Hauraki-Coromandel Post 7 NEWS Ngātea UFO Mystery Gets Global Spotlight Thursday, July 10, 2025 | hcpost.news
— Locals Urged to Share Their Stories F rom strange lights dancing over the Firth of Thames to silent objects gliding above the Karangahake Gorge, the Hauraki-Coromandel region
wants to hear from local residents. Whether you saw something unusual that day in 1969 or you’ve had your own inexplicable experiences in the skies above Hauraki since, your account could be crucial. “This is more than just a ghost story or a curiosity,” said Rick Garner from the Unexplained Cases team. “This is about documenting real events that people have carried with them for decades. We want to give a voice to those who were there—or whose parents or grandparents were.” Local interest in UAPs has surged in recent months. Social media is awash with accounts of strange lights and unexplained objects reported between Thames and Waihi Beach. While most have logical explanations—drones, satellites, or rare weather conditions— some defy easy answers. The upcoming documentary aims to blend the historic Ngātea landing with modern eyewitness reports, highlighting
were three deep indentations in the earth, arranged in a precise triangular pattern—as if something large and heavy had briefly touched down and vanished without a trace. Despite multiple investigations at the time, the cause of the damage was never conclusively identified. Experts ruled out chemical contamination, natural die- off, or farming equipment. A hoax seemed improbable due to the scale and accuracy of the formation. Since then, the mystery has remained unsolved. With growing international interest in Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs)—the modern term for what we once called UFOs—the Ngātea case is being re-examined with fresh eyes. U.S. military officials and scientists have testified before Congress in recent years, claiming to have observed similar phenomena, giving once-dismissed stories like Ngātea’s new credibility. Now, Unexplained Cases
has long been a hotspot for mysterious activity in the skies. Now, a decades-old local mystery is about to be thrust into the global spotlight—thanks to a popular U.S.-based YouTube channel and documentary crew. The creators behind the paranormal investigation channel Unexplained Cases are turning their cameras to Ngātea, where one of New Zealand’s most enduring UFO stories unfolded in 1969. And they want your help. The documentary will focus on the so-called “Ngātea UFO landing,” an incident that has puzzled investigators and fascinated the public for over 50 years. In September 1969, a local farmer discovered a perfectly circular patch of dead mānuka scrub on his rural property. Within that scorched area
PHOTO: THAMES STAR Researcher Harvey Cooke (right) inspecting the mysterious ground mark- ings at the O’Neill farm on Orchard Road east Ngātea in 1969.
region—you’re urged to come forward. Email your story to: editor@hcpost.news Let’s uncover the truth together. Ngātea’s greatest mystery may finally have its moment.
the Hauraki region as one of New Zealand’s most intriguing UAP hotspots. If you or someone you know has a story, photo, newspaper clipping, or memory related to the 1969 Ngātea incident—or any unexplained sighting in the
Election information sessions on offer this weekend
N ominations for this year’s Local Elections have now opened and this weekend offers the chance for people to find out exactly what’s involved as an Elected Member. Thames-Coromandel District Council is hosting a series of Candidate Information Briefing sessions throughout the district this Saturday and Sunday. Waikato Regional Council is also holding an election with Councillor positions available. Anyone considering standing in these elections, or anyone who is simply interested in what’s involved, are encouraged to come along and hear from our friendly staff and electoral officers from our Council and the regional council. Session details are below. The sessions will cover all the expectations, responsibilities and other need-to-know information for anyone considering running for a seat at Council. There will also be opportunity for questions and other super helpful information to help go over what’s involved in this year’s election. Anyone can stand
Regional Council. Positions at both councils have an important role in representing our communities Our Council aims to livestream these sessions, but in-person attendance is strongly encouraged. The sessions are open to anyone and you do not have to register to attend. Just pop on in. Nominations for this year’s election opened on Friday 4 July and will close Friday 1 August. More information can be found on our website tcdc.govt.co.nz/ elections. Saturday 12 July Whangamatā, 10am-12pm Whangamatā Service Centre, 620 Port Road Tairua, 1.30pm-3.30pm St Francis House, 248 Main Road Whitianga, 5pm-7pm Mercury Bay Service Centre, 10 Monk Street Sunday 13 July Coromandel Town, 10am-12pm Coromandel Service Centre 355 Kapanga Road Thames, 2pm-4pm Thames War Memorial Civic Centre, 200 Mary Street
Winning Service, Winning Builds We’ve earned plenty of awards for our builds and service, and that’s all down to the fantastic Kiwis we work with. At Ideal Buildings Coromandel, we focus on providing friendly, honest advice and building top-quality garages, sleepouts, cottages, and carports that stand the test of time. Winning service, winning builds – that’s what we’re all about.
for Council so long as they are a New Zealand Citizen, enrolled as a Parliamentary elector, and nominated by two electors whose names appear on the electoral roll within the same area the candidate is standing for. Positions available at our Council are Mayor, Councillors (including the new Te Tara o Te Ika Māori ward role) or Community Board Members. Councillor positions are also available at Waikato
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