Whitianga - Coromind

Shark Swarm

March 14, 2023 No Comments

On my last local spearfish, at Whale Island, a large Bronze Whaler shark came cruising below me. It swam slowly and yet with great power, gracefully but with intent. Encouraged by the shark’s calm demeanour, I slipped beneath the surface to meet it several metres underwater. Unfazed, the shark swam on, each powerful swing of its tail effortlessly pushing the creature through the water. I admired it as I attempted to keep up. Impressive muscles flexed as rays of sunlight danced upon the shark’s shiny copper skin. This kind of encounter is not uncommon for New Zealand spearfishers and is seemingly becoming a more common occurrence

The changing art of education – Part 3

March 14, 2023 No Comments

It never ceases to amaze me how young minds soak up knowledge naturally through play and interaction. A child can learn several languages at the same time and not confuse them when speaking. But suddenly, at age five or six, they are required to slot into an education system and change the way they learn, often being forced into learning styles that don’t suit their abilities. Of course, with classes of 25 or more, teachers are restricted in how they teach.

309 Road: The Man Behind the Name

March 14, 2023 No Comments

Becs Cox shares the story of the Topp man who drove up therange A son, brother, husband, father, trooper, farmer and carriage driver – Mr William (Bill) Betheridge Topp Junior

Let’s Have a Bowl

March 14, 2023 1 Comment

Getting the Best From our Piece of Paradise So you’ve discovered the ‘new year, new me’ ambition has become a too-distant memory, as we creep towards the second quarter of

So … How’s That Airbnb Going?

March 14, 2023 No Comments

So, let’s unpack these perspectives a little. In terms of providing short-term accommodation, Mercury Bay has a wide range of motels catering for quite up-market tastes through to holiday camps and cheaper family-friendly options. Very seldom are these filled to capacity (with the occasional exception of specific events such as the Summer Concert). Taking this view, Airbnb takes business away from established businesses in the area, rather than filling a need in the accommodation market.