Coromind

Proud to be Local is our inspirational feature, highlighting homegrown Coromandel Peninsula folks doing wonderful things out in the world. In this edition, Monica Harris. Brought to you by Ron Morgan and Coromandel's CFM.

From her home in Whitianga, where her roots run deep through generations of family, Sandy Gaskell has been quietly and powerfully expressing stories of Aotearoa through the intricate, absorbing world of te whatu kākahu.

In today’s world, having digital skills and internet access is essential for staying connected and being involved. But not everyone has the same opportunities to participate in this digital landscape, and the ‘digital divide’ can seriously affect a person’s sense of belonging – both online and in the real world.

Ancient spiritual traditions and modern quantum physics each suggest everything in the universe including humans is composed of vibrating energy. This energy field, often referred to as the ‘life force’, Ka (an ancient Egyptian term) or ‘chi’, flows through and around us, created by us and for us.

The women who settled in Thames during the gold rush of 1867 came from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances, which influenced their standing in the community. All classes were drawn to the goldfields by the prospect of striking it rich!

Whether you’re a first-time language learner or an experienced polyglot, the language learning process always comes with its own unique challenges. Luckily, you can apply some excellent language-learning tips and strategies to make the journey a little easier. 

Impressionist, quirky, cartoon-like painter and sculptor Cindy Alger was born and raised in Coromandel. Cindy paints around 20 paintings per year, but has aimed at ensuring her paintings are priced to be accessible to collectors who may not have big budgets as she believes that art is for everybody.

What’s clear now is that Coromind is more than a magazine. We’re a platform. One that produces and promotes events, partners with incredible creatives and businesses, and offers an online outlet where the world can see what makes our corner of Aotearoa NZ so unique – and feel inspired to visit, support, and celebrate it.

While Matariki is widely known as the marker of the Māori New Year, in regions like Te Taihauāuru, parts of Northland, and the South Island, we look first to Puanga – a star just as important in our skies and stories.

This is the 30th issue of Coromind! A milestone. Enjoy the full audio version.

For more than 80 million years, New Zealand’s native species evolved without mammalian predators. Now, more than 4,000 of Aotearoa’s native species are threatened or at risk of extinction. They face threats from possums, rats, stoats, other introduced predators, and habitat loss. In areas where these predators have been eradicated, nature heals, allowing native wildlife to return and recover.

Just like your car, your plumbing needs regular maintenance to keep everything running smoothly! Small issues like leaks, slow drains, or low water pressure can turn into big (and expensive) problems if left unchecked. Let’s catch those sneaky issues before they catch you!

Imagine an apple slice left out on the bench. After a while, it turns dull, dry, and wrinkly. Now picture your skin exposed to winter air without protection – losing bounce, hydration and glow day after day. So, how do we keep that juicy, fresh-skin glow alive in winter?

This Matariki, three unapologetically Māori voices—Jason Tahatika, Roimata Taimana, and Walter Baker—bring bold, powerful new work to Kūaotunu in a special exhibition titled The Three Fried Bread and a Doughnut. Their creativity calls us to reflect, remember, and connect.

Gold prices are high, and big companies are coming to our area planning to extract it. They aim to mine in and under the forests and mountains – and, as seen in Waihī, even beneath our homes.

New Zealand-born artist Ross Paul Dunn has long explored the complex relationship between humans, animals and the environment through his creative work. His paintings often weave narratives that challenge viewers to reflect on the way people shape – and are shaped by – the natural world.

Coromind Editorial - Issue 29, 2025

Coromind Magazine Issue 29

Full Audio Version

Born from a simple callout for sock donations, Children in Care – Te Manaaki Tamariki is a grassroots initiative supporting vulnerable tamariki (children) across the Thames/Coromandel District.