Mahurangi Matters_Issue 495_20 December 2024

Giant jetty proposed for Omaha River

A proposal to construct a 20.2 metre long timber jetty connected to a 10-metre long gangway and a floating pontoon on a narrow branch of the Omaha River, opposite Point Wells, is causing concern among residents in the area.

As a whole, the structure would extend out over 30 metres into a section of the river that is only 50 to 60 metres wide.

Whangateau HarbourCare Group (WHCG) is worried the jetty is too big for the location and will negatively impact the Coastal Marine Area (CMA), as well as people who use that part of the river recreationally such as kayakers and paddle boarders.

WHCG committee member Mike Cundy says it’s a monster in comparison with any current jetty on the Omaha River, which typically extend no more than three metres from the riverbank.

“The proposed jetty would totally dominate that branch of the river. It’s too big for where it’s being built. If something like this goes in, what do they want to park there?” he says.

Auckland Council confirmed it had received a resource consent application to build a timber pile jetty, aluminium gangway, floating concrete pontoon, a concrete boat ramp and a new rock wall with associated works next to a property on Upper Whangateau Road.

The Rodney Local Board (RLB) recommended the application be publicly notified so that all affected parties had the opportunity to provide feedback.

However, specialist planning consultancy Barker & Associates Limited (B&A) says in its Assessment of Environmental Effects

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Giant jetty proposed for Omaha River

(AEE) report that the proposal to construct a jetty, boat ramp and rock wall with associated works “satisfies all matters the consent authority is required to assess, and that it can be granted on a non-notified basis”.

The report goes on to say that public notification is not required as “adverse effects … are considered to be less than minor”.

“There are also positive effects including contributing to the owner’s access and enjoyment of the Coastal Marine Area. Limited notification is not required as there are no adverse effects arising on adjoining and adjacent properties,” the AEE report says.

The AEE report was prepared on behalf of the resource consent applicant Modena Trust.

In feedback from the Rodney Local Board, by the board’s resource consent lead Michelle Carmichael, it states that the local board does not agree that “the hard protection and boat ramp structures … are relatively modest structures” (AEE pg 19).

“As shown in the Ecological Assessment Memorandum (prepared by Environmental consultants Coast and Catchment) the jetty protrudes nearly halfway into a subchannel of the Omaha River,” Carmichael’s feedback says.

“[The board] would consider these structures to be more significant than ‘moderate’ within the coastal marine area. Due to the combined structure size and location, it is our view that there is the potential for adverse environmental effects, along with visual and recreational impacts on public and other users and occupiers of this coastal marine area.”

Whangateau Residents and Ratepayers Association (WRRA) secretary Audrey Sharp says it was just luck they found out about the proposal to build the jetty.

“None of the neighbours were informed. Nobody actually knew about it that lived right next door.

“What really concerns us is if you allow this one to happen, then other people will put their requests in to do the same kind of thing. It’s a bit of a worry the precedent that it sets.”

What’s proposed

Environmental consultants Coast and Catchment, which assessed the ecological effects on the Coastal Marine Area (CMA), says the proposed development includes:

• A 24-metre long by four-metre wide concrete boat ramp and supporting hard fill batters, which will occupy about 150sqm

• A 20.2-metre long by 1.2-metre wide piled timber jetty, connected to a 10-metre long aluminium gangway, which leads down to a 1.6-metre wide by 10 metre-long floating concrete pontoon. The pontoon will be held in place by driven timber poles

Wellsford solar farm hearing

• A rock armoured wall at the edge of the CMA near the start of the jetty, which will occupy about 50sqm Coast and Catchment says the main potential ecological effects associated with the proposed development include:

• Permanent loss of all marine life under the proposed boat ramp and the wharf piles

• Damage or loss of marine life under the swamp mats due to crushing or smothering

• Disruption to coastal and seabirds that utilise the area.

An application has been filed in the High Court to put Energy Farms, the company behind the proposed Wellsford solar farm, into liquidation. The application was due to be heard on November 8, but was adjourned until February 5. The application was lodged by Cadabra Applied Computer Graphics International Ltd. The news comes just weeks after SolarZero, which provides solar power systems, was put into liquidation. Energy Farms is one of the companies hoping to process its consents through the government’s fast-track legislation. It was proposing to build a solar farm over 120ha, with about 149,000 panels, on land bordered by Prictor and Clague Roads, just west of Wellsford. The farm would connect to Transpower’s Wellsford substation. Energy Farms did not respond to enquiries from Mahurangi Matters.

Aerial view and location of the proposed jetty. Image, Coast and Catchment environmental consultants.

Jetty Ramp

Thirty-five years of sand mining included in Te Ārai fast-track bid

Ngati Manuhiri Settlement Trust’s (NMST) fast-track listed development masterplan for Te Ārai South includes mining operations to dig up to 300,000 cubic metres of sand a year for as long as 35 years, according to application documents released on December 13.

NMST and Te Ārai South Holdings’ Integrated Development Plan for Te Ārai South Precinct and Regional Park is one of 149 projects included in the government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill, which became law on Tuesday last week.

When the list was announced in October, NMST said its plan included the development of land-based aquaculture, up to 420 residential units, improvements to Te Ārai Regional Park and “commercial development”.

In its application to government, the trust’s seven key plan components led off with “expansion of existing land-based sand mining operations on the site of up to 300,000 cubic metres of sand per annum”, from forestry land between the Tomarata lakes and the Te Ārai golf links.

The application explained that through related companies, NMST already held Crown mining permits for 283 hectares and a consent for 46 hectares that allowed 84,000 cubic metres of sand to be mined a year. With the proposed expansion, the total accessible sand reserves were estimated at more than six million cubic metres.

“At current values, such sand, once extracted, washed and graded, has a

market value of over $180 million. Thus, the sand mine has the capacity to provide significant regional economic benefit while also significantly enhancing the financial position of Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust.”

The mining activity would also create “extensive dune lake systems” that would be used for land-based aquaculture operations and “provide the opportunity for significant ecological and recreational enhancement”, the application added.

Other key plan proposals include:

• A Ngāti Manuhiri Te Ārai Regional Park “gateway village”, with a cultural and arts visitor centre, up to 180 accommodation units, a café/restaurant and retail activities

• Up to 420 residential and retirement units, including affordable accommodation for Ngāti Manuhiri and staff at the Tara Iti and Te Ārai Links golf courses

• A new 4km public access road to Te Ārai Regional Park, plus sealing 2.6km of unsealed public road and improving a further 4.4km of public road

• The development of Te Ārai Regional Park in line with Auckland Council’s 2022 Regional Park Management Plan, including a new public campground with caravan and motorhome area, a public trail network, and a beachside public carpark with toilets and showers

• Community water supply and

wastewater treatment and disposal systems, plus other necessary, environmentally sustainable infrastructure, including solar power generation

The application said the plan, all of which was for Ngāti Manuhiri Treaty Settlement land acquired for commercial redress and designated as a precinct in the Auckland Unitary Plan, would contribute more than $2 billion to the Auckland and Northland economies.

In a covering letter to Minister for RMA Reform Chris Bishop, NMST chair Mook Hohneck and John Darby and Jim Castiglione of Te Ārai South Holdings, said the extent and diversity of the integrated development plan activities would mean a slow and uncertain consenting process without fast-track approval.

“Te Arai South has [so far] been established and developed over several years through traditional consenting. However, this consenting is uncertain, inefficient and cumbersome,” they wrote.

“Activities like sand mining, housing and aquaculture require a broad range of resource consents and these consents can only be realistically achieved in a supercharged way that unclogs or removes current traditional consenting delays or uncertainties.”

They also referred to McCallum Brothers’ mining sand from the seabed off nearby Pakiri and Mangawhai, which NMST has actively opposed in court, saying their own

proposed operations could fill any gap left if and when those operations ended.

“As a result of recent decline of consents by the Environment Court for sea-based sand dredging off the coast of Te Ārai, Te Ārai South is uniquely positioned to provide cost effective, efficient and substantial additional sand to meet the demands of nationally and regionally significant projects, particularly roading, construction and infrastructure.”

Although the application conceded that the proposed activities could potentially affect residents and landowners in nearby Atkins, Ocean View and School Roads, it said the development would mostly be located inland and screened off.

“Consequently, adverse effects on the natural character of the Te Ārai coastline would be avoided,” the application said.

“Any potential effects of the proposal will be offset and mitigated by the important commercial redress outcomes achieved by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, the regional benefits to Auckland and Northland of sand supply for construction purposes, and the regionally important public benefits of increased residential and visitor accommodation, employment to the region and improved regional park access and use.”

Now the Fast-track Approvals Bill has become law, applicants will be able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority to have projects considered by an expert panel for final determination.

The map of Te Arai South included with NMST and Te Ārai South Holdings’ fast-track application.

Te Arai Point PakiriBlockRoad Tomarata Lake

Elizabeth St traders react

The feeling among Elizabeth Street businesses facing 12 months of open trenching is probably best summed up in two words – “very worried”.

Despite assurances from One Mahurangi that the pipeline work will be less disruptive because it will be done at night, most business owners agreed it was still too early to make such a claim.

Some businesses are open at night, while others wonder how much night work will be allowed given noise issues and nearby residences.

Rodney Curtain & Blind Specialists owner Don Fox says he is not at all comfortable with the open trenching in Elizabeth Street.

“Traffic management with metal grates over [the construction work] will, I am sure, make the public avoid the area as much as possible,” he said. “We still have no timing or duration information. With the economic conditions this year, we have had the worst sales in over a decade, and this news does not fill me with any confidence of improving business conditions moving forward. I can’t see the landlord helping out either, so very gloomy prospects.”

Shadze of Lace owner Tracey Paton agreed that the uncertainties of what was planned were worrying.

“We’re talking about people’s livelihoods,” she said. “The motorway has already had an impact on our turnovers, and now this. There are lots of ways it will affect the different businesses. We have a lot of older customers, and if they can’t park along the front, they won’t come. We’re being told there will be minimal disruption, but what does that actually mean?”

Warkworth pipeline route given green light

It’s been confirmed that a wastewater pipeline from Warkworth Showgrounds to Lucy Moore Park will go through the main town centre.

At a Watercare Board meeting on December 12, the directors accepted a recommendation to proceed with the original pipeline alignment along Elizabeth, Queen and Baxter Streets, then through Lucy Moore Park to the new wastewater pump station.

This is in spite of objections raised initially by Rodney Local Board, One Mahurangi and businesses. As a concession, supported by One Mahurangi, Watercare says the route and construction methodology will keep disruption to the community, particularly businesses, to a minimum. It will “maximise trenchless construction” in Queen Street and Baxter Street, but will involve open trenching along Elizabeth Street.

Chief strategy and planning officer Perera told Mahurangi Matters that a fully trenchless option was not physically possible, largely due to the topography of the land, and the location of other services.

“We will still need to install some of the pipeline with open-trenching along Elizabeth Street and through the Lucy Moore Memorial Reserve to get to the new pump station,” he said.

“Several launch and reception shafts will need to be built in the town centre to enable micro-tunnelling. The locations for these will be confirmed next year as detailed design progresses.”

The project will involve:

• Trenchless pipework from Warkworth Showgrounds to Hill Street

• An open trench from Hill Street intersection to the bridge

• A pipe bridge over Mahurangi River

• Pipe jack (or trenchless) construction along Queen and Baxter Streets

• An open trench from Baxter Street to Lucy Moore pump station.

One Mahurangi co-chair Dave Stott says the

decision is “as good as we could have got”.

“Our team of engineers looked at a number of options including under the bowling club and along the river, but the technical and servicing issues meant that they weren’t really feasible,” he says.

“In the end I don’t think there were any better options. Once we had agreement about tunnelling, this was always going to be the best option.”

One Mahurangi manager Murray Chapman went one step further to tell the Board “it could not have been a better Christmas present for the town”.

He thanked Watercare for the concession [of trenchless tunnelling].

“We always knew the pipeline had to go through, it was just the methodology.”

The next stage will be to publicly notify the alignment and undertake detailed design and resource consent work, which is expected to take about a year.

Stott says One Mahurangi has been

told that the tunnelling option will take considerably less time than the trenching option.

“We will be asking for more information, likewise for any disruption that may occur from the pilot pits at the Kapanui and Elizabeth Street corners.

“We still have to do quite a lot of work regarding Elizabeth Street. Watercare has undertaken to talk to each business owner and work out the best construction methodology to minimise impact.

“This may involve working at night, only opening up short sections of road at a time and using plates over the trenches during the day. We will be working very closely with Watercare and the business owners to minimise their disruption.”

Watercare says this programme of works will reduce wastewater discharges to the environment, improve environmental compliance, and enable growth in the Warkworth area. The target is to have the pipeline commissioned in 2028.

Les Miller & Jackie Woolerton - Webster Malcolm Law

The pipeline on the Elizabeth Street section will be laid using open trenching.

If the project goes ahead, existing bus stops will need to be moved.

Pedestrian refuges planned for northern end of Snells

Auckland Transport (AT) is hoping to install two new pedestrian refuges at the northern end of Snells Beach with funding from Rodney Local Board’s capital expenditure budget.

If approved by the board after public consultation, a central refuge would be constructed near the Coast to Coast medical centre at 147 Mahurangi East Road.

A second refuge would be installed at the top of Governor Grey Road.

AT project manager Vukasin Sibinovski told a board workshop in early December the community had asked for a raised table or signalised pedestrian crossing between Governor Grey Road and Muncaster Road to make it safer for children crossing to catch the school bus.

However, budget constraints meant a pedestrian refuge was the best option and, after conducting traffic counts and pedestrian surveys, the 147 Mahu East Road site was chosen as the safest spot.

Night buses for Warkworth

Sibinovski said this would involve moving the bus stops from just north of Governor Grey back to outside 144 Mahurangi East Road on the western side and to number 149 on the eastern side.

Although this would give the safest sightlines for drivers and pedestrians, it would mean the loss of around nine parking spaces.

Board member Michelle Carmichael pointed out this could potentially inconvenience Coast to Coast patients and asked for reassurance that there would be proper consultation on the proposals, which Sibinovski said there would.

He added that AT had decided to add a second pedestrian refuge at the top of Governor Grey after seeing the high number of crossings taking place there when carrying out surveys.

The two refuges should cost around $260,000, according to AT estimates. AT will report back to the local board with a design early next year.

Warkworth residents wanting to enjoy a weekend night on the town won’t have to drive this summer, as the new 999 loop bus service is running on Friday and Saturday nights from today, December 20. The half-hourly service will run until 10pm on Fridays and 9.50pm on Saturdays, at which times the last bus will leave the Percy Street stop. Passengers no longer require an AT HOP card to travel either, as buses now accept contactless debit card and digital wallet payments. The loop bus is on a two-year trial, funded by the Rodney Local Board’s transport targeted rate.

Sleighed it

We’re used to seeing letterboxes festooned with decorations in the run-up to the holidays, but confess this is the first time we’ve seen a water tank dressed for Christmas – top marks to the festive farmer who did this on Sharp Road, between Matakana and Snells Beach.

Note of caution

Words of wisdom spotted in Warkworth Menswear recently ...

Sign of the times?

Is the Auckland Mayor’s clampdown on CCOs having an effect already? This hand painted speed sign, on a gravel road at Te Arai, shows some initiative on Auckland Transport’s part in trying to reduce costs.

Celebrations premature

Mahurangi Matters copped some criticism from One Mahurangi Business Association (OM) recently for reporting the Watercare pipeline decision (online on December 12) without giving it enough fanfare. “Can’t you make it more positive?” one executive member asked, while admitting he had not even read the story. We make no apologies for our coverage of the straight facts. It is not this paper’s role to manage OM’s public relations profile. But, more importantly, we believe it is still too early to be popping Champagne corks and telling Watercare that “it could not have been a better Christmas present for the town”. Yes, the fact that the pipeline will now be constructed through Queen Street using trenchless methods is a win, secured largely through the hard work of people such as One Mahurangi co-chair Dave Stott. Stott’s engineering experience as project

manager of The Oaks gave Warkworth’s voice around the table a lot of credibility, which Watercare acknowledged. But even Stott described the decision, “as good as we could have got”. To its credit, Watercare delayed the project to examine the alternative routes put forward by One Mahurangi, but the final route is the one it had always promoted as the best option, and it has added the caveat that it will be trenchless tunnelling “where possible”.

Yes, the petition and protests have made Watercare more aware that real people’s livelihoods are at stake and that we want contractors to take all steps possible to maintain traffic flow and access through the town during construction.

But what about the businesses in Elizabeth Street? The pipeline decision held no good news for them. As chief strategy and planning officer Priyan Perera told

Ticket giveaway

Brick Bay without the bang

Greetings everyone from Brick Bay.

As you plan your celebrations to welcome in the New Year, and leave 2024 well behind us, some of you may be disappointed to learn that our little pyrotechnic display will be missing at midnight.

I have been doing it myself with some mates since the millennium and age is catching up with us, particularly considering all the risks involved. They are very big mortars and I have to notify airways to ensure no low-flying aircraft will be overhead! But please party on, 2025 looks to be so much better, and always remember that we are all so privileged to live in such an amazing place.

Merry Christmas, Richard Didsbury, Snells Beach

Mahurangi Matters, “We will still need to install some of the pipeline with opentrenching along Elizabeth Street and through the Lucy Moore Memorial Reserve to get to the new pump station.” These businesses still face significant disruptions when work starts outside their shops, even if the work is scheduled at night, which is a possibility “where possible”.

And how much disruption will the construction of several launch and reception shafts in Queen Street, for the micro-tunnelling, cause? The locations for these won’t be confirmed until next year. There are many questions that can’t be answered until Watercare has a more detailed design. Yes, trenchless tunnelling is good news … no doubt about that. But let’s wait until we see what the reality of this project will actually mean for the town centre before everybody pats themselves on the back.

Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival is roaring into town for three days from January 17 to 19, 2025. It’s a family-friendly event with free entry for kids. We’re giving you the chance to win a pair of VIP tickets, which includes access to an exclusive area at the festival where you can park yourself, recharge and enjoy a complimentary coffee.

So put the pedal to the metal – email your name and number to editor@ localmatters.co.nz by January 15.

Kumeu

Viewpoint

Greg Sayers, Rodney Councillor greg.sayers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

The slow erosion of democracy

Why do councils feel so different from the old days? Why do they seem so much more impersonal? Back in the day, elected councillors were served by a town clerk, and assisted by a small but highly competent staff. Town clerks regarded themselves as public servants, working in the best interests of the ratepayer, rather than working for the best interests of the council. They provided contestable advice to elected members, which could be heeded, or rejected, according to the best judgement of the politicians. The public trusted the councillors to make the best decisions for the community. Councillors could even arrive at job sites and inspect work standards and oversee how effectively public money was being spent.

Today, however, elected councillors are served by a bureaucracy, over which they exercise no effective control. Instead, a chief executive of the council runs all operations interpreting how they see fit the policy decisions voted through by the elected members.

The Auckland council-controlled CCO model has chief executives for five substantive CCOs, as well as another CEO running the Port of Auckland and a CEO running Auckland Council. Each CCO also has its own board of directors.

The Supercity structure means there is less direct accountability, particularly by staff, back to ratepayers.

Councillors are strongly discouraged from interfering with the CEOs. “Operational” matters are the CEOs domain and councillors are legally forbidden from adopting a “hands-on” approach to the governance of the city. Indeed, the council

employs a small army of “democracy managers” to ensure councillors, and local board members, are kept well away from the coal face of delivery.

The tail is wagging the dog. Current legislation is allowing bureaucrats to erode elected members’ power and their autonomy. This erosion of democracy is slow but steady, together with the loss of operational oversight of the spending of ratepayers’ money.

Newly-elected members are told very clearly that while they are entitled to talk about policy, they must, on no account, attempt to implement it. It is council staff who do this and who essentially run things.

In other words, our local board members and councillors are democratically elected to govern their communities on one very strict condition – that they never, under any circumstances, attempt to challenge the way the bureaucracy implements their decisions.

Change is required. Any mayor, councillor or local board member who challenges this current set-up, seeking greater accountability of council bureaucracy, should be applauded rather than criticised. Against the odds they have retained sufficient self-respect to say “no” to a self-fulfilling bureaucratic beast. There are now major efforts underway to move greater accountability back to ratepayers from the CCOs, including Auckland Transport. These changes have been jointly led by the Mayor and myself. Called the CCO Reform programme, it already has the support of central government’s Cabinet as law changes are required to implement the desired transformation.

Electorate boundaries review

A review of electorate boundaries for the 2026 General Election will start in February. It will be held by the Representation Commission, which is the independent body that reviews and adjusts the boundaries and names of Parliamentary electorates after each population census. The role of the commission is to ensure electorates have about the same number of people living in them, so that people have equal representation in Parliament. Factors considered when reviewing the boundaries include existing boundaries

and communities of interest, and iwi affiliations in Māori electorates.

The number of South Island general electorates is fixed by law at 16. Because of population changes, the number of North Island general electorates will reduce from 49 to 48. The number of Māori electorates remains unchanged at seven.

District Court Judge Kevin Kelly will chair the six-month long review. The proposed new boundaries will be released in March for public consultation with the final boundaries announced in early August.

Introducing

Purangataua and Jade Onehi (owners)

Transitioning from military life in the Royal New Zealand Navy has provided a firm foundation for new business owner Purangataua and family.

In 2009, Purangataua joined the navy and served for nine years maintaining and servicing ship electronic systems whilst gaining valuable knowledge and experience. Honing fault-finding skills and developing essential onboard traits such as strong work ethic, punctuality and integrity have now become core values at M & T Electrical (formerly Wynne Electrical) since taking over the business earlier in the year and marked a significant milestone. Now servicing areas from Brynderwyns to Puhoi and everywhere in between, MTE is committed to delivering an electrical service it can be proud of with customer satisfaction its number one priority. With a skilled 3-person crew ready to put tools to work this local familyowned business not only aims to meet your electrical needs but ensure the client experience is a memorable one! This commitment is showcased not only through the quality of their finished work but also through the values Purangataua developed early in his career.

The team at Kowhai Coast Dental wishes our community a happy & safe festive season

Whether you’re a first-time client or a long-term customer, M & T Electrical will strive to make you feel valued. For new clients, the goal is to make it seem like you’ve trusted their services forever. For loyal customers, the company aims to provide the same exceptional experience as if it were your very first interaction.

Omaha residents seek seawall consent

Multiple property owners on Omaha Drive have jointly applied to Auckland Council for a resource consent to construct a 220-metre seawall along the coastline of the western bank of the Whangateau Harbour at Omaha.

The area proposed for the stabilised sediment seawall is on Mangatawhiri Spit, and in the application is referred to as North West Anchorage Omaha and Whangateau Harbour Esplanade Reserve.

To ensure all potentially affected parties had the opportunity to be consulted with, the Rodney Local Board (RLB) recommended the application be publicly notified as it was a non-complying activity.

Board resource consent lead Michelle Carmichael says the board considers the application to generally be appropriate for the zoned area.

“However, [the board has] concerns regarding environment, public access, public financial liability, and enjoyment of public space and coastal marine and reserve areas (land and water based), historical cultural values, visual amenity, retaining

natural character values, maintaining effectiveness of the predator proof fence and potential effects on coastal processes,”

Carmichael’s feedback says.

Davis Coastal Consultants (DCC), on behalf of the applicants, took a different view.

DCC, which carried out the Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) of the proposed seawall, concluded in its report that any adverse effects of the structure would be less than minor, and would not impact on the overall amenity and character of the Whangateau Harbour.

“In accordance with Section 95 of the Resource Management Act (RMA), given the demonstrated lack of effects, it is considered the consent authority is able to process this application on a non‐notified basis,” DCC says

The AEE report also says numerous attempts have been made to address the progressive retreat of the coastal sand cliff through planting and re‐nourishment over the past decade.

“[But] due to ongoing retreat, these

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measures have not been effective.

“The proposal intends to stabilise the base of the bank through stabilised sediment armouring, allowing re‐grading of the upper dune and re‐establishment of high quality native dune‐binding species.”

Environmental advocate and strategist Alicia Bullock says the applicants have full knowledge of the dynamic nature of the sandspit, and are imposing protection of their private assets onto the public coastline, at the cost of the environment and community enjoyment.

She says the Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust has grave concerns about the impact of the seawall on birdlife [as] the wall is immediately adjacent to the bird sanctuary.

“Regardless of whether one opposes or supports the proposal, concreting a public beach is absolutely a matter of public interest and notification is the only way that the community can engage with the question of private benefit over public loss,” she says.

“It is also the only way to provide a transparent process.”

AT gives Summerset a shelter

Auckland Transport (AT) has agreed to fully fund a bus shelter for Summerset Falls residents using the new 999 Warkworth loop bus service.

The retirement village in Mansel Drive quickly became a popular stop for the two-year trial service when it started in July, but it didn’t look like Rodney Local Board’s $800,000 transport targeted rate funding would stretch to a bus shelter there, initially at least.

However, AT has agreed to come to the party and pay for the work, with installation due to happen by March.

At the board’s meeting on December 11, Summerset Falls residents’ committee chair Sue Brodziak said everyone was very grateful, and asked members if there was any chance that date could be brought forward, so passengers could get some protection during the height of summer.

Warkworth member Tim Holdgate suggested that using a local contractor might make that easier, as well as saving AT some of its projected $58,000 budget. “It could be a really good option and could be a win-win in terms of cost and timing,” he said.

Chair Brent Bailey said the board would note residents’ interest and see what they could find out.

“We look forward to hearing who is going to do it and how long it’s going to take,” he said.

Helping landowners and occupants affected by public works

Seawall site location (image, Davis Coastal Consultants Assessment of Environmental Effects)

Time to press ‘pause’ ...

As the year draws to a close and the summer holidays beckon, it is that time of year when you pretend to love a marzipaned fruitcake, listen to well-worn family stories, eat chocolate for breakfast and find 50 different ways to serve leftover ham. With its tinsel and twinkling lights, traditions, and gatherings with family and friends, the holiday season is a time to let go of the year’s stresses, have some fun and find joy in reconnecting with those you hold dear.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget the importance of unwinding – of giving ourselves permission to step back, breathe, and embrace moments of stillness.

Whether it’s decorating a tree, whipping up a pavlova, wrapping presents or just taking a leisurely stroll along the beach, Christmas demands that we press the pause button on our normal routine. It’s about creating space to rediscover the magic

around us, in the laughter shared during a holiday movie marathon or board game, the heartfelt – and let’s hope not too heated – conversations over a festive meal, or the contemplative peace of lying on the grass at night star gazing. These moments ground us and rekindle the wonder that can so easily be overshadowed by the demands of everyday life.

This Christmas, let’s give ourselves the gift of relaxation. Let’s take time to embrace the traditions that bring us joy, connect us with the important people in our lives, and reflect on the blessings – big and small – that this year has brought. May we approach 2025 with renewed energy and clarity.

Merry Christmas from us all here at the paper – may your eggnog be strong, your wrapping paper plentiful, and your ability to fake excitement for weird gifts Oscarworthy. And remember, calories don’t count when you’re wearing a Santa hat.

Anthony (advertising), Angela (administration), Guy and Jenny (distribution), and Alysha (digital).

Disaster response guide released

A guide to getting through floods, cyclones and other emergencies is being published by Rodney Local Board and Auckland Emergency Management to help people be better prepared when disaster strikes.

The Rodney Emergency Readiness and Response Plan is a 76-page guide that includes emergency contacts and information, civil defence centres and community hubs, practical tips and advice, and a comprehensive set of hazard maps. The plan has been drawn up as a result of lessons learned from the devastating floods and cyclones in 2023, which highlighted the importance of local preparedness, resilience and community support during emergency events. It aims to show how to reduce the impact of a hazard, how to be ready for an emergency situation and how to respond during an emergency.

Board chair Brent Bailey said rural Rodney communities faced challenges unlike anywhere else in Auckland “Residents know the importance of being

self-sufficient, especially in times of crisis, whether it’s responding to flooding, fires or the isolation that can come with power outages and road closures. The events of recent years, particularly Anniversary Weekend flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023, have shown just how vulnerable we are to natural disasters,” he said.

Bailey said the plan had been developed to ensure Rodney’s residents were equipped to handle a range of potential emergencies, while highlighting the need for households to have a plan in place and the importance of local knowledge.

“In a rural setting, being prepared and connected with your neighbours can make all the difference,” he said.

The plan has been developed through consultation with a wide range of community groups, experts and key agencies. Printed copies will be available in libraries and community centres from early next year, while a digital version is available here: http://bit.ly/41Eramn

From the Mahurangi Matters team – Heather (design), Sally, Tristan and Jannette (news), Marc and

LCA takes rural sewerage issue to town

and Contractors Association (LCA) representatives and Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters regulatory, compliance and wastewater team earlier this month.

LCA is concerned about what it sees as the demands placed on rural landowners to comply with more urban-type sewerage systems.

The example was given of a local lifestyle farmer who, although very rural, was forced to install a new state-of-the-art system after the addition of a minor dwelling.

LCA argued that most earlier rural

creeks and major waterways.

“We want rural households treated as such, without the need to waste money and create stress about problems that don’t exist,” LCA chair Brian Mason said.

“The matter of ‘relationship building’ was raised in regard to how council staff approached landowners in the first instance.”

The LCA also raised the problems landowners were experiencing with flooding and erosion due to the retirement and overplanting of stream banks

on hill country was promoted.

“The proposed livestock exclusion policy was debated, angling from an animal welfare issue.

“It was recognised that government legislation was being announced, which would recognise and address some of these concerns. We’ve asked council officers to set up a working party to navigate a way forward once the legislation is fully understood.”

Mason said the meetings had been worthwhile and he thanked Councillor Greg Sayers for facilitating them.

Bid to slow speeding traffic

New signage and a pedestrian refuge are being proposed in a bid to stop cars and trucks speeding along Matakana Valley Road in both directions.

A Rodney Local Board workshop heard that 85 per cent of vehicles travelling into Matakana were doing 67.5km/h when they passed from the 80km/h zone into the 50km/h area, while those driving out of town hit more than 72km/h when they still should have been doing no more than 50.

Auckland Transport (AT) wants to repaint the red ‘carpet’ that covers the road at the town sign and start of the 50km zone 100 metres north west of Awanui Crescent and install two illuminated ‘slow down’ speed indication signs along the road.

A pedestrian refuge crossing between the main Diamond Jubilee Park entrance and diagonal carparks is also being proposed, all of which would cost around $230,000.

Colin Smith asked why, when part of the issue was large full-trailer trucks travelling to or from Whangaripo quarries via the village, AT didn’t consider bypassing Matakana altogether, such as utilising a paper road, between Matakana Valley and Wrights Roads.

While recognising that was beyond the remit of the board and the particular AT project team, Michelle Carmichael agreed in principle, asking at what point did AT look at the bigger picture of solving traffic problems.

“A lot of money is being spent on patches, instead of the root cause,” she said. “Systemic change needs to happen to get those parties looking at this on a bigger picture scale, rather than project by project.”

Chair Brent Bailey said that was a much bigger question that could take 10 or 20 years to solve, so they should focus on doing what they could to make things safer for Matakana now.

AT will come back to the local board early next year with a more detailed design for the proposed Matakana Valley Road improvements.

From left, Dean Blythen, Rick O’Flaherty (secretary), Brian Mason (chair), Colin Smith (Rodney Local Board), Tim Holdgate (RLB) and Gordon Levet.

Land for light industrial units on market in Wellsford

A new 10-lot light industrial subdivision is being developed to the south-east of Wellsford, just off Centennial Park Road.

Lot 1 of Northlink Industrial Park has already been sold, with the remaining nine plots on the market through Bayleys in the North.

The sites in Pole Way, where Farmlands Wellsford is also based, range in size from around 2600sqm to 5000sqm, with prices starting at $1.1 million and averaging $350 per square metre.

Earthworks for the subdivision are underway, and titles are anticipated to be issued by late next year.

The zoning for light industry means the site could be used for a range of activities, including warehousing, logistics, light manufacturing and storage. Bayleys in the North associate director

Henry Napier said Northlink was strategically placed, both in terms of upgraded transport infrastructure and the region’s anticipated growth surge.

“These lots represent a rare opportunity in a market where industrial land is scarce, particularly as urban expansion sprawls north from Auckland,” he said.

“Northlink offers a potential-packed platform for owner-occupiers, investors and their ultimate tenants to grow alongside the region’s infrastructure and population expansion.

“Wellsford’s position as a gateway to Northland and its proximity to key transport links make it an attractive choice for businesses looking to capitalise on North Auckland’s growth.”

Info: https://www.bayleys.co.nz/listings/ commercial/auckland/rodney/119centennial-park-road-1271093

Design | Manufacture | Installation

Northlink Industrial Park lies east of the railway line off Centennial Park Road.

THIS IS ARTISAN LIVING

Rabbits running rampant at Tāwharanui Regional Park

The rabbits at Tāwharanui Regional Park have been breeding like, well, rabbits.

The rabbit population at the park is estimated to have doubled over the past year and is thought to be due to three reasons – a mild winter, fewer predators in the area, and rabbit control logistics.

Also a spike in rabbit numbers during covid, when hunting the pest was put on hold because of social distancing, has been a historical cause of the problem.

Auckland Council senior ranger Matt Maitland says rabbits really like dry, arid conditions, such as central Otago, which is a classic rabbit problem area, and when Auckland has long, hot, dry spells, its rabbits also respond.

“We’ve not had a particularly wet winter and we’re seeing really high numbers of young animals emerging this spring. The mild winter has definitely contributed to

increased rabbit numbers,” he says.

Many of the rabbits’ predators at the park, such as feral cats and stoats, are also pests and as such are hunted by the rangers.

“We try to manage that zero density of predators, and we get occasional incursions, but once they arrive we aim to detect them, then aim to remove them and get back to zero as quickly as we can.

“The rabbits were increasing in number largely due to the absence of those predators that we’ve been able to eradicate.”

Maitland says predators aren’t the sole reason for lower rabbit numbers, but they definitely have a huge impact.

There are also logistical challenges in being able to undertake the controls being planned, he says.

“Planning a night shoot, you’ll rely on being able to manage visitor safety and park operations, and the weather. Even

the personal circumstances of the people involved, who may be unable to turn up on the day.”

He says the biggest impact rabbits have is vegetation damage.

“Our community partners, TOSSI (Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society) are producing around about 15,000 plants in their nursery every year. And planting that makes about 1.5 to 2 hectares of new habitat for our wildlife.

“The sweeter, juicier plants need to be caged to be protected through the early stages of life, so that they don’t get nibbled at the base. So that’s probably the main impact [of rabbits] there.

“And, of course, it’s not just our revegetation programme, the existing forests get a little bit hampered with the rabbits browsing the young seedlings in the understorey,” he says. To control rabbit numbers, there are

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typically a couple of shooting sessions per month supplemented by a couple of days of burrow fumigation, targeting rabbit warrens (the rangers always make sure there are no kiwi living in the burrows before fumigating).

However, in response to the recent population explosion, Maitland says they’re going to ramp up their operation.

“There will be an increase in efforts through summer to stop the problem getting worse, and then in late summer. By early autumn we should be able to shift the dial towards a maintenance phase, pushing it closer towards low density numbers.

“So, through to December 20 and then we resume on January 13,” he says.

The programme will be put on hold from December 21 to January 12, as this is the peak holiday period with more visitors to the park and a full campground.

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Ranger Matt Maitland, left, always makes sure there are no kiwi in the rabbit burrows before fumigating. Pictured with Army Bay resident John Kelly.

The population of feral rabbits at Tawharanui Regional Park has doubled in the last year. Photo, Environment Canterbury.

Bid to subdivide ‘peri-rural’ block west of Warkworth

Debate over whether a site on the western edge of Warkworth was rural, urban or something in between dominated a hearing into an application to build a new subdivision, held on December 10.

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Ellper Holdings Ltd wants to build 18 homes at 14 Mason Heights, off Woodcocks Road, where currently a single house is sited. The land adjoins the Mason Heights Gospel Church to the north-west and 2 Mason Heights to the north, and is otherwise surrounded by fields to the west and south, and Mason Heights homes to the east.

Auckland Council consultant planner Hannah Thomson recommended that independent commissioners Richard Blakey and Amanda de Jong refuse permission, saying the subdivision would create unacceptable adverse effects.

“Mason Heights is a clear boundary between existing urban and rural land uses,” she said.

“The application is premature and represents ad hoc development of one site within a wider Future Urban zoned area. The development proposed is well in advance of the infrastructure and services required to enable this area to become a well-functioning and high-quality urban environment.”

The applicant’s planner, Diana Bell, said the site was not rural and not urban, but in the periphery between the two – “periurban” – and the site and land around it were earmarked for future development. Thomson said even if there were to be

future development, that didn’t mean it should happen now, and the land was definitely rural and pastoral in character.

“Eighteen lots and a new road is not small scale,” she added.

Rodney Local Board raised concerns over the extent of earthworks required that included filling an existing overland flowpath and potential flood risks, and wanted to ensure access for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles was adequate.

The commissioners heard that although Watercare opposed the development in principle, it had agreed two years ago to service the subdivision once its Snells Beach wastewater treatment plant was completed next year, and it was willing to stand by that.

And although there was one written objection, a number of neighbours from Mason Heights and Woodcocks Road had written in support of the proposal.

Counsel for Ellper Holdings Helen Andrews said while council’s future development strategy indicated the land would not be available for residential development until after 2040, the site was in fact ready to be developed now.

“Development of the site represents integrated strategic planning consistent with the Warkworth Structure Plan and the proposal can be fully serviced with all required infrastructure,” she said.

The hearing was adjourned for further information from the applicant. A decision is expected in the New Year.

If approved, 18 houses could be built at 14 Mason Heights, outlined in blue.

Headmaster stands aside

Kaipara Flats School had the pleasure of welcoming a new principal (for the day) recently, courtesy of its Show Day live auction.

The coveted role was claimed by student Seth Holdem, whose impressive leadership skills shone as brightly as his choice of attire, inspired by the current principal’s signature style.

“It’s clear Seth possesses both great dress sense and a knack for leadership!” principal Jason Irvine said.

The day started with the young principal diving into his duties with enthusiasm, admitting he was a little bit nervous. He crafted a message for the school newsletter, showing a natural flair for communication. After a short break to enjoy lunch in the staffroom, usually a sacred and mysterious space reserved for teachers only, he resumed his busy schedule by awarding certificates, visiting classrooms, hosting a class lunch,

and attending to various “important principal tasks”.

Despite his demanding schedule, the miniboss announced he would gladly do it all over again and might even consider a career as a principal one day.

Irvine said Seth did an amazing job and his floral flair and dedication proved that leadership truly comes in all sizes, and shirt designs.

The Show Day raises vital funds for the school’s learning environment.

Traditional activities such as the animal judging were a highlight, with proud young farmers showcasing their hard work and the special bond they’ve formed with their animals.

“From the buzz of the live auction to the fun of activities and stalls, the event showcased the incredible community spirit that makes Kaipara Flats School so special,” Irvine said.

Pet of the Month

Meme the Cat

WARKWORTH VETS

This is not your typical old cat! This is Meme, pronounced Mee Mee (for all of you young folk). She visited Warkworth vets 9 days prior to her 18th birthday. Meme had become acutely sick and presented very lethargic and nauseous. So first things first, we performed some blood work. There were no abnormalities on bloods. We then performed radiographs. They were all normal too! While we were all scratching our heads an ultrasound was performed where a very angry layer of intestine was found. This raised our concerns for cancer due to her old age. We then opted to perform surgery on Meme to identify and remove said cancer. While in surgery we found a small polyp within the intestine, again making our concerns even more likely. We removed the polyp and sutured two different ends of the intestine together. A week after surgery we received our laboratory report stating that she had a long-term intraintestinal foreign body abrading the surface of her intestine with no signs of cancer. Since the surgery Meme has had a relatively uneventful recovery and lived to see her 18th Birthday.

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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Vets: Jon Makin BVSc, Danny Cash BVSc and Associates

Chris Penk

MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi

In a slightly Mini Me moment, principal for a day Seth Holdem poses with school principal Jason Irvine.

Tributes flow for retiring Warkworth librarian

Warkworth Library manager Lisa Outwin has retired after 24 years with library services, first with Rodney District Council followed by Auckland Council.

She was farewelled with waiata, tribute songs, gifts and flowers at a function in the old Masonic Hall on December 11.

On behalf of Auckland Libraries, Megan Grimshaw-Jones said Lisa was a manager who had excelled at her job.

“You set high standards for yourself and expected the same,” Megan said. “You are a champion of diversity in our workplaces, a fully engaged community participant and leader, and a lover of creativity and learning with a keen interest in te reo Maori.”

Lisa stepped into the role of manager in Warkworth in 2017.

She was acknowledged as a voracious and

knowledgeable reader who also ran the library’s book groups, and probably will continue to do so as a volunteer. She also steered the libraries through covid.

Megan said one of Lisa’s major achievements was managing Warkworth’s transition into an integrated library and council customer service centre.

“Lisa and the [Warkworth] team got stuck in, did the work needed, the new learning, supported each other and continue to do so.”

Megan said all this had been achieved in a building that was failing with ongoing weather tightness issues, in addition to it no longer being suitable for the needs of a modern, growing library service.

“These issues are still to be addressed,” she said.

For her part, Lisa said she didn’t know

where the 24 years had gone.

“I’ve been happy in my work every day,” she said. “When I started there were no computers and Google had just been invented.”

She said some of her memories of her library service would include issuing books in the dark during a three-day power blackout and having former Mayor Len Brown join a holiday programme.

“But most of all it will be the team of inspirational people I’ve worked with –I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.”

Former Wellsford Library manager Jamie Robertson is the new manager in Warkworth, while Claire Winiana has stepped into the role of library manager in Wellsford.

Helicopters reduce forest intrusion

Work on the Northland motorway corridor, Ara Tūhono Warkworth to Te Hana, has been focusing on investigations for the tunnel alignment in Mahurangi Forest.

This includes drilling boreholes as deep as 150 metres and at an angle to get a 3D view of the ground conditions to better understand fault lines in the area.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi has started moving machinery into some hard-to-access locations in the forest via helicopter. Equipment is being flown into each drilling site rather than cutting paths through the forest.

Helicopters are operating two days a week and will move machinery to 20 sites over the next couple of months for this current stage of geotechnical investigations. In total, 49 boreholes have been sunk, representing 1385 metres in drilling in total.

Meanwhile, the emerging preferred corridor for the motorway north of Te Hana to Whangārei will be released in the first quarter of next year. This 100km stretch will be four-laned and will be constructed in two sections – Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway and Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei.

An emerging preferred corridor is typically 500 metres wide with the final design width of the highway likely to be between 60 metres and 100 metres, with additional width at interchanges and connections.

Competition winners

Congratulations to Jill Dingle from Snells Beach who has won our book competition and gets a copy of Lin Pardey’s memoir ‘Passages: Cape Horn and Beyond’.

Lisa Outwin (centre) has been replaced in Warkworth by Wellsford Library manager Jamie Robertson, while Claire Winiana is the new manager at the Wellsford Library.

Warkworth, meet Warkworth

Heritage Mahurangi chair and Global Towns (formerly Sister Cities) advocate, Dave Parker (left), hosted a visit earlier this month from the former Mayor of Northumberland Jeff Watson, and his wife June. Warkworth in England is in the county of Northumberland. Warkworth NZ was named by early settler John Anderson Brown, supposedly because the Mahurangi River reminded him of the River Coquet at Warkworth. Although June had visited Warkworth NZ before, this was Jeff’s first visit. He said Warkworth in England was much smaller than Warkworth NZ, with a population of just over 1400, but otherwise there were lots of things that were familiar – a river that empties into the sea, a weir, a bridge and various street signs. “The one thing you haven’t got is a castle like us!” he said. He added that John Brown’s house in Northumberland still stands and is occupied. During their two-day stopover in the Mahurangi area, the Watsons met members of Heritage Mahurangi at the Bridgehouse, lunched at Brick Bay Winery, and attended a dinner at a private home in their honour. They also visited Wilson Cement Works, Kauri Parry Park and Warkworth Museum.

Autumn reopening date

The Mahurangi East Community Centre and Library will not reopen until late March, according to Auckland Council. In a report to a Rodney Local Board workshop on December 4, staff said the main roof was being replaced this month and previously unscheduled fire compliance works were continuing. In addition, solar panels were being added to the roof, which should generate 50 kilowatts of electricity – enough to power a medium to large commercial premises.

Couple do the double in annual spud comp

Snells Beach couple Wayne and Trish Hodges must have the greenest fingers in town, as they managed to beat 100 other people to take out both the top trophies in this year’s hotly contested annual potato growing competition.

Having handed out a record number of seed potatoes back in September, four teams of judges were kept busy on Saturday, December 7, visiting every plant in situ to weigh the resulting crops, whether in garden beds, grow bags or tubs.

The results were announced that evening at a packed prizegiving and barbecue at the Salty Dog Inn, home of the competition since it was started nearly 20 years ago by former publican Bryn Gradwell. Competition convenor and judge Vince Anaki said entries were limited to just 25 in

those early days, with judges being driven round all the gardens in a bus, complete with plenty of liquid sustenance to keep them refreshed.

“Numbers are going up every year – last year there were 91, the year before that there were 80 and this year there were 102,” he said.

The contest isn’t confined to Snells Beach residents, either – entries came from as far afield as Leigh, Point Wells and Matakana Valley Road this year.

Having weighed and measured nearly 140kg of spuds, the judges found there were two clear winners – Wayne Hodges trumped everyone with his 658 gram whopper to take out the title for heaviest potato, while wife Trish weighed in with a hefty 4.78kg of spuds to win the highest yield.

Trish said afterwards there was no real secret to their success – they simply planted the spuds in identical, neighbouring plots and made sure they were well-tended.

“Wayne dug the bed and put all the stuff on them, while I just went out and talked to them,” she said.

The couple won vouchers for the Salty Dog as well as their trophies, but they weren’t the only winners by a long way –every single entrant gets a prize and even those who fail completely get the ‘Sod All’ trophy.

Entry fees are used to buy food for the prizegiving and the prizes themselves, with anything left over donated to the Mahurangi East Volunteer Fire Brigade, which this year was presented with $300.

Spreading festive spirit beyond borders

World Vision is inviting Kiwis to consider the millions of children around the globe who will go hungry while we celebrate the festive season.

Instead of opting for novelty items or extravagant gadgets, World Vision is inviting Kiwis to consider the impact of a truly meaningful gift this year.

They says there is opportunity to give a gift that will not only bring joy to a child or a family in need, but that has the power to transform lives – clean water for just $45, a chicken to provide eggs for a family at $12, or emergency food for $60.

“With options such as a beehive ($350), cooking classes to combat malnutrition ($54), a veggie garden ($28), reviving a forest ($215), or enabling a girl to get an education for $80, each gift not only brings hope but also paves the way for a brighter future,” World Vision associate national director TJ Grant says.

Each gift purchased comes with a printed card or e-card so the giver can personalise and explain the life-changing impact that has been made on the recipient’s behalf.

“We know that small acts of compassion, kindness, and love over the festive season and beyond make a massive difference in the lives of children who are living with hunger and are in extreme poverty. By giving a life-changing gift from our Christmas Gift Catalogue, or even making a simple text donation, New Zealanders can help children and families who are facing extreme hunger this Christmas.”  Info: Visit  worldvision.org.nz/gifts, text SUPPORT to 5055 and donate $3 to gift emergency food to a hungry child or call 0800 245 000 and share what gift you’d like to purchase.

S-mashed it – trophy couple Trish and Wayne Hodges with contest convenor Vince Anaki.

Amberlea residents celebrate Christmas early

Residents at CHT Amberlea Care Home in Algies Bay were joined by friends and family for their Christmas party on December 10.

And they had one very special guest at the lunch – Santa Claus himself.

Care home manager David Halewood said it was beautiful to see all the families together with the residents for Christmas and enjoying themselves.

“It can be a real emotional tear when you send your mother or father into a care home and I think these events actually provide the reassurance that they made the right decision,” he said.

“For us, being able to chat with some of the family members and hear their perspective was important – we had some really great feedback.”

Halewood said Amberlea was very much about being part of the community.

“People here feel like this is their home, everyone gets to connect.

“Some of our residents don’t have their children here or they might be on their own over Christmas, so we actually become like part of their extended family.”

The Christmas lunch was the result of three months’ planning and wouldn’t have been possible without local volunteers helping out and coming in on a weekly basis in the lead up.

Halewood said the care home knocked it out of the park this year.

“Families had a really good time and loved the menu. It really came together with the catering team serving up ham, roast pork, fresh vegetables and Kiwi classics like pavlova for dessert.”

As well as the food, Santa was also in demand as he mingled during lunch and one plucky resident, Lorraine Lambert, even asked him for a kiss and he duly obliged.

“I didn’t need any mistletoe, I got to kiss Santa anyway,” she said.

Wellsford, Mangawhai, Leigh, Orewa

Santa holding court at the Amberlea Christmas lunch.

Lorraine Lambert stole a kiss from Santa.

Dexter Sketcher was on Santa’s nice list.

One small stick for sustainability

Te Kuru o Puhinui Warkworth School held its first-ever zero-waste event in conjunction with its annual walkathon. Building on its impressive achievement of reducing landfill waste by 72 per cent over the past year, the school is continuing to minimise its impact on the environment.

After completing the walkathon, students enjoyed ice blocks donated by Mason Contractors. However, this year, the packaging and sticks didn’t head to landfill. Thanks to zero-waste event bins provided by Mahurangi Wastebusters, the school transformed what could have been waste into resources.

The wooden sticks were washed and stored for reuse in maths, art and garden projects. The cardboard boxes were shredded

and added to the school’s thriving onsite composting system, and the soft plastic wrappers were collected in a dedicated bin and sent for recycling.

“When the students were told we would be reusing the sticks and recycling the wrappers, you could see the connections being made. They absolutely understood,” a Year 6 teacher said.

The event diverted 3.6 kilograms of waste from landfill and inspired students to think critically about their role in waste reduction.

Mahurangi Wastebusters education facilitator Rachel Lampen said the school was not only making an impact on wasteto-landfill, but was also instilling lifelong values of sustainability in its students.

1st prize - Alex

of groceries

2nd prize - Helen Wenzlick, cake

3rd prize - Lou, toys

4th prize - Annette Sharp, toiletries

The week-long Treemendous fundraiser at the Warkworth Masonic Hall raised around $5000 for new recipients Rodney North Blue Light charity, Lions Club of Kowhai Coast project coordinator Elizabeth Price said. The final tally was yet to be calculated and the funds would be presented to the charity in February.

Many students said how good they felt knowing they were keeping their ‘rubbish’ out of a landfill.

Raffle winners at the Treemendous Christmas tree display were:

Taylor, basket

Have a very conscious Christmas!

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but also mindful. Over Christmas we generate more waste than any other time of the year with tonnes of wrapping paper, plastic packaging, unwanted gifts, glass bottles, cards, leftover food, fairy lights and Christmas trees ending up in landfill.

Auckland Council WasteWise advisor Courtenay Hunt, who used to work for Mahurangi Wastebusters, says everyone can help reduce waste by having what she calls a conscious Christmas.

“The benefits are that you buy less and simplify things. You can save money, reduce stress and spend more time on what’s important to your whanau, as well as protecting their environment.”

Hunt says to keep it simple – it could be making just one change.

“People can only do what they can do. We want to be encouraging and empowering.

“You could make something for someone. One example is, a few years ago I actually grew loofah shower sponges just for fun.

“So a conscious Christmas is about being mindful. Thinking, planning and having discussions with whomever you’re spending your holidays, with as well as the people that you want to acknowledge through a gift,” she says.

Ways to reduce waste over Christmas

Tips from Auckland Council

1. Give gifts with value

• Consider gifts that create little or no waste, that can be reused again and again, or recycled at the end of their life

• Join the #BuyNothingNew trend –challenge yourself to find preloved or upcycled gifts for your loved ones. Find your local ReUse Market

• If you do buy something new, shop local and choose products with

minimal packaging

2. Reusable-wrap gifts

• Use reusable or recyclable gift-wrapping options, such as fabric, newspapers, or brown paper. Avoid glossy or metallic wrapping paper as these can’t go in the recycling bin

• The Japanese art of Furoshiki involves wrapping gifts in reusable cloth. This is a beautiful way to show you care about your loved one and the environment

• Place gifts in reusable bags or baskets that can be repurposed once the gift has been given

3. Decorate with nature’s flair

• Put up nature’s own decorations, like pine cones, branches, and fresh flowers. These can be composted after use

• Create your own decorations using recycled materials or items you already have at home

• Make your own Christmas stockings using fabric scraps or repurposed materials

4. Oh conscious Christmas tree!

• If you prefer a real tree, consider one that is locally sourced and can be composted after use. Or get a potted tree that can be planted in your garden after the holiday season

• If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it’s robust enough to be used for many years

5. Waste-less food and entertaining

• Reduce food waste by planning your meals, buy only what you need, and use leftovers creatively. Check out Love Food Hate Waste for an impressive list of ideas and mouthwatering recipes

• If you know you’ll be feeding the extended family, buy ingredients in bulk to reduce packaging waste

• After you’ve used the chicken or turkey carcass for making soup or stock, put the leftover bones in your food scraps bin

• Bring a plate (literally): Going to a Christmas BBQ? Help out your hosts by not only bringing a plate of kai, but also by taking your own dishes and cutlery to avoid using single-use products

6. Turn the company Christmas party or an extended family BBQ into a Zero Waste Event

• Book a food waste collection service

• Use reusable plates or offer food on napkins instead of plastic plates

• Serve tap water or buy soft drinks in larger bottles or aluminium cans to reduce plastic waste

• Offer takeaways – let people know to bring a reusable container to take extra food home with them

• Set up Auckland Council recycling and food scrap bins at your function next to rubbish bins

• You can also book loan gear for free from Auckland Council to support your event. Visit zerowasteevents.org.nz

7. Cards and invitations approved by Mother Earth

• Send electronic cards or create a digital invitation to reduce paper waste

• If you prefer traditional cards, choose eco-friendly greeting cards, or cards with seeds embedded into handmade paper that can be planted in the garden

8. Get it sorted!

• Our rubbish, recycling and food scraps elves will be working all the way through the holidays, so give them a great Christmas present – all waste sorted correctly; rinse your containers to avoid recycling contamination and

remember only plastics number 1,2, or 5 (look for a number in the centre of a small triangle)

• Christmas and New Year public holidays may affect council collections days. Please check your rubbish, recycling and food scraps collection day for your property at aucklandcouncil.nz/binday Join the movement and share your #LowWasteXmas on social media.

Council WasteWise advisor Courtenay Hunt holds a conscious Christmas gift – a loofah shower sponge she grew herself.

A time to say “thanks” to an awesome behind the scenes team

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that is also true of a community newspaper!

Mahurangi Matters has great staff behind it, managing advertising, news, design, digital, administration and distribution, but there are others as well …

Our advertisers are an essential ingredient – their support ensures that we can continue to write the stories that give readers an understanding of local life through shared experiences. We know a lot of businesses have had tough year, so their continued support is very much appreciated. And thank you to the readers who support these businesses.

There are also the columnists who give us history lessons, ideas on how to improve our health and our gardens, let us know what’s happening in the halls of power and on the high seas, and so much more. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

And let’s not forget our diligent rainfall recorders, the printers, the walkers and posties who deliver the papers, and the shops and businesses who make them available on their shelves.

Thank you on behalf of all our readers for the great job you do.

The Mahurangi Matters office will close on Friday, December 20, at 3pm and re-open on Monday, January 6, at 8.30am

Muddy Toes’ float was a big hit with the crowd.

Parade brings Christmas to Warkworth

Crowds lined the footpaths on both sides of Baxter and Queen Streets in Warkworth on December 7 to be entertained by this year’s Santa Parade.

In what was one of the largest parades in recent times, the floats were led by the town crier riding in a nifty red sports car followed closely by the Warkworth Pipe Band. Santa and Mrs Claus brought up the rear.

Muddy Toes Early Childhood Centre won both the Education Sector and the People’s Choice awards, while Tree King’s float won the business section and The Mob & Razza Dazzlers won the community section.

Hunting & Fishing, The Bridgehouse, Nature’s Nest and Keith Hay Homes were thanked for their sponsorship of the float winners.

The winner of the Keith Hay Homes playhouse was Nars Holden, of Warkworth.

Parade organisers One Mahurangi thanked major sponsors Warkworth Toyota, Warkworth Barfoot & Thompson and Rodney Local Board.

It also thanked Warkworth Rotary, Warkworth Big Band, Buckton Consulting Surveyors and Northland Waste for their support.

Santa and Mrs Claus looked happy despite being a long way from the cooler temperatures of the North Pole.

If only they’d been dressed in red!

Keeping kids reading to stop ‘summer slide’

Making reading fun is the focus of Raumati Reads, the summer reading programme for primary-aged schoolchildren being run by Auckland Council libraries over the holidays.

The programme aims to keep kids reading daily by offering stickers and prizes in a bid to stem the “summer slide” – a phenomenon where reading ability drops off so much during the break that it can take children a whole term to get back to their previous reading level.

Council’s head of library and learning services, Catherine Leonard, says it can be challenging for parents and caregivers to maintain young ones’ reading during holidays, but libraries can help with free events, activities and incentives.

“As little as 15 minutes of reading a day can mean the difference between falling behind and being ready for the school year,” she says. “We focus on making reading fun for children, so they develop a lifelong love for it.”

There is a special summer reading list for children covering themes including te ao Māori, sports, entertainment, exploring and nature, with all titles available in several different formats as well as print, such as graphic vox-books, audio and e-books. Locally, libraries are running a wide range of holiday activities as part of Raumati Reads, including a photo competition and

What’s happening

and where ...

WARKWORTH

Monday, January 6 & 20, 10.30am

Storytime Fun stories, songs and rhymes for ages 3-7

Tuesday, January 7, 10.30am

Making Suncatchers Upcycle old CDs and DVDs into shiny suncatchers

Wednesday, January 8, 10.30am

DIY Cleaning Product Make a cleaning product with the Wastewise team.

Booking required: Email warkworth. library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Thursday, January 9, 16 & 23, 10.30am

LEGO Time Get creative with a mass of LEGO

Monday, January 13, 10.30am

Kōrero Paki Join Whaea Claire for interactive te reo Māori and waiata kori for mokopuna, tamariki and whānau

Tuesday, January 14, 10.30am

Create With Clay Make a clay pinch pot creation to take home

Wednesday, January 15, 10.30am

A Minute To Win It Fun, quick-fire

WELLSFORD

Friday, December 20, 10.30am

DIY Decorations Make beaded snowflake decorations

Saturday, December 21, 10am-12 noon

Christmas Crafts Drop-in session for the whole whānau

Tuesday, January 7, 10am-12 noon

Games Galore Play in the library or outside in Wellsford War Memorial Park

Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2-4pm

Crafternoon Try a range of craft activities that tie in with the Raumati Reads theme

Thursday, January 9, 16, 23 & 30,

MAHURANGI EAST

Friday, December 20, 10am-12 noon

Christmas Crafts Have a go at making a Christmas angel and Christmas gift-tag

Saturday, December 21 & 28 and January 4, 11, 18 & 25, 10am-2pm Get It Down! Show off your writing skills using prompts in the library

Monday, December 23 and January 13, 3.15-4.15pm

Cooking with Maite What’s on the menu? Foodie fun for 8-12 year olds. Booking required: Email evangeline. wiliiams@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Friday, December 27 and January 3 & 10, 10am-2pm LEGO & Board Games Drop-in session –

Tuesday, December 31 and January 7,

Paint it, draw it, cut it,

Thursday, January 16 & 23, 10am, and

Fun with a trailer full of outdoor games and play equipment. evangeline.

Info and Raumati Reads registration: Pop in to your local library, call 09 377 0209 www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/

The Wardrobe on Wood well-known destination feminine fashion, from casual wear to special event garments. Offering a wide range of stylish collections from New Canada, Europe and Stunning labels curated with care and including jewellery, sunglasses, summer essentials and

Highfield donkeys steal show

Forget about Rudolph and the other reindeer, it was all about Tina, Tara, Topsy, Turvey, Truffle, Toby and Tilly at the annual Santa Donkey Day, which was held on Saturday, December 7 at Highfield Garden Reserve in Algies Bay.

Under sunny skies, the seven Highfield donkeys paraded through the reserve to the delight of many children and families who had come from around the area to enjoy the spectacle.

Shortly after the parade, Santa arrived being chauffeured in a classic car and was followed by donkey manager Ox Wightman, who welcomed the attendees. There was also a free barbeque, pin the tail on the donkey (not an actual donkey),

traditional gala games such as sack races and tug-of-war, the Roberts challenge, and a book reading with Jenny Mespel.

Plus donkey rides for the kids, of course.

Highfield Garden Reserve and Donkey Society  committee member Louise Bartlett said the highlight of the day for her was seeing all the smiles on all the kids’ faces.

“As always, it was the hard work and dedication of our wonderful bunch of volunteers that made this day a success.”

She thanked Auckland Council, the Rodney Local Board and community park ranger Dan Marrow for his support.

“And thanks to all of our superstar donkeys,” she said.

Wednesday 29th January 7pm to 9pm at the Bridgehouse, 16 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth

(Drinks available separately from the Bridgehouse)

Snells Beach Pharmacy

Santa was chauffeured in a classic car. Truffle wears tinsel.

The kids were loving the donkey rides.

Cuisine

Lauraine Jacobs www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Make mine trifle

Everyone loves a trifle! Traditionally a trifle has a layer of sponge cake and jelly as the base and then a layer of fruit, followed by a layer of thick custard and finally whipped cream with decoration on top. It can be a lot of work if you make everything from scratch, including the sponge and the custard, and using top ingredients makes for a much tastier and delicious trifle. Over the years, quite a few different trifles have emerged from my kitchen and most are a far cry from the trifles of my childhood, which tended to be made with custard powder and “fruit salad” that was actually from a can. At this time of the year, a fresh strawberry trifle can be a thing of beauty, or even going a step further and making the trifle with a variety of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and boysenberries. For that it is best to use a raspberry or strawberry packet jelly.

The most triumphant of all trifles I have made was a Jelly Tip Trifle, which paid homage to the classic Jelly Tip ice cream. I made it with raspberries and chocolate custard and found myself sneaking back to the refrigerator for yet another spoonful throughout the day. You can find that recipe on my much-neglected blog here: https://www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/ recipes/?mode=post&post_id=559

Mangoes have been in abundance lately, and often not too pricy, so this week’s recipe is a rich combination of mango, peach and orange, and neither custard nor jelly is involved. The mango puree is the magic ingredient. Kashish Kesar Mango Pulp is imported from India and made with the prized Kesar mangoes. I have found it readily available on the shelves of good supermarkets, year round. If you have any remaining after making the recipe (it comes in large 850g cans) it’s also perfect for making Lassi and smoothies.

2 oranges, zest and juice

500g mango puree (see accompanying text)

3 ripe peaches

1 ripe mango

300ml cream

4 tbsp thick coconut cream (optional)

4 tbsp Greek yogurt

2 tsp sugar

into short lengths and place them in the bottom of a trifle bowl.

Grate the orange skins finely, squeeze all the juice and add the zest and the juice to the biscuits so they soak it all up and soften.

Use about 250g of the mango puree to cover the soaked biscuits in a smooth layer. Peel the mango and cut into neat chunks. Take the skin from the peaches and discard it and slice the flesh. Put half of this fruit over the top of the layer of mango puree.

Whip the cream until thick, then beat in

the

and

and continue beating until thick. Add half of this whipped creamy mix over the trifle. Add more fruit (keeping a few choice slices for the top) with a few more chopped sponge fingers and cover this with another 250g of the mango puree. Finally cover the top with the rest of the creamy mixture and decorate the top with a few fruit slices. This can be made up to a day ahead, and refrigerated, giving time for the layers and flavours to meld together. Serve straight from the fridge.

Serves 8 to 10.

Mango, Peach and Orange Trifle

Break about 8 to 10 of the biscuits

coconut cream, the yogurt

sugar

1 packet Savoiardi biscuits (Lady Fingers or sponge fingers)

Christmas concert winds up community garden year

The year at Wellsford Community Gardens ended on a high note on December 11, when a Christmas concert, garden tour and barbecue were held at the School Road site by head gardener and song supremo Andrew McLennan.

The show by Wellsford Primary School students for classmates, staff, family, friends and the wider community provided a much-needed lift for McLennan, following the theft last month of thousands of dollars’ worth of garden machinery and equipment.

The former Coconut Rough and Pop Mechanix singer-songwriter has been restoring the community gardens for the last couple of years, as well as hosting weekly visits and music sessions for a group of school students.

“The concert was a huge hit, we had a full house, the kids were well-rehearsed and sang beautifully,” he said. “After the show, the parents were taken on a guided tour of

Christmas Eve parade

the garden and the kids did a show-andtell.

“I’ve never seen so many people enjoying the gardens, the bbq and seeing what goes on here.”

McLennan and the kids also dug deep for fruits and veggies, giving visitors bag-loads of fresh produce to take home.

He said the show, coupled with a rapid community response to replace equipment stolen during the recent raid, was a real boost and he expressed his gratitude to everyone who had responded.

“Thanks to the local community for the rally of support after our recent tribulations. It was heartwarming and faith-restoring to feel the love,” he said.

“Special mention to Civil IQ, Good to GrowNZ, Silverhill Small Engines, Brett Walker, Chris Bright, Stuart Capon and all those who have wished us well. Wellsford rocks!”

Anyone heading north for Christmas should consider stopping off in Waipu on Christmas Eve, when the town’s iconic annual Santa Parade takes place. Businesses, community groups and individuals will be dressing up and riding on decorated floats through town, starting from The Centre at 7pm and ending with prize giving in Caldeonian Park.

The Smoko Room is open every day from 12pm until late for lunch, dinner and drinks. With 15 Sawmill beers on tap, an organic and biodynamic wine list, real food and a large outdoor area, it’s the perfect spot over summer!

Dinner bookings from 5.30pm --> smokoroom@sawmillbrewery.co.nz

Smoko Room | 1004 Leigh Rd, Matakana | www.sawmillbrewery.co.nz | 09 422 6555

www.localmatters.co.nz

MeloYelo is a very different type of ebike company, selling via agents who will take the time to come to you, offer long test rides, rider training and all the advice you need to raise your confidence on an electric bike.

Graham Tivers is the local franchisee for Warkworth and Northland, and is happy to arrange test rides at a location and time that works for you.

With MeloYelo’s current No Brainer Sale offering savings of up to $1,100 off original retail prices, now’s the time to check out the range!

Seasonal songs and fresh produce were on the menu at the Wellsford garden.

Change your lifestyle!

The bookshop at Ruawai, opened in 2017, needs a new owner in this quiet, riverside town. Included is a 20-foot container filled of more than 100 boxes of books, yet to be sorted. Asking price is just $12,000. Call Robyn 027 200 5653. 09 439 2044 | 5 Freyberg Rd, Ruawai, Northland bookshop16@yahoo.co.nz | www.ruawaibooks.com

Free summer concert at Snells

There’s a free afternoon of laid back live music on offer at Snells Beach in the New Year, when Auckland Council’s Music in Parks returns to Sunburst Reserve.

Leading the line-up is classic blues-rock trio BB and The Bullets playing vintage tracks by legends such as Albert King, BB King, Muddy Waters and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Brian Baker, ex The Makers, is on guitar and vocals, joined by Stuart Duncan on bass and Brad MacMillan on drums.

Also on stage will be Noise Play, a trio of experienced musicians led by guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer and podcaster Danny McCrum, who has worked with and supported many top artists including Eric Clapton, Tommy Emmanuel, John

Mayer and the John Butler Trio. Noise Play promises a mix of rock, funk and jazz and pop, with Dan Antunovich on bass and vocals and Jasper de Roos on drums. Finally, versatile duo Chet and Melissa O’Connell, performing as Chet & Mel, will be doing a set of crowd-pleasing covers and contemporary songs, from classic rock to country and pop.

A council spokesperson says Music in Parks will be a family friendly event.

“We suggest you bring a picnic to enjoy. Bring your family and friends, and don’t forget a water bottle.”

The show starts at 1pm on Sunday, January 12 and runs until 4pm at the reserve off Sunburst Avenue.

Opens 3rd - 7th February, 10am to 4pm at the Rodney Rams Club, 511 Leigh Road, Whangateau. Entry by Gold Coin. Inquiries phone Dave 021 0885 2690

Blues rockers BB and The Bullets.

Chet & Mel.

Danny McCrum will lead Noise Play.

New summer festival to get jazzed about in Leigh

Get ready for some parping good music at the first-ever Leigh Sawmill Jazz Festival, which will run on Saturday and Sunday, January 18 and 19.

The line-up sees Love Square, Hopetoun Brown and Carnivorous Plant Society plus special guests come together to celebrate a decade of making some of Aotearoa’s most exciting and innovative jazz records.

Festival founder and musician Nick Atkinson says he hopes to be clamped to his saxophones all weekend long and joining him will be basically all of his favourite musicians and bandmates.

On Saturday afternoon, Atkinson’s passion project Love Square will be bringing a special guest on stage in the form of Phoenix Foundation drummer Chris O’Connor.

“There’s every possibility more musicians will join the fray during Love Square’s set as we take listeners on a jazz journey,” he says. Atkinson and trumpet player Tim Stewart headline Saturday night as Hopetoun

Brown, aka the brass section of iconic Kiwi group Supergroove, with the duo looking to deliver “a knee-slapping hoe-down of soul-stomping goodness”.

On the Sunday, the Sawmill stage will “be brimmed to bursting with the exotic backline of one the country’s most cinematic bands, Carnivorous Plant Society.

“Trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist Finn Scholes will be ensconced all weekend, but on Sunday he really gets to spread his wings as the Plants work through two sets of ambitious material that for the most part is as funky as you like it,” Atkinson says.

Festivalgoers can buy a weekend pass or individual session tickets.

“There’s a few hours between shows so you can jump into the ocean and then return refreshed for one of the Sawmill’s signature pizzas and more of the finest live music you can see anywhere.”

Tickets and festival info at undertheradar.co.nz

More dog rule changes proposed

Dogs could have to be kept on a lead or partially banned from four local reserves and beaches, if new proposals to amend local dog access rules are adopted by Rodney Local Board after public consultation next year.

Auckland Council’s senior policy manager for regulatory practice, Paul Wilson, told the board’s December meeting that to prevent the spread of kauri dieback and protect vulnerable birds at four sites, the following changes were being proposed:

• Parry Kauri Park, Warkworth: Change from off-leash to on-leash, to prevent dogs going off track and spreading kauri dieback.

• Snells Beach: Change from on-leash

with prohibited time and season rules to prohibited north of Sunburst Reserve boat ramp (between September 1to March 31), and on-leash in all adjoining reserves, to protect shorebirds.

• Vera Reserve, Baddeleys Creek Reserve and Pigeon Place accessway, Baddeleys Beach: Change from from off-leash to on-leash, to protect kiwi moving into the area from Tāwharanui Park.

• Wonderview Road Esplanade, Leigh: Reduce access from off-leash to onleash, to protect vulnerable blue penguins nesting along the coastline.

These new local suggestions will all be open for public feedback with other proposed dog control bylaw changes in the New Year

Leigh Sawmill is just the place to host the new jazz festival.

Eclectic art on sale at Snells show

The annual Great Summer Art Exhibition once again promises to live up to its name. It runs from December 30 to January 2 and has moved from its traditional home at the Mahurangi East Community Centre to a space next to Four Square Snells Beach. Local artists of all ages and skill levels, who work in a variety of mediums from sketches and silk paintings to pottery and photography, will be displaying their works at the show.

It’s being hosted by the Mahurangi East Tennis Club for the 31st consecutive time. All artworks are for sale, with 20 per cent of proceeds and all entry fees going to community tennis initiatives in the area – it’s also a major fundraiser for the club (MM, Nov 24).

Many of the artists involved in the exhibition are longtime contributors.

Doris Riederer, a Swiss expatriate who has lived in Snells Beach for nearly three decades and been a member of the tennis club for 27 years, says she has been submitting mixed-media pieces to the ‘cash and carry’ tables for 26 years.

“When you buy a normal painting, you have to wait until the exhibition is over before you can come and pick it up. But at the ‘cash and carry’ tables you choose an artwork, pay there and take it with you the moment you buy it,” Riederer says.

Apart from a few small pieces, the ‘cash and carry’ tables don’t sell paintings – this is where you find handmade artworks that use a wide range of materials from the conventional to the unusual.

“I make pottery, fish and birds and things like that, but it’s always combined with something that I upcycle, whether it’s an old board I found on the beach or something from the tip or an op shop,” she says “I just see what I would like to do with it. Like if it’s a rusty piece of metal, then I think, ah, I could do this and that.

“Things that other people throw away are

my go-to place for inspiration. It doesn’t cost me much to buy or to even find it for free. I just love upcycling old stuff.”

Snells Beach artists Bob and Caroline Simpson have been contributing to the exhibition for around a decade having first heard about it through a Kowhai Art and Craft (KAC) member, who belonged to the tennis club.

Caroline has an extensive artistic background that started at school and includes tailoring, pottery, oil painting and acrylics. Now, she specialises in coloured pencil drawings and will be submitting three portrait drawings to the show.

In contrast, Bob only began his artistic life in retirement and has since carved out a niche for himself making leatherwork furniture pieces.

“I was taught how to do leatherwork at KAC by Judy Chang. She mentored me. It’s a beautiful art but it’s a dying art,” Bob says.

After spending five months hand crafting a leather music stool cover for his brother, Bob accidentally left it on his car roof and drove off (MM, Sep 17)

It was later recovered, but in the meantime he had already made another.

“I ended up with an extra leather seat cover so I framed it. That’s why I’m gonna pretend this is a painting and I’m going to sneak it into the exhibition.”

The exhibition will open with a ticketed preview night on Monday, December 30. Tickets cost $20, which includes priority viewing and refreshments, and the opportunity to purchase artworks and attend the prizegiving ceremony. Tickets will be available at the door.

The show will then be open daily from 10am to 4pm until January 2, when admission will be by donation.

Visit us on Facebook • MahurangiMatters

www.kaurimuseum.com

Snells Beach artists, Caroline and Bob Simpson, are contributing coloured pencil drawings and a leatherwork piece to the exhibition.

Snells Beach multi-media artist Doris Riederer’s upcycled works will be on the ‘cash and carry’ tables.

The Great Summer Art Exhibition

31 December 20242 January 2025 10am to 4pm

Admission by Donation

Opening/Preview Evening

Open to Public Monday 30 December, 7pm $20 per person

Tickets

Rodney ready to rave at Northern Bass

Northern Bass is the New Year’s Eve dance event everyone raves about, especially drum and bass (DnB), and jungle fans.

This year, the festival has some of the most exciting names in electronica from Aotearoa and around the world, who will converge on Worsfold Farm in Kaiwaka to farewell 2024 and welcome in 2025.

Established over a decade ago, this is now New Zealand’s premier electronic dance music (EDM) festival and it’s being held right here in Rodney, about a 20-minute drive from Mangawhai.

It’s guaranteed to be one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in the country.

Festival director Gareth Popham says they are incredibly excited to bring such a talented line-up to Northern Bass this year.

“Despite last year’s weather challenges, the spirit and energy of our attendees and performers were unmatched. We can’t wait to create more unforgettable memories together,” he said.

Indeed the line-up is so strong that it seems even old-school UK DnB pioneer Roni Size can’t get his name in bold on the festival flyer.

EDM fans on social media posted that with so many superstars appearing at Northern Bass there wouldn’t be anyone left to play at other NYE gigs.

Meanwhile some of the older dance devotees were trying to organise babysitters for the three days.

If you’re looking for a three-day party bookended by bangers with big beats and tunes man, make the pilgrimage to Northern Bass this New Year’s Eve.

What: Northern Bass

When: Sunday, December 29 – Wednesday, January 1

Where: Worsfold Farm in Kaiwaka https://northernbass.flicket.co.nz

Northen Bass must-sees

A.M.C and Phantom

UK-based founder of DnB label Titan Records and winner of Best DJ in the world at the Drum&BassArena Awards three years in row (2019 to 2021), A.M.C (Alex Mark Calvert) is famous for his four-deck sets and technical mastery of the genre. He’ll be dropping energetic DnB to get the dancefloor moving with his partner-in-crime and hype man, the renowned MC Phantom.

Hybrid Minds and Tempza

English production duo and DJ partnership

Hybrid Minds have been the poster boys of the DnB renaissance since they started putting out music back in 2011. But they’re not just doing DnB – they’re famous for embracing an eclectic mix of musical styles, which has endeared them to EDM audiences across Europe. They’ll be joined by MC Tempza for a set that is sure to deliver dance classics and fan favourites alongside fresh releases.

Bou and B Live 247

Bou is a Manchester producer and DJ, who has quickly made a name for himself flying the flag for the new generation of DnB artists with his unique beats, thumping bass and frenetic sounds. He teamed up with B Live 247 aka MC Evil B post-lockdown in the UK and the duo has been lighting up the DnB scene ever since.

Lee Mvtthews

Introducing one of Aotearoa’s preeminent DnB acts, the award-winning Lee Mvtthews (Tom Lee and Graham Matthews). Featuring the vocals of UK acts Degs and Phantom and NZ legend Tiki Taane, their second album ‘Exit’ came out in March, 2024 and reached number seven on the New Zealand Top 40 Album Charts. Unsurprisingly they’re a firm favourite on the NZ festival circuit – so check out their set and support local!

Milky Way Glow Worm Cave

A destination like no other, hosting a diverse range of nature-based activities and environments including the Milky Way Glow Worm Cave and the Jurassic Walks. See NZ’s world-famous glow worms, pristine cave formations, stalactites, stalagmites and flow stones. Learn about the glow worms and geology of the recently opened Milky Way Glow Worm Cave. This is one of only a few caves in NZ where you can take photographs.

The Jurassic Walks, spread over 320 acres, has multiple tracks through the karst limestone and biodiverse native bush. Rock climbers can climb one of 3 climbing crags with many routes. Bike on the farm roads and meet the friendly farm animals.

Visit for the day or stay for several at one of our three tent or motorhome camping areas with cooking, toilet and shower facilities.

EMWA

Under her moniker EMWA, Kiwi producer and DJ Emma Davies has seen her star continue to rise. Her debut single Crush dropped in 2021 and charted alongside some of her heroes’ tracks reaching number 38 on the Dubstep Beatport Top 100. EMWA’s idiosyncratic sets with her signature basslines have also been getting a lot of attention and are only getting stronger –unmissable!

Shy FX and MC Rage

Legendary London producer and DJ Andre “Shy FX” Williams has, just quietly, been one of the most influential DnB and jungle producers of the last 30 plus years. His debut record “Jungle Love” came out in 1992 and he hasn’t missed a beat since, starting the Digital Soundboy label and pushing the boundaries of the genre decade after decade. Don’t miss him as he teams up with American musician, former hardcore producer and present day hype man MC Rage.

Growth of Warkworth Football a team effort

If you want to join Warkworth Association Football Club (Warkworth AFC) next season you’ll need to get in quick.

The club has enjoyed a surge in popularity and seen its membership double over the past two years, growing from 228 players in 2022 to 476 in 2023. On top of that, they had more than 250 juniors and seniors playing summer seven-a-side soccer.

Warkworth club president George Moore says three years ago the club made plans to increase membership and they’re now starting to come to fruition.

“We’ve got some very strong footballers in our community, and we are really focused on being here for them,” he says.

The club had an influx of female players when Warkworth AFC was selected to be a Fantails programme provider for 2024 and 2025 by New Zealand Football (NZF) and Northern Region Football (NRF).

Fantails piggybacked on the success of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – cohosted by NZ, the tournament increased the visibility of women’s football, which led to an uptick in female participation.

“Fantails was introduced to provide more opportunities for young females to play football in New Zealand by delivering

a high-quality football experience that results in girls falling in love with football,”

Moore says.

“As we grow this girls-only programme, it will assist with the creation of future female teams within our club. We hope to have this up and running around February/ March, with March coinciding with girl’s football month at NRF,” Moore says.

The club also got a boost from the Matakana Football Club open grade team, who joined Warkworth AFC recently becoming Warkworth Reserves.

“In the last year we’ve had three teams come over from Matakana, including their men’s senior team and two junior teams, and it’s been great to have them as part of our club now.”

Moore says he also anticipates an additional three teams to come through from last season’s junior grades and if all 2024 Saturday community teams continue next season, the club will have 19 club teams.

“With the huge growth in players, we’ve been very lucky with our generous sponsors, which has enabled us to kit out all our players in brand new Adidas gear, as well as training/away kits for our teams ninth grade and above,” he says.

Sponsors have also enabled the club to fund training courses to develop current coaches and to also encourage new coaches to join.

“We’ve got a great club and have had some wonderful support. But there’s only so much certain volunteers can do, everyone works these days. It’s the same usual suspects that help out, which is fantastic but we’re just struggling to keep up with everything.

“We need someone in the community who has got some good governance experience to help lead our committee as a chairperson.”

Moore says ultimately, Warkworth AFC is a community club.

“That’s who we are here for, but we need help from the community to help us grow.”

Next season will kick off on the weekend of April 5 and 6 and run for 18 weeks. Registration period will be January 1 to February 28.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a coach, or with web/social media expertise, all governance/chairperson experience, please get in touch with the club president George Moore on 027 570 6216.

Info: https://warkworthfc.org/

Warkworth AFC highlights

• Senior men’s team finished third in the NRF men’s division six.

• The ninth grade Red Knights notched up 15 wins from 17 games.

• The U13 Sunday conference team finished just one point behind Auckland United FC’s U13 team to place second in their inaugural year in the NRF conference, which has 14 teams competing.

• In the U15 NRF championship, the club placed sixth out of 13 teams –again, the club’s first time playing in this competition and the first year the team had all played together.

The future of Warkworth AFC football.

Warkworth AFC has seen its membership double over the past two years.

The Fantails programme provides opportunities for young female players.

The young Warkworth striker finds the back of the net.

in Matakana

Matakana will be pulsating to the beat of top techno, and drum and bass just after Christmas, when the eighth annual Hidden Valley festival takes place at the Matakana Country Park on Friday, December 27.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend the all-day dance music fest, which runs from mid-afternoon until 11pm with top international DJs and Kiwi talent on the decks.

Headliners from the UK this year include Algerian-born Bou and Interplanetary Criminal, both from Manchester, and a raft of top rappers, DJs and musicians from London, including AMC, B Live 247 (aka Evil B), Joy Anonymous, Issey Cross and Flowdan with Neffa-T.

There’s also Bunt from Stuttgart in Germany, Camo & Krooked from Vienna, Irish DJ Kettama, and X Club and Odd Mob from Brisbane.

Locals appearing include BBYFCEKILLA, Sin & Brook and Half Queen.

Organiser Red Rum Touring warn that Hidden Valley is strictly R18 and the only forms of photo ID accepted at the gate will be valid and current NZ drivers licences or a current passport – nothing else.

“If you’ve lost your only form of photo ID right before Hidden Valley, unfortunately, that’s a problem we can’t solve,” a spokesperson said.

“All photo ID matters are legal issues, so there’s no flexibility. Please don’t waste your time asking us to accept a photo of your ID or any other unofficial form of identification.”

Buses to the festival will run from Auckland CBD, Mangawhai, Leigh, Warkworth, Snells Beach and Omaha Beach.

Final release tickets cost $170 from https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/hiddenvalley-2024

Bus tickets: https://www.ticketfairy.com/ event/hidden-valley-buses-24/ Info: https://www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com/

admin@puhoimotors.co.nz www.puhoimotors.co.nz

SATURDAY, 15th FEBRUARY 2025 - 6PM

The day-long DnB festival has been running since 2018.

Hidden Valley back

Competitive business bowls

Slow Water Trading Post

Good weather has meant the last couple of months have been pretty busy at Leigh Bowling Club, and the business house competition on Wednesday nights has continued to be highly popular.

We’ll have completed nine weeks bowling before the Christmas break and then we restart on January 22.

The green has been full with one team having a bye each round – the bar, kitchen and raffles have all been very busy.

The final night of the year included each team competing in a corner-tocorner competition with the closest bowl to the corner winning a ham. Knights Contracting was the last team to throw their bowls and took the prize.

The handicap pairs on Tuesday, October 22 was won by Staun Popham and Dave Morrison, with runners-up Lance Michell and Ian Bradnam.

The leads and twos on Saturday, November 9 saw Dave Morrison (Magnum) and Steve Mantle fighting out the final, with Dave taking the win and Steve the runner-up.

Many thanks must go to Jason Wech, from JG Wech Plumbers and Drainlayers, for sponsoring the triples tournament on Saturday, November 23.

The Stables, Across from the Puhoi Pub Contact Sheryl 021 292 5952 slowwatertradingpost@gmail.com www.slowwatertradingpost.co.nz

The inaugural winners were a combined Leigh/Warkworth team of Neil C, Steve S, and Staun with the runners-up being the Mangawhai team of Tom G, Ron H, and Dave.

A total of 18 teams entered the Carrfields Christmas hams triples, the final tournament of the year, which was played on Wednesday, December 11.

It was a very busy day for the kitchen and bar, and the day before we picked up 31 hams to be handed out as prizes and raffles.

The overall winners were Scott Wilson and Staun Popham from Leigh, and Duncan Rhind from Waipu. Many thanks to Carrfields for sponsoring the tournament and to Biscuit for organising it.

The club handicap singles were on Saturday, December 14.

Three events will be held in January. First the club triple champs, which is on Saturday and Sunday, January 11 and 12. This will be followed by two tournaments – the Yovich & Co Mixed Triples will be played on Wednesday, January 15 followed by the DB Breweries Triples on Thursday, January 23.

All are welcome to come and follow the bowls at these events plus enjoy good company and refreshments.

On Friday, December 13, the club held a Secret Santa Christmas party.

Except for Christmas Day, the clubrooms and bar will be open at 4pm every day over the Christmas period. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Contributed by Ian Bradnam

Carrfields Christmas hams triples winners, from left, Scott Wilson, Staun Popham, Duncan Rhind and Kelly Ayres, making the presentation for Carrfields.

Axemen to show off chops at annual Puhoi timber festival

World class woodchoppers will be carving it up at the Puhoi Pub and Axemen’s Annual Woodchopping Carnival on Saturday, January 11, from 8.30am to 5pm.

Held in the grounds of the Puhoi Pub, it attracts some of the country’s sharpest axemen and is the largest timbersport event on the Northland calendar, with around 3000 people attending in 2024.

President of Puhoi Axemen Club Kaleb McDonnell says they’re expecting a similar turnout this time around and are even better prepared.

“It’s always a good day. We’ve now got a

grandstand and there will be plenty of shade for spectators this year,” he says.

Undoubtedly the highlight for many will be New Zealand axeman Jack Jordan, who’ll be making a triumphant return to Puhoi having won the Stihl Timbersports World Trophy in Italy for the third year in a row.

To claim the title, Jordan beat his own world record, setting a woodchopping time of 52.53 seconds.

“He’s definitely a crowd favourite,” McDonnell says.

There will also be plenty of other world class woodchoppers competing across a range of disciplines designed to test their skill, endurance and strength.

“We have the hot saws back, which are the big, modified chainsaws out of Dirt Bike Engines.

“We had them last year for the first time and we thought we’d do it again because the crowd are into it – the hot saws are loud and get a bit of attention,” McDonnell says.

In tree felling, there’s the two-board while the marathon three-board returns after a

hiatus.

“There’s pretty good prize money for the three board – $500 per place,” he says. Axemen competing in the underhand will have their work cut out for them standing on a 16-inch block, “which is pretty big”. However, McDonnell says what he is looking forward to most is competing in the standing block chop.

“That’s been my strongest event. I’ve been going really well at shows in Stratford and Whangarei, so I’ll be ready to go when January rolls around.”

Top New Zealand axeman Jack Jordan will be back in action in Puhoi.

This year the festival will have a grandstand and more shade for spectators.

Coast landcare group turns

More than two decades of community pest control and conservation on the shores of Kaipara Harbour will be marked next month, when Tapora Land & Coast Care Group celebrates its 21st anniversary on Saturday, January 25.

The day will start with a pōwhiri and official welcoming ceremony at Tapora Community Hall at 10am, followed by the official opening and naming of the group’s new native plant nursery that’s been developed behind the hall.

There will then be a hangi lunch and community market, before a guided tour around key sites on the Ōkahukura Peninsula, where significant pest control and planting efforts have been carried out throughout the group’s history.

In addition, there will be a special commemorative booklet available, produced with the assistance of Auckland Council conservation adviser Cheryl Krull, which includes information on taonga species in Tapora, as well as a history of the area and the group.

There’s also an anniversary calendar with

photos of local birdlife, the coastline and conservation activities.

The group was originally started with the aim of making the peninsula predator free to restore indigenous wildlife, with the initial focus on targeting possums. These days, education and raising awareness of the area’s unique history, environment and wildlife is as important as the grunt work of controlling pests while restoring and replanting the peninsula foreshore and Manakapua Island, as group chair Earle Wright says.

“Raising awareness is a huge part of this kaupapa. This is my home and continuing the storytelling of this place is a personal journey for me,” he says.

“This is an opportunity for the Tapora community and supporters, past and present, to gather and reflect on the achievements of the last 21 years and to share in our future vision.”

Admission to anniversary celebration events starts at $10.

Info, registration, booklets and calendars: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/ taporalandcare21

Commemorative calendars will be available for sale at the anniversary celebration.

Animals

Nena Nepia, Wellsford Vet Clinic https://wellsfordvet.com/

Summer safety for your dog

For dogs, summer is the season of sandy paws, romping in the waves and long snoozes under the backyard tree. But as the warmth settles in, it’s not just humans who feel the heat – our dogs do, too. Unlike us, dogs can’t shed layers or sip iced tea under a fan. They rely on us to keep them safe, and many people underestimate just how vulnerable dogs are to summer-related problems.

Hot cars: A recipe for disaster

Let’s start with a classic and deadly mistake – leaving a dog in a parked car. Even with the windows cracked, a car in the sun becomes a sauna in minutes. On a 25°C day, the temperature inside a car can reach 35°C in just 10 minutes and climb to life-threatening levels shortly after. If you wouldn’t sit in a car wearing a fur coat on a summer day, don’t leave your dog there either, not even for a quick errand. Short-snouted breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and boxers, known as brachycephalics, are especially at risk. Their compact airways make it harder for them to pant effectively, meaning they overheat faster than other dogs. However, heatstroke isn’t just about dogs left in cars – it can occur in other, less obvious ways.

Over-enthusiastic play: Chasing balls or zooming around the yard in the midday sun is definitely your dog’s idea of fun, but it can quickly overheat them and some pups just don’t know when to stop.

Poor shade or ventilation: Dogs left without adequate shade or airflow are essentially roasting under the sun, especially in enclosed spaces like kennels.

Exercise at the wrong time: Especially for brachycephalics, even a simple walk during the hottest part of the day can put your dog at risk, and hot pavement can also burn their paws.

Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and collapse. If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of water, and wet their fur with water while encouraging airflow. Then, get to a vet as soon as possible.

Sunburn: Not just a human problem

Dogs can get sunburned, too, particularly those with sparse fur and pink skin on their bellies, noses and ears. Sun-worshipping dogs who love to sprawl belly-up in the sun can develop painful burns and it increases their risk of skin cancers such as hemangiosarcomas. To prevent sunburn, apply pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas and discourage sunbathing during the sunniest parts of the day.

I hope you’re looking forward to a long, lazy summer. Your dogs will love spending the time with you, too, but remember, you’re the grown-up in this relationship! Protect them from the dangers of heatstroke, sunburn and other summertime hazards so they can enjoy the season safely by your side.

Regular pool servicing and green pool clean ups

The Women’s Centre is here to help and support all women in our community. We know there are unique challenges for everyone and we are here to help navigate them.

On-site water testing and chemical balancing

Regular pool servicing. Equipment supply, repair and installation.

Equipment supply, repair and installation

M: +64 02 1227 3104 E: hamish.blampied@poolwerx.co.nz

• Care for all your veterinary needs.

• Four dedicated Vets and friendly office staff, who deliver a comprehensive service.

• An after hours emergency service in Wellsford.

Sustainable Natural Pet Food straight from the

What began as father-daughter bonding has grown into a unique, locally-based pet food business. Wilson Hobbs and his daughter Katherine had spent countless hours exploring the Rodney region, conducting pest control on farm blocks, and processing possums into nutritious meals for family pets. These experiences instilled a deep love for the outdoors and a shared passion to create nutritious and sustainable pet food. Today, their passion has evolved into Bush to Bowl, a product by Matakana Possum Co., offering premium raw pet food straight from the bush to your pet’s bowl.

Based in the Matakana area, Bush to Bowl is a hands-on operation consisting of a 3 man crew, who collectively hold over 80 years of hunting experience. As registered hunters and MPI approved meat inspectors, they ensure quality control at every stage - from humane harvesting and processing to packaging and delivery. Their approach supports pest control efforts while reducing waste. In August 2024 alone, they had processed over 12,000 possums, highlighting their significant contribution to New Zealand’s ecosystem.

In addition to possums, they have expanded to

include Wild Venison, Goat, Rabbit, Hare, Beef, Lamb and Chicken, all processed in their MPIregistered and inspected facility to ensure prodigious quality.

Wilson’s rural upbringing and passion for the bush and ocean have shaped his belief in sustainable living. He seizes opportunities to teach his kids Katherine and Marky practical skills that connect them to the land. Whether it’s showing how different animals live and operate to cooking a snag out in the bush, Wilson believes that there is a right and wrong way of doing things, their work not only protects native flora and fauna but also transforms pests into a valuable resource for pets whilst showing the next generation what a “humane necessity” looks like. Bush to Bowl’s, natural pet food promotes overall health and well being. Available at Matakana Butcher and Tuck In Pet Foods, or delivered directly to your door, these products bring unmatched quality to your pet’s diet.

Contact us on 021 426 046 to place a home delivery | admin@matakanapossum.com |

or too small, specialising in residential and farm buildings.

• Events - golf, fishing and more

• Other options on request

• Discount for group bookings

Neale Stevens (owner operator)

Quote for Steam Cleans, Carpet Repairs, 35 years experience https://carpetadvice.co.nz/ Dwyane 027 499 7929

Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways. No job too BIG or small. Contact Trevor tlc.trev@hotmail.com

installations & new Freeview boxes for sale. TV repairs & installation, microwave oven repairs. Ph Paul 027 29 222 04

- Soft Wash / Low Pressure / Chemical Wash Also Window Cleaning / Gutter Clearing / Decks / Concrete. Careful service, reasonable rates. qualitywash.co.nz 021 057 9743

BIG, small, difficult. Pruned. Removed. One off section tidy-ups. Hedge reductions. Insured. Experienced. Ph or text for a quote. Dom 027 222 1223

Hedge trimming • Fruit tree & orchard pruning • Formative prunes • Stump grinding 020 4027 6200 trimandproper@outlook.co.nz

Experienced Owner Operator 30 years. Single items Flat/ House lots. Silverdale based. Ph Gavin 0274

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the Warkworth area: Warkworth Fellowship

Monday 7.30pm, Catholic Church Hall, 6 Alnwick Street, Warkworth. Steps & Traditions Warkworth

Wednesday 7pm, Anglican Parish Hall, 43 Percy Street, Warkworth. Snells Beach Big Book Meeting

Thursday 7.30pm, Mahurangi Christian School, 410 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach.

If you want to drink, that is your business, if you want to stop, we can help. Phone/text 0275 773 689 www.aa.org.nz | www.12steps.nz

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

HAVING TROUBLE MAKING ENDS MEET?

Free confidential budget and debt management advice is available from trained financial mentors.

Contact: Warkworth/Wellsford Budget Service 021 423 788 or 423 7123 admin@wwbudgetservice.co.nz www.wwbudgetservice.co.nz

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

CNC MACHINIST

Warkworth, Auckland ITSS Engineering seeks a selfstarter with programming and machining experience. Ideal for a qualified tradesperson ready to tackle diverse, challenging projects in a supportive environment.

Email: kent@itsseng.nz Website: www.itsseng.nz Join us and make your mark in precision engineering!

Classifieds

www.mangawhaianglican.org.nz

Christmas

Services in the Anglican Mission Districts of Mangawhai and Paparoa CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2024

Church Notices

Church Mangawhai 9.00 am St Paul’s, Kaiwaka 9.00 am  

Mangawhai Mission District

Sunday 15 December

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Christ the King, Mangawhai Holy Communion 9am St Pauls, Kaiwaka Nine Lessons and Carols 7.30pm

Sunday 22 December

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Christ the King, Mangawhai

Holy Communion 9am

St Michael’s and All Angels, Hakaru Nine Lessons and Carols 7pm

Tuesday 24 December

THE EVE AND VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS

Mangawhai Mission District

Christ the King, Mangawhai Holy Communion 9am

Anglican Church Christmas Services

CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2020

St Pauls, Kaiwaka Nine Lessons and Carols 11pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

Wednesday 25 December

CHRISTMAS DAY

St Michael’s, Hakaru Christmas Eve Carol Service Thursday 24 December 7.00 pm

Christ the King, Mangawhai

Christmas Service 9am

Midnight Christmas Communion

Holy Trinity, Maungaturoto Christmas Service 11.30am

Christ the King Church Mangawhai Thursday 24 December 11.00 pm

Sunday 29 December

FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS DAY Family Communion

Christ the King, Mangawhai Holy Communion 9am

Christ the King Church Mangawhai 9.00 am

St Mark’s, Paparoa Holy Communion 11.30am

You are all very welcome! Phone 431 4122 www.mangawhaianglican.org.nz

www.mangawhaianglican.org.nz Phone 431 4122

Christmas in the Warkworth Anglican Parish

Mangawhai

Come, let us adore Him

Christ Church Warkworth 43 Percy Street

CHRISTMAS EVE St Michael’s, Hakaru Christmas Eve Carol Service Thursday 24 December 7.00 pm

Christingle Service

A simple service for kids and young families

5pm, 24 December, Christmas Eve

Candlelight Christmas

9.30pm, 24 December, Christmas Eve

Midnight Christmas Communion Christ the King Church Mangawhai Thursday 24 December 11.00 pm

Christmas Day Service 9am, 25 December, Christmas Day

St Leonard's Matakana 24 Matakana Valley Road

Christmas Eve Service

CHRISTMAS DAY Family Communion

9.30pm, 24 December, Christmas Eve

Christ the King Church Mangawhai 9.00 am

Christmas Day Service

9.30am, 25 December, Christmas Day

St Paul’s, Kaiwaka 9.00 am 

St Alban's Kaipara Flats

19 Old Woodcocks Road

Christmas Eve Service 7pm, 24 December, Christmas Eve

St Michael's Leigh 12 Hauraki Road

Christmas Day Service

9.30am, 25 December, Christmas Day www.warkworthanglican.nz

THE MAHURANGI METHODIST PARISH COMMUNITY

St Paul’s, Kaiwaka 9.00 am

www.mangawhaianglican.org.nz Phone 431 4122

•

•

Wish you a joyful, peace-filled Christmas and New Year. Join us over Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Services

Christmas Eve at Warkworth Methodist Church, 7pm

Kaiwaka 9.00 am 

www.mangawhaianglican.org.nz Phone 431 4122

Christmas Day at Snells Beach Community Church, 9am

Combined Service 29 December Warkworth Methodist Church, 10.30am

For further information contact Parish Office - 425 8660 or Minister - 021 103 7150

Rounding off the year with a roll up

About 70 members of the Omaha Beach Bowling Club attended the annual Christmas roll up, complete with ham rolls and meringues organised by some long-serving members.

There were fun competitions on the green with North versus South Omaha, including players from surrounding areas. The North came out victorious after having gone down to the South over the last few years, with lots of friendly rivalry and banter. The club also held another successful Christmas Ham Tournament this month with entries from Orewa, Mahurangi, Warkworth, Wellsford, Leigh and, of course, Omaha.

Although the meteorological service predicted thunderstorms with “deluges” of rain, the tournament went ahead with only light drizzle on and off throughout the day.

Some quality bowls was played, resulting in many closely contested matches. The winners were Marty Short, Mike Jackson and Gus Farrow, from Omaha. Warkworth was second, with Leigh in third place. Organiser Mike Jackson hopes the event will be a prelude to many more to come.

Major sponsor New World, Warkworth was thanked for providing all the prizes. Damian and Renee were also thanked for their support.

“We would like to thank our sponsors who continually support us as a club with special thanks to Ray White Matakana and Omaha being our major sponsor.”

Omaha currently has more than 100 members, with new members welcome.

Info: omahabeachbowls.co.nz

Despite the showers, it’s been a busy month at the Omaha bowling club.

Christmas Ham Tournament winners, from left, Marty Short, Mike Jackson and Gus Farrow

Footballregistrations

Registrations for the 2025 season at Warkworth Football Club will open on Wednesday, January 1. For more information and updates visit  https://warkworthfc.org/ or keep an eye on the Warkworth Football Club Facebook page.

Businesshousetennis

The Bayleys 2025 Business House Competition at Warkworth Rackets will begin on Wednesday, February 5, and run for 11 weeks. Matches are played every Wednesday evening at either 5.45pm or 7.15pm. Teams can represent a single business, a mix of similar businesses, or a group of friends. The competition is divided into two divisions (A & B), with eight teams in each. Each team must list a maximum of six players, including reserves. Spaces are limited and registrations close on Wednesday, January 17. For more info & an application form email Jodie Hanna at  tennis@ warkworthrackets.co.nz

Freesummersports

Thanks to Rodney Local Board funding, there are several free sports activities happening across Mahurangi in January and February. On the water activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and waka paddling sessions, while in parks there’s the chance to bounce around in bubble soccer, improve skating skills at skateboarding clinics or have a go at Hungerball. For details visit https://www.aucklandleisure.co.nz/out-about-auckland/

TopoftheRock

Save the date! Kaiwaka’s annual Top of the Rock running and walking event will be held on Sunday, March 9. Keep an eye on the Kaiwaka Top of the Rock Facebook page for more details coming soon.

Mountainbiking

Auckland Downhill Club’s (AKDH) January Shuttle Day will be held at Kraack Road, Dome Valley, on Sunday, January 5, from 8am onwards. A Shuttle Day gives riders of all ages and experience levels five or six hours to go as fast as they can downhill without having to pedal up. Riders must be a member of AKDH to participate. Bookings essential. For more info or to register visit  https://www.akdh.co.nz/

Boyd returns to bowl over a new generation of cricketers

Three groups of Year 5 students from Warkworth School received some top batting and bowling tips on December 9, when visiting UK cricket coach Stephen Boyd paid his second visit to the school since arriving in NZ last month.

Boyd first visited the school on November 14, bringing letters from Year 5 pupils in his home town of Warkworth in the UK (MM, Nov 25). He was reprising a trip he’d made 20 years previously, when he spent several months in and around Warkworth as a cricket coach based at Kaipara Flats.

At that time, Boyd gave talks to students explaining the connections between the two towns, such as street names here being named after UK people and places. He did the same thing last month, showing students photos of the English Warkworth, including its cricket ground in front of an ancient castle, and explaining that John Anderson Brown, who established

Warkworth NZ in 1853, had once been headteacher at the UK village school.

After a tour around NZ, which included taking in the Black Caps-England test in Christchurch, Boyd returned to Warkworth last week to collect students’ letters to their UK counterparts and give them a quick coaching session.

He said he’d had a great trip and had caught up with several people locally who he’d met on his first visit in 2004.

“I even fielded for Kaipara Flats briefly, though I contributed nothing,” he said.

“It was just so nice to be around the team, they’re a really good, solid group of lads, very good company. I would love to have played with them as a younger man.”

After teaching the Warkworth Year 5s the rudiments of batting, bowling and catching, he left for home with a large bundle of letters and the hope of connecting both sets of students online next year.

Students from Room 503 were one of three groups given some first class cricket coaching by Stephen Boyd, 20 years after his first visit to Warkworth School.

See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/

20-21 & 23 Santa and Mrs Claus at The Photostore, Warkworth, 10am-1pm. Gold coin donation. All proceeds donated to Child Cancer Foundation

21 Mangawhai Tavern Market, from 8.30am

21 Mangawhai Community Market, Mangawhai Beach School, from 9am

24 Waipu Santa Parade, The Centre, 7pm (see brief p29)

25 Mahurangi Community Christmas Lunch, Sunrise Boulevard, Snells Beach, 12 noon. Free food, drink, gifts and activities. Bring chairs, mats and togs. Info/ donations: contact Moana on 0210 246 1732

27 Hidden Valley, Matakana Country Park, 3-11pm. Drum and bass festival (see story p37)

29-Jan 1 Northern Bass, Worsfold Farm, Kaiwaka. New Zealand’s premier dance music festival (see story p35)

31-2 Great Summer Art Exhibition, 270 Mahurangi East Road (next to Four Square Snells Beach), 10am-4pm. Annual Mahurangi East Tennis Club Fundraiser (see story p32)

31 New Year’s Eve Party featuring Koltrain, The Tahi Bar + Kitchen, 8pm-1am

January

1 Warkworth Rodeo, Warkworth Showgrounds, 10am. Tickets: Adults $20, Youth $5, Under 5 free. Family pass $50.

5 Ako Hoe (learn to paddle a) Waka, Algies Bay Boat Ramp, 11am. Free. Info & updates visit Out and About Auckland on Facebook.

6 Ako Hoe (learn to paddle a) Waka, Old Cement Works, 12pm. Free. Info & updates visit Out and About Auckland on Facebook

9 Kayaking, Snells Beach Boat Ramp, 1.30pm. Free. Info & updates visit Out and About Auckland on Facebook.

11 Puhoi Woodchopping, Puhoi Pub, 9am-5.30pm (see story p39)

12 Music In Parks, Sunburst Reserve Snells Beach, 1-4pm. Free concert by Auckland Council with BB and The Bullets, Noise Play, Chet & Mel (see story p30)

14 Warkworth Ladies Rebus Club Coffee Get Together & Morning Tea, Six One Five/Green With Envy, 615 Matakana Road, 10am. Grandchildren & friends welcome. Info: Pam 021 079 8551

17-19 Kumeu Classic Car & Hot Rod Festival, Kumeu Showgrounds. Friday 1-7pm, Saturday 7am-6pm, Sunday 8am-1pm. $25pp, under 12 free. Car displays, trade & promotional stalls, kids entertainment & more. (see ad p34) Tickets & info: https://kumeuhotrodfestival.co.nz/

18-19 Summer Jazz Festival, Sawmill Cafe, Leigh. Hopetoun Brown, Carnivorous Plant Society, Love Square and guests. Info and tickets: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/ (see story p31)

19 Wild Streets Festival of Play, Warkworth Showgrounds, 10am. Free day of activities and games for all ages. Info & update: Out and About Auckland on Facebook.

20 Kayaking, Snells Beach Boat Ramp, 10.30am. Free. Info & updates: Out and About Auckland on Facebook.

22 Kayaking, Algies Bay boat ramp, 11.30am. Free. Info & updates: Out and About Auckland on Facebook.

25 Tapora Land & Coastcare Group 21st Anniversary, Tapora Community Hall, 10am-4pm. Pōwhiri, nursery opening, market, lunch and tour. Info and registration: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/taporalandcare21 (see story p38)

26 Tapora Family Fun Day, Birds Beach Domain, 11.30am-2.30pm. Fundraiser for Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust. Games, races, water slide, sausage sizzle, raffles, colouring competition and much more. All welcome.

26 Puhoi Market, Puhoi Domain, 9am. Live music, local food and craft, antiques and collectibles.

List your event by emailing the details to online@localmatters.co.nz

Sunset Dinners

For the first time ever, enjoy full-service dinners under the twilight sky! Thurs, Fri, and Sat, 27th December – 7th February.

Twilight Walks

Experience the Sculpture Trail bathed in the golden light of twilight. Open late through summer!

Live DJs in The Row

Every Saturday, 4pm–8pm, enjoy live DJ sets bringing the perfect summer vibe

New Summer Shuttle!

Live locally? Get around to all your favourite venues this summer with the new hop-on, hop-off shuttle running on a set route, so you can relax and leave the car at home.

www.brickbay.co.nz/summer

Mahurangi College touch team makes history

In sport they say you’ve got to lose a final to win a final.

If anyone knows this, it’s the Mahurangi College mixed touch team, who had lost three national finals before finally winning one, when they beat St Andrews College 11-7 to claim the New Zealand Secondary Schools mixed touch title in Rotorua on December 8.

The victory was made even sweeter because it was St Andrews who had won the championship last year.

Team manager Claire Winiana says the college has been chasing the mixed grade touch title for over 20 years.

“We’d come second three times. In 2015 we lost to Whanganui High, the second time was in 2019 against Howick College, and the third time was in 2020, also against Howick,” she says.

“Mahurangi has gone to the nationals for the last 23 years my husband Michael [Winiana] has been at the college. He hasn’t always coached, but he’s been the teacher in charge of touch. And this is the first time we’ve won it.”

The difference this year was the team’s commitment to an intensive training schedule and knowing about the legacy of touch rugby at the college.

In their mixed touch team squad there were 16 players with six girls and 10 boys.

“We had a large group of Year 13s who’d played the last two years, who really wanted it. And what a way to finish Year 13 schooling, by winning the touch nationals right at the very end of the year,” Winiana says.

“I think they knew what it was like to lose, they knew what it was like to not win a gold medal. Last year, we won all our games except for that preliminary final, and that kicked us out.

“We had to live with that for a year and then finally we got a chance to have another crack at it.

“So this group of players understood what it was like to be cut in the preliminary final. They’d been there before, so they understood what it took and the pressure.”

Winiana says the desire was there.

“When your coach says we’re training Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 4pm till 6pm, clear your diaries.

“It’s then about making a commitment, even though training was overlapping with NCEA exams and jobs, and teenage lives. Well, it shows their commitment. It’s amazing,” Winiana says.

Mahu didn’t just win the final and make history, they did it in style going undefeated throughout the tournament.

The team pipped St Andrew’s in their pool game 6-5, had a tight semi against Botany Downs, which they won 4-3, but otherwise were totally dominant playing lights-out touch.

They took down Ngā Tapuwae: Te Kura Māori O Ngā Tapuwae 11-3, Mount Hutt College 7-4 and piled a whopping 11 points on Selwyn College while not allowing them to score a single try.

“We played eight games for the whole tournament in the mixed grade and won

every single one,” she says. So what happens next year when the Year 13s move on?

“We’ve got some Year 12s, we’ve also got a group of Year 11s coming through, who

were part of this team. So they’ll carry it through and feed the next group, the next generation of players.

“Because that’s what we’re trying to do –keep touch alive at the college,” she says.

Mixed touch team Year 13s. From the left: Marcus Leabourn; Matai Young; Maz Blackler; Loue Lanyon; Lucas Membery (Captain); Sienna Innes; Ruby Darby; Tommy D’Urban-Burgess.

Left, Māia Iversen, Year 11 passing to team captain Lucas Membery, Year 13.