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Jim Birchall
Former editor - HC Post
Whangamatā

Jim Birchill is the former Editor of the Hauraki-Coromandel Post.

We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Check out Jim’s latest content
Former HC Post editor pays tribute to community paper
Opinion

Former HC Post editor pays tribute to community paper

19 Dec 01:00 AM
New life for old art deco cinema as wedding venue
Waikato Herald

New life for old art deco cinema as wedding venue

09 Feb 06:30 PM

It was important for the building to remain as a space to be loved by the community.

Waikato eels given safe path to sea thanks to innovative pump
Waikato Herald

Waikato eels given safe path to sea thanks to innovative pump

02 Feb 01:34 AM

The prototype pump had a successful trial at the Huntly golf course pump station.

Thornton Bay stabilisation project to receive $1.3m in funding
Waikato Herald

Thornton Bay stabilisation project to receive $1.3m in funding

01 Feb 09:54 PM

The funding is a significant contribution towards project's design and construction.

Hunt continues for Coromandel's Big Foot - the Moehau Man
Waikato Herald

Hunt continues for Coromandel's Big Foot - the Moehau Man

31 Jan 08:36 PM

'I’ve been followed, had stuff thrown at me, and come across large footprints.'

Sunken and salvaged: Ariana celebrates 100 years
Waikato Herald

Sunken and salvaged: Ariana celebrates 100 years

30 Jan 02:55 AM

She was a total wreck, salvaged from the mangroves but had a good pedigree.

DoC wants a track to Cathedral Cove but no guarantees
Waikato Herald

DoC wants a track to Cathedral Cove but no guarantees

24 Jan 03:52 AM

A solution that is not resilient to climate change is not an option, DoC says.

Risky and closed but 'thousands' still walking to Cathedral Cove
Waikato Herald

Risky and closed but 'thousands' still walking to Cathedral Cove

22 Jan 04:39 AM

DoC has removed staff from the site because of public abuse.

Bombshells to hit Waihi Theatre during art and street festival
Waikato Herald

Bombshells to hit Waihi Theatre during art and street festival

17 Jan 05:50 PM

Waihi Drama Society are blowing the lid off the inner workings on women.

Vandals destroy prized elephant outside Thames restaurant
Waikato Herald

Vandals destroy prized elephant outside Thames restaurant

17 Jan 01:14 AM

Vandals smashed the intricate elephant sculpture into pieces.

'Go f*** yourself': Mayor's salty email reply
Waikato Herald

'Go f*** yourself': Mayor's salty email reply

16 Jan 02:40 AM

Fiery language was in response to increased aggression directed at council staff.

Broken water main forces Thames total water ban
Waikato Herald

Broken water main forces Thames total water ban

11 Jan 02:36 AM

Thames and Thames Valley are under level 5 watering bans after two incidents.

Cathedral Cove alternatives provide coastal Coromandel experience
Waikato Herald

Cathedral Cove alternatives provide coastal Coromandel experience

09 Jan 02:47 AM

Alternative visitor options have been created near Cathedral Cove.

Keep an eye out for jellyfish around the Coromandel
Waikato Herald

Keep an eye out for jellyfish around the Coromandel

05 Jan 11:00 PM

Using urine to relieve a jellyfish sting is a popular misconception.

Ram raid in Whangamatā overnight
Waikato Herald

Ram raid in Whangamatā overnight

04 Jan 12:15 AM

Police say two people were arrested after calls of concern from the public.

Coromandel towns see water restrictions after storms, heavy use
Waikato Herald

Coromandel towns see water restrictions after storms, heavy use

02 Jan 09:34 PM

Several Coromandel towns are now under water restrictions due to storms and heavy use.

Missing man's dog found 2 months after disappearance
Waikato Herald

Missing man's dog found 2 months after disappearance

02 Jan 05:42 PM

Jordan van Deursen, 29, has not been seen after failing to return from a planned trip

Tairua Surf Life Saving Club illuminated by solar gift
Waikato Herald

Tairua Surf Life Saving Club illuminated by solar gift

31 Dec 06:00 PM

The new solar panels help towards the club's 'primary goal of keeping beaches safe'.

Narnjarte brings symphony of puppetry, juggling, and illusion to Hauraki
Waikato Herald

Narnjarte brings symphony of puppetry, juggling, and illusion to Hauraki

28 Dec 07:00 AM

Lorite 'started with puppets 18 years ago. My dad used to take me to puppet shows'.

Keen eye kept on Coromandel’s water quality over summer
Waikato Herald

Keen eye kept on Coromandel’s water quality over summer

27 Dec 11:44 PM

Waikato Regional Council also says don't swim in murky water or after recent rain.

Hauraki Coromandel’s year in review
Waikato Herald

Hauraki Coromandel’s year in review

22 Dec 12:26 AM

Coromandel retailers and tourist operators are gleefully welcoming summer visitors.

'Absolutely critical': How SH25a bridge was built so quickly
Waikato Herald

'Absolutely critical': How SH25a bridge was built so quickly

17 Dec 02:21 AM

Present were interests from local business groups, retailers and tourist operators.

From trolley duty to management and now community hero
Waikato Herald

From trolley duty to management and now community hero

17 Dec 12:59 AM

After becoming pregnant, Sibley managed to complete high school while also working.

Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr looking forward to NZ tour
Waikato Herald

Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr looking forward to NZ tour

08 Dec 04:30 AM

Kerr is aware touring is finite but says he still loves hitting the road.

Social supermarket to provide low cost food
Waikato Herald

Social supermarket to provide low cost food

08 Dec 04:16 AM

Food and grocery products will be offered at low or no cost, using a points system.

Destination playground comes with superior facilities for the disabled
Waikato Herald

Destination playground comes with superior facilities for the disabled

04 Dec 11:04 PM

Destination playground will be a boon for disabled children.

Key Coromandel route on track to reopen this week
Waikato Herald

Key Coromandel route on track to reopen this week

03 Dec 08:38 PM

Delays caused by Cyclone Lola and site vandalism initially delayed the project.

Researchers prove that being in the Coromandel reduces stress and anxiety
Waikato Herald

Researchers prove that being in the Coromandel reduces stress and anxiety

30 Nov 09:48 PM

The region has always claimed to be good for your soul - now it's backed by science.

Jo's hidden food forest flourishing in Coromandel subdivision
Waikato Herald

Jo's hidden food forest flourishing in Coromandel subdivision

30 Nov 01:13 AM

'I have always strived to be as self-sustaining as possible.'

Hot win for holiday park at Hot Water Beach
Waikato Herald

Hot win for holiday park at Hot Water Beach

26 Nov 01:06 AM

Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park won Franchisee - Excellence Customer Engagement.

'Game-changer': Major Coromandel project nears completion
Waikato Herald

'Game-changer': Major Coromandel project nears completion

23 Nov 06:00 PM

The $15.3 million project includes building a new commercial wharf and slipway.

Bridge not too far off: SH25a project steams ahead
Waikato Herald

Bridge not too far off: SH25a project steams ahead

20 Nov 09:15 PM

The bridge is being constructed to plug a 124-metre-wide expanse.

Missing man: Police suspend search
Waikato Herald

Missing man: Police suspend search

20 Nov 02:18 AM

Van Deursen, 29, has not been seen after failing to return from a trip.

New public housing on the way in Thames
Waikato Herald

New public housing on the way in Thames

20 Nov 01:00 AM

New state houses for Thames will be ready early next year.

Whangamata resident celebrates 106th birthday
Waikato Herald

Whangamata resident celebrates 106th birthday

17 Nov 04:58 AM

Hilda Simmons, one of NZ's oldest people, was born in Morrinsville on November 15, 1917.

Axe to fall on reserve's poisoned pines
Waikato Herald

Axe to fall on reserve's poisoned pines

16 Nov 09:27 PM

Work is to begin on cleaning up after a mysterious spate of tree poisoning.

What these Coromandel kids found that's worth thousands
Waikato Herald

What these Coromandel kids found that's worth thousands

14 Nov 09:00 PM

The children’s father was surprised to find the huge lump sitting on the kitchen bench.

Coromandel's SH25A to open before Christmas - three months early
Waikato Herald

Coromandel's SH25A to open before Christmas - three months early

12 Nov 11:58 PM

The reopening of the road brings a welcome economic boost to the Coromandel Peninsula.

Celebrating the best we've got
Waikato Herald

Celebrating the best we've got

12 Nov 04:00 PM

The awards recognise the achievements and community-mindedness of people in Hauraki.

Finding Heidi podcaster offers $10k reward for Swedish tourist info
Waikato Herald

Finding Heidi podcaster offers $10k reward for Swedish tourist info

10 Nov 04:05 AM

Wolf has put up a $10,000 reward for information leading to the Swedish woman's body.

Person rescued after being trapped in lift
Waikato Herald

Person rescued after being trapped in lift

07 Nov 03:58 AM

Emergency staff were called to the rescue of a person who was trapped in an elevator.

Search continues near Whangamatā for missing man
Waikato Herald

Search continues near Whangamatā for missing man

06 Nov 09:57 PM

LandSAR personnel are concentrating their search in an area from Wentworth Valley.

Hauraki Coromandel sport in brief
Waikato Herald

Hauraki Coromandel sport in brief

05 Nov 07:32 PM

The Club held the annual closing day on Saturday.

Buyers snapping up Tairua development
Waikato Herald

Buyers snapping up Tairua development

31 Oct 11:00 PM

Thirty-five of the 52 available sections have been sold in the development.

Authors offer tips on regenerative gardening
Waikato Herald

Authors offer tips on regenerative gardening

26 Oct 10:19 PM

Yotam and Niva Kay, of Pakaraka Farm in Coromandel, have their second book out now.

Whitianga Buffalo Beach Airshow a hit on Labour Weekend
Waikato Herald

Whitianga Buffalo Beach Airshow a hit on Labour Weekend

24 Oct 07:35 PM

World War II-era Harvard’s roared across the sky,

Three Whangamatā students selected for ISA Junior World Surf Games
Waikato Herald

Three Whangamatā students selected for ISA Junior World Surf Games

24 Oct 02:30 AM

Whangamatā Area School students Lola Groube, Leia Millar and Pia Rogers were named.

Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke youngest MP in 170 years
Waikato Herald

Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke youngest MP in 170 years

16 Oct 01:28 AM

The Māori seat of Hauraki-Waikato is set to have a new MP, the youngest ever.

National's Scott Simpson retains Coromandel seat in landslide
Waikato Herald

National's Scott Simpson retains Coromandel seat in landslide

15 Oct 05:26 AM

National MP Scott Simpson remains the MP for Coromandel.

Coromandel tourism 'NZ's worst performer'
Waikato Herald

Coromandel tourism 'NZ's worst performer'

12 Oct 04:00 PM

Hauraki-Coromandel visitor revenue, including cash and online spending, is down $90m.

Kale voted most hated in inaugural favourite vege election
Waikato Herald

Kale voted most hated in inaugural favourite vege election

10 Oct 12:21 AM

Kiwis’ favourite and most despised vegetables have been announced

Car ends up on railway lines after gorge crash
Waikato Herald

Car ends up on railway lines after gorge crash

09 Oct 08:04 PM

Tourists, who had been in the country for less than two days, had a lucky escape

Midwives anxious over closure of Waihī  birthing centre
Waikato Herald

Midwives anxious over closure of Waihī birthing centre

09 Oct 12:24 AM

Pregnant women are already concerned at the extra travel and are changing birth plans.

Adopted 'sweet little dog' seriously injured
Waikato Herald

Adopted 'sweet little dog' seriously injured

08 Oct 11:50 PM

A "beautiful sweet little dog” was injured, returned to vet days after adoption.

New life for facility after birthing centre closes
Waikato Herald

New life for facility after birthing centre closes

06 Oct 02:30 AM

Waihī Lifecare Birthing Centre has shut after 80 years.

Repair work starts on key Coromandel route
Waikato Herald

Repair work starts on key Coromandel route

06 Oct 02:20 AM

A company based in Coromandel township is set to complete the repair.

Turua memorial wall inspired by firefighter
Waikato Herald

Turua memorial wall inspired by firefighter

03 Oct 03:33 AM

An idea from Michael Stephens' widow saw a wall built to remember Turua's people.

Traditional instruments used to create ‘Soundscape Aotearoa’
Waikato Herald

Traditional instruments used to create ‘Soundscape Aotearoa’

01 Oct 09:27 PM

Dr Nichola Voice has joined a growing number of musicians incorporating taonga puoro.

Waste contractor issues public apology to Hauraki residents
Waikato Herald

Waste contractor issues public apology to Hauraki residents

28 Sep 02:53 AM

A waste contractor has apologised after a contract began before new trucks arrived.

Looking for Heidi: Podcast host and team comb forest for tourist's remains
Waikato Herald

Looking for Heidi: Podcast host and team comb forest for tourist's remains

20 Sep 02:30 AM

Volunteers scoured an area of forest near Whangamatā for the remains of Heidi Paakkonen.

Big game comes to Whangamatā
Waikato Herald

Big game comes to Whangamatā

15 Sep 03:33 AM

Unbeaten sides in the Bunnings Heartland Championship are set to lock horns in Whangamatā.

Big Read: 'Blown up from the inside out' - the 1969 Ngātea crop circle
Waikato Herald

Big Read: 'Blown up from the inside out' - the 1969 Ngātea crop circle

15 Sep 01:11 AM

Many people will be unaware of mysterious markings in a Hauraki Plains paddock.

Cathedral Cove rāhui: Facebook post told how to access beach
Waikato Herald

Cathedral Cove rāhui: Facebook post told how to access beach

13 Sep 08:02 PM

The post described using a damaged track at the site.

Buffalo Beach airshow to celebrate 75 years of Mercury Bay Aero Club
Waikato Herald

Buffalo Beach airshow to celebrate 75 years of Mercury Bay Aero Club

11 Sep 03:16 AM

A spectacular airshow will dominate the skies above Mercury Bay over Labour Weekend.

Toilet funding approved for Coromandel, dump station to be relocated
Waikato Herald

Toilet funding approved for Coromandel, dump station to be relocated

11 Sep 02:39 AM

Toilets and pathways in the tourist hotspot are set for an upgrade.

Coromandel business owners hope for a summer resurgence
Waikato Herald

Coromandel business owners hope for a summer resurgence

04 Sep 10:44 PM

Coromandel recorded the dubious honour of the biggest drop in retail spending nationwide.

Libraries ditch overdue fines
Waikato Herald

Libraries ditch overdue fines

04 Sep 02:03 AM

Three district libraries are removing fines for overdue books.

Whangamatā half marathon back on track after 3-year break
Waikato Herald

Whangamatā half marathon back on track after 3-year break

29 Aug 08:27 PM

The September 23 event includes new courses and a seaside start/finish at Williamson Park.

SH25A piles driven in at bridge site
Waikato Herald

SH25A piles driven in at bridge site

28 Aug 03:45 AM

Contractors are working over a 20-hour-a-day cycle on the project.

Female players to the fore in Whangamatā
Waikato Herald

Female players to the fore in Whangamatā

28 Aug 02:00 AM

Highlighted by fielding their first-ever women’s team and the champion senior A side.

Tairua skatepark a reality after 30-year battle
Waikato Herald

Tairua skatepark a reality after 30-year battle

22 Aug 02:57 AM

A long-awaited skatepark in the coastal community of Tairua is full steam ahead.

Transport Minister and contractor give Kopu-Hikuai Road update
Waikato Herald

Transport Minister and contractor give Kopu-Hikuai Road update

18 Aug 06:24 AM

David Parker reaffirmed today the project was on track for a March 2024 completion

Sepuloni visits Thames, announces recovery plan to future-proof weather-impacted regions
Waikato Herald

Sepuloni visits Thames, announces recovery plan to future-proof weather-impacted regions

19 Jul 12:35 AM

Carmel Sepuloni announced the Government’s $30 million North Island Weather Response.

Have you seen Bodhi? Dog missing for weeks after strangers put it in their car
Waikato Herald

Have you seen Bodhi? Dog missing for weeks after strangers put it in their car

17 Jul 01:00 AM

Bodhi was seen by two separate people getting into a red car.

SH25A re-opening in late March as rebuild starts
Waikato Herald

SH25A re-opening in late March as rebuild starts

26 Jun 09:57 PM

Physical works under way for the construction of a bridge reconnecting State Highway 25.

Coromandel leaders upset over loss of concert
Waikato Herald

Coromandel leaders upset over loss of concert

29 May 06:00 PM

Cancelled Whitianga Summer Concert is another blow to the region's visitor industry.

What's happening to Paeroa's famous L&P bottle?
Waikato Herald

What's happening to Paeroa's famous L&P bottle?

17 May 06:47 PM

'It’s done Paeroa proud over the years.'

Regional banking hub to open in Whangamatā
Waikato Herald

Regional banking hub to open in Whangamatā

15 May 04:55 AM

The Regional Banking Hubs trial is expanding, and a new hub is opening in Whangamatā.

Vital road washed away in deluge
Waikato Herald

Vital road washed away in deluge

30 Jan 07:52 PM

Aftermath of weather-related events hitting the country this summer.

All revved up! Beach Hop reaching fever pitch
Waikato Herald

All revved up! Beach Hop reaching fever pitch

24 Nov 01:43 AM

Repco Beach Hop is cruising into the Coromandel this weekend.

Collaborative networking event kicks off summer tourism
Waikato Herald

Collaborative networking event kicks off summer tourism

17 Nov 02:11 AM

Coromandel tourist and hospitality businesses have awakened from covid-induced slumber

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