It was exciting to see so many people coming into Whiitanga for the weekend.
It was more than the event of the Oceans Festival which is exciting in itself. It is the people coming and enjoying this town that will benefit from the influx of life and business which brings the excitement.
Every town needs this and from what I know, this last weekend has seen great community events not only in Whitianga but Whangamata with the Black Rock Cross Country. There would have been others but The Oceans Festival was a stand out.
Grace O’Malleys and Buffalo Beach Club took advantage of the influx of Oceans Festival goers and put on their own special food and entertainment to top and tail Oceans Meats County. it worked. Early evening on Saturday, you could hardly move in either of these venues.
Sunday morning was busy too for hospitality as travellers fuelled with food before returning home. Between the big events, there are the community groups organising all manner of fund raising get togethers. Thank you for all the hard work that keeps towns going.
The future for all of us depends on having a voice and seeing the results that we have some power to influence decisions.
There has been such a lot about local government reform. That is vital but in the meantime our task is to prepare to vote for the candidate whom you believe will best represent this Peninsula and the concerns of its people nationally.. I am involved with the Meet the Candidates meeting here in Whitianga. I am keen to speak with each of them and report back to readers. You have opportunity to get to one of the following meetings – I hope you can. First off the rank is Waihi on Friday 25 September; and second is Whitianga 26 September.
PEINSULA MEET THE CANDIDATES MEETINGS
Waihi Grey Power Association – Waihi Baptist Church, 3 Gilmour Street, Waihi. Friday 25 Sept at 10:00am.
Whitianga Residents’ and Ratepayers’ – Whitianga Town Hall, 24 Monk Street, Whitianga. Saturday 26 Sept at 2:00pm. See page 11.
Coromandel-Colville Business Association – RSA-Combined Clubs, 190 Woollams Avenue, Coromandel. Wednesday 30 September at 5:00pm.
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.
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.
Greens – Pamela Grealey – Working-class roots, entrepreneurial experience and global systems insight now grounded in Coromandel community, worker advocacy and environmental activism.
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 this will be Scott’s 4th term as National Party MP. 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.
Dixieland band p5
Line dancing en masse p3,6
Entertainment at Buffalo Beach Club p6
