadz, True Colors and Vanadis remained in the same air for the upwind, however it again became obvious that the ‘fatties’ were going to struggle around the mark. The downwind slide produced an apparent wind of less than 90 degrees, so it was headsails only, unless you were Blue Print who hoisted her gennaker and made huge gains to the Simpsons mark. Longshot was the only other boat flying a genoa to make ground on the fleet and she improved three places heading to Simpsons. At the final mark all boats deployed their spinnakers for the run home. H2Go and Solvieg were well clear with Loose, Shadz and Strait Shooter all in the running for third over the line. The remainder of the fleet - Blue Print, Longshot, Vanadis, True Colors and Contrast - remained within a few hundred meters of each other to the finish. Line honours went to H2Go, followed by Solvieg and Shadz. Handicap winner was Shadz, with Loose second and Solvieg third. 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 A spectacular photo by Matt “Multitasker” Algie - skipper of Blue Print of Longshot and some of the other yachts in the home stretch of last week Wednesday’s Steinlager Series race of the Mercury Bay Boating Club. Coas tal Sig ns Whitianga 19 Campbell St VEHICLE & BOAT GRAPHICS T-SHIRT PRINTS BANNERS SHOP SIGNS BUSINESS CARDS & MORE All work undertaken will be to the AS/NZ Standard Institute of Inspection Cleaning And Restoration Certification T: 07 866 0075 M: 027 2806374 www.coastalsigns.co.nz Timber & Cork Floor Installation Polyurethane coating & colouring Call chris mcKibbin M: 021 046 7169 www.mercurybayfloorsanders.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 27 Classifieds & Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICES HOME HELP NEEDED LIVE-IN COMPANY AND HOME HELP Are you the right person to live in as full-time companion for an independent older gentleman? Some care-giving required. Idyllic Coromandel coast property. Please send CV to ‘LIVE IN Help Wanted,’ P.O. Box 316, Whitianga or phone 021 049 9178. PUBLIC NOTICES MBAS SECONDARY SCHOOL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS Girls Singles/Boys Singles/Doubles 4pm on Friday 20th March at the Mercury Bay Tennis Club. MERCURY BAY TENNIS CLUB U15 JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS Girls Singles/Boys Singles/Doubles 4pm on Friday 27th March at Mercury Bay Tennis Club. Lots of prizes, followed by a sausage sizzle. Call Lisl for more info on 021 148 6982. MERCURY BAY DAY CAMP Teen leaders and adult helpers needed. To register, please go to www.daycamp.co.nz. WHITIANGA ART, CRAFT & FARMERS MARKET Saturday 21 March Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga, 8:30am - 1:00pm. Unique locally created art, craft & local produce. Anne 866 5550 or Doreen 866 5237. STALL HOLDERS WANTED What - COOKS BEACH EASTER MARKET DAY Where - Cooks Beach Community Hall. When - Easter Sunday 5th April from 10am - 1pm. Phone Lesley Morrison for details 866 5334 or 021 157 9979. THE HOME BREW CLUB - 8 MARCH 2015 We would like to thank the following sponsors The Stunned Mullet, Battery Bill, Imaake Brewing, Black Bull Liquor, Whitianga Hotel, Hauraki Brewing Co, Countdown, Mercury Bay Club, Black Bull Liquor, The Espay, Mercury Bay Meats, Mercury Bay Foodmarket, Tides, Snapper Jacks, The Warehouse. Results Beer - 1st Vaughan Condon - 2nd Boyd Rodgers - 3rd Claudia Rodgers Results Spirits - 1st Cathy Frow Judges - John McQuillan, Jim Beaton and Neill Rose. Pourer - Wayne Hill. A good time had by all. Thanks everyone. Page 28 WHITIANGA PIG HUNTING CLUB AGM Saturday 28 March 1:00pm. Coroglen Tavern THANK YOU Whitianga Social Services would like to thank the following people, businesses and organisations for their support of the Youth Rock Concert held on 7 March in Whitianga - Dave Simmons and The Whitianga Hotel, Vegas Brown, the bands and performers who generously subsidised their costs, ACC, New World Whitianga, Peninsula Scaffolding, Cooper Tyres, Graham Christiansen, Subway, TCDC, Z Whitianga, The Informer, Hauraki Herald, CFM, LFM, Ahmen Mahal (MC), Bill Benjamin from Dynamic Electrical and the all helpers on the day. 2015 MERCURY BAY NETBALL CENTRE REGISTRATION DAY Monday 23rd March - After school until 4:00pm, gymnasium foyer at Mercury Bay Area School. Registration forms for individuals can be downloaded at www.sportsground.co.nz/mercurybaynetball. FEES MUST BE PAID AT REGISTRATION. Club Teams First Muster/Grading at Mercury Bay Multisport Park at Moewai Park Year 9 - 13 Wednesday 1 April @ 3.30pm, Year 4 - 8 Wednesday 22 April @ 4.30pm. Senior A Trials will be run through the school. All players are required to register on 23 March. The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Way to go Humpster, Julz and Cody! Classifieds & Public Notices SITUATIONS VACANT PERCIVAL CONSTRUCTION LTD Is looking for a good all round experienced carpenter to work on all types of projects from renovations and alterations to high-end architectural homes. Must be able to work as part of a team or by themselves, have own tools and work to a high standard. Please send your CV to [email protected] or call 027 749 9011. Good pay rate to reflect experience. BACHCARE IS RECRUITING IN TAIRUA! Become a Bachcare Holiday Manager and join NZ’s leading holiday home management company. Receive excellent training / support. If you enjoy meeting people, have great attention to detail and are a cleaning extraordinaire, contact [email protected]. The uncertainty of the arrival date for Cyclone Pam put a few anglers off entering the Stabicraft Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Trailer Boat Tournament which was held last week Thursday to Saturday. A fantastic effort by organiser John Mort nevertheless saw 288 anglers battling it out for the more than $140,000 worth of of prizes given away over the three nights of the competition. You couldn’t plan a better final prize-giving night on Saturday with an electric atmosphere as three locals took out major prizes. Cody Hamilton caught the heaviest marlin - a 209.8kg blue, Julie Pearson (Julz) won the much coveted brand new 5m Stabicraft boat with 70hp Yamaha engine and all the trimmings and Nathan “Humpster” Wilson (pictured with his children Daniel and Taylor) will have his name engraved on the impressive Furuno Snapper World Cup Trophy as the 2015 champion with his outstanding 12.45kg snapper. The overall first place achievers were as follows (in the order of vessel, angler and per kg weight) Kahawai - Whiti Cowboy Sam Astwood 3.070, Trevally - Aftica Mark Cosgrove 3.320, Skipjack - Rusty Ram Murray Heaslip 6.730, Albacore - Tinacious Craig Devcich - 10.000, Kingfish - Aftica Toby Kemp 25.420, Mahimahi - Freelance Craig Reynolds 5.160, Blue Marlin - Gonzo Cody Hamilton 209.8, Snapper - Lured Nathan Wilson 12.45. The Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club would like to thank all sponsors for their generous contribution to the success of the tournament and in particular Stabicraft Boats, Ocean Sports Marine and Electronic Navigation Limited. Classifieds & Public Notices WHITIANGA HIRE Requires a full time yard person. The applicant must have mechanical and suitably small engine repair experience and must also be computer literate. A heavy truck and forklift licence would be an advantage. Contact Keith on 07 866 2329 working hours and 0274 946 025 after hours. WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO JOIN THE ROADING MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY. Do you have a current driver’s license? Then we need you. For more info contact Bryan 07 863 9316. CAFE NINA Seeks experienced barista/cafe assistant. Full time/Part time. Immediate start. Phone Pete or Jules on 07 866 5440 or call in. 20 Victoria Street, Whitianga. BARISTA/ FRONT OF HOUSE Wanted for Whitianga cafe. Immediate start. Part time. Phone 866 0550 or 027 821 2156. Whenuakite Country Kids - ECE Team supervisor DEATH NOTICE BOURNE, Mary Ellen (formerly of Birkenhead Auckland) On the 9th March 2015 at Whitianga Continuing Care (after a long illness), aged 85 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Allan, beloved mother of Judy, Douglas and Michael, mother-in-law of Helen and Cathy. Nana to Sam, Mandy, Lisa and Mikayla, great-nana to Benjamin, Oscar, Alexandra and a great-grandson yet to be born. The family would like to thank with all their hearts the care and love that Whitianga Continuing Care staff, care givers, doctors and nurses have shown to Mary over the last four years. A service for Mary has been held at Dil’s North Harbour Chapel, Albany, on Friday 13th March, followed by interment at North Shore Memorial Park Cemetery. TWENTYMANS We are looking for a vibrant, dynamic and passionate person to lead our great team. Minimum of a Diploma qualification in ECE or teaching degree. Experience with ERO reporting and curriculum administration with competent computer skills particularly with Word, Microsoft Office & publisher. Knowledge of the ECE APT system would be an advantage. We need somebody with proven experience, excellent communication skills, a friendly and approachable manner that can model best practice teaching on the floor. Trademe reference #849029795. Email [email protected] for a job description. Wendy Kinzett - Phone 866-3360. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We need more volunteers to work in our Coghill Street Op Shop Wednesday, Thursday & Friday mornings - 8.45am to 1pm. If you have some spare time and would like to join a great team of ladies sorting and serving customers, give Delle at Social Services a call on 8664476 for more information. Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 29 Classifieds & Public Notices FOR SALE HOME BREW SUPPLIES Come in for a browse. Mercury Bay Pharmacy FIREWOOD Tea Tree, Mac, Pohutukawa, Etc. For full list & prices go to www.trickytrees.co.nz or phone Chris on 021 240 9909. FOR SALE Dry ti-tree $120 per load delivered. Phone 866 3026 S.O.S!!! (Save Our Staff) from stocktake!! SALE on now. Giftware & more. Grapefruit Gully Monk St, Whitianga ACCOMMODATION WANTED WANTED TO RENT Working couple, 2 kids and 2 cats (all house trained) requires modern 4 bedroom rental from 8 April. Preferably long term. Phone Kylie on 0273 818 403. 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 1 OR 2 BDRM, Whitianga, mature female relocating to area, excellent tenant. Ph/txt: 021 058 3199 St. Peter the Fisherman Dundas Street, Whitianga Sunday Service: 9:30am CATTERIES KRISTIN’S BOARDING CATTERY Vet nurse, warm, clean, secure, outdoor run. Phone 866 4724. GARAGE SALE ALL WELCOME Enquiries Ph 869 5577 www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.co.nz REAL ESTATE WANTED TO BUY SAT 21 MARCH, Garage 12 Aqua Soleil Villas, 1 Centennial Drive, Whitianga, 8:00am. Household, camping/caravaning items, bikes adult and child- and much more. CLIENTS REQUIRE HOME 150m² plus, with land for boutique orchard. Phone Gary 027 956 9946. Licensed REAA 2008 LOST TOY LIBRARY PRESCRIPTION GLASSES IN A CLOTH CASE On Wednesday 11 March in the Albert Street and Monk Street area of Whitianga. Phone 027 338 12447. WHITIANGA TOY LIBRARY Isabella Street (off Coghill St) Open Tuesday 4pm - 6:30pm and Friday 10am - 12.30pm. Closed Easter Friday. New members welcome. ~Toys for Hire~ WANTED TO BUY GOT a DEAD or ALIVE VEHICLE $ $ $ Free removal, cash paid Peninsula wide 0800 227 3867 UNDER $50 TRIPOD, 30 inches extending to 60. Used for telescope. Ph: Alison 07 866 0622 evenings TO LET 12x12m² SHED, Coroglen, 3 phase power, $80 p/w. Ph: 027 667 5478 NEW 3 BDRM 2 BATHRM HOUSE, available end of March, responsible tenants, references, $380 p/w plus lawns. Ph: 022 670 8910 STORAGE SHEDS available, various sizes, reasonable rates. Dry and secure. Ph: 07 866 5147 STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 HELP, HELP, HELP Permanent rentals urgently required NOW Tenants: Rental list changing constantly, Holiday rentals available. Call into office at 7 The Esplanade, by the wharf or phone Robyn Turner 866 0098 or 027 550 0120 [email protected] Licensed under the REAA2008 Call Krissie Brand Bella Cattery 5 Golf Road Whitianga Hours 8am-10am and 4pm-6pm Inspections Welcome Phone 07 866 5631 Licensed Property Manager with 13 years local experience Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 Understanding the Coromandel Since 1960 07 866 5824 or 027 273 4420 Long term & holiday. Free rental appraisals. Landlords & Tenants, for all your rental requirements. FOR HIRE We welcome you to a series of Christian services being held at Whitianga Town Hall Tuesday 7:30 - 8:30pm Speakers - Debbie Chamberlain & Lucia Williams. Any Enquiries Phone 021 026 86421. WANTED ! Quality homes for quality tenants. HEALTH SERVICES NATUROPATH MEDICAL HERBALIST Registered ILLNESS can benefit from support of plants and nutrition. Leanne Halliwell 0274 588 626 or 07 866 5899 VEHICLES FOR SALE WORK WANTED Tricky Trees • • • • Pruning Felling Stump grinding Firewood Call Chris Page 30 • • • • Hedge maintenance Crown reductions Difficult removals Chip waste to mulch 021 240 9909 11 Nissan Navara D/Cab 91kms $31,500 02 Toyota Rav4 Ltd, 5dr, Auto, 125km $8,950 07 Mitsubishi Fuso 6 berth M/Home $74,900 02 Toyota Corolla H/B, 5 spd, 141km $5,900 05 Toyota Corolla H/B, 5spd, White $6,900 00 Nissan S/Cab ute, canopy, towbar $7,900 03 Toyota Hilux D/Cab 3.0D flat deck $10,900 98 Toyota Camry GL sedan, 5spd, $2,900 03 Nissan Pulsar H/B, 5spd $4,900 97 Mitsubishi Challenger 4x4 5dr, $5,650 19 Campbell Street, Whitianga www.coastalautos.co.nz The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 628 - 18 March 2015 Talking about this year’s senior rugby season By Stephan Bosman The 2015 Thames Valley senior rugby competitions are only a few weeks away from kick-off. In Mercury Bay the season is awaited with great excitement. “It’s the first time in quite a few years we expect to field an A and a B team,” says Dwayne Mansell, new coach of the A team. Dwayne is no stranger to Mercury Bay rugby, having played for the senior team from 2001 until last year. He captained the team from 2011 to 2014. Under his watch the team clawed its way back into the Thames Valley Senior A Division after a few years in the wilderness of the B Division. “The reality is I’m not getting any younger,” says Dwayne. “The game became too fast for me. It was time to hang up my boots. But I wanted to remain involved and that’s why I offered to coach the A team this year. “The 10 teams in the A Division will, like last year, be playing a single round against each other, with the top six teams battling it out in the Premiership Division in the second half of the season. Last year we made into the Premiership Division and I can’t see any reason why that won’t happen this year. Once you’re in the Premiership Division, you’re really only two wins away from the semi-finals. “We have a very motivated group of players this year. In previous years only five or six players would have kept their fitness up during summer. This summer there were at least 15. The summer touch competition certainly helped and also the Thames Valley Sevens Competition that took place in November and December last year. “Our core is strong with five of our players having been part of the Thames Valley provincial training squad last year. A few talented players have also moved to the area the past six months or so and a few younger players who were part of the Peninsula First XV that won the Coulter Cup last year, is available to play for us this year. “There definitely is more interest in senior rugby in the area this year, that’s why we think we’ll be able to put a team in the B division as well. Donutt Lafferty, who’s been around for a long time, said he’ll coach the B team. I think he’s going to do a great job.” Helping Dwayne with the A team this year is assistant coach Stacey Rolton (the owner of New World Whitianga) and manager Ted McVerry (the manager of Carters Whitianga). “And we have Wayne Smith who coached the Thames Valley Development Team last year for a bit of sideline advice too,” says Dwayne. “We all have senior rugby experience and I would like to think we’ll be able to take the team to new heights.” The A team’s first game in the Thames Valley competition is against Paeroa West in Paeroa on 28 March. It will also be the first time a new challenge trophy dedicated to the memory of Kevin Barry, ex-All Black who played in his day for both Mercury Bay and Paeroa West and who passed away in August last year, will be up for grabs. Later in the season the team will also play for the Paul Herbert Kane Challenge Trophy against Waihou. The trophy came into play for the first time last year in memory of “Herbie” Kane, in his day a legendary member of both Mercury Bay and Waihou Rugby Clubs. “These challenge trophy games are important to us,” says Dwayne. “It’s not just about winning them, it’s also about the motivation to get to the finals this year.” Dwayne Mansell Chris 0274 761 828 or Fiona 021 299 5506 WOF/Services Mechanical repairs Classic cars repairs On-vehicle disc skim Boat trailers All makes & models Ph 07 866 2499 21 Campbell St, Whitianga [email protected] 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 628 - 18 March 2015 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 31
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