Whitianga Marina has been named both Marina of the Year and Boatyard of the Year in the 2026 New Zealand Marina Operators Association Awards.
The awards recognise excellence across New Zealand’s marina and boatyard sector, including operational performance, customer service, environmental management, staff development and contribution to local communities.
Whitianga Marina was selected as Marina of the Year from four finalists: Gulf Harbour Marina, Marsden Cove Marina, Silo Marina and Whitianga Marina.
Guest judge Callum Gillespie, executive director of NZ Marine, said the diversity of the finalists made selecting a winner particularly challenging.
Whitianga Marina team from L to R: Blair McLean, Dave Munday, NZMOA sponsor Rob Bolton from GOfuel, Luana Skelton, Ian Cox.
“We had to compare very different facilities, from a purpose-built superyacht marina in central Auckland to destination marinas serving regional communities,” Gillespie said.
“We chose Whitianga Marina because it is carefully managed, community-minded and operates consistently at a high standard. Its team has also recently completed two impressive projects, the new fuel dock and seawall.
“We felt Whitianga had a strong team culture and met the awards criterion of operating to its fullest potential.”
A certified Clean Marina, Whitianga Marina has 231 berths for vessels ranging from 10 to 24 metres. Its location places berth holders and visitors within walking distance of the town’s shops, cafés, restaurants and accommodation, while providing convenient access to Mercury Bay and the Mercury Islands.
Whitianga Marina also won Boatyard of the Year ahead of fellow finalists Gulf Harbour Marina, Marsden Cove Marina and Titan Marine Engineering.
The boatyard has 18 cradle stands, two enclosed work sheds and a meticulously maintained 35-tonne travel lift capable of handling vessels with beams of up to 5.1 metres. Judges were impressed by its efficient operation, environmental controls, presentation and consistently high standards.
A teen who used a crowbar to smash his way into seven businesses before leading police on a 10km pursuit and crashing into a ditch, had no real reason for his crime spree – with his lawyer saying he just, “lost the plot” that night.
It was during the early hours of 5 May this year, for reasons unknown, Aucklander Eli Tinirau drove to Whangamatā and used a crowbar to smash is way into seven businesses.
The 18-year-old hit Craft Haus first, smashing his way inside through the front door at 12.51am, stealing a safe, till and miscellaneous items. Next it was Coastal Kitchen, Saskia and Co, Paradise Coast Barbers, Boho Chic and Table Talk, using his crowbar every time and stealing tills and small items before fleeing.
His last call was Ōpoutere Coastal Camping on Ohui Rd, where he smashed into the store and took more items.
The damage totalled $24,690.98.
In court this last week, Tinirau couldn’t explain why he struck the seaside Coromandel town in the early hours of the morning. He appeared for sentencing on seven charges of burglary, and one each of reckless driving and failing to stop.
When asked by Judge Clark what happened that night, his lawyer said he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, wasn’t taking his medication and “he just effectively lost the plot”. “His intention was to kill himself after that,” added the lawyer, referring to his fleeing police and crashing.
At 2.30am, Tinirau was seen driving along State Highway 25 at Ōpoutere, where he crossed the centre-line into the path of a police car heading towards him. The patrol car swerved at the last minute to avoid a crash.
Judge Clark questioned why other people had to suffer harm because someone was going through a tough time.
“The offender got quite upset when the victim impact statements were read to him.
Although Tinirau did show a lot of remorse, the facts revealed were – he wasn’t taking his medication, which is essential to his mental health given his diagnosis and he was also under the influence of marijuana. .
The judge noted, “Both of those things are self-imposed circumstances which do not carry a great deal of weight. If you intoxicate yourself, that is your decision and that is not a mitigating factor.
“The effect of this type of thing doesn’t just go away once you clean up the glass. It affects the whole community.”
Given Tinirau was a first offender, Judge Clark agreed to keep him out of prison and sentenced him to seven months’ home detention, to be served at a Manurewa property, disqualified him from driving for seven months and to pay reparation at $50 a week.
He was also banned him from entering Whangamatā during his sentence and six months of post-detention conditions. Judge Clark ordered Tinirau to pay $1000 reparation to each victim.
The Informer spoke to Patrick Kerr, Chair of the Whangamata Business Association.
“We will watch interest whether the offender will pay the reparations to each of the stores he vandalised.” These weren’t just burglaries – they were attacks on the livelihoods of hardworking Whangamatā business owners. Our community stood together then, and we remain united in saying this behaviour has no place in our town. We await the Court enforcing the reparations demanded.”
◾️*This story has been adapted but originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald and then Waikato Times.
At the Council meeting held on Tuesday 22 September , TCDC voted to reclassify reserve land on Moewai Road from Recreation Reserve to Local Purpose Reserve. This being done under the Reserves Act 1977 Sec 24. The vote was carried 5/4. Those voting in support were: John Freer, Robin Sinclair, Martin Rodley, Michael Barlow and Alison Smith (5) – none of whom represent Mercury Bay and no doubt some who could not find their way to the land in question.
This is a poke in the eye for local democracy. The Mercury Bay Community Board (MBCB) had vote 5/1 at their board meeting to maintain the status quo – to keep the land in question as Recreation Reserve, until such time as all other options for housing a community marae or maybe high density and affordable housing are investigated. Deputy Mayor Grant was the only MBCB member to vote against this – hence 5/1.
It brings into question not only the integrity of those making the TCDC decision but also the notion of local decisions are made by local people. Council should simply not overturn the decision of a Community Board unless there are district implications, strategic issues or the decision would be ultra vires. Mayor Revell cannot be a happy man. Peter supported the MBCB decision which shows he supports local democracy yet 5 Councillors, none of whom represent Mercury Bay did not support MBCB.
Those Councillors who voted against the MBCB position should take a good hard look at yourselves.
You all stood for:
• Openness and Transparency
• Better Community Engagement/Consultation
• Local Decisions made by Local People
• Community Empowerment
You have once again displayed your hypocrisy. You have failed on every account.
Failures of TCDC so far:
• Introduction of Land Value to Capital Value Rating
• Terms of Reference changed to Accord – Neutering Community Boards
• Local Waters Done Well
• Openness and Transparency (Ombudsman’s Report)
• Simplifying Local Government
• Wharf User Fees (made National News)
The role of Council Staff is to provide timely, accurate and non-biased information. In the case of the Wharf User Fees the report to Council did not meet the ‘sniff’ test. $429K to operate and $26K in revenue. The revenue figure is simply not right!
It’s time to start holding people to account.
The Whitianga Wharf Fees issue should not have happened. We deserve much better.
TCDC has two major issues
A lack of leadership
A culture problem. Rather than being a RESULTS driven organisation they are Process driven. TCDC needs a reset and as such should look at what their Vision is and what Leadership looks like.
I quote from John Quincey Adams, US President (1767 – 1848) “If your actions inspire others to dream, learn more, do more and become more you are a leader.”
If only those sitting in the ivory tower spent some time at the coal face and found out what is good, what is not so good, what is working, what is not working; we would start to achieve some better outcomes.
In the mean time our Community Boards are rendered useless. If you do not want them, say so and bank the $5-$8M. It might help your Long Term Plan discussions.
JUST KEY IN THE TITLE AS WRITTEN TO FIND THE VIDEO IN YOUTUBE (And it’s better on a flat screen TV)
1) World Geography Quiz|100 Questions-How Many Can You Answer?|Best Ultimate Quiz
Test just how good your knowledge is of world geography. Good luck!
2) The New Zealanders (1959)
Archives New Zealand presents a look at life in 1959. This overview highlights the culture and society that shaped the nation.
3) Recreating the Tang Dynasty Mother-of-Pearl Rosewood Five-String Pipa.
Amazing craftmanship! Marvel as this artisan carves the instrument’s curved body and straight five-pegged neck from rare zitan rosewood, then follows with decorations of inlayed mother-of-pearl segments, amber gems and gold wire to form a blooming baoxiang flower motif. A marvelous creation.
She became a medical doctor in 1951 aged 27. There were very few female medical doctors in New Zealand at the time.
While studying as a medical student she fell in love with John Wray, also a medical student and married in 1947. Margaret received much criticism for being a married woman in the Medical School. “The general assumption was that if a woman got married, she would drop out – which many of them did. The professor was wrong about me.”
Margaret on her birthday with her beautifully hand-made crocheted blanket – a gift made for the occasion by her granddaughter-in-law Rachael Lee.
John had been injured during the war and suffered from tuberculosis. “We knew we had to have children early as John would not live to old age. We both knew that with his injuries in the war, he would not live beyond 50.” They had three children, David, Sarah-Jane and Anne, and spent some years studying and working in England before John died.
While a young mother and a widow with her three children, she returned to New Zealand to became the medical officer for RNZAF Woodbourne Base in New Zealand.
It was there she met Walter Guthrie, a commissioned officer in the RNZAF. The restrictions on how Walter and Margaret (non-commissioned) could relate as a dating couple caused much ado. Margaret challenged these and was successful. In 1964, they were married.
In 1967, with a move to Christchurch, Margaret was elected as Secretary of the NZ Medical Women’s Association, a position she held for several years.
Margaret was treated so very differently from the way a professional male would have been treated.
In 1973, Margaret applied for and was offered the position of Medical Superintendent of Burwood Hospital. She became the first female medical superintendent of a hospital of over 100 beds in the country. She was advised at the time, “There had not been a female medical superintendent in Christchurch, and they had no idea how the Board might react to such an application.”
In 1974, while working as Superintendent, Margaret did further study – a multi-disciplinary, postgraduate, extra-mural course for a Diploma of Health Administration (DHA). She was in the first intake. She loved it and did well. However, it was not until 1988 that her qualification was officially recognised by the Medical Council and finally awarded the status of specialist.
Margaret thought ruefully at the time that she was treated so very differently from the way a professional male would have been treated.
Margaret was by now specialising in Gerontology. “I started to specialise in looking after older people who were in long-term care and disabled. There was no training in those days. I requested the Director General to send me to Canada and Britain for nine months where there were experts in long-term and elderly care. I went. I was in my fifties.”
Margaret’s focus was on the increasing life expectancy age of older people who were surviving into a frail old age but not being properly looked after. “I believed a great deal could be done to prevent disablement and maintain function in frail older people if they were assessed and treated in a timely manner”.
Margaret worked with many other geriatricians specifically around end-of-life care, when older people should/could return to their homes, rehabilitation, and social activities to keep them connected to others and mentally stimulated. Her main driving ideas were that “no one component of a comprehensive geriatric service can exist in isolation” and viewing the patient as a “whole person” rather than trying to treat just one aspect.
Between 1992 and 1997, Margaret chaired and was involved in multiple initiatives, including the NZ Association of Gerontology, Age Concern Wellington and NZ, and the Ministerial Advisory Council for Senior Citizens. She was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 1997.
Margaret Guthrie has been a pioneer when it comes to education, especially medical achievement and a leader when it came to the role of women in education and in public health.
Dr John Wray and Dr Margaret with their first two children.
At her 100th birthday she commented; “I think looking at my own life and the lives of some of the high achievers in medicine; it is not about remarkable minds; it is about opportunity and seeing that it is there for the taking. It is a matter of application. You can never love all of your work and your career, but overall, I am fortunate to have loved my work.”
At 102, Margaret is a remarkable mind. On her reading table sits the NZ Herald, the Listener, history journals, The Coromandel Informer and she regularly checks and respond to her emails. She says, “What has been passed on to me is, “Don’t give up. If there is an obstacle, just work your way around it.”.
At her small family celebration last Thursday where she arrived with fashion flair and elegance, I remember some of Margaret’s comments: “Everyone with whom I had a close friendship as a peer has gone. But I have my family and I love them.” When we wished her happy Birthday, she said, “There’s no need for fuss.” When selecting from the birthday goodies, she smiled, “This is fun – choosing what I like to eat.” When her daughter, Sarah-Jane offered a toast to her around the table, she asked, “Am I allowed to toast myself?”
I am sure the whole Peninsula toasts her. Thank you Margaret you led the way in a so many areas for women and for men.
These days Margaret lives in Whitianga on the same property, but a seperate abode, with her daughter, Sarah-Jane Lee.
Whangamatā Ratepayers Association – Whangamatā War Memorial Hall – 328 Port Road, Whangamatā. Saturday 17 October at 11:00am.
Pauanui Ratepayers & Residents Association – Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, 42 Mount Avenue, Pauanui Beach. Sunday 18 October at 10:30am.
Tairua Resident and Ratepayers Association – Tairua Rugby Club, Cnr. Manaia and Tokoroa Roads, Tairua. Sunday 18 October at 2:00pm.
Coromandel-Colville Business Association – RSA-Combined Clubs, 190 Woollams Avenue, Coromandel. Wednesday 28 October at 5:00pm.
Waihi and Whitianga meetings have already been held.
Candidates
ACT – Mike McCormick –believes in reducing taxes and regulation, focusing on evidence-based public policy, and raising education standards to ensure the next generation is taught critical thinking over ideology.
Freedom and Outdoors party – Ray Cobb – “I stand for direct democracy and caring for the environment. I stand for freedom of choice and local solutions.”
Greens – Pamela Grealey – Working-class roots, entrepreneurial experience and global systems insight now grounded in Coromandel community, worker advocacy and environmental activism.
Independant – Steve Hart – “Party politics is dead. We have been overtaken by globalisation. Observe te growth of independant MPs. Independants have a free voice.
Labour – Glen Bennett – in my second term in Parliament, I’m standing up for a better Coromandel, now and for future generations.
National – Scott Simpson in our National Party MP for the Coromandel. “Only a Christopher Luxon National-led government will get New Zealand back on track. I’m seeking re-election to again be Coromandel’s voice and face in our parliament so that I can continue to represent the interests and aspirations of all Coromandel people.”
New Zealand First – Vincent Andersen – “I am standing for New Zealand First to help create opportunities for the next generation while protecting the communities, environment and way of life that make the regional New Zealand so unique”.
Last December, we raised the question of why the colourful flags traditionally displayed on Whitianga’s power poles had disappeared from our streets.
At the time, there was an indication from Thames-Coromandel District Council staff that the matter would be looked into with a view to the future.
Well, Christmas is approaching again, so perhaps now is a good time to ask: what happened, and will Whitianga’s flags be flying this summer?
The flags may seem like a small thing, but sometimes it is the small things that help create the character of a town. They add colour and vibrancy to our streets, provide a cheerful welcome to visitors and give Whitianga that extra lift as we head into our busiest time of year.
We already have a beautiful coastal setting and a community that takes great pride in its town. Dressing our streets for Christmas and summer simply adds to that sense of welcome and celebration.
If there are practical reasons preventing the flags from being installed—whether cost, maintenance, safety requirements or responsibility for putting them up—it would be helpful for the community to understand what those issues are.
More importantly, if there is something local organisations, businesses or community groups could do to help overcome those barriers, perhaps that conversation should happen now.
Last year we asked where the flags had gone.
This year, we’re asking whether the matter has progressed.
Christmas will be here before we know it. It would be wonderful to see Whitianga’s streets brightened once again and our flags flying proudly for locals and visitors alike.
Linda Cholmondely-Smith, Whitianga
A good festival but room for improvement
As much as you presented the better side of the Oceans Festival and I enjoyed reading online the account in the local paper and seeing the photos. However, there is another side that should be addressed.
A large group of (14) long-time supporters, going back to the early Scallop Festival Days, commented they will not be back. Their experience was the food overall was “poor”, with long queues and a new set-up that just did not work. They did not stay as long this time but vacated to more friendly venues further along the Esplanade. The fact that even with a wristband on they could not leave the area to get warmer clothing as they would not be allowed back in, was not well received.
I am aware that this ruling is to stop any objectionable behaviour with people returning having consumed a lot of alcohol elsewhere, and this was explained politely. However, this was a false assumption of our group and if people had returned inebriated they could have been dealt with by the number of security guards there. We saw no one exhibiting that behaviour and some discernment would have been helpful. Our group was certainly not in that category. It is not too difficult to monitor who can come and go without resorting to draconian measures.
I could see from my interchange that one staff member felt ill at ease having to be firm with people not allowing them back in some of whom they seemed to know personally knew well.
This is a commercial enterprise that is partially funded with grants from both Central Govt (Scott Simpson – $70,000 and the local Community Board $6,000 and other sources plus attendees paying their entry fee. The grants are community funds and should be used for the local community. I was surprised that some local hospitality businesses were not asked to provide sea food or their specialty dishes. We found caterers were brought from out of town. Showing off Whitianga and its hospitality places and food and entertainment is what visitors come for – for the Community and by the Community.
Well done to other establishments who did their own advertising and enhanced the experience of being in Whitianga – the festival goers feeling the cold wind were very glad of that. This is worth building on for the next festival. – perhaps a festival of food with every one of the restaurants and cafes starring; sharing their specialties with residents and visitors. This could be enlarged to a weekend. I hope to get my group to reconsider one not so good experience.
Annie C, Pōkeno
I’m voting for democracy
Like most people I hate being bombarded by the election campaigning. Thy say vote for me and promise me everything and often promise New Zealand or Aotearoa new Zealand everything.
However, to see the large billboards being erased by toe rags from all spectrums or persuasions represents a mentality that want to erase or change something without exposing themselves or really their own intentions.
I have been re-reading George Orwells ‘Animal Farm’.
There is something similar about this story and how New Zealand will become if the liberals or socialists want to be given money without working.
The Russian Revolution is similar to what the Te Pati Maori Maori Party want. The co-governance you speak about is definitely tribal governance – “Give me some, give it all.”
This is also said in the words of Willie Jackson, the media voice of the Labour Party and very good friends of John Tamihere who himself, in a disgraceful way has led charitable organizations to help the homeless while grooming his own rich lifestyle.
Willie has admitted he doesn’t want educated Maori, doesn’t want to improve infrastructure like roads and basic water and wastewater reticulation.
As I see it, everyone benefits from proper reticulation, clean water, good roads, good drainage and street lights and should be paid for by everyone. None of us own the natural resources. Let’s just together look after them with our rates and taxes.
Wanting too much for nothing and to not work but expect payment is a dead-end alley.
The new water company set up in Wellington is now charging a lot more due to past mismanagement but also the desire to get wealthy themselves rather than get the job done.
All of this creates disgruntlement.
Do I give in to the corruption that I see, the overspends on maintaining ineffective systems? Do I give up and let racial and cultural division win?
I can’t do either – for myself or for my family and the town where I live. So I’m going to vote for the person and party that I believe is making the least false promises. And I’ll work hard for what I earn and I will speak up – people are depending on me.
I am one person, but I am aware that there are others like me. We will speak up with our vote which is a secret ballot. We still have democracy.
Ian Seddon, Turangi (property owner in Whitianga)
Logic with boat launching fees
I recently received a leaflet published by the TCDC regarding changes to the method of payment of boat launching charges. The leaflet states; “One vehicle, one permit. Use the same vehicle to launch multiple vessels”. At present the fees are tied to the registration plate of the trailer. Logical, right? The trailer is the bit that the boat sits on and is the bit that goes into the water when launching and retrieving.
The Council (in its wisdom) has now decided that the registration of the towing vehicle will now be tied to the launching fee. I feel that the logic behind this change is somewhat flawed as many boaties possess the ability to use more than one vehicle (mates, relatives, partners) to launch their boats. Only a small number of people would own more than one boat.
I have been advised by “customer services” that the vehicle rego number can be changed TWICE in any permit period. Most boaties willingly pay their launching fees despite the council attempting to make it more difficult than it needs to be. Surely, a simple tweak of the launching fee payment website could still maintain the status quo and add the convenience of adding a couple of vehicle registration number plates as well.
Watch this space.
Dave Baardman, Cook’s Beach
Rethink amalgamation
Suddenly the National minister, Simon Watts, has paused the drive to amalgamate District Councils. After all the hurried works and threats. Why? Did he see a danger that the harried populace, and unmandated actions that missed out consultation, would cause trouble at the ballot box? Now we all have a chance for local governance to second-guess amalgamation. Maybe the next round of rate accounts could have some sort of poll to get our feelings about changes in local governance. I wonder what sort of questions will need ticks in boxes.
Last week, government announced its Simplifying Local Government Head Start v Back Stop process, a false dichotomy, will not be decided upon “…at this time.” Hallelujah…common sense prevailed. Facing stiff opposition and criticism, government accepted more than three months are required to “..ensuring fair and effective representation with streamlined governance, and the transfer and delivery of regional functions”.
Whilst Mayor Revell and Deputy Mayor Grant, backed by Cr Freer and four Thames-based Councillors, bought into the false dichotomy in a 7-4 decision, we have, fortunately, been given time to make a better decision about our future.
Structural local government reform is complex, contested and deeply rooted in place. It should not be rushed. It must be done correctly to stand the test of time. Reform needs to start with outcomes, not structure.
We must use this breathing space to build a credible alternative: a reformed, commercially collaborative, politically autonomous TCDC with local decisions made by locals, for locals.
1. Where to Next
Ministers Bishop and Watts identified unresolved questions about representation and regional function, encouraging councils to collaborate, test ideas, and prioritise spatial planning. Their letter retains plans for no regional councilor elections in 2028 and for backstop reorganisation after that year’s local elections. Permanent independence is not guaranteed. We must make the case for it!
2. The Alternative
I introduced The Comparator in a recent article: TCDC remaining a standalone territorial authority while changing how it operates. It needs to be a properly costed, deliverable option against which every proposed amalgamation or partnership alternative is measured.
For the avoidance of doubt, keeping the present organisation unchanged fails that test. It is not an option. Rates affordability, infrastructure demands and scarce specialist skills require action regardless of council boundaries.
We must evaluate our +$85m OPEX procurement of insurance, information technology, engineering, road maintenance, etc.; share specialist staff; renegotiate commercial service arrangements to improve value for money; assess water collaboration based on actual assets, debt, pricing, and accountability terms. Each arrangement must show what ratepayers receive, what it costs, and how performance is enforced (cost-benefit and RoI analysis).
Political autonomy means our elected members remain accountable to our communities for local priorities, rating decisions and service choices. Commercial collaboration expands capability while preserving that accountability. A shared service does not justify reduced accountability for local elected members.
Council should establish a (LTP) ten-year Comparator with a clear budget, timetable and named responsibility for delivery. Start with verified assets, debt, renewal requirements and service standards. Identify achievable net savings, show the effects on different properties and communities. An attractive district average, as we have seen first-hand with the 2025 ill-informed LV to CV decision, can conceal substantial winners and losers.
We must set annual savings targets, conduct independent checks, and report publicly. Any shared contract should protect local access and include enforceable service standards, remedies for poor performance and workable exit rights.
Any weaknesses must be highlighted. Our coastal district retains concentrated exposure to storms and infrastructure damage. The Comparator needs realistic insurance assumptions, borrowing capacity, emergency support arrangements and funded resilience work. It must explain the price of retaining autonomy, including any benefits forgone by declining a larger combined balance sheet.
3. Terminating the MoU
We must recover freedom to negotiate. My August article challenged the MOU’s exclusivity: TCDC accepted a restriction on formal amalgamation negotiations before obtaining settled protections on matters that determine the bargain’s value. The Government’s pause makes a constructive reset timely. It does not automatically cancel the MOU.
TCDC must ask Hauraki and Matamata-Piako to agree in writing to terminate it, release all parties from exclusivity and continuing commitments, and settle responsibility for costs already incurred. The objective is agreement to end its continuing force and effect. If TCDC terminates it unilaterally, contractual questions remain unresolved.
We should approach both councils courteously. Acknowledge their work and explain our reasons openly. HDC and MPDC remain potential partners. Their capabilities and opportunities deserve fair consideration, alongside unresolved liabilities, transition costs and representation questions.
4. Freedom to Negotiate
Ending exclusivity should improve the basis for cooperation by allowing each council to determine what best serves its community.
TCDC must be able to negotiate freely with any suitable party, including Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, our existing MOU partners and others. Different services may suit different partners. No exclusivity. TCDC should be able to compare offers, test alternatives and use that freedom to secure better terms for ratepayers.
Every proposal must beat the Comparator on credible evidence. Ratepayers must be materially better off after transition costs, legacy liabilities, service consequences and risk are included.
A marginal projected saving is insufficient where assumptions may fail, and political control would be difficult to recover. The Comparator provides the best-understood starting point; its own assumptions must withstand independent scrutiny.
Work begins now. Retain useful analysis already paid for. Test community engagement for the Comparator. Publish progress, invite challenge and build the standalone case so it can inform whichever reform process follows the election, including Back Stop.
5. Next Step:
Ding, Ding… the bell has bought us time. We must now earn the result: better ratepayer value, and a real choice about who governs our district. The opportunity is now. We must take it—before momentum drifts back to the same starting point.
What do you think?
◾️Flemming is a lawyer, businessman, elected Mercury Bay Councillor. Kuaotunu resident.
Thames Music Group’s October Sunday concert features WindWood. WindWood is a duo formed by longtime friends and musical colleagues Karen Batten (flutes) and Jeremy Fitzsimons (marimba and percussion). Both are highly experienced freelance musicians and current, or ex, Section Principals with Orchestra Wellington.
This TMG concert is part of WindWood’s 2026 tour of the upper North Island with a varied programme featuring works inspired by spirituality and dance. Audiences will experience the vibrant energy of Brazilian tango alongside the meditative tranquillity of Japanese music.
Karen will introduce audiences to the different voices of the flute family, performing on C flute, alto flute, and piccolo. In one work, Jeremy moves from marimba to percussion, showcasing the remarkable coordination and versatility that are hallmarks of the percussionist’s artistry.
The intimate nature of St George’s church in Thames provides an ideal setting for communication and connection with the audience.
DETAILS: Thames Music Group’s Sunday Concert series presents WindWood, Sunday 4 October 2026 at 2.00 pm, St George’s Church, Mackay Street, Thames.
Thames-Coromandel District Council has received approval from Waikato Regional Council to undertake maintenance dredging at the Esplanade Boat Ramp, Whitianga, from 23 to 25 September 2026.
The dredging is required to remove accumulated sediment that has reduced navigable water depths and created a navigational hazard for vessels using the boat ramp. The works are supported by the recreational harbourmaster as necessary to maintain safe vessel access.
The Whitianga Esplanade Boat Ramp will be closed to public use from 23 to 25 September 2026 while dredging works are underway.
Where suitable, dredged material may be beneficially reused for beach nourishment purposes at an approved nourishment location under Council’s existing beach nourishment consent. This approach was also used during previous Esplanade Boat Ramp dredging works.
Council thanks the public for their patience and cooperation while these important maintenance works are completed.
