Mangawhai Focus_Issue 5_4 November 2024

Mangawhaifocus

www.localmatters.co.nz

Big board gets formal welcome

Surf slip repair work finally begins

One year and nine months after the great storm of January 2023 sent a landslide crashing into Mangawhai Heads surf club, work has finally begun to clear the mass of rock and debris.

An archaeological investigation and early site establishment activities kickstarted the muchanticipated repairs on October 29, which will continue until Christmas.

Security fencing remains around the work site and beachgoers are asked to keep away from the area for safety reasons. The track to the top of the Pa site remains out-of-bounds to the public and the carpark’s grassed area will be closed temporarily for short periods during the week for necessary helicopter movements.

Before the initial works began, the site was blessed by Te Uri O Hau kaumātua Ben Hita

at a ceremony on October 14, attended by Kaipara District Council (KDC) elected members and staff, Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) represesentatives, Te Uri O Hau whānau, contractors and locals. A whakawātea (blessing) is given as a spiritual clearing of the whenua (land) to ensure the safety of those involved in repairs.

The blessing marked the next stage of a collaborative process between the surf club and KDC which began in April this year, after MHVLS chair Jess Costello and club research member, civil engineer Dave Wheatley presented a proposal to the council – the club would take on the $1.9 million repair price tag in exchange for a 33-year lease with the right to renewal.

continued page 3

We’ve all been to them, haven’t we? Funerals that go on and on, with people banging on about stuff that has nothing to do with the person you’ve come to remember, and have you checking your watch whilst you gaze longingly at the nearest exit…Here at Jason Morrison Funerals…. We’ll have none of that!

Since forever ago, we’ve prided ourselves on turning funerals into a celebration of the life lived.

From beautifully crafted stories, told with empathy and humour, to great music, exquisite photographic tributes, live streaming, live bands and even fly overs! Through the latest technology, and all the best people, it’s our mission to ensure that every funeral or memorial service we take care of, genuinely reflects the life of the person being remembered…..So no one’s in danger of letting out a sneaky snore, or having to check their service sheet - to make sure they’re in the right place!

Mangawhai is now set to become synonymous with the world’s largest skateboard, thanks to the hands and skill of many locals led by project volunteer Simon Bennett, centre, who received an Eka Tahi mini-version at the formal welcome ceremony. Also present were, second row, second from left, NZ Olympic Committee CFO Julie Moon and Northland MP Grant McCallum, as well as board designers, MAZ members, Kaipara elected members, and staff and grandchildren. See story page 4.

Contact us

November 4, 2024 - Issue 5

17 Neville Street, Warkworth, 0941 ph 09 425 9068 mangawhaimedia localmattersnz

www.localmatters.co.nz

Next issue: November 18

Book your advertising by November 13

News:

Patrick Goodenough ph 022 549 8271 news@localmatters.co.nz

Julia Wade ph 0274 641 673 juliawade@xtra.co.nz

Advertising:

Hayley Bills ph 022 527 7609 focus1@localmatters.co.nz

Nadia Lewis ph 021 677 978 focusA@localmatters.co.nz

Online:

Alysha Paul ph 022 544 0249 online@localmatters.co.nz

Accounts: Angela Thomas ph 425 9068 admin@localmatters.co.nz

Graphic designer: Rebekah Augustin bgraphix@orcon.net.nz

A division of Local Matters. Our award-winning, familyowned newspaper is a free fortnightly paper with a circulation of 7,500 (estimated readership of 25,000) from Warkworth to One Tree Point including Wellsford, Kaiwaka, Maungaturoto, Mangawhai, Langs, Waipu, Ruakaka, One Tree Point and Marsden Cove.

Views expressed in the Mangawhai Focus are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without editor’s permission is prohibited.

YouSay

We welcome your feedback but letters under 250 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at www.localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Letters can be sent to news@localmatters.co.nz or 17 Neville Street, Warkworth 0910

Local fab four honoured for community heart

From inspiring youth, fundraising for significant public assets, protecting the environment and devotion to community committees, the tireless dedication of four Kaipara residents was recognised and applauded at a ceremony at Dargaville Lighthouse Centre on October 23.

Dargaville residents Roxanne Kelly, Dania Wood and Jan Beatty and Mangawhai’s own Ken Rayward, are the recipients of the 2024 Kaipara Citizens Awards (KCA), with Rayward also receiving the Honorary Mayoral Award.

The awards recognise the outstanding voluntary contributions and achievements of Kaipara citizens via leadership, inspiration, sacrifice, devotion to a cause or by making a significant contribution that enhances the well-being of the district and its people.  Winners were accompanied by families,

Iwi-council relationship

friends and supporters, and attended by Kaipara District Council (KDC) elected members and staff.

Following speeches by nominators about the recipients’ achievements, the four were presented with a framed award, flowers and a kauri tree by KCA committee chair and councillor, Eryn Wilson-Collins, to rousing applause.

In his closing speech, Mayor Craig Jepson stated that in an impoverished district like Kaipara, where the median income was only $38,000, the only way community changes happen was through “what I call GSD – Get Stuff Done”.

“These GSD recipients are motivated to give; they get going and make things happen. They’re successful because their motivation gathers others to support them to help grow our communities. That’s the only way communities grow, at that grassroots level

I read, with a degree of sadness, the letter from Reno Skipper, chair of Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, (Mangawhai Focus 21 October) responding to the article about Kaipara District Council ending its agreements with iwi (Mangawhai Focus 7 October).

Mr Skipper’s letter contains words like “collaboration”, “dialogue”, “mutual respect”, “trust”, “inclusivity” and “community”.

In contrast, the article only mentions amounts of money and services provided. These are valid issues which would have been addressed in

Kaipara Kōrero

Representation arrangements confirmed Council has adopted the final proposal for its 2024 Representation Review, setting representation arrangements for the 2025 elections.

The confirmed representation arrangements come after formal community consultation on an initial proposal. The final proposal sees no change from the initial proposal.

Kaipara District Council representation arrangements for at least the 2025 local elections are to be a mayor elected at-large and eight councillors elected across three wards: Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward with three councillors, Otamatea Ward with two councillors, and Wairoa Ward with three councillors.

Minor adjustments have been made to two ward boundaries, seeing a small area shift from Wairoa Ward to Otamatea Ward. This is in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001 requiring that each councillor represents approximately the same number of people, plus or minus 10%.

For more information visit kaipara.govt.nz/repreview

where people give,” he said.

“These four people have something in common, they all understate what they do. They sacrifice a lot whether it be time with family, a business or time and activities for themselves. So, on behalf of Kaipara district, I thank them very much.”

Mangawhai resident Ken Rayward received three separate nominations from locals for his active devotion to the community. For over 15 years he has contributed to a broad range of community initiatives:

• Leading Mangawhai Save Our Sands (SOS) community awareness campaign since 2020

• Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society committee member since 2018

• Mangawhai Activity Zone committee member since 2016

• Department of Corrections liaison officer for Mangawhai since 2020

• An original Mangawhai Community Factory Shop trustee

• One half of ‘Daff n Dil’ community fundraisers for the Cancer Society

Described as unassuming, humble and a stalwart of the community for over 40 years, Jan Beatty has been president of Upper Wairoa Memorial Park Association for 16 years and led the committee for the four-year rebuild of the community complex. With an ability to engage with all types of people, Roxanne Kelly has developed many valuable relationships within Kaipara and is a long-serving member of multiple committees. Respected for her work as well as integrity, Dania Wood donates large amounts of her time to sports and youth.

the review. A review would also have considered what of value the agreements offered.

By unilaterally ending the agreements and its determination to “start from scratch”, KDC appears to find no value in the agreements. This is at best graceless and at worst a gratuitous insult – especially as it comes hard on the heels of the Māori wards decision.

Curiously, no other council in NZ followed Kaipara’s lead on that one. Jim Colvine, Mangawhai Heads

[Editor’s note: Upper Hutt City Council was the only council in the country to join Kaipara District Council in voting to scrap its Māori ward.]

Creative Communities Scheme committee

Are you passionate about the arts and want to contribute to the creative scene in Kaipara? We’re seeking individuals to be a part of the volunteer group who assess applications for the Creative Communities Scheme funding here in Kaipara. Find out more at kaipara.govt.nz/funding

Adoption of the Mangawhai Community Park Master Plan

A new Master Plan for Mangawhai Community Park has been adopted by Council to guide future use and development of the popular public space. The plan was developed following consultation with the community and identifies key improvement opportunities across the park. Read more on our website kaipara.govt.nz/mangawhaicommunitypark

Rates reminder

A friendly reminder, instalment two of rates for 2024/2025 is due by 20 November.

Having trouble paying your rates? If you’re having difficulty meeting the cost of your rates, talk to our friendly revenue team about developing a payment plan. You can contact the team by phone 0800 727 059 or email revenue@kaipara.govt.nz

Find out more at kaipara.govt.nz/rates

Deserving of recognition and much respect, this year’s Kaipara Citizens Awards winners – Jan Beatty, Ken Rayward, who also received the Honorary Mayoral Award, mayor Craig Jepson, Roxanne Kelly’s mother who received the award on her daughter’s behalf, and Dania Wood.

News from Kaipara District Council

KDC secures contractor for new Fagan Place prefabs

New, healthy homes have moved a step closer for Mangawhai pensioners, after Kaipara District Council (KDC) awarded a contract to build new prefabricated units at Fagan Place to a Northland-based housing supplier.

Following a formal procurement process, elected members agreed to award the contract for the one-bedroom modular units to Kerikeribased Laminata.

Residents were informed at a recent meeting, and the project team is now working to confirm the final site plan and associated civil works.

Built in the 1970s, the council-owned units have not been upgraded since and are in poor condition.

All councils are obliged to meet Healthy Homes standards in their community housing by June 30 next year.

Over recent years KDC has been looking into various options for the Fagan Place homes, including refurbishment, but a year ago elected members agreed that buying prefabricated modular units would be most cost-effective.

Council says the Laminata design is modern and well-constructed and exceeds current Healthy Homes standards. A spokesperson said KDC had contracted the company to build 16 units for the site.

“The houses are already under construction however we don’t yet have a target date for arrival onsite, as there are significant civil works to do to have the site ready.”

Council was working towards providing housing complying with the Healthy Homes standards by June 30 next year.

About a third of the 24 flats in Fagan Place are uninhabited and some are near-derelict. Others have been kept tidy by residents and many have small gardens.

Frances Wearing, in her nineties, said she had lived in her little home for 32 years and had “seen some come and seen some go”.

She believes council is going to place the new, smaller homes near the fence and “rip these down”.

Asked how she felt about the plan, Frances said, “Well, I've just got to move with the times, I

suppose. I’ve got to go with the flow.”

She would have to “downsize a bit” – although she expects to have space for precious mementoes, including photographs of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said she had lived in Fagan Place for a little more than a dozen years.

She said when residents died or were moved away by their families or went into care, flats were left empty.

The resident said there had been a lot of speculation about what the surrounding land would be used for.

The KDC spokesperson said the project team was looking at the units occupying the northern area of the section, and still working on the final layout and exact layout of the new units.

“We plan to share this with the residents as soon as it’s been confirmed,” she said.

Council’s focus has been on rehousing existing tenants in homes that meet the Healthy Homes standards – which the existing units do not.

“Council has not yet considered what is happening with the old units (or the surrounding council-owned land in the area), neither of which is in the scope of this project.”

The KDC also owns community housing in Ruawai and in Kauri Court and Awakino Road in Dargaville. That housing was upgraded in the late 2000s.

College site blessed

Pioneers of Mangawhai’s first college and developers of the larger Mangawhai Hills residential subdivision joined councillors and council staff, parents, future students and supporters last week for a joint blessing of the Tara Road site.

Te Uri O Hau kaumātua Ben Hita led karakia after Mangawhai Hills Limited property developer Patrick Fontein turned the first sod.

Scheduled to open its doors in February next year, the independent school will begin with Year 7, 8 and 9 students with a firstyear capacity of 40. Prefabricated classrooms and ancillary spaces are being built off-site.

Jill Corkin, chair of the not-for-profit Mangawhai Education Trust (MET), drew cheers by announcing that resource consent for Mangawhai Hills College had come through the previous Friday night.

She thanked Fontein, Kaipara District Council, contractors, planners, financial backers and others for their roles in advancing the project.

“Thank you for helping us to get a high school established in Mangawhai. It’s been a short but very intense journey to this point, and there are many, many more steps to go before we reach February next year,” she said. “We hope that you come and see it when it’s open, that you'll enjoy it, as we know we are going to.”

KDC earlier approved the rezoning of 218.3 hectares of rural land bounded by Tara Road, Cove Road, Old Waipu Road and

Moir Street, for a development comprising around 600 large-lot residential sites amid wetlands, native bush and walking and bike trails.

In his comments, Fontein highlighted the ecological elements of the planned development and the intention to “make sure that whatever we do here is in the best interests of the wider community”.

There were plans to open up a 3.6km bush trail, working with the Mangawhai Trackies, and ultimately to create 12-15km of trails, all open to the public.

Fontein also referred to a very close working relationship with Te Uri O Hau over the past two to three years and said he looked forward to that continuing.

Meanwhile, the MET has introduced its three foundation teachers for 2025.

Gretchen Dainty is currently head of department for English, senior school dean and literacy coordinator at an integrated college in Whangārei.

David Storey is a former HOD for Maths at New Plymouth Boys High School, dean at Pinehurst School and head of faculty at ACG Senior College. He is currently head of faculty in mathematics at Crimson Global Academy, a private online school offering an international curriculum.

Julia Mitchell is a classroom teacher, gifted learning specialist, and runs an extension program teaching critical and creative thinking skills at Mangawhai Beach School. She is also an MET trustee.

Frances Wearing has lived in Fagan Place for 32 years.

Patrick Fontein of Mangawhai Hills Limited speaks to Kaipara Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen and Councillor Rachael Williams at the location of the future college.

Te Uri O Hau kaumātua Ben Hita led the blessing.

Surf slip repair work finally begins

The plan has the backing of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, with crowdfunding and central government grants also put forward as potential funding sources.

Although the slip is on a council-owned reserve and is the responsibility of KDC, MHVLS was motivated to take on repairs as operating from its temporary carpark hub significantly increased the lifeguard's rescue response times. Insurance money has also been paid out to fix the club building, however progress remains on hold until the slip is repaired and slope secured. Speaking at the blessing, Costello said she was honoured to be part of the whakawātea.

“It is important to our club that this whenua is blessed and kept as sacred as possible as we look to the longterm goal of securing the slip and getting our surf club fixed.

“This will continue the next 60 years of surf lifesaving at this beach, ensuring this area is kept safe by our volunteer lifeguards and continues our value of safer beaches and zero drownings,” she said. “Surf Lifesaving New Zealand is adopting Kapa Kotahi into its framework this year – a ‘one team’ approach, which reflects perfectly as we embark on this project together with Te Uri O Hau, KDC and all other groups and organisations.”

MHVLS offered it thanks to: KDC, especially council planners JJ Pienaar and Kelsey Newman, Shereen Worthington & Rebecca Fletcher (Kaitiaki – Environs Holding), Kylie McLaughlin (Evolve Planning), Jack Warden (Rural Design ecology), Jacqui Wairepo (Kuruwai ecology), Jonathan Carpenter and Russell Gibb (Geometria – Archaeology), Glenn Pope (Ridley Dunphy), Dion Willcocks and John Leeves (Tonkin and Taylor) Tony Baker (Planning Consultant), Sarah Ling (Wingate Architects) and David Wheatley, Scott Flickling and Graham Darlow (Civil Engineers).

Mangawhai icon greeted with cheers at MAZ

With the official welcome of the world’s largest skateboard over Labour Day weekend, Mangawhai is now part of the country’s prestigious club of big things, on a par with – although perhaps a little cooler than –Springfield’s pink iced doughnut and Tataunui’s giant can of Dairy Whip.

Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson ceremonially cut the ribbon on the big board Eka Tahi (meaning “ride as one”), which graces the entranceway to Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) skatepark.

In addition to a large crowd of locals, the celebration was attended by MAZ members, board designers, NZ Olympic Committee (NZOC) reps, Northland MP Grant McCallum and Kaipara District Council elected members and staff.

MAZ trustee and Eka Tahi

restoration project leader Simon Bennett said the day was to welcome the board and also to acknowledge the community’s support.

“Eka Tahi and this whole park wouldn’t be here without the backing of Mangawhai. The MAZ committee are continually humbled by businesses and individuals stepping up to some pretty obscure requests we make, and the answer is always yes. We thank you all.”

On behalf of MAZ, chair Kate Arbuckle gifted a mini version of the “motherboard” to Simon in appreciation of his voluntary efforts in driving the restoration project.

The gigantic skateboard’s designer, Unique Creative owner Andy Barnett, spoke of the history

of the giant skateboard, which began as a promotional effort to highlight the sport’s debut at the Tokyo Olympics. The NZOC commissioned his company to build the 12 x 3.1m board which, after a 41-day road trip around the country in 2021, “ended up back in our yard”.

“So we had to figure out what to do with it as it’s not something that you want to throw away,” he said. “MAZ were enthusiastic to take it on. I don’t think they quite realised how much is involved in turning this roadshow into a permanent feature and I’m amazed with what they’ve achieved. It’s cool to see it here.”

NZOC CFO Julie Moon thanked everyone who had contributed “to giving Eka Tahi a second lifetime”.

“It’s our privilege to be a part of that and equally – or more importantly – to contribute to something which is such an important community hub.”

After 18 months of restoration including a lengthy period waiting for the water-soaked board to dry out, Eka Tahi was installed at MAZ on October 16 by local engineers and contractors. Since then, Jepson said he had seen many people stopping to take a photo of the new icon.

“Immediately it has achieved what it’s supposed to be doing, drawing attention to our wonderful district, magical Mangawhai and our magical park,” he said.

“Ohakune has the big carrot, Rakaia’s got the big salmon and everyone knows about the iconic L&P bottle in Paeroa. But we have the largest skateboard in the world, Eka Tahi. It’s a fantastic asset and unbelievably good for our district and Mangawhai.”

Before the work began, a site blessing was held on October 14.

Viewpoint

Craig Jepson, Mayor Kaipara Council

A healthy democracy allows for vigorous, civilised discussion

These next few days will see the US presidential election completed. Regrettably, much of the campaigning and debate in the mainstream US media has been about personalities rather than policies.

Trump’s critics have compared him to history’s most despised leaders – like Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini – so it is not surprising the level of civil discourse has reached new lows and that the campaign has been punctuated with two assassination attempts on Trump.

It is disturbing to see some of this same rhetoric creeping into New Zealand politics. As mayor I receive my share when I voice an opinion others don’t share.

Personally, I am not interested in engaging or responding to ad hominem attacks. I would rather see vigorous and civilised discussion on issues that matter to those I was elected to represent.

Being able to express a view is a hallmark of a healthy democracy, but nowadays there are some subjects that are so sacrosanct and so laden with self-interest that uttering a questioning word is enough to condemn one to the gallows.

Climate change is one such subject. The Stuff media outlet forbids reporting any argument refuting the climate doom narrative. This is despite many leading experts putting the case that there is no “crisis”. Eminent research physicists William Happer and William van Wijngaarden have determined that the present levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and water vapour are almost completely saturated. In radiation physics the technical term “saturated” tells us adding more molecules of CO2 will not cause more

warming. But do we read this alternative view anywhere in the mainstream media? Do we read the well-reasoned arguments of those who say adapting to climate change is more sensible than trying to change the climate?

Then there are the problems our health system is having to secure qualified nurses. In 2022 I met a senior nurse in a team leader role who had been mandated out of her job from one of our main hospitals. I asked if she was the only one. No, it was her whole team. I recently asked if she now had her job back, given we all know one can transmit or catch covid whether vaccinated or not. No, came the reply. Her entire team are still prevented from returning to their jobs. Why is that not being challenged in our media? Some would say the $50m taxpayer funded public interest journalism fund was more about silencing opposition than promoting responsible journalism.

Thank goodness for small-town newspapers and the internet, as in many cases these are the only outlets available for a diverse range of views to be expressed.

A great number of issues need wide discussion to move this country forward. As mayor I welcome free speech as it is paramount in a functioning democracy. I am unapologetic in putting my views and opinions in the public arena where I welcome debate. Freedom of expression should not be sacrificed simply because someone, somewhere may disagree.

[“We welcome robust debate about the appropriate response to climate change, but will not provide a venue for denialism or hoax advocacy in either our reporting or in user comments,” Stuff says in its editorial code of practice and ethics.]

Weed-tackling volunteers needed

Do you own a property in the Rural Zone that is greater than 1 ha in size?

The Piroa Conservation Trust is inviting “green-thumbed heroes” to lend a hand at the Mangawhai Community Park on Monday mornings, tackling invasive weeds that threaten the park’s delicate balance. “Their roots entwine with native bush, stifling the life out of trees and other native plants,” the trust says. “Many small self-seeded native plants are being choked by these weeds and will die without our intervention.” Volunteers with “willing hearts and sturdy gloves” – young and old, seasoned and new – are invited to help remove weeks and restore the park’s natural beauty. “If we can bring the native bush back to life, we’ll witness the return of many native birds to the park,” the trust says. “Two years ago, and again very recently, part of the park was replanted with native plants by volunteers that need releasing and new planting areas cleared. These spaces were previously dominated by pampas grass and other unwelcome intruders.” More info: info@piroaconservation.org.nz or 0210 2443454

You may be able to subdivide your property

Do you own a property in the Rural Zone that is greater than 1 ha in size? You may be able to subdivide your property

Is your goal to...

Is your goal to... Create an environmental benefit Be mortgage free Help your kids into their first home

Create an environmental benefit Be mortgage free Help your kids into their first home

Hear from your local subdivision experts and explore your options

Hear from your local subdivision experts and explore your options

SPEAKERS:

SPEAKERS:

Joe Fletcher - Horizon

Mike Dance - Horizon

Sam Bradford - Sellars Law

Joe Fletcher - Horizon

Mike Dance - Horizon

WEDNESDAY NOV 20TH

THE CLUB

Sam Bradford - Sellars Law

219 Molesworth Drive

Doors open 6:30pm, 7pm start

WEDNESDAY NOV 20TH

THE CLUB

219 Molesworth Drive Doors open 6:30pm, 7pm start

To register for this free event

Scan:

To register for this free event Scan: QR code Email: horizon@hsld nz Call: 09 4314 568 A free drink on arrival for the first 35 ticket holders Nibbles will be provided

Rule changes for dogs on beaches

Whangārei District Council has ushered in new dog rules, allowing dogs to play off-leash on more beach locations over the summer peak. They will also be allowed, on-leash, within Whangārei’s city centre.

“Last year, we asked what we should change in our dog rules and more than 600 people gave us their ideas,” Mayor Vince Cocurullo said. “Our teams drafted up changes to our dog policy and bylaw and consulted again. We received more than 800 submissions and then held hearings in July this year.”

A common theme was a shortage of places to take dogs off-leash in summer. Another was that the “no dog” rule in the city centre meant fewer customers visiting the CBD.

As a result of the review, dogs will now be allowed on-leash in Whangārei’s city centre and off-leash year-round at nine beach locations,

including Ruakākā Beach north (between Mair Road and Taotahi Walk), Ruakākā Beach south (between surf club and campground) and Uretiti Beach (Tip Road northwards).

Some estuaries and beaches have dog bans all year-round, however, to protect wildlife and other endangered birds. In the south of the district they are:

• The Ruakākā River and estuary, from Biller Road in the north, to where the estuary intersects with State Highway 1 in the south • on Waipū Cove beach from Tip Road to Camp Waipū Cove

• the Waipū River mouth and the estuary arm extending south towards Camp Waipū Cove

More info: https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Services/ Dogs-Animals/Dogs-on-beaches

Rural Ride Repair

Keeping you safe on the water this summer

Northland Regional Council’s (NRC) new water safety ambassador is at his post, helping to ensure that users of boats in and around Mangawhai keep themselves and others safe.

Barry Nielson, an experienced skipper and former Naval hydrographic technician, took up the part-time position over Labour Day weekend and will work in Mangawhai, Waipu and Kai Iwi Lakes until mid-February.

The role was established in response to increased water activity at popular marine venues in Northland in recent years.

Nielson said many people were using areas like Mangawhai Harbour for kayaking, jet-skiing and paddle boarding, causing increasing congestion.

After trialling a pilot programme last year, he said he was confident he could make a difference.

“I want to make sure people have an enjoyable time out on the water, so I’m here to help educate people on where they can do their chosen activity in a safe manner,” he said.

“Last year we had several people operating vessels they were unfamiliar with, or who had sailed into areas they thought were safe when they weren’t.

“There’s also a compliance element to my role, so if people are not playing the game, I can gather their details and, in conjunction, with the harbourmaster, take some form of action.”

Nielson said a key problem was people not wearing life jackets on vessels six metres or smaller. Another was the absence of an assigned observer when someone was being towed behind a boat or jet ski.

“Remember it takes three to ski – the skipper, observer and the person being towed.”

In response to community feedback, NRC last year bought a 4.6m Fat Cat catamaran patrol boat, named Mangawhai.

NRC deputy harbourmaster operations Peter Thomas said Nielson’s maritime knowledge and experience, and the new vessel were the perfect combination for the role.

Before having the water safety ambassador, council harbour wardens were the only ones able to help people or respond to

inappropriate behaviour on the water, he said.

“Although they’ve been doing a great job, they’ve been land-based. This has meant they have limited ability to affect behaviour out on the water or to interact with people when they come ashore, sometimes in several different locations.”

Thomas said the on-water service was more effective.

Nielson said he had noticed that once people spotted the Mangawhai boat, they tended to comply immediately.

“The Mangawhai is the perfect vessel, as it’s really short and stocky and is well-marked, so I have definitely seen how people respond to its presence.”

NRC coastal south general councillor and long-time Langs Beach resident Rick Stolwerk welcomed the introduction of the new water safety ambassador role to fill the growing need for an on-water presence.

“Our message to the community is just to be safe out there and look out for other water users operating in the same space,” Stolwerk says. “If one person is not abiding by rules, that makes it difficult for everyone else, so just be mindful, respectful and considerate of others.”

Things to remember before taking to the water this summer:

• Abide by all bylaws, including five knot rules

• Life jackets must be worn by all people on a six-metre or smaller boat

• Take two forms of communication to call for help

• Check marine weather forecast

• Avoid alcohol

• Be a responsible skipper

• Check all systems before heading out

Dogs are now allowed off-leash on more beaches. Photo: Nathalie Anfuso / Unsplash

Barry Nielson brings years of maritime experience to the new role.

Environment

Ken Rayward

Stuff you need to know

Environmentally, is Mangawhai better off surrounded by farmland, or having its farmland developed into urbanised housing estates? With over a thousand new homes slated to be built, like it or not, change is happening across our region.

Resistance to these changes is more a case of delaying the inevitable, with it being a matter of when, not if.

How the transition from farmland to housing estate is managed by council, developers and residents will determine the long-term landscape of our community.

Studies in the US on toxic chemicals – which are applicable in NZ – revealed that on a per acre basis, urban homes use and disperse 10 times the volume of toxic chemicals than working farms do.

Farmers have long been the target of criticism that their farming practices impact negatively on the environment, yet evidence now supports the fact that changing a farm into a village will have far greater impacts on our environment, both in the short and long term.

Council is going to have to implement tailored strategic practices to manage these transitions. Not getting it right now will carry a heavy cost and have a destructive impact on our community’s future.

The role and purpose of our council is to provide a sustainable future for our community, where financial security and

environmental responsibility are the key drivers in achieving this.

Council now has an even greater responsibility to the community to safeguard its future, through their change management abilities. There is no room for error.

Our community should expect its council to undertake the most rigorous audit of all developers that want to operate in our region.

The experiences with the Mangawhai Central commercial implementation must not be repeated.

Developers must demonstrate a proven ability to add value to our community and to have the resilience to withstand changing economic times.

The responsibilities for council are far weightier now than ever before. We expect council to rigorously monitor and enforce all consent approvals. This should continue through to not just the completion of a project but on an ongoing basis, with new residents required to take on the same responsibilities relating to environmental impact that the developer was operating under from the project’s commencement. So council, developers and residents alike are all going to be equally responsible for determining the future of Mangawhai.

This is best captured by Friedensreich Hundertwasser with his statement, “You are a guest of nature – behave!”

Vital maritime guard coming to Mangawhai coast

An essential seafaring service could be setting up base on Mangawhai’s shoreline in the near future, thanks to a multi-million dollar injection from the government.

Coastguard NZ (CGNZ) is currently working with Kaipara District Council (KDC) and community groups to establish a Mangawhai unit at a yet-to-bedetermined site along the estuary.

CGNZ head of operations Rob McCaw says the $19.5 million funding package, granted earlier this year, has enabled the maritime search and rescue organisation to expand its services in growing boating areas.

“There is strong local interest in having a Coastguard presence in Mangawhai, as the area’s rapid population growth has increased the demands on our nearest units in Sandspit and Whangārei,” he says. “Over the coming months, we plan

to progress this project, with the aim to establish a unit that is sustainable, community-driven and well-aligned with local needs.”

A KDC spokesperson says council is searching for a suitable location for the Mangawhai Coastguard unit. More details are expected to be available early next year. Meanwhile, CGNZ “bar-awareness team” is hosting a free seminar at the Mangawhai Boating & Fishing Club on November 16, to help local boat users navigate Mangawhai’s sometimes-hazardous bar.

“This event is part of our commitment to Mangawhai boaties,” McCaw says. “It will help us further engage with the local boating community and ensure that those heading out on the water this summer have access to valuable local knowledge to make good decisions when crossing the Mangawhai bar.”

BREAM BAY

9.00am

9.40am Departs Waipu Cove Beach Car park

9.50am Departs Waipu Monument Bus stop

10.10am Departs Ruakākā Peter Snell Road (opposite Takutai Place)

10.50am Arrives Whangārei Rose Street Bus Terminus

*For travel within Whangārei see CityLink Whangārei timetable www.citylinkwhangārei.co.nz or get your timetable from the Rose Street office.

AFTERNOON

Kaipara Kōrero

News from Kaipara District Council

Kaipara Citizens Awards

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa! Congratulations and acknowledgements to Jan Beatty, Roxanne Kelly, Dania Wood and Ken Rayward recipients of the 2024 Kaipara Citizens Awards.

Ngā whare pukapuka o Kaipara libraries

Did you get a chance to pop into the library last week?

Kaipara Libraries have been celebrating Play Week with play passports available to get you out exploring, playing and having fun in your own backyard. Along with the play passports, the TUTU collection is available all year round. From activity kits, crafts, to a ukulele, there is something for everyone.

Upcoming council meetings

• Council Briefing, 9.30am Wed 6 Nov, Sportsville DargavilleMemorial Park, Dargaville and on YouTube

• Harding Park Committee, 2pm Tues 12 Nov, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville

• District Plan Review Workshop, 9.30am Wed 13 NovPublic Excluded Session

• Economic Development Committee Briefing, 1.30pm Wed 20 Nov, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai

• Raupo Drainage Committee, 10am Thur 21 Nov, Ruawai Tokatoka War Memorial Hall, 25 Ruawai Wharf Road, Ruawai

• Taharoa Domain Governance Committee, 11am Tues 26 Nov, Lake Waikare Centre, Taharoa Domain

• Council Meeting, 10am Wed 27 Nov, Sportsville DargavilleMemorial Park, Dargaville and on YouTube

• Audit,Risk and Finance Committee, 9.30am Thur 28 Nov, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai

Please visit Council’s website for the most up-to-date information or call Council on 0800 727 059 and ask to speak to a Governance Advisor.

PPC83 final decision

Kaipara District Council has agreed to incorporate Private Plan Change 83 (PPC83), Cove Road North Precinct (The Rise) into the Operative Kaipara District Plan.

Private plan changes follow a strict process, which is set out in the Resource Management Act 1991. The approved provisions will be incorporated into the Operative Kaipara District Plan from 26 November 2024.

Read more about Private Plan Change 83 at kaipara.govt.nz/the-rise

Mangawhai Heads Slip repair

Work on the Mangawhai Heads slip repair has started. The area will be an active work site right through to the Christmas break with the site securely fenced. Please stay well clear of the work activities.

Please note some helicopter lifts will require the grassed section of the beach carpark to be temporarily closed during the week for short periods.

Have your say on how we set rates

We are calling for feedback on our Revenue and Financing Policy. The Revenue and Financing Policy sets out how we fund our operating and capital expenditure for council services and activities.

The key changes being proposed to the Revenue and Financing Policy:

General rates

• Moving from using land value to capital value for the general rate

• Changing the differential for commercial/industrial properties

Stormwater rates

• Equalising the capital costs of stormwater across the district These proposed changes affect everyone in our community so it’s important we hear from you.

Have your say by:

• Filling out an online submission form

• Fill out a physical submission form and deliver to either council office, or scan and email to haveyoursay@kaipara.govt.nz

You can provide feedback on any part of the policy. Read our consultation document and the full Revenue and Financing Policy, available online, in council offices, or at the Dargaville or Mangawhai Library.

We’ve built a search on our website, so you can see what the proposed changes mean for your individual property, whether you have a residential, rural, industrial and commercial property.

Korero mai talk to us!

Kaipara District Council elected members and staff will be out about across the district during the consultation period. This week, you’ll find us at the Business Meet and Mingle in association with Dargaville Community Development Board, 5.30pm to 7pm, Wednesday 6 November.

Consultation opens Wednesday 6 November and closes at 5pm Saturday 15 December 2024.

Find out more at kaipara.govt.nz/haveyoursay

You can use this QR code to head straight to the webpage.

Legal Advice

Allie Budge, WRMK Lawyers

Enduring Power of Attorney: a small document with a big impact

We all like to think we have everything under control. But what happens when life takes an unexpected turn, and you find yourself unable to make important decisions? It’s not something any of us want to dwell on, but this is exactly why setting up Enduring Power of Attorneys (EPOA) is so important. An EPOA is like an insurance policy for your decisionmaking – without the excessive premiums or fine print.

An EPOA is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone (referred to as your “attorney”) to make decisions on your behalf, should you be unable to do so.

In New Zealand, there are two types of EPOAs to consider: property, and personal care and welfare. A property EPOA gives your attorney the authority to manage your assets – such as your home, bank accounts and other investments. You can decide whether this authority begins while you are still capable or only when you lose capacity. On the other hand, a personal care and welfare EPOA covers decisions about your health and wellbeing, but only comes into effect if you are unable to make those decisions yourself. You might be thinking, “I’m young, I’m healthy, why do I need this?” While that may be true, life has a funny way of being unpredictable. Accidents, illness, or even just the natural ageing process can leave us needing someone to make critical choices for us. Without EPOAs, your loved ones could

face lengthy and costly court processes to gain authority over your affairs.

The person you choose as your attorney should be someone you trust. This could be a family member, friend, or even a professional.

Just make sure they’re up to the task, and, most importantly, that they’re willing to take on the responsibility. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with them before signing anything – transparency is key here.

The best time to set up your EPOAs is now. You never know when circumstances might change, and once you’ve lost capacity, it’s too late to put them in place. Setting them up while you’re fit and well means you’ll have the peace of mind that your affairs are in the hands of someone you trust.

Setting up EPOAs isn’t as complicated or costly as you might think. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring that all the necessary legal requirements are met and that the documents reflect your wishes clearly and accurately. It’s a small investment now to avoid potential stress and expense for your family in the future.

While EPOAs might not be the most exciting documents you’ll ever sign, they’re certainly two of the most important. Life has a way of surprising us, and having a plan in place means you can rest assured that you’re covered, no matter what happens.

To contact WRMK visit wrmk.co.nz or call (09) 470 2459.

Sandminers sought fast-track approval for Mangawhai-Pākiri dredging

As McCallum Brothers pursues a new proposal to extract sand from the Bream Bay seabed, the aggregates company is also seeking government fast-track approval to resume its legally-contested dredging along the Mangawhai-Pākiri coast.

In its report to government, the advisory group tasked with assessing 384 projects submitted for consideration under the pending fast-track legislation, included in its list the “Mangawhai/ Pākiri Embayment Sand Extraction Project”.

It was described as an effort “to undertake sand extraction activities at least two kilometres offshore in the Mangawhai-Pākiri embayment” with “an approximate extraction volume of 100,000 cubic metres per year over a 20-year period”.

The advisory group assigned the project low priority (where 1 was the highest priority and 5 the lowest, the project was scored a 5).

The Mangawhai-Pākiri sand mining application did not make the debut list of 149 projects which cabinet chose to include in the Fast-track Approvals Bill.

But neither was it relegated by the advisory panel to a category of 42 projects that it recommended that the government not list for fast-tracking. It has therefore not been shelved.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said the task of whittling down the list from the almost 400 recommended by the advisory group to 149 had not been an easy one, and he stressed it did not mean that those projects that did not make the cut would be unsuccessful in future applications for fast-tracking.

In 2022, an Auckland Council independent panel refused McCallum Brothers resource consent to extract hundreds of thousands of cubic metres of sand along the MangawhaiPākiri coast.

Of more than 600 submissions received, the vast majority opposed the consent. Those in favour argued for the need for high-quality

sand for the construction sector while opponents highlighted significant cultural and environmental impacts.

McCallum Brothers appealed to the Environment Court, and in 2023 received temporary permission to continue some dredging pending the outcome.

In April this year, the Environment Court dismissed the appeal, upholding the stance of the council’s commissioners. McCallum Brothers has appealed the court’s decision to the High Court, and continues to mine sand offshore on the basis of the temporary consent.

In its report to government, the fast-track advisory group referred to the fact that some of the projects it considered were controversial or had previously been turned down for environmental or other reasons.

“A number of applications relate to projects that have previously been declined based on a range of reasons including adverse environmental effects,” it said. “Some of those projects have been controversial. The Bill does not prohibit any application based on prior decisions or controversy and we assessed all applications before us.”

Once the legislation becomes law, an expert panel will be required to assess all projects, including an evaluation of the activities’ effects on the environment. The expert panel will then recommend that ministers decline a project, approve it, or approve it subject to conditions.

Among the first group of 149 projects that the Cabinet has selected to include in the legislation is McCallum Brothers’ application to mine sand in a 17-kilometre area of the Bream Bay seabed, over a period of 35 years. In contrast to the Mangawhai-Pākiri project’s proposed 100,000 cubic metres of sand a year, the Bream Bay plan envisages the removal of 300,000 cubic metres of sand a year (25,000 cubic metres of sand a month). McCallum Brothers did not respond to a request for comment.

Mangawhai Heads

Deadline

Building

Molesworth

Letitia Partridge 027 274 8779

letitia.partridge@bayleys.co.nz

Laureen Hayes 021 431 386

laureen.hayes@bayleys.co.nz

MACKYS

bayleys.co.nz/1153909

560 008

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 Family living, coastal serenity! Discover the ultimate lifestyle in the hills above Mangawhai with this four-bedroom family home complete with a sleepout - ideal for extra guests

13 Driftwood Place, Mangawhai Heads

BEACH CHIC BABY!

Compact, cute and complete! A stylish, well-appointed 130 sqm Mangawhai beach house with much to offer and a MUST VIEW!

• Breathtaking views, east-to-west of ocean, islands & Brynderwyn ranges, capturing sunrises to sunsets from the deck and within

• Potential for development, or as is, room for a camper and tents

• A comfortable and fun holiday experience with this pocket rocket!

rwmangawhai.co.nz/MGW30482

4 Herons Lane, Mangawhai

Auction

5pm 20 November,10 Polygon Road, St Heliers Auckland (unless sold prior)

View

Saturday12:00-12:30 pm

Sunday 12:00-12:30 pm

2A1B2J885F

Kaye McElwain 027 215 2016 kaye.mcelwain@raywhite.com

Stewart McElwain 027 255 5186 stewart.mcelwain@raywhite.com

3A2B2J770F

For Sale PRICED TO MOVE!

This pretty offering is a well-presented brick-and-tile home at the end of a leafy lane. Additional to the home is a board & batten cabin, currently used as a workshop with wood-making tools and space to create. Great for a buyer with a need for a separate space for a hobby or craft. An excellent vege garden and fruit trees with a small lawn area. Current owners are moving closer to family and are now priced to move. There's real Value for Money here!

rwmangawhai.co.nz/MGW30374

McElwain Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

$995,000

View by appointment

Kaye McElwain 027 215 2016 kaye.mcelwain@raywhite.com

Stewart McElwain 027 255 5186 stewart.mcelwain@raywhite.com

McElwain Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

Young local wins ocean swim

Defying strong currents and underwater marine life, Mangawhai Beach School Year 7 student Ryder Sax won gold after completing a 3.2 km swim in the recent Banana Boat Ocean Swim in Auckland. The Mangawhai Heads junior surf member finished first in his age group category of 12-13-year-old males. Despite the full moon, high tide and wind angle making the swim challenging for the 336 swimmers of various ages, Ryder took just over an hour and a half to cross the finish line in the harbour crossing from Bayswater to Auckland Viaduct.  Awesome act of endurance and skill – congratulations Ryder!

Glassy skin

A highly sought-after beauty trend characterised by a smooth, luminous, and reflective complexion that looks almost like glass.

Achieving this look involves a combination of hydration, exfoliation, and the right skincare treatments, says Jody Moffett of BeautyMED Northland, which has clinics in Mangawhai and Waipu.

“The goal is to create a dewy, healthy glow that appears flawless and radiant. To get that coveted glassy skin, it’s essential to focus on deep hydration and effective exfoliation.

“Treatments like the Fullerene C60 Facial can help by providing powerful antioxidants that protect the skin and promote a youthful appearance.”

Additionally, the Carbon 'China Doll' Laser Facial works to refine the skin's texture, minimizing pores and enhancing radiance, Jody says.

“Incorporating these advanced treatments into your skincare routine, along with proper hydration and daily sun protection, can help you achieve that stunning glassy finish. With the right combination of skincare and beauty enhancements, you can embrace the glassy skin trend and feel confident in your radiant look.

“The result? A smooth, flawless canvas that’s perfect for any occasion.

“Whether you're prepping for a special event or just want to look your best, our combination of advanced skin treatments, lashes, brows, and cosmetic injection enhancements will have you feeling fabulous.

Book your appointment today and get ready to turn heads with your stunning, glassy healthy skin!”

http://www.beautymednorthland.com/

SKIN NURSE

Free for everyone, for ever

Parkrun is recording significant growth in New Zealand, with the country leading the way in the Asia Pacific in expansion of the free weekly timed run/walk events.

Nine new events have launched this year so far, and a recent Saturday saw more than 10,000 people take part in a parkrun across NZ for the first time ever.

The international health and wellbeing charity’s Asia Pacific team expects the number of parkrun events in New Zealand, now numbering 53, to keep climbing steadily as more communities get involved.

The parkrun team, based in Australia, visited NZ in the second half of October, and held get togethers in several main centres.

Glen Turner, head of communications and health and wellbeing at Parkrun Asia Pacific, said the way things are going, NZ could reach 100 parkrun events by 2028.

Parkrun is a free community event where people walk, jog or run a five kilometre route, volunteer or spectate. The events take place every Saturday morning, around the world. There are currently nine parkrun events in Auckland, the most northerly one located in Millwater. Between the Hibiscus Coast and Cape Reinga there is only one other parkrun – in Whangārei, which boasts the world’s oldest known parkrunner, 100-year-old Colin Thorne. (In 2022, aged 98, Colin also became the oldest to notch up 100 finishes.)

There is budding interest in starting an event in Mangawhai, according to one of parkrun Millwater’s two race directors, Rhys Spyve.

The challenge is to find a course that is away from traffic and minimises the crossing of driveways, has sufficient parking, access to toilets and a café (or coffee truck) nearby – post-event coffees are an important part of the tradition.

Potential courses in Mangawhai could include the Domain (and surrounding tracks), tracks around MAZ, or an estuary edge loop from the Tavern end of Moir Street along the Kainui Street reserve and then back in towards Molesworth via the Mike Keating memorial trail.

Rhys particularly likes the possibility of holding parkrun at MAZ, and hopes to get locals interested and involved in making the vision a reality.

Parkrun was born in Bushy Park, southwest London, 20 years ago – with 13 runners and three volunteers – and the simple formula has been hugely successful. Today there are more than 2500 events in 23 countries, involving more than six million people every week – a community-centred social movement.

As a health charity, parkrun is looking to work more closely with NZ healthcare providers –as it does in several other countries – to have them refer patients for parkrun participation. The initiative, launched in the UK in 2018 and known as “social prescribing”, aims at getting GPs to encourage patients to take part in a nearby parkrun as walkers, joggers or volunteers. Parkrun Asia Pacific recently surveyed NZbased health professionals, with the aim of finding out whether they are referring patients to parkrun, and if they are not, what the barriers might be and how they could be overcome.

Summer roadworks season ahead

Expect to see more roadworks on Northland’s state highways over the summer.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says it’s investing in the largest road rebuild programme ever delivered in the region over the September 2024 - May 2025 season, along with resealing and resurfacing sites.

“This significant additional investment in the Northland state highway network will mean you see a lot more activity out on the roads, especially during the peak of summer,” it says.

NZTA says the work, carried out by contractors of its behalf, will align with the government’s land transport policy statement – demonstrating improved network condition, preventing further deterioration, reducing costs and minimising disruptions.

“We’ll make sure to minimise any disruptions to road users as much as we can while we complete these important works, which will improve the road and make everyone’s journey safer and more enjoyable.”

NZTA maintains 932 kilometres of state highway network from north of Auckland to Cape Reinga.

Most maintenance work happens during the spring and summer months where warmer temperatures and dry air helps new seal stick to the road and ensures the finished product’s durability and quality.

In our part of Northland, the works scheduled for the summer period are road surfacing on SH1 in the Brynderwyns, on SH1 near Saunders Road and on SH1 near L Phillips Road. A road rebuild is also underway on SH1 at Kaiwaka Tunnel Hill.

Further west, road rebuilding will also take place on SH12 as far as Dargaville, and then further up the west coast.

NZTA will provide a weekly summary of works, updated each Friday: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/ northland/roadworks

will once again be bright with colour and sparks as a local school fundraiser lights up on November 9.

Blasting off for the 21st year

More than two decades ago a fuse was lit for a school fundraiser, a spark that ignited a spectacular show and a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

The world-class Tomarata Fireworks is celebrating its 21st event this year, returning on November 9 to awe and delight thousands of spectators. Besides being a fun night out, the extravaganza is also an important fundraiser for Tomarata School with proceeds helping to provide key projects and upgrades, principal Chris King says.

“Being a small rural school of 80 pupils, there are many projects that fall outside of what the Ministry of Education can support us with, therefore we must fundraise for these ourselves,” he says. “Funds raised this year will go towards upgrading the school’s playground so children of all ages, particularly the younger kids, can have the opportunity to develop confidence, strength and agility through play.”

Pyrotechnic technician Neil Harrison, who has been involved from the event’s humble beginnings and donates fireworks at cost price, will return with his winning display formula along with a line-up of food stalls, kids’ entertainment and live music.

Due to rising costs, financial supporters play a crucial role to ensure the fundraiser continues, King says. New World Mangawhai has stepped up as the main sponsor for 2024.

122C TRIMMER

“We are incredibly grateful to Scott and the team at New World for helping us bring the event to life this year, their contribution will have a direct impact on all students at our school,” he says. “We really appreciate the volunteer support from the school PTA each year, it is invaluable. I’d also like to thank the generous community members and local business support for everything from event infrastructure to donating incredible goods for the raffles, as well as Mangawhai Rotary and Coastguard Kawau who always get involved to help make this event a success each year.”

Five raffles worth $5000 are up for grabs, with prize packs including surfing gear, gardening tools, health, beauty and fitness items, an 18hole game of golf and a night at Auckland’s Hilton Hotel. Buses to and from the event will be available from Mangawhai, Maungaturoto and Wellsford. Traffic management will be in place.

Growing in popularity, the event now attracts almost 5000 people, including from as far afield as Auckland.

“Many believe the fireworks are the best they’ve experienced, partly because they can safely view them from a closer distance and because of the event’s rural location, which has no light pollution,” King says.

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/tomaratafireworks-2024

Tomarata skies

Long time dual business a stalwart in community

For nearly 20 years, local business Mangawhai Marine and Auto Super Shoppe Mangawhai

– formerly known as Jackson Brown – has built a solid reputation in the community for ensuring customers are safe when heading out onto local roads, as well as into the deep blue.

Located on Molesworth Drive, both businesses prioritise the latest technologies and quality products to fully service all makes and models of cars, boats, jet skis, trailers and even marine tractors. Mangawhai Marine is also a Honda Marine NZ and Kingfisher boat dealer.

The business is owned by Matt and Cara Jackson since they bought out former partner James Brown in 2022. The couple decided to “change it up a bit” to distinguish the two sides of the enterprise.

“We’ve always done both, but some customers know us as either only doing boats or as an auto workshop,” Cara says. “The auto side is headed by a service manager and an administrator with three auto technicians and together they are a dream team – we could not have kept this side of the business running without them.”

The marine division is overseen by Matt with a newly employed service manager and a long-time technician.

“We think our real point of difference in terms of what we offer our customers is more than the full package, it’s that we have the full team who can put their heads together and help each other out,” Cara says. “It also means we have a lot of flexibility to fit in those last-minute jobs so our customers aren’t waiting for a booking.”

The couple first met in their first year of moving to the area when Cara – a Mangawhai Beach School teacher, a role she continues today – took her car in to Matt who had just set up Jackson Brown. “A bit of a cheesy story, really,” she says.

Over their many years, like many Mangawhai small businesses, the parents of two have regularly sponsored a variety of local groups and events, most recently participating in the National Auto Super Shoppe Helping Hands Day, donating $500 worth of servicing to the Te Whai Community Trust driver training vehicle.

For the Jacksons, their business is more than offering an affordable wrap-around auto and marine service, it is also about lifestyle and connections, “home, land and sea”, and caring for the community.

History

Angela Cook, Mangawhai Museum Manager info@mangawhai-museum.org.nz

Hangi stones

Almost 200 years ago, around 13km west of Mangawhai, a great battle took place, called Te Ika-a-Rangānui. (Warning: Grisly details follow.)

During this battle, the Northern Alliance –armed with 300 muskets – seized the mere two muskets of the Kaipara Alliance, and drove the survivors into the Kaipara and further south.

Returning to the battle site, the Northern Alliance claimed the heads of their fallen enemies as trophies. They then placed the enemies’ bodies into hangi pits and consumed them.

When descendants of the Northern Alliance returned to the site years later, hangi stones sat on the battlefield still. They declared the area tapu (forbidden), set aside the heads of their own slain, burned the bodies, grinding the bones into dust which they then spread over the whenua (land). The Northern Alliance then took the heads of their people to their northern kainga (home).

The hangi stones they left behind sat on the battlefield still.

Years later, a settler would come to live near the old bridle track by the battle site.

It is recorded in The Christian Times (May 1871) that local Māori would often travel past on horseback, with the settler family

inviting the travellers they saw inside to serve them a meal.

In time, Kaipara Māori learned of this generosity a little too well, as hospitality at this homestead gained such a reputation that groups began stopping by and inviting themselves in – sometimes calling the settler in from working in the field and demanding he prepare their meal.

This became a burden on the family. So the settler sought advice, and acted on it.

He gathered large stones from the field and used them to form a new, prominent hearth. The next time a group of Kaipara Māori came to his homestead, they found a meal laid out for them, alongside the impressive new hearth.

They enquired after the settler’s new addition, asking where he’d found the stones to build it. The settler pointed to the battle site – knowing exactly what he was suggesting when he answered, “from that spot” – where hangi stones had rested for years.

The “guests” bolted from the homestead, never to return.

Source Credit: He Apiha Takawaenga Māori (Museum Māori Liaisons) Roi McCabe and Herby Skipper

Coming Up at Mangawhai Museum:

23 Nov | Special Exhibition | 10 years in 10 photographs (Anniversary Exhibition)

29 Nov, 07 Dec, 14 Dec, 21 Dec | Late Night Shopping | Open until 8:00pm

06 Dec | Mangawhai Museum’s Birthday – cake and free entry for all!

UV rays show promise in anti-caulerpa drive

University of Auckland scientists have carried out a successful trial of equipment from the US that zaps the invasive seaweed caulerpa with ultraviolet rays.

Most of the caulerpa in five small test areas in waters of seven to eight metres depth around Rakino Island was rapidly destroyed. Follow-up treatments targeted regrowth from fragments of plant surviving beneath the sediment.

Caulerpa – the name, from ancient Greek, means “stem that creeps” – spreads rapidly, forming vast underwater matting, competing with other species for space and potentially upsetting the balance of ecosystems.

It has been found in several areas off the northeast coast of the upper North Island, including in the vicinity of Kawau, Aotea Great Barrier and Great Mercury Islands.

“Invasive exotic caulerpa is one of the biggest threats to our marine life, smothering everything in its path, so it’s exciting to have another potential tool to destroy it,” said Liz Brooks, team manager for pathways and marine at Auckland Council, which invested around $26,500 in the UV experiment.

“The field tests were in line with our lab results, so the next step would be testing at a much larger scale to confirm it is good for controlling this difficult seaweed,” said Professor Andrew Jeffs, of the university’s Institute of Marine Science.

Get ready to ramble!

Since arriving in the upper North Island in 2021, caulerpa has rapidly spread to cover more than 1,500 hectares of seabed, prompting appeals for boaties to check their anchors, anchor chains and other equipment and report sightings.

This year, Biosecurity NZ concluded it would not be feasible to eradicate caulerpa, advising long-term management through containment, suppression and local elimination.

At the test site, a single dose of ultraviolet light was found to kill more than 90 per cent of Caulerpa parvifolia, the type of caulerpa identified in the lab as seeming most vulnerable to the treatment. The other caulerpa species causing problems, Caulerpa brachypus, is also vulnerable but wasn’t included in the experiment.

UV light has potential advantages over the limited methods currently available for controlling caulerpa, such as suction dredging, including minimal disturbance of the seafloor and avoiding fragmentation of the seaweed, which can lead to its further spread.

The experimental treatment unit was imported from the United States, where high power UV light has been used successfully for the treatment of lakeweed. It comprises three parallel UV lamps in a plastic frame, powered from the surface via cables.

Tickets are on sale for one of the most anticipated outdoor events of the year, the annual Mangawhai Garden Ramble. The event on November 9 and 10 attracts hundreds of visitors and is a major fundraiser for the Mangawhai Kindergarten and Playgroup. Ramblers can explore and linger in some of Mangawhai’s most spectacular private gardens, from serene native forests to jam-packed flower beds, and manicured rural acres to suburban landscapes filled with exotic tropical plants. Tickets are available at Bammas Surf and Mangawhai Books and Gifts, and online at: https://mangawhaigardenramble.org/tickets

Local blooms ready to show off at annual event

With spring blossoming fragrantly around town, it is time once again for the sweetestsmelling event of the year – the Mangawhai Flower Show 2024.

Brought to the community by coordinators Laureen Medcalfe and Sandra Brunt, the show is a chance for green-fingered locals to display their homegrown produce and artistic floral flair. Categories include the largest carrot and spud, specimen blooms, vases of wildflowers and succulent gardens.

The quintessential event was hosted by the Mangawhai Women’s Institute for 66 years, but three years after the organisation

disbanded in 2019, Laureen and Sandra decided to revive the popular show.

Bunnings Mangawhai, local business Faraway Gardens and New Plymouth’s Egmont Seeds Co have returned as sponsors, donating prizes of seeds, vouchers and bespoke garden furniture for place winners, as well as the judges’ favourites.

The free-to-enter, free-to-view event will be held at the Village Library Hall on November 20, with refreshment carts and garden stalls available outside. Doors open to the public from 1pm to 4pm.

Mangawhai Flower Show in 2022. The event has a long history and is a favourite for many locals.

The exotic seaweed spreads rapidly, suffocating other life. Photo: NIWA.

Storage Mangawhai

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR LEASE

SHOP FOR LEASE 1956 SH1 KAIWAKA

GRASSHOPPER LAWNMOWING MANGAWHAI

Small lawns through to lifestyle blocks. Ph Brett 021 897 164.

ABC LTD driveways, slabs, paths, patios and excavations. For all your concrete needs. Free quote. Workmanship guaranteed. Darren 021 2676 820.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Country character main building, centrally located in Kaiwaka opposite the wellknown Kaiwaka Cheese shop and the iconic Utopia Cafe. High visibility to north and south bound traffic, diagonal SH1 frontage parking separated from the SH1 traffic.

140m2 retro style interior, rear access to 35m2 outdoor area and offstreet parking area. Some internal fittings and separate storage/office/kitchen areas.

NEED SOMETHING PICKED UP OR DELIVERED?

45m2. Modern interior. Full frontage visibility. Shared facilities Contact: 0274 353 535 for details.

We also do tip deliveries! Call Johno 0211 222 691.

FOR SALE

CARPET, VINYL, HARDFLOORING

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road

Closure) Regulations 1965, the Kaipara District Council hereby gives notice that the following roads will be temporarily closed on the days and at the times below for the purpose of holding the Northern Bass 2023/24 music festival.

Want to advertise in the classifieds? Email Hayley on focus1@localmatters.co.nz

Supply and install. 100% mobile service. Ph Kaipara Flooring Co 021 515 415. Free quotes.

Thursday 28 December 2023 at 00:01 until Monday

Settlement Road, Kaiwaka – Restricted access. Access for resident and local traffic only.

Valley Road, Kaiwaka – from Settlement Road to Pritchard Road, Kaiwaka – Restricted access. Access for resident and local traffic only. Lawrence Road to Cames Road, Kaiwaka –restricted access. Access for resident and local

Further information, if required, relating to this temporary road closure can be obtained from the Customers Services Team, Kaipara District Council.

KNIFE SHARPENING SERVICE - RUAKAKA/OTP AREA

Lawnmower blades, knives, chainsaws, scissors, chisels, hedgetrimmers. Call Dave 027 497 3378.

CHATEAU

PROPOSED TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2024

Pursuant to the Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 10, 11(e), the Kaipara District Council hereby gives notice that Hibiscus Coast Motorsport Club Inc has made an application to have roads within the Kaipara District closed on the day and at the times set out below for the purpose of the HCMC Arcadia Road Rally

Sunday 25 February 2024 from 09:00am until

The entirety of Arcadia Road, Paparoa Any objections to this proposal should be in the hands

NETBALL

RODNEY CENTRE 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Netball Rodney Centre 2024 Annual General Meeting be held Thursday 15th February 2024, 7pm at the Netball Rodney Centre office in Centennial Park, Wellsford.

For more information please email netballrodneycenter @xtra.co.nz.

NOTICE OF INTENTION FOR TARGETED SPRAYING

Kaipara District Council advises all property owners and residents of the district that weed spraying for vegetation control on edges in parks and reserves, weed control in gardens, poles/trees, urban and rural roadsides will be carried out between December 2023 and March 2024, weather permitting.

If you would prefer not to have your frontage sprayed, Council operates a “No Spray Register” which outlines agreed areas where no spraying will be undertaken during this period. You must apply to Council to be included on this register. No Spray Zone Application forms can be found on our website at kaipara.govt.

Spraying will be undertaken by Downer NZ on behalf of Council. To find out more details about this particular spray programme, call Bernie on 021802095 between

For more information about Kaipara District Council’s spraying and vegetation control, head to nz/residents/trees-and-vegetation-2/no-spray-zone

MANGAWHAI REBUS

DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

The Rebus annual Christmas lunch will be held at the Mangawhai Golf Club, noon on Thursday December 21. Entertainment by ukulele singers. Cost $30 for members (subsidised), $40 for non-members.

At the last meeting in November Rebus members were royally entertained by some members of the Mangawhai Beach School Kapa Haka group – rousing hakas and quieter waiata and poi songs accompanied by principal Aaron Kemp on his guitar. Aaron then spoke, with questions and answers, his 15 minute talk extended to 90 minutes,

Approx 400m3 available. Unsprayed for 20 years. Easy access in Waipu village. Expressions of interest. Please

Supply and install. 100% mobile service. Ph Kaipara Flooring Co phone 021 515 415. Free quotes.

Hobie 16 catamaran. In good order, ready to sail. Comes with recently built, registered and warranted road trailer. Located handy

14 ft Whitehall dinghy. Heart kauri construction. Built by acclaimed boat builder. Comes on custom built trailer and 3 pairs Easy walk to Waipu village. $430,000 ono. Text 022

Art and Soul

Belinda Vernon media@mangawhaiartists.co.nz

Celebrating unnoticed moments in nature

This to That, an exhibition by artists Fleur Mitchell and Shaelagh Jones, opened at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery on November 1.

Celebrating the miniature and unnoticed moments within nature, This to That references how the past influences the present. Both artists express this through botanical themes using acrylic on canvas.

Fleur Mitchell and Shaelagh Jones met at Reyburn House, Whangārei during an exhibition and they enjoy painting together. Both are enthusiastic artists, who share a love of botanic forms. They find some of their processes are similar and the joy of using bright, almost clashing colours is a strong element in their work.

Each artist makes complicated images, with tangling, overlapping, crossing plant detritus, slightly chaotic in style. These maximalists embrace abundance and intricacy. They love the outdoors and are fascinated by the shapes and forms nature brings.

Fleur is influenced by the fauve artists’ style. “I am a rapid, decisive painter applying generous amounts of paint to the canvas,” says Fleur. “My current focus is on the complications within all of life and how past impacts present. This is shown in my paintings with ghost images appearing from under more present forms.”

Shaelagh loves to learn about artists and their process.

“My work is characterised by multiple layers of glazing and mark making techniques,” says Shaelagh. “Developing a composition within the chaos of the marks is definitely a This to That process.”

Over the last year both artists have met to paint and talk.

“We discuss techniques, favourite artists and life. It has been equally an inspiration and a practical way to paint more deliberately. We both agree the company has been beneficial and beats talking to the cat all the time!” says Fleur.

“We each appreciate the connection to things and nature and from This to That is a natural process – a seed to a flower, a purr to a happy cat, shadow to rain, one thought to another.

“Working over old work or covering a canvas with uncontrolled marks is our This to That and a starting point for each painting. The underpainting comes through as a ghost and can direct the painting or remain an enigma behind. Either way, this method is important to each of us as we want the viewer to see a degree of complexity, an invitation to see the work multiple times and discover something new.”

This to That is open daily from 10.30am to 3.30pm until November 13 (from 9am on Saturday, November 9) at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir Street.

Jan Hellriegel guest at open mic gig

An award-winning Kiwi songstress, wellknown in the 1990s and early 2000s for her gutsy guitar and deep vocals, is heading to Mangawhai as part of her If Not Now, When? national tour. Jan Hellriegel, who rose to fame with her 1992 hit The Way I Feel, will be performing in Musical Mangawhai’s third open mic and guest artist gig at the Pacific Coast Taproom on November 20. Held every third Wednesday of the month, open mic “is kind of like karaoke but not”, organiser Dennis Reeve says. Anyone is welcome to perform but needs to have music prepared and registered. More info: Mangawhai Music’s Facebook page.

Fistonich Building can help.

We are based in Kaiwaka and build from Orewa to Ruakaka and have 20 years experience building everything from fences to high-end homes, qualified and licensed. Planning on building your dream home or getting that deck done before summer?

Fleur Mitchell, left, and Shaelagh Jones in front of their work.

On the Ocean

Anglers hot, fishing not

Bream Bay anglers are hot under the collar with the recent fisheries sustainability round outcomes that have added more than 500 tonnes of snapper quota to the species’ two biggest management areas – SNA 1 North Cape-East Cape; and SNA 8 NI west coast. In the last two months commercial operators – trawlers, longliners and the “pilchard” boats – have hammered Bream Bay, much to the detriment of recreational fishing.

There has been a fair amount of venom directed towards these boats with some hotheads suggesting we should cut the longline buoys, drop old cars on the bottom to foul trawls, etc

.While I appreciate the sentiment, touching the commercial gear or disrupting their operations by flaunting your obligations under maritime law is not the way to go. They are not doing anything illegal, and it is the decision-makers who need a sharp dose of reality.

The Hauraki Gulf plan sees 18 highly protected areas set aside as no take zones – no fishing of any kind – in many of the most popular, and accessible, recreational fishing areas. These stretch as far south as the Alderman Islands off Tairua right throughout the gulf and north to the Mokohinaus. Minister of Oceans and Fisheries

Shane Jones’ latest edict is “some” commercial and traditional fishing will be allowed in these

zones, but no recreational fishing.

We can expect a surge in commercial fishing on our backdoor in the future. The NZSFC’s public outreach arm, LegaSea, is deeply concerned that Jones has demonstrated little respect for sustainability with 12 species nationwide suffering a TACC (Total Allowable Commercial Catch) increase.

LegaSea’s project lead Sam Woolford suggests these increases to the TACC are a green light for intensified trawling.

“Our marine ecosystems are already teetering under the strain of warming waters, overfishing, and pollution from land-based run-off.”

The minister, a former chairman of one of the biggest industry players, has indicated he intends ramping up NZ’s exports, proudly calling himself an “apostle” for the fishing industry.

LegaSea is asking, what happened to the 2022 court decision that decreed the minister needed to take account of the effects of fishing for one species and how it impacts on others?

Woolford says the minister’s decisions are “laserfocused” on commercial gains (and for whom?) with little regard for the long-term health of our oceans. For more on in depth discussion on the above, check out www.legasea.co.nz

My apologies for getting on my soapbox this issue, but I firmly believe fish stocks are there for everyone to use sustainably, not just a handful of industry shareholders.

Meanwhile, one of the best land-based captures of recent times was a 10.9kg (24.4lb) snapper caught off the rocks in Bream Bay by Hoang Ha Vu. He posted the fish on the popular Bream Bay Fishing Facebook page, and it included footage of him trying to revive and release the fish with no success. Hoang is the complete angler, first catching his favoured squid – which then becomes snapper fodder.

Check out more on the fishing at www.fishing.net. nz/reports, including the best bite times and tides.

Funding boost for water safety programme

Northland Regional Council’s safe boating programme has received $80,000 in Maritime New Zealand’s annual community grant funding.

The programme, which has been running for several years, aims to reduce fatalities and injuries to people using recreational craft, and the funding will enable council to again hire ambassadors to support the programme’s delivery.

Other elements include the provision of life jacket hubs and a training programme targeting priority groups – men over 45 and Māori, identified by MNZ as being overrepresented in boating fatalities nationwide.

The ambassadors will deliver key safety messages including the importance of wearing life jackets, carrying two waterproof forms of communication, checking the weather

forecast before heading out, and knowing the rules.

They will also set up life jacket hubs in remote areas across the region. Since the programme began in 2017, 22 such community-run hubs have been established in schools, marae and clubs, with more than 470 life jackets provided by MNZ and council.

The funding will also allow for advertising, and the programme will be supported by council’s maritime officers and harbour wardens who will be conducting on-water patrols throughout the peak summer period –Labour Day weekend to Easter – to educate, enforce and achieve better compliance with safe boating rules.

The NRC programme is called “Nobody’s stronger than Tangaroa” – a reference to the god of the sea and progenitor of fish in Maōri creation tradition.

Mangawhai Heads care group re-established

The Northland Regional Council is re-establishing a CoastCare group in Mangawhai, focused on restoring the dunes at Mangawhai Heads surf beach.

CoastCare groups are partnerships between the local community, iwi, councils and the Department of Conservation, working together to restore the region’s beaches.

The Mangawhai group was first set up in 2015 and brought together a dedicated group of retirees supported by the local school, Rural Design nursery, NRC, Kaipara District Council and the Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand. Its work has included weed control and planting.

CoastCare groups are also operating in Langs Beach, established in 2016 to protect the shorebirds including dotterel nesting on the beach; in Waipu Cove, set up in 2006 to undertake dune restoration; and in Bream Bay, formed in 2006 to help care for and enhance the 700 hectares of coastal land held by the DoC in Bream Bay.

More info: https://www.nrc.govt.nz/environment/coast/coastcare/

One of the best catches from Bream Bay in recent weeks is this 10.9kg snapper, landed by Hoang Ha Vu off the rocks.

NRC safety ambassador Dane Karapu and local kuia Ellen Hardiman of Whangaruru’s Tuparehuia marae committee with the lifejackets the marae holds for use by local and visiting boaties.

What’s on ...

November

4 Koha Yoga Class, 6pm-7pm. Ruakākā St Pauls Church, Cnr Karawai and Tamingi Streets.

6 How to Create a Pre-Loved, Capsule Wardrobe For Busy Women, Waipū RSA, 3pm-5pm. Tickets $35pp including high tea & bubbles. Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/13711

7 Fish to Fish, outside Origin on The Braigh, Waipū, 9am-noon.

9 Mangawhai Tavern Market, 9am-1pm.

9 Mangawhai Beach School Local Market, 9am-1pm.

9 Tomarata Fireworks, 112 Pakiri Block Road. Gates open from 4pm. Tickets: under 5s free. Under 16 $15. Adults $20. Family tickets available https://events.humanitix.com/tomarata-fireworks-2024

9 Repair Café, Mangawhai Shed at the Domain, Moir Street, 9am -noon. www.repaircafeaotearoa.co.nz

9, 10 Mangawhai Garden Ramble https://mangawhaigardenramble.org/tickets

10 Waipū Boutique Sunday Market 9-1pm Coronation Hall

11 Koha Yoga Class 6-7pm Ruakākā St Pauls Church, Cnr Karawai and Tamingi Streets

13 Quiz night, Marsden Cove Fishing Club, tables of 6, $60 per table, 6.30pm.

14 Fish to Fish, outside Origin on The Braigh, Waipū 9am-noon.

16 Ruawai Fun Run, Lions fundraiser for NEST Rescue helicopters. Details phone 027 300 3580.

16 Mangawhai Tavern Market, 9am-1pm.

16 Mangawhai Beach School Local Market, 9am-1pm.

16 One Tree Point Artisan Market, 9am-1pm, OTP Primary School Hall.

21 Fish to Fish, outside Origin on The Braigh, Waipū, 9am-noon.

23 Villy Day Out, Tamingi Reserve next to Ambulance Station, Te One St, 10am-3pm.

23 Mangawhai Tavern Market, 9am-1pm.

23 Mangawhai Beach School Local Market, 9am-1pm.

27 Community Public Bingo, last Wednesday every month. Waipū Citizens & Services Club. Starts 7.30pm, Restaurant opens 5.30pm.

28 Fish to Fish, outside Origin on The Braigh, Waipū, 9am-noon.

30 Mangawhai Tavern Market, 9am-1pm.

30 Mangawhai Beach School Local Market, 9am-1pm.

30 Classics at the Cove, Tahamoana Angora Goat Farm, 6pm-8pm.

December

6 Marsden Cove Sunset Food Market, 4pm-7pm, Marsden Cove Marina.

7 Mangawhai Tavern Market, 9am-1pm.

7: Mangawhai Beach School Local Market, 9am-1pm.

To list events, email: online@localmatters.co.nz See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/ for

Unlocking Rural Potential in Mangawhai

On 23 October, Cato Bolam hosted a free rural subdivision seminar that covered Mangawhai’s Rodney Ward at the Wellsford Community Centre. Presented by Myles Goodwin, Ecological Director and rural subdivision expert from Cato Bolam and his team, the seminar offered local landowners a valuable opportunity to explore what’s possible under the current rural subdivision rules.

Attendees were enthusiastic about discussing options, with many motivated by succession planning while also emphasising the importance of preserving the unique rural character of their land.

Free Rural Subdivision Seminar (Kaipara District) February 2025:

This free seminar will offer a timely chance to gain insight into the rural subdivision process in 2025.

Thinking About Subdividing Your Rural Property in Mangawhai?

Subdivision is an effective way to increase property equity and secure your family’s financial future.

With Kaipara District Council updating its district plan, new regulations will likely direct development closer to town centres, potentially limiting rural subdivision opportunities. If you’re planning to subdivide and want to avoid added costs and restrictions down the track, now is the time to get started.

Starting under the current rules offers more flexibility. Cato Bolam’s experienced team provides end-to-end support, guiding you from initial concept to project completion.

New art for council walls

Building on the success of October’s event, Cato Bolam is pleased to announce a follow-up seminar for Mangawhai’s rural landowners in the Kaipara District in late February. Simon Reiher, a Registered Professional Surveyor and experienced land development expert at Cato Bolam, will lead the presentation, focusing on opportunities available under Kaipara’s current plan.

to 3.30pm daily.

For more information about our free Rural Subdivision Seminar in February or to arrange a free site assessment, call 0800 2 CATO BOLAM or visit our website catobolam.co.nz

Myles Goodwin and Simon Reiher, left to right.

Four talented artists are currently showcasing their work at the 13th exhibition held at Mangawhai’s Kaipara District Council office. This mini-exhibit runs from now to January 15. The council display features the work of Christine den Hartogh, Michelle Kenner, Rachel Moore and Shann Whitaker who each bring their unique style and technique

Shann Whitaker’s Ocean Flight.

Top Kaipara art awards announced

The Kaipara Art Awards 2024 were announced in Mangawhai on October 18, after 48 artists competed for awards in five categories: 2D –painting, 2D – other media, 3D media work, emerging artist and youth.

The awards were judged by Megan Corbett and Barry Squire, artists and principals of Hangar Art and Framing gallery in Whangārei.

“Each artwork provoked much discussion and choosing the place-getters from such a diverse exhibition was no easy task,” said Megan in her opening remarks. “We recognise that while there will be celebration for some, there will be disappointment for others. But please, do not be disillusioned, believe in yourself, keep making and build on your art practice.

“As artists you should feel proud that you are participating in showing the region’s talent. Your commitment and engagement to create work and support the awards are incredible and appreciated. On reflection, this experience has left us in awe of the talent and depth of the local arts community.”

The winners in each category were:

• 2D painting: Pitmaster by Philippa MurrayAynsley. “A striking chromatic render with a particularly fine attention to detail in both

the portrait and the atmosphere.”

• 2D other media: The Road Less Travelled by Jocelyn Friis. “A well-executed work with gestural freedom, luscious under-painting layers, and interesting textures.”

• 3D media: Guidance by Nathan Hutchinson. “A cleverly constructed sculpture with a successful use of materials. A statement piece with a sense of poise and a positive message.”

• Judges’ award: The Honey Eaters by Clovis Viscoe. “A superb piece, beautifully crafted with an accomplished use of materials and apparent historical references. A work of poetic resonance.”

• Emerging artist award: Elijah in the Wilderness by Ayala Lavie. “A beautiful tonal and linear watercolour gently capturing a life essence, the title successfully underlines the image.”

• Youth award: Ant Hill by Juno Ruddenklau. “Impressive use of clay and glazes. Quirky, cool and fun.”

The final award, the people’s choice award, was announced at the conclusion of the exhibition, selected by visitors to the gallery. The winner was Philippa Murray-Aynsley with Pitmaster.

The Kaipara Art Awards are jointly organised by Mangawhai Artists Incorporated and Dargaville Arts Association. The top awards in each category are sponsored by The French Art Shop, Gordon Harris – The Art and Graphic Store, Assent Homes, Creative Northland and art lover Jean Allan.

“We could not run the awards without the support of our prize sponsors, Bennetts, the curator Elena Nikolaeva and the gallery team. We are enormously grateful to all of them,” said Belinda Vernon, on behalf of the organising committee.

Timeless classic of magic and adventure takes the stage

An enchanting Arabian Nights story told through the talent of local performers will soon be lighting up the stage in a production of the beloved tale of Aladdin. Mangawhai Players (MPS) will present four audience interactive shows over the weekend of November 22 to 24 at Maungaturoto’s Otamatea Repertory Theatre (ORT).

The show features a cast of 24 with nine main actors and a chorus of 15 local children, and ORT’s Maura and Peter Flower are also involved, bringing their years of experience to help bring the production to life, MPS co-founder and Aladdin producer Dave Kitson says.

“As with all great pantomimes, Aladdin is packed with humour, heart and unforgettable characters. Audiences will be treated to spectacular costumes, stunning set designs and of course, a happily-ever-after ending, where the heroes are united and justice prevails,” he says. “Although it takes the form of a play, it is a very different experience involving lots of audience participation with, everyone shouting and kids jumping up and down.”

Aladdin’s story is a childhood favourite for kids of all ages, complete with a hero and a princess, a wish-gifting genie, flying carpets, a wicked sorcerer and of course love triumphing over evil.

Kitson says MPS has a history of entertaining audiences and inspiring with classic tales, contemporary works and everything in between.

“Aladdin is perfect for audiences of all ages. Join us for an evening filled with laughter, romance and excitement as we bring this timeless story to life on stage.”

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/mpaladdin. More information: facebook.com/ mangawhaiplayers

Judges’ award winner Clovis Viscoe with The Honey Eaters. Photo: NinaG Photography.

3D media winner Nathan Hutchison with Guidance. Photo: NinaG Photography.

2D painting winner Philippa Murray-Aynsley with Pitmaster. Photo: NinaG Photography.