CFM Local News 28-12-2023

With Fire and Emergency NZ declaring a Restricted Fire Season for the Coromandel Peninsula through until early February, warnings are being issued as the region dries out. FENZ has also banned the use of private fireworks within Thames-Coromandel District during this period – it excludes already planned and approved public fireworks displays such as Tairua on New Year’s Eve. Local Onemana Rural Fire Chief Joe Adams said local conditions are increasingly concerning as are the actions of people recently lighting fireworks at both Whitianga and Opotuere. FENZ said the current measures were aimed at keeping communities safe from wildfire, particularly during the period.

Boaties using the Whitianga Wharf over the holiday period will get a lesson on marine biosecurity and water safety from January 2. The Waikato Regional Council will man a pop-up stand where boaties can access information maritime safety rules and the clean below programme. And as a carrot the first 50 visitors who are owners of boats that are moored at a Coromandel marina or are a member of a Coromandel Fishing Club will get a special gift-pack from Boating New Zealand and Clean below – Good to Go. Senior Biosecurity Officer Danielle Kruger says with exotic caulerpa on the Coromandel Peninsula’s doorstep, it’s essential that all boat owners have access to true and correct facts about the steps they can take to help stop the spread of marine pests.

The summer events programme is well in swing, tomorrow the Mercury Bay Emergency Services Summer Festival is being held at Taylors Mistake, Whitianga. The event supports local fire, surf, St Johns, Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard and Civil Defence. Onemana stages its annual market day at the Onemana Foreshore Reserve from 10am and in Coromandel Town the Farmer’s market is a Friday speciality.

And from the headlines we don’t want to hear – Tairua bowling club members have expressed disappointment after a white ute was seen under the cover of darkness ripping up the club carpark – could it be the same white ute which was reported earlier this year tearing up the local rugby field. Te Aroha residents would like the sign returned which was ripped off a pole outside the community hospital.

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