Mercury Bay Up Coming Events| Whitianga

TheMercury Bay
Issue674- 3February 2016 Circulation6,500
Distributed throughouttheCoromandelPeninsula,coasttocoastfromThamestoColville - www.theinformer.co.nz
Phone07866 2090
Fairytale
endingtodrama
at sea-
seepage 13.ThesecondWhitiangaSummerConcerttookplacelast Sunday31Januaryat theWhitiangaWaterways
Arena.LenSalt wasthere.Thesearehisimpressionsofadaythatwas,inhiswords,“Veryclosetoperfect.”
Goodweather,greatmusic,
will youmarryme?
On the few occasions when the sun did peek
out from the behind the clouds last Sunday
at the Whitianga Summer Concert, the heat
was intense. Thankfully the day delivered
overcast conditions with just the right amount
of breeze to provide relief from the humidity.
It was a day that was very close to perfect.
The music was a good mix of styles, with
enough to get people up and dancing, but
also with some laid back moments which
gave everybody a chance to relax, have their
lunch and enjoy the atmosphere.
And for Matt Robertson from Albany in
Auckland, the concert provided an
opportunity to get down on one knee and
propose to girlfriend Jess Kneebone during
the second verse of REO Speedwagon’s song
Can't Fight the Feeling. Great timing, Matt.
“Of course I said yes,” said Jess.
Opening act The Blind Venetians played
a tight set of well-known covers. Guitarist
Paul Foulds followed with a solo bracket
done with backing tracks and some nice lead
playing, including an authentic cover of the
Jeff Beck arrangement of People Get Ready.
Melissa Etheridge came out firing and set
the tone that was to be carried on by the
other two headline acts, REO Speedwagon
and Huey Lewis and the News. The artists
all said they were having a great time and
they loved seeing parts of New Zealand that
they wouldn’t get to see by playing just in the
cities. “We knew the country was beautiful,”
said Huey Lewis. “What we didn’t realise is
how great the people are.”
It’s infectious when the performers are
enjoying themselves and it shows in the
quality of their performances.
Etheridge seems to work solo most of the time
and it’s a format that can have its limitations.
She has recently been working on developing
her lead guitar skills, something that she
hadn’t done early in her career. Playing lead
guitar, however, means that there has to be
something going on underneath and how do
you do that if you’re the only one on stage?
The two main methods if you don’t have a
band behind you are backing tracks, which
can be foot controlled from a device, or a
loop system which records a section of an
instrument and repeats it until you tell it to
stop. Etheridge uses the latter, a loop pedal,
and lays down a rhythm with an African
drum, a tambourine and sometimes another
guitar playing rhythm chords.
“There’s nothing pre-recorded here,” she
told the crowd of close to 10,000 people.
“It’s all me.” Many of the people in the crowd
were already moving along to the beat and
even a small African drum that is run through
a massive PA system gives a big deep sound
which complements Etheridge’s giant 12
(Continuedonpage 2)
REOSpeedwagonleadsingerKevinCroninon stageduringtheWhitiangaSummer Concertlast Sunday.

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(Continuedfrompage 1)
string Ovation guitar. It all adds up to a sound
which is a whole lot bigger than one solo
guitarist on stage.
Her set covered many of the favourites
that the crowd knew and could sing along to
- Somebody Bring Me Some Water, I’m the
Only One and The way I Do among them.
REO Speedwagon delivered a hard rocking
set that included some favourites - in addition
to Can’t Fight the Feeling there was Keep on
Loving You - and got another few thousand
happy fans on their feet.
Huey Lewis and the News brought the big
band to town, including a three piece horn
section, two guitars, keyboards and bass.
They came on stage to a big Whitianga
welcome and the crowd, having been well
primed by the previous two acts, were ready
to party. If This is It, Heart and Soul and I
Want A New Drug were their big hits,
together with Power of Love. “Little did we
realise when we wrote this song that we’d be
playing it every day of our lives for the next
thirty years,” Lewis said.
The band threw in some new material and
while the old songs are familiar and
comfortable, the new material was
impressive, even though Lewis was slightly
apologetic for imposing songs they didn’t
know on the crowd. The crowd didn’t mind
a bit and didn’t have to pretend they liked it,
even though Lewis asked them to. Solid four/
four swamp blues-rock songs with a funk
edge to them. What’s not tolike?
Promoter Greenstone Entertainment had
done a great job on the organisation of the
concert. Everyone was in a good mood.
Even an acute shortage of toilets experienced
now and again provided a few laughs and
lighter moments. When desperate women
with no other choice were crashing the men’s
toilets, the men accepted it in good humour.
“We won’t look” jokes abound.
It was a top afternoon of classic rock.
Whitianga was truly privileged to play host
to such an outstanding event. Now everyone
is eagerly awaiting to see what next year’s
line-up will be.
Goodweather,great music,willyou
marryme?
MattRobertsonfromAlbanyinAucklandaskingJessKneebonetomarryhim
at theWhitiangaSummerConcertlast Sunday.
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Owner - Mercury Bay Media Limited
Publisher - Petra Roodt
Editor - StephanBosman
Contributors - Len Salt, Gillian O’Neill, Meghan Hawkes, Deli Connell,
Cheyenne Walmsley and Jack Biddle
Ofﬁce - 14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510
Mail - PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542
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Page2 TheMercuryBayInformer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue674- 3Febuary 2016

Issue674- 3Febuary 2016
Spottedat theWhitianga
SummerConcert
Peoplefromall overattendedlastSunday’sWhitiangaSummer Concert.
In the top photoare, from left to right - RileyMcMurtry and sister RubyMcMurtry from the Bay
ofIslandsandJadeKahn andOliviaMcMurtryfrom Auckland.
Many Mercury Bay locals were also spotted in the crowd. Pictured in the bottom photo are
Whitianga andMatarangi residents (from left to right) Jo Clark, Rexand Susan Coubray, Fiona
ClarkandElizabeth Moyle.
Issue674- 3Febuary 2016 TheMercuryBayInformer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page3

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Competition closes on 16 February.

“Because,hesaid, Ilookedhonest...”
Yes, it’s happened again. Precious rings lost
in the sand, this time at New Chums Beach.
It’s a good story, this one, so make a cup of
tea, put your feet up and turn off the TV.
Here we go.
Aucklanders Bruno and Hannah Warren
had teamed up with a friend and gone to
New Chums the Saturday before last. It was
a beautiful day, warm and sunny, with some
surf running due to the easterly swell.
Hannah put her wedding and engagement
rings in a hat next to her towel, while she
and their friend went for a swim. Bruno
headed back to Whangapoua to do some
surfing. “We’ll meet up at two o’clock on
the Whangapoua side of the New Chums
path to head home,” saidBruno.
Two o’clock came and went.
By 2:30pm Bruno checked his phone to find
a heap of panicked texts and missed calls.
“Come quickly, it’s an emergency,”
Hannah’s voice said. Bruno raced around to
New Chums.
When he arrived, Bruno found Hannahand
their friend searching frantically for Hannah’s
rings. “When we got out of the water, I picked
my hat and other things up and forgot all
about my rings until we were 100m up the
path to Whangapoua,” saidHannah.
Another localfamily came along and started
helping with the search. They remembered a
story in The Informer a few months ago about
another set of weddings rings lost at Lonely
Bay and how Whitianga’s Walter Russell had
helped with his metal detector. They called
the Whangapoua store to find the number for
The Informer. Editor Stephan Bosman had
Walter’s number at hand and Bruno gave
him a call. “I can’t come out to New Chums,
but you are welcome to use my detector if
you can come and get it,” saidWalter.
Bruno ran back to Whangapoua, jumped in
his car and drove the 40 minutes to Whitianga
to pick up the detector from Walter. “You
break it, you buy me a new one,” said
Walter. He showed Bruno how to use the
detector and gave him a crash course in how
to map out a grid pattern.
Bruno raced back to Whangapoua, another
40 minute drive. “The tide was coming in and
it was getting late. We were concerned that the
place where the rings were lost was below the
high tide level. Hannah was very distressed.
Things were starting to get desperate.”
Bruno laid out a rough grid pattern and
started the search. Walter had said that he
was likely to pick up other stuff, like bottle
caps, keyrings, maybe even knives and forks.
“The detector didn’t go off at all. New Chums
is so clean and untouched. There’s very little
evidence of humans,” saidBruno.
Worried that the detector might be faulty,
or that he wasn’t operating it properly,
Bruno took off his own wedding ring and
dropped it at his feet to see if the detector
was working. “My ring sank immediately
into the sand. It was gone in an instant. You
could understand why we couldn’t find
Hannah’s rings.”
As it turned out, Walter’s detector was
working perfectly. The buzzer went off and
they retrieved Bruno’s ring about 20cm deep
in the sand. “It was a shock to see how
quickly the ring disappeared and how deep it
was when we found it,” Bruno said.
Close to 8:00pm, almost six hours after
Hannah lost her rings, the metal detector
went off and everyone started digging. They
finally found the rings, buried in about 30cm
of sand and within a 10m radius of where
they figured the rings had fallen. “It was a
huge relief,” said Bruno.
“I still can’t believe the generosity of
the people who helped us out. The family
who came and helped, the people at the
Whangapoua store, Walter Russell who
wouldn’t take any money or credit cards
because, he said, I looked honest and The
Informer who steered us in the right direction.
“A massive thank you from both Hannah
and me. ”
BrunoandHannahWarrenjustafter they’vefoundHannah’slostweddingand
engagementringsat NewChums Beach.

Accordingto KateNielsen, chair of theMercuryBayCommunityChoir,theyhaveaveryexciting
first termplannedfor 2016.
“When we held the hugely successful ‘Winter Sing’ with James Niblock of Pennsylvania last
year, we had a large number of singers join with us from other community choirs in the wider
area,” says Kate. “They included a wonderfully keen group from Te Aroha. We all enjoyed one
gorgeousbassin particular... JohnMullon.Johnisalsothedirectorfor theTeArohaCommunity
Choir andwehaveinvited himto beourCommunityChoir’sguestdirector this term.
“Building on the musical relationship we began last year, our two choirs will be learning the
same repertoire and in Maywe will perform together in Whitianga and then at the Arts Festival
beingheld in TeAroha.I’ve beenlistening to the repertoire Johnhasput together andit’s going
tobefabulous!”
John describes the programme as ranging from challenging to simple, but fun. “My choices
havebeendirectedbyvocalchallenge,lyricalcontentorrhythmicfeelwith pop,world,classical
andfolksongs infivelanguagesall partofthe mix.”
The Mercury Bay Community Choir is not auditioned and they always welcome anyone who
might like to give singing a try. “We meet on Monday evenings,” says Kate. “Come along for a
fewtimesandgiveit ago.Wehavealotoffun.We’reafriendlybunchoflocalswhogetheaps of
enjoymentfromsinging together.”
PicturedisJamesNiblockwiththe“WinterSing”choirlast year.
Exciting first termplanned
forCommunityChoirMoviesUnderthe
Starsthisweekend
LyonParkinWhitianga,homeofthefamousMercuryBayRugbyandSportsClub,will be the
locationofsomethingdifferent thisSaturdayandSunday 6and7 February.
“TheMercury BayCommunityEventsSupport Trust wanted to dosomething really nice for
thelocalcommunity,”saysLindaSimonsen,coordinatorofthetrust.“So,we’veorganised a
big outdoor movie screen and this weekend we’ll screen two classic movies under the
stars.”
OnSaturdayevening Dirty Dancingwill bescreened and onSundayevening it’ll bethe turn
ofMrsDoubtfire.
“Entryis bywayofgoldcoindonation,” saysLinda.“Themovieswill start at approximately
8:30pmeachevening,but peopleshouldcomearound7:30.Bringapicnic, orcomeandbuy
something to eat from the Luke’s Kitchen mobile pizza oven, the Whitianga Lions’ famous
sausagesizzleortheShellzIceCreamParlouricecream cart.
“Classicmoviesarebeingscreenedoutdoorsonbalmysummereveningsalloverthe world.
There’sno reasonwhywecannotdo it inWhitianga too.”
The RugbyClub bar will also be open for those who require liquid refreshments during the
twoevenings.
PicturedisLindaat Lyon Park.

Issue674- 3Febuary 2016Issue674- 3Febuary 2016 TheMercuryBayInformer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page9

Well-knownCoromandelPeninsularesidentBarryBrickell(pictured)passedaway
on Saturday23January.He was80years old.
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Thumbs
Up
ToBryan
Skelton ofThe
AutoBarnin
Whitiangaforhis very
generous donationof two
batteriesto the Mercury
BaySpeedwayClubfor
usein their watertruck.
Catherine’sColumn
CatherineDelahunty- GreenParty MP
On Wednesday last week Barry Brickell
was laid to rest at Driving Creek outside
Coromandel Town.
In his extraordinary life, Barry turned
Driving Creek into a cultural phenomena,
rather than a name on a small bridge.
Barry was part of an extraordinary group
of talented artists and craftspeople who
embraced and enhanced the Coromandel
Peninsula and we are all the beneficiaries
of their legacy.
Barry was the uncompromising heart of
this group and he created a pottery studio
that nurtured many talents as well as his
own. My first husband Paul Tobin was one
of his young students and we witnessed the
beginnings of the creation of the railway
and the re-vegetation of the hillsides.
Barry was the engineer as well as the
driver of these projects, a man passionately
experimenting with steam, steel, clay and
fire. He was a relentlessly hard worker and
adhered to a fierce individualism while
creating opportunities for the collective
good and for the environment. Resistant to
being labelled, Barry loved native forests
and everything natural and took the long
term view.
It took years of hard work to build the
railway and create what is the best eco-
tourism experience that many of us have
had.
Many people participated and have
worked at Driving Creek and thousands
of visitors have spent their money in our
community attracted by the legend. Driving
Creek Railway is more than a train ride,
it’s a testament to art, conservation and
Barry’s very particular sense of humour.
When I visited Barry recently, he urged
me to enjoy the latest show at the art
gallery he has created and also to support
his vision of the harbour pier and miniature
railway, which was his alternative to
dredging the contaminated mud in the
Coromandel harbour to create a ferry
terminal and marina. Although very ill, he
remained determined that we can create
the extraordinary based on a respect for
nature, rather than the utterly conventional
and environmentally damaging.
The lesson of Barry’s remarkable life
and fantastic contribution is that authentic
creativity and a viable business venture
can succeed as one, but need the leadership
of true visionaries driven by a holistic
understanding of making things work.
Thank you Barry for your amazing
pottery and sculptures, including the one I
see every day at Parliament. Thank you for
being truly unique and true to your own
values, which you turned into an inspiring
reality for the benefit of all. Youhave left us
some very clear instructions about looking
after our place and valuing creativity, so
let’s honour them in your name.

TheStJohn Siren
SponsoredbyMercuryBayPharmacyTel866 4532
Summer is upon us! Yeah right! Some days are
like a typical Kiwi summer and others overcast
and damp, not forgetting the humidity. The
fishing has been pretty good, a few snapper out
wide, striped marlin, tuna and mahimahi for the
big gamers and kahawai and the odd snapper off
the beach. So all is good inparadise!
Summer brings the tourists and visitors out
to Whitianga and surrounds, the locals are just
lucky enough to live here. Along with the
summer influx, which I thought was going to be
short-lived with the summer rain early January,
which turned out not to be the case at all, it is
usual to see an increase in trauma related cases -
the fractured arms and legs, etc that result from
all the slips and falls. This year is nodifferent.
We received 132 call-outs during January,
which is a significant increase on the same
month last year. There were 76 medical related
responses and 56 trauma related. We utilised
the air ambulance on eight occasions during
themonth.
The easterly swell caused some issues with
people being dumped on the sand and swimmers
in surf beyond their capabilities. There have
been several injuries caused by being dumped,
including one serious spinalfracture.
Let’s talk about falls, particularly falls as they
relate to our older population. We may not like
the term, especially as the term “fall” relates to
a slip, trip or loss ofbalance.
Falls are the single most common cause of
injury and the main reason that older adults
lose their independence. Over the course of a
year, one in every three adults over 65 and one
in every two adults aged over 80 will fall. In
2013 - 2014, ACC accepted 126,000 new
claims for older adult falls and of these 4,500
had resulted in a fractured neck of femur (NOF).
In almost every case, the older adult had already
had multiple minor falls before the fall that
resulted in a fractured NOF. This is why early
recognition and referral of older adult fallers are
so important. St John, along with ACC, have
embarked on a joint approach to reduce harm
fromfalls.
A patient will usually be admitted to hospital
after a fall if that fall has resulted in bone
fractures and/or head injuries. The statistical
outcomes for the 4,500 patients admitted with
NOF fractures are not good - 27 per cent will die
within a year, 10 - 20 per cent will be admitted
to residential care and 50 per cent will require
support with daily living or mobilising.
I guess you can all imagine that there is a
significant cost on the health system. Some of
these costs are -
• A simple fall causing minor injuries$600
• A simple hip fracture with three weeks in
hospital$47,000
• A hip fracture requiring admission to an
aged care facility$135,000
The financial costs are not insignificant,
but there are also other “costs.” After a person
has experienced a fall, particulary if it has
resulted in injury, they often worry about falling
again. The fear of falling may be somewhat
mitigated if older adults are aware of their risks
and take action to address them, However, if
they restrict their activity too much, this can
conversely increase their risk of another fall,
as well as impact in their overall qualityof life.
There are many factors that cause an increase
of falls in the older adult - medical conditions,
our own physical condition and the many
hazards that we have in ourhomes.
So this is where St John come into the picture.
As a matter of course we will be carrying out
a falls risk assessment on older adults. We will
ask questions andconduct assessments, even
where a fall was not the reason why an
ambulance was called. We will assist with
making older adults safer in their own homes,
withpermission. Simplethings like moving rugs
and mats that could be a trip hazard, removing
clutter, ensuring that glasses and mobility aids
are easily accessible and the common problem
of not wearing the right footwear are just some.
We will also be referring our at-risk patients to
a falls referral pathway, where these patients
will be visited and assistance offered to reduce
falls risks in the home. The whole idea is to
keep our older adults safe in their own homes so
that they can enjoylife.
So where does fishing come into the equation
with falls? Simple, stand up and don’t give in
to falls. Stay active to ensure that you maintain
good muscle tone and good mobility and you
will reduce the risk of falls to yourself and
maintain your quality oflife.
Happy fishing!! Even a regular walk along
the beach is not not only good for the body, but
also for thesoul.
Mike Burrows - St
John Whitianga
StationManager
Monday18JanuarytoMonday25January 2015
PoliceReport
WithSergeantAndrew Morrison
General
With another tragic drowning death in our
area this week and the near drowning of a
diver near Great Mercury Island, we again
remind everyone to be cautious around water
and to stay within their ability.
There are plenty of beautiful places to
visit throughout the Coromandel Peninsula,
please identify any risks and staysafe.
We offer our sympathy to the family of the
man who passed away and hope other
families don’t have to endure what they have
had to deal with this past week.
Three homes were burgled in the Hahei
area on the 24th, with money, bank cards,
diving and fishing gear stolen.
A suspect was arrested in Auckland
attempting to use the bank cards and our
enquiries are continuing with this Auckland
man and hisassociates.
Arrests
No arrests this week.
Occurrences
Two domestic incidents attended this week.
We attended a Protection Order Breach at a
Dundas Street address on the 18th, while on
the 24th we attended an incident on South
Highway involving a separatedcouple.
A number plate was stolen from a car parked
in Wharekaho Crescent on the 18th, while on
the 23rd there was an attempted arson at a
Moewai Park Road address.
Wilful Damage was caused to the Matarangi
Golf Course on the 24th, with enquiries
continuing in relation to identified suspects.
An Odea mountain bike was unlawfully
taken from the Robinson Road boat ramp on
the24th.
Traffic
One drunk driver apprehended this week.
23rd - 1 x 20yr old Auckland man348/250.

Tile & Grout restoration work
including cleaning, repair work
Grout clear/colour sealing,
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Pftone/txt Jack 021 775 118
Hazard and emergency consultant Brendan Morris is more than happy with the two Tsunami
OpenDaysheldlastweekendinMatarangiand Whangapoua.
TheMatarangiOpenDaywasheldat theMatarangiFireStationonSaturday30Januaryand saw
a constant stream of people from 10:00am to after 3:00pm. “People were really interested in
how they would be affected in the, I must say unlikely, event of a significant tsunami,” says
Brendan. “They were also interested in how often significant tsunamis could happen and how
bigtheywouldbe.Theseare,of course,questionswedon’thaveexactanswersfor.
“Weestimate the eastern seaboardof the Coromandelmayhave seenthree significant tsunami
eventsthepast7,000years.ThelasttimeJapansawatsunamiasbigastheonetheyhadon 11
March2011,wasintheyear 869.”
Inundation maps - maps indicating which areas of Matarangi and Whangapoua would be
affectedintheeventofasignificanttsunami- drewalotof attention.
BrendansaysresearchiscontinuingandmoreopendaysaroundtheCoromandelPeninsulawill
beheldinthenextfew years.
Pictured is Brendan (left) with Peter Wishart, Thames Coromandel District Council Strategic
RelationsManager,at theMatarangiOpen Day.
TsunamiOpenDays
wellattended

Phone: 07 866 2413
Mobile: 027 404 8941
E: paul@williselectrical.co.nz
W:www.williselectrical.co.nz
PaulWillis
Registered Electrician
Willis Electrical
Electrical installations and
maintenance
DOMESTIC| COMMERCIAL | INDUSTRIAL
MercuryBayAreaSchooltopacademic
studentsfor2015announced
Mercury Bay Area School’s NCEA results for
2015 are in. The school has their 2015 Dux and,
not one, but two ProximeAccessit.
Marie Everth is the 2015 Dux and Karl Glen
and Sol Glen share the honour of Proxime
Accessit.
Marie is currently in New York enjoying a
gap year and new experiences. She has been
awarded a scholarship to Otago University to
study marine biology and will begin her studies
in2017.
Marie’s parents, Thomas and Lisa, are
understandably excited to receive the news that
their daughter has been awarded the coveted
title of Dux. “We are very, very proud that she
has achieved this result. She has such wonderful
opportunities ahead of her,” says Thomas. He
adds that Marie is grateful to the whole school
community for the support she has received in
her years at MBAS, which have most
definitely contributed to her success.
The joint Proxime Accessit winners, you’ll
notice, don’t just share their accolade… they
share a family name too. Sol and Karl are
actually cousins who hail from Otama and
Kuaotunurespectively.
Karl is busy battling the heat in front of the
pizza oven at Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu and
saving in anticipation of his first year at Otago
University where he will begin his studies
towards a Bachelor of Science focussing on
biology and genetics. He is very grateful to the
staff at Mercury Bay Area School for their
support and also to Otago University for
awarding him a scholarship.
Sol is pretty proud of himself having devoted
the final year of his education (and only year
attending MBAS) working towards an
Excellence result. “The teachers were great and
really welcoming,” he says. He is researching
his options for universities in New Zealand and
overseas. He is aiming to study aeronautical
engineering with the “end goal” of a flying
career with the AirForce.
MBAS Principal John Wright is full of praise
for the focus and dedication that these young
people have put into their studies. “Marie, Karl
and Sol have achieved NCEA Level Three
endorsed with Excellence. This equates to
stage one University or better from these
fantasticlearners.”
John highlights the diversity of the learning
journey that they have each undertakento reach
this peak of learning. “Marie came to us in Year
9 from Coromandel Area School, Karl from Te
Rerenga in Year 7 and Sol was home-schooled
until joining us in Year 13.” John believes this
highlights the flexibility of NCEA as a
qualification which, with the support of staff
and the wider school community, can see very
individual learners achieve toplevel outcomes.
The MBAS top achiever for Year 12 is
Hannah Trebes with NCEA Level 2 endorsed
with Excellence. The top achiever for Year 11
is Cheyenne Walmsley with NCEA Level 1,
also endorsed withExcellence.
The Dux and Proxime Accessits, along with
all those who have also achieved outstanding
NCEA results, will be recognised at an
Achievement Assembly in week 3 of the first
term of the 2016 school year. The date and time
for the assembly is yet to be confirmed.
MarieEverth,theMercuryBay AreaSchoolDux studentfor 2015.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) announced last week that the Cathedral Cove area (including the
track from the Cathedral Covecarpark) is about to receive a muchdeserved andlongawaited upgradeto
bettercaterforthegrowingnumbersofvisitorsattractedevery year.
ManagedbyDOC,the areabringsinaround400,000 visitors annuallyandDOC’sinvestmentinthe upgrade
will provide erosion control and better drainage and essentially meet the safety standards required for
what is classified in New Zealand as a “short walk”. The upgrade also means less frequent maintenance
will berequiredinthe future.
DOC’s Conservation Services Manager Dale Tawa says the project is well overdue. “We appreciate the
patience that ourvisitors andstakeholdershaveshownwhile the track hasbeenin needofattention, but
wenowhavethemoneyto proceed.”
Plantpro and Sons has been selected as the contractor to undertake the work, which is due to start on
Tuesday9 February.
Dalesaysit’simportantforDOCthatminimumdisruptiontovisitorsandbusinessesoccursduringthe time
the upgrade is undertaken. However, for the operation to happen as efficiently as possible, as well as to
complywith safety standards, closures will have to be put in place. The closures are expected to be as
follows-
9to24February- StingrayBay closed
25Februaryto1March- GemstoneBay closed
2Marchto15AprileveryThursdayandFridayMorninguntil1100am- theentireareaclosed(openthe rest
ofthe day).
Please contact Nicola Miller on (07) 869 5632 for more information. Updatedinformation will be provided
during the progress of the work in The Informer and other media and on the DOC website
www.doc.govt.co.nz.
CathedralCoveareatobe
upgraded
GoldrushCruiseto
overnight inWhitianga
The second Coromandel Goldrush Cruise will this year take place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14
February. “Last year 22 vintage and classic cars participated in the event,” says Whitianga’s Harold
Abrahamson,oneofthecruiseorganisers.“Thisyearwe’vereceived28entries.Thecarsparticipating
arespectacular.Amongthemarearare1929FordTudorModelAanda1946FordDeluxe,oneofthose
the Police usedtodrive aroundin backin the day. Avarietyof MGs,Mustangs andCadillacs will also
bepartofthe cruise.”
Theeventwill kick offonSaturdaymorninginThames,withtheparticipantsdrivingtoWaihitohave a
look at the Martha Mine. From there’s it’s on to Tairua for lunch and a “people’s choice” display.
Haroldwill escortthe vehicles fromTairua inhis1985 RollsRoyceSilverSpirit toCathedral Cove, Hot
WaterBeachand Whitianga.
UponarrivalinWhitianga,theparticipantswill havetheopportunitytocruiseontheWaterways canals
and to admire the view from Centennial Heights. “It’s about showing people how special our part of
theworldis,”says Harold.
Intheeveningdinnerwill beaccompaniedwithprize-givingat theMercury Bay Club.
EarlyonSundaymorning,from8:30am,thecarswill beondisplayat TaylorsMistake inthe Whitianga
CBDwhiletheparticipantshave breakfast.
From Whitiangathevehicleswill traveltoCoromandelTown,thelaststopon the cruise.
Gull Whitianga donated petrol vouchers to the participants. “We would like to thank Gull for their
generosity,” saysHarold.“Theirsupportismuch appreciated.”
Pictured is Ravi Tiku(left) the ownerof GullWhitianga,handing the vouchers toHarold.

Fairytale endingtodramaatsea
Last Monday afternoon 25 January, Steve
Miller, the owner of Cave Cruiser scenic boat
tours, his brother Richard and Richard’s
partner Jo, together with two friends from the
UK, Gareth and Sophie, set off for a trip to
Great Mercury Island. The plan was to have
a few hours on the water, do some divingand
get a few scallops.
Richard is a dive master and both Gareth
and Sophie have scuba dived before. The
two of them had come to New Zealand to
get married, so this trip was a welcome
chance to relax before the wedding.
Once they found a good spot, Richard,
Gareth and Sophie kitted up and followed
the anchor rope down to the scallop beds.
Steve and Jo stayed on board. A couple of
minutes later they saw Sophie surfacing
20m from where they were on the boat.
“She didn’t look happy,” said Steve. He
threw her a life ring, but as he did, Sophie
disappeared under the water again.
Jo didn’t hesitate to dive into the water to
try and get hold of Sophie. Richard came up
from below when he saw that there was
something happening on the surface. He
immediately followed Sophie down and by
the time he reached her, she was on the sea
floor in 18m of water. He grabbed her and
brought her to the surface as quickly as he
could.
In the meantime Steve made a mayday
call to the Whitianga Coastguard and moved
the boat to where he calculated Richard and
Sophie were going to surface. Sophie was
unconscious and non-responsive when they
breached the surface. Richard began rescue
breathing on Sophie while still in the water
and they all worked as a team to get her on
board. “We took her mask off and started
CPR,” says Steve. “Her face was covered in
blood at this time. We had no idea what had
gone wrong.”
Jo continued with rescue breathing,while Steve did chest compressions
and Gareth stayed on the radio with the
Coastguard, giving them progress reports.
Meanwhile the Auckland and Coromandel
Rescue Helicopter were called out to the
scene. It was a time-critical and potentially
life threatening situation, something both the
Coastguard volunteers and the Rescue
Helicopter crew are trained to handle. Back
on the boat, the results of the CPR efforts
were starting to kick in. “Sophie responded
in less than five minutes,” said Steve. “The
moment that her eyes came back into focus
was amazing. It’s something that will be
burned into my memory forever.”
Sophie choked on the water in her lungs
and started to breathe on her own. Steve and
Richard laid her on her side with one leg
drawn up in the recovery position so that her
airway wouldn’t be impeded. The Coastguard
told Steve oxygen was available at the wharf
on Great Mercury Island and he immediately
steered the boat there.
Once the helicopter arrived, Sophie was in
better shape and had started talking to the
others. The medical staff on board carried out
some tests before the crew setting off with
Sophie and Gareth to Auckland Hospital for
further tests. The helicopter maintained a low
level flight path to avoid any possible diving-
related complications.
Steve said that he can’t stress enough the
importance of people doing a CPR course.
“We do workplace first aid and CPR as part
of our skipper’s ticket. You never know when
you might need it and it certainly proved its
value last week.”
Gareth and Sophie got married on Friday
last week - a fairy tale ending to what could
have been a very different outcome.
SteveMiller,theownerofCave Cruzerscenicboat tours.

Tothe Editor
Seepage2forourrequirementswithregardtolettersand contributions
Dear Editor - Review of sustainability controls
forCoromandelscallop fishery
For any person who is interested in our local
scallop beds, you now have the opportunity
to contribute to the future of this fishery by
making a submission to the Ministry for
Primary Industries (MPI) on the best option
to advise the Minister of Primary Industries
to look at when reviewing all the
information provided.
An overview of what is on the table are
“two options.”
Option 1 - Retain the Total Allowable
Catch (TAC) of 131 tonnes of scallop meat,
distrubuted as follows - commercial sector
100 tonnes, recreational sector 10 tonnes,
Maori sector 10 tonnes and other sources of
fishing related mortality 11 tonnes.
Option 2 - Reduce the total allowable
catch (TAC) to 81 tonnes of scallop meat,
distrubuted as follows - commercial sector
50 tonnes, recreational sector 10 tonnes,
Maori sector 10 tonnes and other sources of
fishing related mortality 11 tonnes.
This review outlines past and current issues
with our scallop beds, offering quite detailed
scientific data to what MPI sees as the
current state of this fishery. This document
will give you an opportunity to comment
on the processes of what governs our
natural resources, especially with something
so tangible and relevant to the Mercury Bay
community.
To view the MPI review document on the
web, type “MPI Sustainability Coromandel
Scallop Fishery” into your browser.
Written Submissions close at 5:00pm on
Thursday 11 February 2016 and shouldbe
sent directly to -
Inshore Fisheries Management
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6011
Email submissions to -
fmfisheriessubmissions@mpi.govt.nz.
MarkPennell
Whitianga
DearEditor- Greatservice
We were recently staying in Matarangi for
two weeks and after enjoying great weather
and fun times, it was time to go home.
Being ex-Whitianga people, we knew the
road and knew it could be busy, so we headed
off towing our boat home to the Manawatu,
leaving plenty of time as we were in no rush.
Little did we know that we would get a huge
blowout on our boat trailer about five minutes
after the Pauanui turn off.
No problem! We tried to replace the tyre,
but our car jack just didn't have the strength
to lift the weight of the boat. Ahh! Our
breakdown service! We have a breakdown
service specially for this situation. But when
we called, they said we didn't have towing
cover! What! And then they put us through
to a panel beater in Thames, who actually got
cut off.
So here we were, parked in the drive of
the water hole. Very hot day. Busy road. We
decided to call Prescott's Garage at Hikuai.
We got Bill. Bill was out to us within 10
minutes. He was so kind and helpful and
helped us change the tyre superquick.
We turned around and went back to pay
and Bill then even got our busted tyre fixed,
so that we were ready to go having another
spare wheel! Amazing service! Thanks Bill!
You made our day!
AngelaAllan
Manawatu
Dear Editor - Commercial and recreational
fishing
I thank Mr Wheeler for his reply (in The
Informer of 27 January) to my Letter to the
Editor (in The Informer of 20 January)
regarding the state of the fishery on the East
Coast of the Coromandel.
I am not frustrated because of my personal
lack of success and I certainly don’t wish to
see the demise of the local commercial sector
and its contribution to our economy. What I
wish to achieve is more abundance for all and
a level playing field.
What does frustrate me however, is the
commercial netting of the harbours on the
East Coast (quite legally) under the cover of
darkness.
What frustrates me isseeingthe commercial
trawlers netting schooling snapper during the
November spawning season.
What frustrates me is diving on the shallow
inshore scallop beds on the first day of the
recreational season to find the beds combed
clean by dredges with GPSprecision.
What frustrates me are the different sizes
and seasons for recreational and commercial
fishers for several different species, all to the
advantage of the commercial sector.
If we are to establish a shared fishery,
surely these should be the same.
Yes, as Mr Wheeler points out there are
more recreational fishers, but the recreational
bag limits have been reduced, which allows
for that.
What I seek is a common sense approach to
ensure the health of the inshore fishery. The
Ministry for Primary Industry’s (MPI’s) own
statistics show a worrying picture for this
and other areas. I’m sure that the commercial
sector will be making submissions through
their high-powered lawyers, so it is essential
the recreational sector do the same to ensure
a balanced outcome.
Mr Wheeler is correct when saying awider
view about the factors to be considered and
addressed when looking at the management
of our fisheries is important. That’s why I am
encouraging fishers to research the issues and
make an informed submission.
I smiled when I read Mr Wheeler’s
suggestions on how I could improve my
fishing. For the record, I am an avid saltwater
fly fisherman and abide by the “catch and
release” ethos. I often release far more fish
than I bring home. I have also setup three
fishing operations at resorts in the Pacific and
return several times a year to train the guides.
My fishing prowess, or lack thereof, is not
the issue. A healthy fishery for all, into the
future, is.
Information on the proposed changes to the
Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Act can be
found on the MPI website under consultations
(www.mpi.govt.nz) or the Legasea website
(www.legasea.co.nz). There is a public
meeting at the Thames Civic Centre on 15
February at 5:30pm and submissions close
on the MPA website (www.mfe.govt.nz/
consultation/mpa) on 11 March. Act now,
your grandkids will thank you for it.
ScottLee
Tairua

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Localschoolsall readyforthenewyear
“Few will have the greatness to bend history,
but each of us can work to change a small
portion of the events, and then the total - of
all these acts - will be written in the history
of this generation.” Robert FKennedy
The beginning of the new school year
brings with it a whole new set of opportunities
and challenges. We spoke to the principals of
four of the schools in the wider Mercury Bay
area to get an idea of what they see ahead
for 2016.
AnnaYates- Principal,TeRerengaSchool I’m
excited about all of our students returning for
2016 to a year of opportunities and learning.
We have four small classes this year with
passionate, knowledgeable teachers who
love learning.
We have a designated New Entrant class
starting with just nine students. This is really
exciting for us as a school and it reflects the
growth in our thriving community. Our
students continue to come from Coromandel
Town through to Whitianga and everywhere
in-between. We want to continue to be a
school families choose because of our small,
nurturing, learning-focused culture.
This year will be a year of learning for our
teachers as well as our students as we focus
upon developing our school curriculum,
gifted and talented education, Te Reo Maori,
literacy and maths as well as our sustainability
education utilising the expansive learning
areas in ourschool.John Wright - Principal, Mercury Bay Area
School
We’ll start this year with a school roll of
more than 930 students. There are 45 families
who are new to the school and who have not
had children here before. We have 16 new
teachers, including two who are covering for
staff due to be away on study leave this year.
MBAS has become a school of choice now
for teachers deciding where they would like
to work. I’m very pleased with the make-
up of our staff and our new facilities are
coming along well. We hope to have the new
Hei classroom block ready by the end of the
first term.
Discussions
the Ministry
have already started with of
Education about more
new classrooms to prepare us for a roll of
more than 1,000 students within the next
couple ofyears.
The school’s annual fundraising Summer
Carnival famously achieved fantastic success
in torrential rain on Friday 8 January. The
money raised will be used to upgrade the
play areas in the juniorschool.
It’s our imperative to deliver high quality
education that is effective and responsive as
our students grow and develop. We’ll aim to
develop within our students the tools to be
effective and critical thinkers, to be flexibleglobal citizens into the
- Principal, Whenuakite
and innovative
21st Century.
JamieMarsden
School
At Whenuakite School we are looking
forward to the successes and challenges that
we know the year will bring.
We want to continue working with our
school families to develop learning
environments that will bring the best out of
their children. We look forward to celebrating
our successes, taking care of each other,
solving the tricky problems that will occur
every day, working hard and having fun.
We look forward to continuing and
strengthening the positive relationships we
have with all local schools so that Mercury
Bay continues to be recognised as an area
where our communities value and support
their schools.
Our Summer Gala was thankfully an
amazing success and the proceeds of this
will once again allow us to confidently do
many essential and worthwhile things. We
start the year with some new children, new
staff, new families and a nearly completed
building project.
BrendanFinn- Principal,TairuaSchool
This year promises to be a momentous year
for Tairua School as we reach new milestones
with our school roll whilst continuing to
innovate our curriculum design and delivery.
Steady growth over the past three years has
resulted in an opening roll of more than 150
students and the introduction of a brand new
classroom courtesy of the Ministry of
Education. Our Board of Trustees has
established a robust strategic plan for 2016
that will ensure no child is left behind and our
unique school culture continues to provide a
safe and inclusive environment for students
and families.
The Tairua Wine and Food Festival held
on 9 January was a resounding success and
will once again provide additional funds to
enhance existing facilities and offer support
programmes for all students.
ByStephanBosman
TheTeRerengaSchoolre-modelled chickenhousewascompletedin2015.Theschoolwill
start2016withsome fencingandthehatchingofchickenslater interm one.

What’sOnthenextfew weeks Sponsored
byDiveZoneWhitiangaTel(07) 867 1580
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Op-Shops
SocialServices Op-Shops- 2CookDrive,Whitianga.OpenMondaytoFriday,9:00am - 4:30pm andCoghillStreet
(westofAlbertStreet),Whitianga.OpenTuesday toSaturday, 9:00am - 1:00pm.
The Church Op-Shop, at St Andrews by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Thursday to
Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm.
StJohnOpportunityShop,CoghillStreet(eastof AlbertStreet),Whitianga.OpenMondayto Saturday, 10:00am -
4:00pm.Phone869 5416.
Justiceofthe Peace
EveryMonday10:00am - 12:00 noonat WhitiangaSocialServices,2Cook Drive.Phone 8664476for more information.
MercuryBayCommunity Bus
Availablefor transport to hospital, specialist orhealthrelatedappointments outsideof theWhitiangaarea. Phone 866
4993for information and bookings.
RoadCyclingandMountain Biking
RoadcyclingmeeteverySaturdayat 8:00am at theFireStationintersection,Whitianga.PhoneBryanon 0221558944
for moreinformation.MountainbikingmeeteveryTuesdayat 5:15pmandeverySaturdayat 7:30amat theFireStation
intersection, Whitianga.Phone Paulon021605230for more information.
SocialCycling Group
MeeteverySundayat 9:00am at Taylor’sMistake,Whitianga.Short45minutecycleandcoffee.PhoneBryanon 022155
8944for more information.
WakaAma“HaveaGo” days
Firstandthird SundayofeverymonthandThursdayafternoons.See Facebook.com/whitiangawakaama.
“Whitianga MoversandLosers”(theOld WW’s)
Wednesdays5:00pm - 6:00pm at St Peters Anglican Church, DundasSt, 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
maintainingourouridealweight andoptimal health. New membersalways welcome.
WhitiangaProbusClub
Meetonthefourth Mondayofeverymonthat theMercuryBayBowlingClub,92CookDrive,Whitianga.Friendly clubfor
seniors.Visitorswelcome. Phone Des Robinsonon(07)8660960for more information.
SocialDarts
EveryTuesdayat 7:30pm at theMercuryBayClub.ContactPaulineCurtainat paulinecurtain@msn.comfor more
information.
MercuryBayCommunity Choir
MeetseveryMondayfrom 6:00pm - 8:00pm intheMercuryBayAreaSchoolmusicroom.Non-auditioned. Newmembers
welcome.ContactKateNielsenontelephone8662573or(027)2709058for more information.
SeniorNetWhitianga 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
4215for moreinformation orto join.
WhitiangaToastmasters
Meet Tuesdays from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the Whitianga Art Centre, School Road, Whitianga. Competent Leadership -
listening, critical thinking, giving feedback, time management, motivating people, mentoring and team building. Phone
Merleon8660240or(021)02419368for more information.
MercuryBayTable Tennis
EveryTuesday9:30am - 11:30am at theWhitiangaTownHall.Allwelcome. PhonePatorNevilleon8671447for more
information.
MercuryBayBadminton
EveryWednesday9:30am - 11:00am at theWhitiangaTownHall.Allwelcome.PhoneDianeon0272461915for more
information.
StJohnCadets
Meet every Monday from 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the St JohnAmbulance Station,Cook Drive,Whitianga.Phone Beth on
(07)8695294or(021)2419757for more information.
WhitiangaSeniorCitizens Club
MeetMondaysin theWhitiangaTownHall,1:00pm - 4:00pm.Bowls,scrabble,cardgames,housieetc. Afternoontea,
55plusagegroup. Phone LanceHayson (president) on8665817for more information.
OperationCover-Up
MeetthelastWednesdayofeverymonthat WhitiangaSocialServicesfrom1:30pm - 3:30pm.Aninitiative knitting
clothing for Missions without Borders in the Ukraine and Moldova. PhoneBrenda on 866 5814 for more information.
WhitiangaArtGroup
MeeteveryThursdayandFriday,10:00am - 4:00pm,attheArtCentreinSchoolRoad,Whitianga.Newmemberswelcome.
Phone Rose on0221392968orMaryanneon8664099for more information.
CoroglenFarmersMarket
EverySunday,9:30am- 1:00pm.Locallyproducedseasonalfruit andvegetables,honey,oliveoil, jams,chutneys, home-
baking, handmade soap, coffee, hot snacks, art and craft, quality vintage items and much more. Phone Fiona on 866
3315for more information.
BonzeSkinsFishing Tournament
Thursday4- Saturday6February.Australasia’srichest gamefishing tournament.Entryformsat theMercuryBayGame
FishingClubbarorat www.marlinfever.com.
MoviesUnderthe Stars
AtLyonPark,AlbertStreet,Whitianga(theMercuryBayRugbyClub).Saturday6February- DirtyDancing.Sunday7
February- MrsDoubtfire. From 7:30pm.Movietoscreenat approximately 8:30pm both evenings.
LeadfootFestival
Saturday 6andSunday7Februaryat LeadfootRanch outsideHahei.Ticketsavailableat www.leadfootfestival.com.
WhitiangaArt,CraftandFarmers Market
Saturday 6Februaryfrom 8:30am - 1:00pm at SoldiersMemorial Park,Whitianga.Locallyproducedfruit andvegetables
andart and craft. PhoneAnneon866 5550 or Doreen on866 5237 for more information.
WeeklyChurchServices
MercuryBayCo-operating Parish
StAndrewsbytheSeaCommunityChurch,9:30am everySundayworshipserviceandkidsfriendly Biblesessions, Albert
Street,Whitianga.
AnglicanServices
StPetertheFisherman, 9:30am Sundayservices.Allarewelcome, Dundas Street,Whitianga.
CrossroadEncounter Fellowship
10:00am everySunday,cnrJoanGaskellDriveandCook Drive, Whitianga.
StPatrick’sCatholic Church
WeekendMassSaturday5:30pm and Sunday8.30am,Monday- Friday9:00am (exceptTuesdaynoMass, Wednesday
12:00 noon).TairuaSunday10:30am,Tuesday9:00am,tel 866 2189.
WhitiangaBaptistChurch
10:00am everySunday,children’sprogramme,112Cook Drive,Whitianga,tel 866 4027.
C3Whitianga
10:30am everySunday,children’sprogramme,23CoghillStreet,Whitianga,
emailinfo@c3whitianga.org.nz.
ChurchofJesusChristofLatter-daySaints (Mormons)
MeetonSundays10:00am- 11:30amattheWhitiangaSocialServicesbuilding,
2 CookDrive,Whitianga. Children’sprogramme.Phone021 277 2126 for more
information.
SeventhDayAdventists
Home studygroup. Phone Laurie/Loison8662808for more information.

Ph07 866 0937
Mob 021 063 8367
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Reduce,reuseandrecycle-thetaleof
thelittle bluebag
“Him Indoors” informs me that, indeed, you
can purchase two sizes of Council bag! (I
hate it when he’s right!) How have I not
noticed this? (How many years have I lived
here in Mercury Bay?) So, why isn’t there a
plethora of small rubbish bags on the sidewalk
come rubbish collection day? Would the
smaller bag not be eminently more suitable for
single or twin households? However, wouldn’t
it also be a great challenge for a family to try to
reduce their waste to the smaller quantity for a
week… and perhaps maintain that new regime
beyond that into a month and beyond?
So, off I went to the supermarket and,
lurking in the darkness of the (nearly) bottom
shelf (bags, tinfoil and wraps department), I
discovered a dark blue, half size, Council-
approved rubbish bag! It retails for
$1.30 per unit compared with the standard size
at $2.40.
Could we, at the Connell household, reduce
our own non-recyclable waste to this size
every week? I’m sure that some weeks we’d
do it easily, but it may well depend on the
number of visitors in the house… especially at
this time of the year. You could also argue that
the big light blue bag could last us two weeks,
but no-one wants their rubbish to start reeking
in this summer heat.
Time for a household waste-audit. Fruit and
vegetable waste to the compost bin… check.
All the qualifying recyclables to the
I like to consider myself a fairly conscientious
consumer. I stress over buying a plastic-
coated carton, kick myself if I leave my cane
shopping basket at home (despite enduring
many a “Doesn’t Red Riding Hood want it
back?” from the comedians who abound round
these parts) and avoid anything individually
wrapped or double-packaged… think chippies
in small plastic bags inside a larger plastic bag
for example.
Conversations over the years, with folks
from far-flung places like Switzerland and
Japan, have revealed their shock at the amount
of rubbish we Kiwis produce, especially whilst
actively promoting ourselves as a “clean
green” haven at the bottom of the world. In
their countries the cost of a rubbish bag is
steep, but the size quite small. It is not part of
their culture to react to these restrictions by
“fly-dumping” their household waste over a
bank somewhere. And if they were to do so…
they would face a very hefty penalty.
Yet another of these conversations, recently,
led me to lament the size of our Council-
approved rubbish bags, my argument being
that the big light blue bag only encourages
you (maybe subconsciously) to fill it and not
to bother too much about recycling, or better
still, to even avoid the offensive packaging in
the first place. “She’ll be right bro’, plenty of
room in the bag!”
You can imagine my absolute horror when
OpinionpiecebyDeli Connell
ThelargerlightblueandthesmallerdarkblueThamesCoromandelDistrict Council-approved
rubbishbags.Thedark bluebagis approximatelyhalf thesize of thelight bluebag.

wheelie bin… check. All those empties in the
green crate… check. So where on earth does
the rest of it come from? A quick, and very
unscientific, survey indicates that 90 per cent
of what’s in the blue bag seems to be kitchen
and bathroom waste… packaging, the non-
recyclable plastic around the bacon, the
packets crackers come in, cling-wrap, the
trays sometimes forming part of meat
packaging, the plastic that toothbrushes come
in… and the used toothbrushes themselves…
the list goes on. It appears that much of what
we can readily purchase is not designed to be
recycled.
A quick Google search indicates there are
alternatives to some of the nasties in the bag.
Bamboo toothbrushes, waxed fabric lunch-
wraps and elasticated covers for food
containers. The following websites and blogs
are a selection of the many, in New Zealand
and overseas, that offer innovative ways to
reduce, reuse and recycle -
http://www.rubbishfree.co.nz
http://1yearnoplastic.blogspot.co.nz
http://myplasticfreelife.com
And whilst on this particular soapbox,
one has to raise the question of that other
little evil, the plastic bag. Nearly every time
you buy anything, you have your purchases
handed back to you in plastic. That’s where
the cane basket or the reusable shopping bag
comes into its own. I applaud anyone who
utilises paper bags in their business… and so
do the worms in my compost bin.
Supporting our farmers markets and road
side stalls is a wonderful way to purchase
locally-grown, often organic and (generally)
unpackaged seasonal food. Take your own bag
or basket.
Wouldn’t it be great to make Whitianga a
plastic bag free town? It has been done.
Collingwood in Golden Bay was the first
New Zealand town to go plastic shopping bag
free back in 2005. The “Bag Ladies” of
Collingwood produced and promoted the use
of lightweight reusable cloth bags. They were
supported by the local stores as well with those
not providing paper bags offering either a
cardboard packing box or charging to
purchase a plastic bag.
Once you’ve done your own waste audit
and got your reusable bag sorted then you’re
on your way to exploring, if not waste-less, a
less-waste lifestyle. Let us know how you get
on!
Note - The environmental organisation “Ocean
Conservancy” cites the following as the
world’s deadliest ocean trash -
1.Fishing gear
2. Plastic bags and utensils
3. Balloons
4. Cigarette butts
5.Bottle caps and rings - I cut every plastic
ring (from bottle necks) before it goes into the
recycling bin - if it blows away then it won’t
trap and strangle any wildlife!
Reduce,reuseand
recycle

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Whatopportunitiesmight therebe
forremarkabledogs?
ByLenSalt
The new hit movie “Oddball” in the cinemas
at the moment is based on the true story of a
penguin colony on an island off the coast of
Australia which had been all but wiped out
by marauding foxes coming over from the
mainland.
The Australian equivalent of our
Department of Conservation and the local
Warrnambool Council had run out of ideas
and were resigned to the colony becoming a
total loss within months or even weeks.
A local chicken farmer by the name of
Alan “Swampy” Marsh had used the Italian
livestock guarding breed of Maremma
sheepdogs for years to protect his chickens
from the same foxes that were attacking the
penguins. He reckoned that penguins were
just “chickens in dinner suits.” Swampy got
his dog Oddball to guard the penguins on
the island and not a single bird has been lost
to foxes in the ten years the programme has
been running.
The movie has taken in over $10 million at
the Australian box office since it was released
at the end of 2015. Glenn Parker of Mercury
Twin Cinemas says it’s been very popular in
Whitianga over the school holidays too. “It’s
a bit different,” he said. “And because it’s
based on a true story I think people relate to
that.”
We had a Maremma sheepdog and would
have to be one of the few families that
managed to keep such a dog in an urban
environment. All of the disaster and chaos
that Oddball causes in the movie rings very
true with us.
Kaskuh (pronounced “cash-koo”) was part
of our family for 12 years before he died in
2014. He was a highly intelligent dog with a
loyal and affectionate nature and he caused
endless mayhem in his years withus.
Modern thinking is slowly starting to
separate canines into their various abilities
to help us do our daily jobs, from
identifying kauri dieback disease and finding
cancer in humans, to search and rescue and
bomb detection.
The remarkable achievements of Oddball
and his mates are now famous around the
world, but the first responses from the
Warrnambool Council and local conservation
authorities were severely sceptical. They took
some convincing, but are now the Maremma
programme’s biggest supporters and the
penguin colony with the dogs on guard has
become a touristattraction.
The Maremma breed stands out for its
unique qualities and these same attributes
might have the potential to solve some of
the issues that are faced by people working
in conservation and farming in New Zealand
today. Based on the experience in Australia,
what opportunities might there be in New
Zealand for Maremmas to protect kiwi, Kaskuh,theMaremmasheepdogthatwasfor12yearspartoftheSalt family.

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Opportunitiesfor
remarkabledogs?
dotterel and other endangered species? New
Zealand farmers have been using them to
protect their sheep and alpacas for a number
of years. Maremma are bred to live with the
flock. They identify any herd or family group,
whether it’s animals, humans or birds as
their responsibility and will defend it with
their lives.
The movie does, however, raise concerns
for me as a former Maremma owner. The
puppies are cute and fluffy, but first and
foremost however they are a livestock
guarding dog and they are always on guard.
That means they will bark at every stranger
or visitor until they learn the sound of that car
or are introduced to a new person.
Our dog Kaskuh was trained by my
wife Svargo to do agility and competed in
competitions. He was hopeless. It’s not that
he couldn’t do the course, but he would only
do it if he wanted to.
AMaremma off lead will immediately head
to the perimeter of wherever he happens to
be and go on patrol. He will get in between
you and the bears and wolves in the forest or
on the beach. He might come back for dinner,
he might not. People who buy Maremma
puppies will often give them up before they’re
a year old. They shed fur like it’s an Olympic
sport, all year round, worse in summer. Your
house will look like a snow storm has just
been through it.
In Australia there are dedicated Maremma
rescue facilities which re-home the dogs. So
don’t be tempted by the Oddball movie to
rush out and get a cute puppy for the family,
unless you live on a medium to large property
and are prepared to understand the breed and
how to work with them.
Jodie Cawood of Maremma Rescue
Victoria, who was involved in preparing the
Maremmas for the Oddball movie, has been
quoted as saying that, “[Maremma dogs] are
not pets and suburban settings are not ideal
for them. They do make brilliant family
members, but ideally they are working dogs
with a job to do, something - even chooks
- to look after, otherwise they get bored.” It
would be a tragedy to see increased
numbers of Maremma puppies euthanised
simply because they end up in the wrong
environment and people can’t cope
with them.
Oddball will be showing at Mercury Bay
Twin Cinemas every weekend until the next
schoolholidays.
For more information and some amazing
Maremma footage visit -
https://www.facebook.com/MaremmaSheepdog/
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/
country-living/dog-lover-jodie-cawood-
runs-maremma-rescue-victoria/news-story/
c76243efb012c404063b86630728cdfb
http://www.warrnamboolpenguins.com.au/

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UKStyle Crossword
© LovattsPuzzles
UKPuzzle674
Name:
Telno:
Wina$6WednesdayLottoticket. Handdeliverormail orscanandemail your entryto TheMercury
BayInformer, 14MonkSt,WhitiangaorPOBox426,Whitiangaor info@theinformer.co.nztoreach
us by6:00pm Mondayeachweek. Thewinner must pleaseclaim his/her prize from the NewWorld
check out manager directly before the Wednesdayof the week following the issue in which he/she
wasannouncedthe winner.
ACROSS DOWN
1. Supply & ... 1. Little tunes
5. Angrycrowds
7. Unhitch 2. Die down
8. Brass instrument 3. Losesshine
9. Iconic whale, ... Dick 4. Desperate, in dire...
10. Hit the road 5. Relic
11. Drivesforward
13. Fingertip cover 6. Childish &silly
14. Leafy side dishes 12. Youngchap
18. Slow-moving mammals 15. Arithmetic mean
21. Tax
22. Portable 16. Anyone
24. Car stopping device 17. Relieveitch
25. Tropical tuber 19. Zodiac sign
26. Burial chamber 20. Fizzy powder27. Risky
28.Seductive 22. Actress, ...Streep
29. Spend (3,3) 23. Fragmented
Lastweek’s solution
Lastweek’swinner- Marion Frechtling

Thumbs
Up
To Greenstone
Entertainment
forbringing
to Mercury Baythe 2016
Whitianga Summer
Concertthat washeld last
Sundayat theWhitianga
WaterwaysArena.
RacetwooftheMBBoating Club’s
Steinlagerseries
Before racing in race two of the Mercury Bay
Boating Club’s Steinlager Series started last
Wednesday evening (27 January), the crew of
Blue Print decided to check out the sea state
and wind conditions around Windy Buoy
(located 300m off Buffalo Beach) and got
more than they bargained for.
As we approached Windy Buoy heading
towards the beach, three massive swells
came through. The first picked us up and
with nowhere to go, we careened down the
face of the first wave in a foaming cauldron
heading towards the beach. With a low tide,
shallow water loomed up rapidly.
Luckily, we dropped out the back of the
foaming cauldron, luckily we didn’t hit the
bottom, luckily we were able to get the boat
around and facing seaward and accelerate into
the next wave, which gave us a good workout.
We then climbed the last wave, which we
smashed out the other side of - a lot of luck
involved. On checking my speed log, we did
15.1 knots down the face of the wave.
The only real collateral damage suffered
was to my underwear.
Needless to say Sandy Wilton in the control
tower omitted Windy Buoy from the race and
we all got off on time at 5.00pm
With only 10kts of breeze and continuous
swells coming through, the start was pretty
ropey to say the least. H2Go (Paul Dimock)
weaved his magic and got away clear, but
the second bunch of Loose (Belinda
Wallace), Kahurangi (Stu Crockart), Contrast
(John Wright) and Him Outdoors (Al Joslin)
all came together on the start buoy and some
colourful adjectives were shared. On Blue
Print we muffed the start, but had a very
cunning plan to be unveiled later.
Not surprisingly, H2Go was first to Doctors
Buoy, leaving the rest of the fleet to engage
in some titanic tacking duals. Loose led most
of the windward leg, but took her eye off the
ball and allowed Kahurangi to sneek past.
Contrast and Him Outdoors had a loose cover
on the front runners, so were always in there.
We hatched our cunning plan rounding
Doctors Buoy and found ourselves a massive
5m in front of Kahurangi and a whopping
8m in front of Loose. PlanDone.
We deployed the famous Blue Print
gennaker and with binoculars and other
visual aids, we could just make out H2Go,
so the fleet set off in hot pursuit. All the
fleet, bar Kahurangi, carried spinnakers or
gennnakers en-route to Simpsons Buoy.
With a substantial lead over the following
boats, we did a botch gybe at Simpsons.
That’s now where you rap the gennaker
round and round the fore stay and then pull
your hair out. Not exactly a “plan B.”
H2Go was surfing her way to the finish
and another first, but once round Simpson
Buoy, all the fleet enjoyed some good bursts
of speed to the finish. I must say Contrast
looks a picture with her near new turquoise
spinnaker.
As the boats finished - 1 H2Go, 2 BluePrint,
3 Kahurangi, 4 Loose, 5 Contrast and 6 Him
Outdoors.
On handicap - 1 Him Outdoors, 2 Blue
Print, 3 H2Go, 4 Kahurangi, 5 Loose and
6 Contrast.
Thank you to SandyWiltonin the start tower
and Anne Davy for food and refreshments at
the club rooms after therace.
ByMattAlgie- SkipperofBlue Print
HandicapwinnerHim Outdoors inRace2oftheMercuryBay BoatingClub’sSteinlager Series.

Lastweek’swinner- Malc Cooke
Sudoku
3
2
6 8 7
1 4 9 5
Name:
FishingReport
SponsoredbyH&M PascoeTel0274852 046
SudokuPuzzle 674
Telno:
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of nine boxes
inside the thick lines, mustcontain eachnumber onlyonce. Deliver or mail or scanandemail your
entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reachus by6:00pm Mondayeach week. Theweekly prize is one butter
chicken combo (including rice and a poppadom) from Hurry 4 Curry, Whitianga. The winner must
pleaseclaimhis/herprizefromHurry4Curry directly.
There were plenty of opportunities last
week for fishers to get out there and wet
their lines and large numbers of people
did exactly that.
Once again the results were fairly patchy,
but overall things seem to be improving as
far as snapper are concerned. Whilst it’s
fair to say that many have struggled to get
amongst the snapper from time to time,
some excellent reports are starting to filter
in, suggesting this lean patch is about to
come to an end. In recent times gurnard
and trevally have helped fill up the chilli
bin, but over the weekend, snapper were
the dominant species in shore.
A few of the spots that worked well at
some stage last week included various
areas along the southern shore of Great
Mercury Island, off Korapuki, behind the
Black Rocks and the coastline between
Hahei and Hot Water Beach. Tide is fairly
critical and a change of tide may bring on
the bite or cause it to cease. Different
areas fish in different tides and several of
the more successful anglers have good
records of where and when they have
done well.
The excellent weather conditions have
also enabled a fair bit of game fishing out
wide and they too are having a lot of
fun. There are quite a few smaller
marlin out there still, which most of the
guys are tagging and releasing. There is a
theory that the big blue marlin will come
in just after the shortbill spearfish arrive,
which is great news for the Bonze
International Skins tournament being held
later this week from 4 to 6 February.
During our Troy Wheeler Contracting
Ladies tournament last Saturday, no less
than six shortbill spearfish were landed
(one of which is a pending club record for
ladies - all tackle) and at least one vessel
lost a tussle with what they called a very
big blue marlin.
With tens of thousands in cash up for
grabs each day of the Bonze International
Skins tournament and $250,000 in cash
for the heaviest marlin over 350kg, the
serious fishers are sure to be keeping a
close eye on the weather forecast with
their fingers crossed.
Contact us at the club if you’re interested
in taking part in any of our tournaments
and you can keep an eye on where the fish
are being caught by going to www.fishgrid.
com and bylistening
to VHF channel 61 -
Gamebase.
Tightlines,
Alan

M: 021 909 406
P: 07 392 9123
P: 09 940 5801
E: rolly@smartbrokers.co.nz
PAYING TOO MUCH FOR ACC?!
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• Save up to 50% on your ACC bill
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the‘smart’ thing to do!
Business Protection Specialist
Auckland & Whitianga
Adisclosurestatementisavailableonrequestandfreeof charge.
With 93 boats and 241 anglers entered, the Troy Wheeler Contracting Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club
LadiesTournamentthatwasheldlastSaturday(30January)wasevenbiggerthanlastyear’s tournament.
ParticipantscamefromallovertheNorth Island.
Onthe water goodsuccesswas achieved.Specificallyimpressive is the fact that five marlin were landed,
buteightweretaggedand released.
TeresaGardinerwasthewinneroftheStripedMarlincategory,witha111.72 kgfish.Theheaviest shortbill
spearfish was caught by Kiri Moore (25.7kg), while Anna Brown landed the heaviest yellowfin tuna
(6.67kg).
Bec Le Quesne took the honours for the heaviest kingfish with her 20.35kg catch. The heaviest kahawai
wascaughtby NoraCorbett(2.64kg)andnobody couldbeatKim Newman’strevallyof 2.57kg.
In the Skipjack Tuna category Aenea Waldron came out on tops with her fish of 5.09kg. The heaviest
albacore wascaughtbyJanelle Bell (8.46kg) andJaneWildman caughtthe heaviest snapper (5.36kg).
Theheaviestmahimahi,weighing9.02kg,wascaughtbyMoanaScarrott.
Morethan$60,000worthofprizeswere won.
PicturedisanglerKimBowmanholdingthedorsalfinofastripedmarlinshelandedduringthetournament.
Sunglassesforlifeguards
Simon Buchanan and Sonya Corlett, the owners of Moko Artspace at Hot Water Beach,
donatedonThursdaylast week10pairs ofsunglassestotheHotWaterBeachLifeguards.
“We’ve recently started to stock Moana Road sunglasses, says Simon. “It’s a Kiwi brand
withpolarisedlensesandbambooarms.I thoughtaboutdoingsomethingforthe lifeguards
forsometimenow.TheMoanaRoadsupplierwashappytodousagooddeal onthe glasses.
“I surf a lot and fully appreciate the work the lifeguards do to keep Mercury Bayresidents
andvisitors safe.”
Gary Hinds, chairman of the Hot Water Beach Lifeguard Service, says the sunglasses are a
welcome gift. In as muchas they will comein handyin the day-to-day work the lifeguards
do,it’s alsoa tokenof supportfromthe localcommunity,whichis alwaysappreciated.
Pictured is Simon(on the far right) shaking Gary’shandwhen the sunglasseswere handed
over. Sporting the sunglasses with Gary are lifeguards (from left to right) Jess Gestro,
HunterReid,CallumMcKinney,ReubenDimockandGeorgie Hood.
Impressiveladiesfishing
tournament

ObserverPuzzle 674
Name:
Telno:
Goin the draw to win a package of Mercury Baydelights (including restaurant, cafe and attraction
vouchers). Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14
Monk Street,Whitiangaor POBox426,Whitiangaor info@theinformer.co.nzto reachusby 6:00pm
Monday each week. The winner will be drawn in July 2016 and will be notified by phone. No
correspondencewill beenteredintooncethewinnerhasbeennotified. Conditions apply.
Across
EverymanCryptic Crossword
© TheObserver
Down
1 Clumsy person breaking sectionin 1 Exercises on record oddlyinvolving
wall(7) monarch and hierarchy (7,5)
5 Discourage delay(3,3) 2 Agent with service admitting large
8 Reliable police officer with watchword defeat(7)
back in base(6-8) 3 Agreeably different panel last year (10)
10 Left with desire to disruptmad 4 River in wood, miles away (5)
show(10) 5 Prepared to erupt if getting littlecake?
11 Ring linked to odd elements insale (5,4)
of capital(4) 6 Attempt to encapsulate love forcity
13 Learn good tip(5) of Paris?(4)
14 Air in large shed(9) 7 Flower father planted on raised area,
15 Controller’s true goal ruined by I notice(7)
resistance(9) 9 No admittance after development is
17 Substitute returning pass withdoubtful polluted(12)
expression(5) 12 Benefit in advancement for young
19 Gain vase, according to report(4) person(10)
20 Pressure to join in coursesarranged 14 Book entirely about loud insect (9)
for part of orchestra(10) 16 Something with which chap covers
23 Fellows taken in by deviouseffect, part of body? (7)
false modesty(4-10) 18 Language used bymachines
24 Level enclosure filled with mineral(6) extensively (7)
25 Article in store, not rightfor 21 Disagree with Conservative whip(5)
impetuous type(7) 22 At a distance from Nadal, upset? (4)
Thefact that the weather causedthe Matarangi BoatandFishingClub’sAnnualFishing Competitionto be
postponedfrom2JanuarytolastSaturday,didn’taffectthenumberofentries.Infactattheprize-giving, it
wasstandingroomonlyat theMatarangiFire Station.
Theresultswere impressive.
In the Snappercategory(sponsoredbyAtlasGentech),CodyBlowewasthewinnerwithanentryweighing
7.78kg. In secondplace wasDooleyGoonanwith a 7.75kg catch andBrianBaker’s7.4kg fish took outthe
thirdspot.
Pete Murphy won the Heaviest Kahawai category (sponsored by Beach Realty) with a 2.38kg entry. The
heaviestJohnDory(sponsoredbyPukuandKerre’sLiquorStore)weighed1.284kgandwascaught byPaul
Eden.PhilMosenwasclosesttothemysteryweight(sponsoredbyMatarangiGeneralStore) of0.972kg.
Theheaviestkingfish,weighing10.250kg,wascaughtbyKirkDavis,oneofthehostsofthe TVshow Fishy
Business. In the show Kirk fishes from a jetski. Kirk’s family are Matarangi bach owners. Kirk fished on
Saturday also from his jetski and caught and released more than 20 kingfish. He says his next big
challengeistocatchamarlinfromhis jetski.
Anumber of spot prizes sponsored by Battery Town and NZ Outdoor Gear were also given away during
prize-giving.
Pictured is Kirk Davis (left) receivinghisprize from Matarangi BoatandFishingClubPresident HarryKarl.
GoodturnoutatMatarangi
fishingcompetition

BrainTeaserPuzzle 674
Name:
Telno:
Winacoffee and amuffin from EspyCafe in Whitianga. Handdeliver or mail or scan and email your
entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or
info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 6:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim
his/her prize from EspyCafe directly before the Wednesdayof the week following the issue in which
he/shewasannouncedthe winner.
Brain Teaser- RedHerrings
© LovattsPuzzles
WAITAIA NURSERY
Native • Ornamental
Big Trees • Fruit Trees
Citrus • Hedging
Palms • Hire plants
and more
Bagged Products
Bulk mulch
Open
Thurs - Sun 9am - 5pm
other days by phone
appointment
(07) 869 5910
Waitaia Road
Kuaotunu
Answer
s
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Lastweek’ssolution- Binary Puzzle
Lastweek’swinner- Anthea Austin

ClassifiedsandPublic Notices
SportResults
WHITIANGA ART, CRAFT & FARMERS MARKET
Saturday 6 February
Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga,
8:30am -1:00pm.
Unique locally created art, craft & local produce.
Phone Anne 866 5550 or Doreen 866 5237.
WHITIANGA ARTGROUP
Raffle Result - Summer Exhibition
Winner of the
Frans van HoppePainting
Soundshell - Flaxmill Bay
Ticket No 346
(Anne Johnson from Taupiri)
WANTED
Young, fit person to work with logging
crew, breaking out and trimming.
Must be drug free. Whitianga area.
Phone 866 5429 or 027 2558792.
ALL ROUNDERREQUIRED
Well-known Whitianga business
needs anall-rounder.
The job requires physical work,
including heavy lifting.
An HT Class 2 licence is required.
The Informer is the receiving office
for this vacant position.
Please drop your CV off at 14 Monk Street,
Whitianga or email it to
info@theinformer.co.nz.
MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY CHOIR
Reconvenes Monday 8th February
(and every Monday thereafter)
MBAS Music Room, 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
We welcome new members (no auditions).
“If you can talk you can sing!”
Enquiries - Kate Nielsen 866 2573 or 027 2709058.
Customer Service position in our
Drivethru and Timber Yard
PlaceMakers Whitianga has a vacancy for a customer service based
role in our busy Timber Yard and Drivethru.
Initially this will be a part-time position, working approximately 25-30
hours per week, including some rostered Saturdays, Sundays, or public
holidays.
To the right applicant this could eventuate into a fulltime position mid
2016.
Duties include, day to day customer service, answering the phone,
collating orders for delivery, housekeeping and a variety of tasks as
required.
Previous experience would be an advantage, however, you will be
working alongside and supported by Whitianga’s best so full training
will be given.
Applicants also need to be aware that PlaceMakers Whitianga is a
smoke free site and that a requirement of PlaceMakers’s Health and
Safety policy is that the successful applicant must undergo a full
medical, and a drug and alcohol test.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your
CV to Tony.Enchmarch@placemakers.co.nz or via post to Tony
Enchmarch, Customer Service Manager, PlaceMakers Whitianga, PO
Box 442, Whitianga 3542.
Applications close 4:00pm, Tuesday 9th February 2016.
PUBLIC NOTICES
SITUATIONS VACANT
PUBLIC NOTICES
9-8,
MERCURYBAYTENNISCLUB
BusinessHouse- Tuesday26January
CertsonlinedefWhitiangaHotel9-7 New
WorlddefPenVetServices9-8 9-6.
MERCURYBAYARCHERYCLUB
Lakeview Classic - Saturday and Sunday 23
and24January
Thecompetition was held at Lakeview Archers in
Tirau. Four unmarked field rounds were shot over
two veryhot days.
The Longbow category was tough, but Dennis
McLeodmanagedtosecurethesilver medal.
MERCURYBAYCLUBSNOOKER
Wednesday27 January
BrianCodyre,after ahardfoughtfinal againstKen
Gibson, tool home the meat with three straight
wins. Twowins for Ken Gibson (runner-up), Peter
Challis andWayneBellingham.
Wewelcomedagainourvisitors- Kevanfrom
VancouverandEvan from Taupo.
MERCURYBAYGOLF& COUNTRYCLUB
MixedScramble- Wednesday27January
Fortygolfers avoidedthethreateningrainto
compete in a game of PAR (which isbasically
(Continuedonpage 35)
DennisMcLeod(onthelef) withhissilvermedalintheLongbowcategoryofthe
LakeviewClassicarcherytournamentthatwasheldtheweekendbefore last.
WithDennisaregoldmedalistCyrille Leveque(inthecentre)andbronzemedalwinner
GaryHutchings.Cyrille andGaryaremembersofotherarchery clubs.
Businesshousebowls
underway
The Business House competition of the Mercury Bay Bowling Club kicked off on Monday
evening last week with 26 teams having entered. That is six more teams than last year.
“We’re delighted with the turn-out this year,” says Mercury Bay Bowling & Sports Club
MatchConvenorGwyn Howells.
EachMonday evening during February the teams will play against each other to determine
their ranking for a finals tournament that will be played on Sunday afternoon 28 February.
“Even if people aren’t playing, they should come down to the club on Monday evenings,”
saysGwyn.“It’s agreatatmospherewitheveryonerelaxedandenjoying themselves.”
PlayonMondayeveningsstartat 5:30pm.ThefinalstournamentonSunday28February will
startat 1:00pm.
Pictured are the membersof the KeithMahonteam, oneof the teams all outcompeting for
thewinners’trophy.Fromleft toright - BenCullen,JasonDickson,JoeWateneand Rodney
Gamble.

Tricky Trees
Call Chris 021 240 9909
•
•
Pruning
Felling
• Firewood
• Hedge maintenance
• Crown reductions
• Stump grinding • Difficult removals
• Chip waste to mulch
DAVE’S DRAINAGE
Drainlaying
Public & Private
1.8 Ton Digger Hire
30 Years Experience
Free Quotes or Advice
Call Dave
027 727 0348
davesdrainage@xtra.co.nz
WORK WANTED
MIKE’S MOWING
$25 empty sections, fortnightly
or monthly mowing. Free edge spraying.
Free quotes.
Phone Mike or Deb
866 4678 or 027 320 1703.
PSYCHIC READINGS
SPIRITUAL HEALING
Text Verna 027 320 0079
vernacarrspiritualhealing.com
READINGS
TEA LEAF/CARD
INTUITIVE READINGS
Massage, healing, spiritual.
Phone Catherine Gwendoline
(021) 756 655.
WHITIANGA TOYLIBRARY
Isabella Street (off Coghill St)
Open
Wednesday 2:30pm - 4:00pm
and Friday 10:00am - 11:30am.
New members welcome.
~Toys for Hire~
TOY LIBRARY
TREE SERVICE
Any tree work at all.
Free quotes.
Phone Jeremy on
(07) 866 0118.
TREE SERVICES
GARDEN MAKEOVERS
• All aspects of tree care or
complete disposal.
• Landscaping and more.
Free quotes.
Phone Jeremy Haszard (07) 866 0118
PLEASE GIVE HOLLY AHOME
Little tortoiseshell female Holly has a
lovely nature and is very smoochy,
but would prefer to be the only cat in
her household. She is comfortable
with dogs. Holly is about a year old
and has been spayed ready to go to
her new forever home.
If you can give Holly a home,
please phone the girls at
Whitianga Vets 07 866 5314.
CLEANERREQUIRED
ForMotel.PermanentPartTime.
Mustbemature,experienced,reliable
andavailable7 days.
Greatworkingconditions-ahappy team!
PhoneJoorAlanon(07)866 5766.
SOCIAL SERVICES FAMILY OP SHOP
Is looking for two more volunteers to work
at the Coghill Street, Whitianga op shop.
Ideally looking for someone who is available
either Friday or Saturday mornings
on a regular basis.
Please call Jenny on 8664476
for more information.
Customer Service position
Showroom Sales
At PlaceMakers Whitianga, providing excellent customer service
is paramount to us. This includes answering the phone within 30
seconds, acknowledging our customers with a friendly smile and
having a great attitude towards providing the best service in town.
If you have the same values with a passion for customer service,
then we have an awesome positionforyou in our busy Showroom.
This position could also lead into a fully subsidised NZQA Level
4 Certificate, in Retail Management, so we would love to hear
fromyou!
Additionally, this position is full-time, which will include rostered
Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays.
You will also need to know that PlaceMakers Whitianga is a smoke
free site and that a requirement of our Health and Safety policy
is that the successful applicant must undergo a full employment
medical, with a drug & alcohol test included.
To join our excellent customer leading team, please forward your
CV to Olivia.Kathan@placemakers.co.nz or via post to Olivia
Kathan, Retail Manager, PlaceMakers Whitianga, PO Box 442,
Whitianga 3542.
Applications close 4:00pm, Tuesday 9th February 2016.
ANNE LEWIS
Registered music teacher
of piano, theory and
recorders.
Accepting students
for 2016.
Phone (07) 867 1618.
REGISTERED MUSIC TEACHER
PROPERTY FOR SALE
AUDREY NEVILLE
LTCL
Commencing 9 February.
48 Kupe Drive, Whitianga.
Phone 866 2823.
HOUSE WASHING
Detergent Soft Wash,
Roof Clean/Treatment, Window Cleaning.
Phone Russell Short on
866 2097 or 0273 602 937.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
SITUATIONS VACANT
ClassifiedsandPublic Notices
ANIMAL REHOMING GARDEN SERVICES MUSIC TUITION PORTABLE CABINS
SITUATIONS VACANT
RETAILPAINTSALESAND STOREPERSON
DoyouhavePASSIONinwhatyoudo,
takePRIDEinyourwork and
CAREaboutwhoyou’redoingit for?
GuthrieBowronWhitiangarequiresapart-timeretail
salespersonspecialisinginpaintand wallpaper.
Requirements-
• Heavylifting
• Basiccomputerskill
• Driver’slicence
• Accuracy
• Aneyefor colour
• Positivecaringattitude
Emailrach-jules@gbwhitianga.co.nzand
telluswhoyouareasaperson, what
you’repassionate about,
youremploymenthistoryandreferencesand
whyyouwanttojointheGB team.

Mercury Bay Up Coming Events| Whitianga

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