“Goodness gracious, do I really deserve this?” was retired Mangawhai farmer Richard Bull’s first reaction to the news that he had been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Richard’s award was announced in the New Years Honours list, recognising nearly 60 years’ service to conservation and the Kaipara community.
“It was very humbling,” he said. “It feels like a lot of people have done what I’ve done –I’ve been lucky to have worked with so many good people.
“I come from a family that was always
involved in the community, so I suppose I inherited the idea of community service. Things needed to be done and it was just a matter of putting your shoulder to the wheel and getting on with it.”
Over the past 56 years, Richard has been involved in many projects related to developing community assets and amenities. He chaired the Mangawhai Domain Society from 1979 to 1987, overseeing a new sports pavilion and tennis courts.
A pool was built at Mangawhai Beach Primary School during his term as chair of the school committee and he oversaw organisational
reform during his 10 years on the Mangawhai Library Hall Committee.
He served on the Kaipara District Council from 1992 to 2001, including a term as deputy mayor.
Richard was a founding member of the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, and is a current Life Member. He served as chair, supporting restoration and preservation of the harbour’s ecology from sediment build up, storm and sandmining damage.
He sold a portion of the sandspit, which formed part of his farm, for management by the Department of Conservation, donating
machinery and time to the replanting of the area. He also played a significant role in the development of the Mangawhai Coastal and Harbour Reserves Management Plan 2009, the blueprint for ongoing maintenance.
A keen advocate for preserving the district’s history, he was patron of the Mangawhai Historical Society and Museum in the 1980s and 1990s, and has financially supported further development projects since 2008.
“The contribution volunteers make to this community is what makes Mangawhai flourish,” Richard says. “There are a lot of good people doing a lot of good work and I commend them all.”
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Richard Bull’s award recognised a lifetime of service to the Mangawhai community.
Sand and the competition will be heating up soon as the annual sand sculpture comp gets to ready-set-go for January 26.
Sensational Sandsational comp
Armed with shovels, buckets, spades and other sculpting gadgets, local ‘sand artisans’ are gearing up to turn a blank beach canvas into a creative masterpiece at the 2025 Sandsational competition.
Held at Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach on Northland/Auckland Anniversary Weekend, January 26, the contest is the fifth annual event brought to the community by Mangawhai’s The REAL Team at Barfoot & Thompson (B&T) with support this year from the Mangawhai Lions.
Other key prize sponsors include Mangawhai businesses Bunnings, New World and the Vet Centre, as well as B&T Real Estate. The creations will be assessed by three local judges – artist Brent Sutherland, B&T manager John Davy and Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson.
A free Park & Ride shuttle bus service will be provided by Kaipara District Council,
offering a return trip from the Domain to the beach to limit traffic congestion.
The event will also feature the popular Fancy Dressed Dog and Owner, Drop the Golf Ball raffle, Kids Buried Treasure Hunt and spot prizes for the Tug-of-War contests. Participants will be vying for some massive prizes, event co-creator, The Real Team’s Dennis Emsley says.
“SAM the Samari warrior, Sand Art Mangawhai and Lions Club members look forward to greeting you on what promises to be another sensational Sandsational event,” he says. “Its a fun-filled day out for the whole family. Make a date and don’t be late!”
Sandsational competition, January 26, 10am3pm, Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach. Tickets are available from Mangawhai Lions, contact 021 419 224.
Mangawhai tones down festive revelry
Police at Mangawhai had a relatively quiet festive season, which Waitematā North area prevention manager, acting Inspector Roger Small, says may have been influenced by the cooler weather.
Extra patrols were carried out over the Christmas and New Year period, recognising the influx of holidaymakers.
Inspector Small said police were most commonly called to domestic disputes, often alcohol-fuelled. There were also a small number of drunk and disorderly incidents,
and some petty thefts from cars.
“Mangawhai wasn’t as crazy as it has been in previous years,” he said.
“In the past, large numbers of young people, often intoxicated, would hang around the streets after returning from Northern Bass on New Year’s Eve, causing problems. But this year, they seemed to disperse and go home. It was a little bit cooler so maybe that had something to do with it.”
Inspector Small said drivers’ behaviour on the roads was always a concern.
Paniora’s political future unknown
Kaipara District Council (KDC) Māori Ward representative Pera Paniora is still undecided about whether or not she will contest the local government election in October.
This follows last month’s High Court decision, which found that Kaipara District Council had met its legislative requirements when deciding to disestablish its Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori Ward last August.
The application for judicial review was brought before the court by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua
Paniora said she respected the court’s decision.
“The judgment notes there were instances where KDC consulted, and the judge noted my role as Māori Ward Councillor is still current, but that it remained questionable whether section 81 [of the Local Government Act which references contributions to decision-making processes by Māori] would still be satisfied after my term ends,” she said.
“All in all, I think there were positives from this judgment confirming council’s obligations to Māori. I feel that Kaipara provided a ‘what not to do’ example.”
Kaipara District Council introduced its Māori ward during the 2022 local elections, without holding a binding poll.
He said there would continue to be a significant police presence on local roads with a focus on seat belts, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, cellphone use while driving, and speed.
“These are killers.”
Road policing teams will also present on undivided rural roads where there is a greater risk of head-on collisions. He urged all road users to drive safely and “look after your mates”.
Growing opposition to Bream Bay fast-track sandmining proposal
BY JULIA WADE
In response to an Auckland excavation company moving its sights from Mangawhai’s seabed to the sands of Bream Bay, a local resistance movement has been mobilised, with locals gearing up to defend their surf and turf. Last year, McCallum Brothers Ltd (MBL) lodged an application through the controversial Fast Track Legislation (FTL) – the Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project proposes to take 8.45 million cubic metres of sand from the seabed over the next 35 years. This is equivalent to around 356,000 38-tonne truckloads.
If successful, MBL’s motorised sand dredger, the 68-metre William Fraser, could become a familiar sight along Bream Bay in the twilight hours, scouring a 17-kilometre stretch, 4.2 km off-shore up to five times a week.
In its FTL application, McCallums likened its dredging operations to “a vacuum cleaner operating on the seafloor”.
However, MBL’s proposal states that the bay’s indigenous biological diversity will not be adversely impacted and sandmining is important to supply the Auckland construction industry with concrete.
Expert panels involved in the fast-track process are set to start hearing applications this month.
Since starting six weeks ago, the Bream Bay sandmining resistance, which incorporates groups from Whangarei Heads to Langs Beach, has handed out thousands of fliers and spoken to hundreds of locals, students, business owners and international tourists to spread awareness of the potential activity and harmful environmental effects. A petition, Stop Sandmining Ruakaka/Bream Bay has already gained over 6000 signatures, spokesperson Emma Hart says.
“No one wants this, Bream Bay has everything to lose. It is our prized asset and it’s why we live, work and play here,” she says.
“New Zealand is one of the last developed countries to still dredge marine sand. It is the polar opposite of what a country like ours should be doing to showcase our guardianship of our land and waters.”
Hart disputes MBL’s claim that there is a sand supply issue for Auckland’s construction industry, and has been talking to sustainable mining companies in the Waikato and East Auckland which she says are spending millions of dollars scaling operations as they recognise the future of sandmining is on land, not at sea.
Last November, the Environment Court declined MBL’s consent to take two million cubic metres of sand from Pakiri-Mangawhai seafloor, found the company breached environmental consent conditions and awarded a record $500,000 in court costs. MBL has lodged an appeal in the High
Court and, in the interim, while continuing operations under a provisional consent, has turned its attention to Bream Bay, Hart says.
MBL states they are currently finalising their expert reports covering the ‘Fifteen Assessments of Effects’ including on marine mammals and ecology, cultural values, underwater acoustics, surf break assessment and economic benefits – and will soon have executive summaries available on the company’s website for people to view.
While a public meeting requested by the Bream Bay resistance group has yet to be scheduled, MBL says it plans to hold
Local politicians respond
A handful of Northland councillors are supporting the growing local opposition to proposed sandmining in Bream Bay.
Kaipara District Council (KDC) has backed locals fighting sandmining activities along Mangawhai-Pakiri coastline over the last four years. They filed submissions against two of MBL’s resource consent applications with former mayor Dr Jason Smith representing council at the hearings. Smith also attended the protest at Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach in 2022 where hundreds of people formed an SOS on the beach, an acronym for Save Our Sands.
Current Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson says council will continue to give the same support.
“We have always been very supportive in the opposition to sandmining this area,” he says.
“We don’t need to take sand from Bream Bay, this sand comes from the Waikato River, which deposited it thousands of years ago when it flowed out onto the east coast.
“It’s a finite resource. There is plenty of sand that needs to be taken from Kaipara Harbour, there is no issue in taking too much from there.”
Northland Regional Council (NRC) made an official submission on the Fast Track Legislation (FTL) acknowledging that while a fast-track process ‘is an important part of a modern resource management system’ they also have some concerns.
“We believe the current bill prioritises expedient decision-making over the potential environmental and cultural impacts of activities, and lacks adequate provisions for the participation of those affected, including
tangata whenua and local communities.”
Three NRC councillors have expressed individual support for the Bream Bay resistance group, including Cr Amy MacDonald.
“I am hearing loud and clear that our communities on the coast are opposed to sandmining in Bream Bay and are rising up in response to this proposal. I’ve heard from loads of people that they can’t believe it’s even a possibility,” she says. “Our communities on the coast love the ocean, it’s their food basket, their playground, their beautiful backyard –they will step up to protect it.”
Whangarei Mayor Vince Cocurullo says council is unable to have a position on the topic as the Bream Bay mining activities are related to NRC.
“While elected members may have a personal view, this is an area that falls outside the remit for Whangarei District Council to comment on.”
While acknowledging the concerns of the community, Minister for Resources Shane Jones stated that his “interest is in growing the contribution minerals extraction and fishing makes to the region, by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and generating tax revenue”.
“As well as being a key ingredient in the manufacture of concrete, sand is a bedding material for roads and pipes, and has many other uses. Having access to high-quality sand in sufficient quantities and in appropriate locations is essential for closing New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit … the closer we extract it to its location of use, the better.”
Horse chaff, kibble maize, rolled and whole barley, molasses and multi nuts.
Dog, puppy and catfoods plus a range of raw meats.
community consultation in the near future.
A public protest has been planned for Sunday, January 26 at Ruakaka Beach by the surf club at 11.30am, everyone is welcome to attend Hart says.
“Given that opposition to this proposal is growing by the day, this will be the start of many activations,” she says. “The Bream Bay seabed is a finite resource, when it’s gone, it’s gone forever. We have everything to fight for and we will.”
www.facebook.com/groups/ nosandminingbreambay
Jessie Stanley, a seasoned sandmining protester and member of Whanau o Pakiri, one group in the SOS-Save Our Sands alliance which successfully fought for the Mangawhai-Pakiri coastline, says she is convinced the Bream Bay group can achieve the same outcome.
“We have been delighted to see the action, energy and pace at which Bream Bay locals have taken up the charge on fighting against this proposal of unnecessary and destructive ocean floor sandmining, as well as the total rejection to this activity from all the councils in the region,” she says. “We’re also in disbelief that Shane Jones can’t read the room in his own backyard to know that his community is fiercely opposed to sandmining at Bream Bay, Pakiri and Mangawhai.”
Horses
Ducks
Calves
Chickens
Pigs
Cats Dogs
Alpacas
Bream Bay is marked for potential sandmining, prompting locals to band together to oppose a fast-track proposal and protect their stunning backyard.
NRC councillor Amy MacDonald has drawn a line in the sand and declared her support for locals fighting the sandmining.
Independent secondary school takes shape
Mangawhai’s first high school, due to open next month, became more of a reality when the first classroom arrived on the Tara Road site just before Christmas.
Mangawhai Hills College’s (MHC) new building was relocated from its Warkworth Keith Hay construction site on December 17. Measuring 20 metres by 7.2 metres, the building will accommodate two classrooms joined by a shared open space and bathroom facilities, as well as a wet room, locker space and a ‘breakout room’ for group work or for teachers to work individually with students. In recent weeks, a building containing an office, staffroom, sickbay and an open-plan space, with adjacent bathroom and foyer area, has also been moved on site. A deck with access ramps has been built to connect the two structures.
Another set of double classrooms, which can house up to 40 students, will eventually be added, creating an internal courtyard with north-facing views over the bushlands.
Mangawhai Education Trust [MET] spearheads the ambitious school development and chair Jill Corkin says that while there have been stress points, the project has also
been fun.
“We took the kids down to Warkworth to see their new classroom and seeing their faces light up and how happy they were, you could tell it was beginning to dawn on them that this is a real thing, it’s really going to happen and they were right at the start of this,” she says.
“They started planning where things might go and have already renamed the breakout room the ‘chill-out space.’ It’s great for them to have that level of decision-making, as foundation students they’ll probably never get this opportunity again in their lifetime.”
Students will also be involved in discussions about a prospective uniform as part of the “big visioning week”, which will be supported by an outside facilitator at the start of the school term.
“As we’re a fee-paying school, we haven't wanted to load the parents up with too many costs straight away. We want students to have real and meaningful input, discussing and debating why you have a uniform and how do you design it so that it’s gender neutral, comfortable, fit for purpose and affordable,” Corkin says. “If it's something we do decide
to have, they’ll have more ownership as they've been part of the decision-making.”
Besides MHC’s main intention to forge a strong connection between students and their community, the school also intends to have a strong environmental focus. Students will be looking after the bush and creek on their school grounds, as well as involved with local groups such as Piroa Trust and the Shorebirds Trust in their pilot programme to create a bird corridor from Pakiri to the Brynderwyns.
Corkin says that as MHC is situated on leased land in the Mangawhai Hills development, it is also a good opportunity to learn about urban planning concepts, and how to develop land “in a sensitive way”.
“There’s a lot of things to learn with a community growing up around the school, even the mechanics of developing a subdivision such as the need for planting and wastewater systems. We’ll also be doing water testing to help protect the stream’s ecology.” Students may also be part of further progress, such as the developer’s plans to open up a large covenanted bush area nearby with public walkways and tracks.
“It's about protecting the environment, making good decisions about how to cope with growth. I really like that idea because it links the kids into thinking about Mangawhai as a whole, how it might change over their lifetime and how they may or may not contribute to that,” Corkin says. “That's why the school is here, for students to explore their local area and learn about the whenua (land).”
The lease on the Tara Road site expires in five to seven years, so the school will be working on a “big fundraising effort” to buy land in a nearby valley for a permanent site. However, until then, Corkin says that with the arrival of more classrooms, the school will be able to cater for up to 120 students.
“The school has ended up costing more money than we anticipated at the start. Like any building project, you think it’s going to cost X and then you get XX, and these little bits you didn’t anticipate creep in,” she says. “However, we’ve been just so blessed with the donations that we’ve received and the financial backing. We couldn’t have done it otherwise.”
Mangawhai Education Trust chair Jill Corkin was on site when the first two buildings at the soon-to-be-opened Mangawhai Hills College were unloaded just before Christmas.
Mangawhai plans day-long Waitangi Day celebration
Plans are underway to commemorate Aotearoa New Zealand’s significant national day in Mangawhai this year.
From dawn to dusk, Waitangi Day celebrations are being organised for February 6, spearheaded by Mangawhai Business Association (MBA) with event assistance by a working group from the broader community. MBA successfully sourced funding from the Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund and will be responsible for dispensing the money, where needed, to coordinate the event. The fund is administered by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to help promote greater awareness of Waitangi Day.
Events will be centred around Mangawhai Community Park, which includes the Museum, Daring Trust, Historic Village and Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ), as well as the estuary where Mangawhai Rotary’s Learn to Sail group will run a sailing event.
Celebrations will begin at sunrise with a dawn service on the grounds of Mangawhai Museum and the Historic Village with guest
speakers talking about Te Tiriti and local history. In the afternoon through to early evening, a music festival showcasing headline act, Boh Runga, and local artists will be held on the MAZ green.
Other listed activities include cultural performances such as kapa haka and a variety of stalls including Kai Māori, interactive crafts and local produce, MBA chair Stephen Owles says.
“This will give our Kaipara community an opportunity to showcase a variety of traditional and modern arts, food, crafts and fun activities for all ages,” he says.
“We welcome all our Kaipara community particularly our local Iwi and cultural groups within our district to participate and come and celebrate our national day.”
A complete event programme will be advertised in the Mangawhai Focus and other media channels prior to the day.
To enquire about running an event, food stall or provide entertainment, MBA can be contacted at secretary@mangawhai.co.nz
Landfill appeals quashed
Te Rūnanga Ngāti Whātua and Forest & Bird have lost their High Court appeals against the Environment Court’s interim decision a year ago that consent for a huge new regional landfill might be granted if Waste Management NZ (WM) could resolve certain issues.
In a decision released late on December 19, Justice Christian Whata said the appeals concerning the proposed mega-dump on 1000 hectares south of Wellsford, which can only be made on points of law, should be dismissed. However, he made it clear that it wasn’t a straightforward decision and some aspects were only dismissed because they came after the interim, rather than final, decision and so were premature.
“It is only with the benefit of the deep interrogation of the decision, evidence and law, have I been able to reach that conclusion that each of the appeal grounds should be
dismissed,” he said.
“The final judgment will nevertheless need to more clearly address how the competing tikanga ā-iwi positions are resolved and the basis upon which a ‘no material harm’ result is achieved, especially in relation to extent of river loss.”
Judge Whata said the High Court case had been complex and difficult.
“While the appeal grounds have been dismissed, and in some key respects the appeals were premature, there were also public interest aspects to these appeals, with several important areas.”
He added that because the appeals were dismissed there was no need to resolve an application by Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust to strike out the Ngāti Whātua and Forest & Bird appeals, but if it had been necessary, he would have dismissed it.
Strong showing from Kaipara YFC
The odds of a local taking out the northern regional title in the Young Farmer of the Year competition are stacked pretty high this year, with five of the seven finalists coming from the Kaipara Young Farmers club.
Kurtis Danks, Kate Hawkings, Jamie Hodges, Justin Mann and Daniel Richards will all be competing in the farming skills contest at Helensville A&P Showgrounds on Saturday, February 1.
They will be joined by two other northern finalists – Justin Ruygrok from Franklin Young Farmers and Jack Holloway of the
Auckland Young Farmers club.
Several of the Kaipara finalists are already old hands at the annual FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition, which involves a day of practical tests, such as fencing and stock judging, followed by an intense head-to-head agricultural knowledge quiz in the evening.
The winner from the Helensville comp will go on to represent the northern region against six other competitors at the national grand final, which this year is being held in Invercargill from July 3 to 5.
New principal keen to build community connections
Rodney College students will return to school at the end of this month to find a new name on the principal’s door.
After 11 years leading the school and 40 years in the profession, Irene Symes has retired.
“I want to find out what else I can do, and put my energy into, while I still can,” she said. “I have plans to travel around Aotearoa and abroad, volunteer locally in environmental projects where needed and make inroads on the huge pile of books that I’ve acquired over the years.
“I have had a very rewarding time as principal at Rodney College and will miss the students and staff hugely.”
Symes’ replacement is former James Cook High School deputy principal Laurence Caltaux, who will be officially welcomed with a pōwhiri on February 3.
Mangawhai Focus invited the new principal to introduce himself …
Your last position was deputy head of James Cook High School – what made you want to shift north?
There were both personal and professional motivations behind my decision to take up the role of principal at Rodney College. James Cook High School has been a significant part of my journey, as it is not only where I served as deputy head but also the community where I was raised and attended primary and intermediate school. My mother still lives in Manurewa, and contributing to the community that shaped me has been really rewarding.
The move to Rodney College offers an exciting opportunity to bring my experience and philosophy to a new context – one that values close community connections and innovative learning pathways, integrates cultural perspectives and local values, demonstrates a commitment to excellence, and shares the belief in the power of schools to transform lives.
Do you have any connections in this district? How familiar are you with Wellsford and Mangawhai?
I have roots in this area – my grandparents
farmed on Streamlands Swamp Road, and my parents later took over the land before moving to Manurewa. Later in life, my father lived in Shelly Beach and Parakai, while my mother’s family was based in Whangarei. I’m excited to immerse myself in the Wellsford and Mangawhai communities, and to learn more about the area and what makes it so unique.
Can you give us a brief overview of your teaching career?
I started my teaching career at Liston College in Henderson, teaching English, religious education, and computing, before moving to Sacred Heart College in Glen Innes – first as head of computing, and later as assistant principal. Following this, I held deputy principal roles at Pompallier College in Whangarei, St Paul’s College in Ponsonby, and most recently, James Cook High School. Over the years, I’ve led a wide range of portfolios, including curriculum, pastoral care and operations, with several extended stints as acting principal.
Throughout my career, I’ve been focused on fostering inclusive, student-centred learning environments and leading schools through change and growth, with a strong emphasis on values and building culture. Outside of education, I spent several years in the corporate sector as a training manager and national learning and development manager, leading learning and development teams across New Zealand.
What do you hope to bring to the school in terms of learning opportunities and ethos?
I aim to build on Rodney College’s strong foundations by prioritising student achievement, community engagement and a culture of inclusivity. Every student should strive for personal excellence, leaving Rodney College with Level 3 NCEA and University Entrance – whether their pathway is study, sports, arts, trades or employment. Achieving at a Merit or Excellence level should be the goal. Our school size means we can focus on individuals and know our students, which makes the difference.
I also want to bring a continued commitment
to resourcing and supporting staff to provide a well-rounded education, with opportunities for students to participate in leadership development, cultural activities like kapa haka and music, sports, and community service as part of their growth. Incorporating these into the junior diploma for Year 9 and 10 is something to investigate.
I believe schools enrol families, not just students. Engaging families – through coaching, work experience, sharing expertise, or simply sitting down for some food and a cup of tea – creates the partnerships that make a real difference. The values of Rodney College are really explicit and reflect what kind of community we want to be. I’ll encourage everyone, staff and students, to embrace our shared responsibility in making Rodney College a positive and rewarding place to learn and work.
Do you have any specific areas of interest in education?
I did a postgraduate certificate in applied practice (digital and collaborative learning) in 2014 and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary School Leadership through Victoria University in 2021. I’m passionate about integrating technology into teaching and learning where it adds value – data, as they say, is a great disinfectant, bringing clarity to what works and what doesn’t. I also have a growing interest in AI and its potential to transform many aspects of our students’
lives.
Equally important to me is culturally responsive leadership – ensuring every student’s identity, language and culture is celebrated and reflected throughout their education. Communities need to see their values represented in all parts of the school, and I’ll prioritise regular engagement to ensure we’re getting this right. Indicators like low attendance or achievement often signal when a community’s connection to a school needs strengthening, and addressing this is vital to fostering success.
What are your interests outside of school?
Family is central to much of what I do. My wife Rachel and I met in school and are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this year. We have four children, all following different paths. Our eldest is a pilot based in Samoa, our second is starting her BSc Honours in neurology in Dunedin, our third is entering his second year of a property degree at Auckland University, and our youngest is beginning Year 11 at Green Bay High School. We enjoy spending time together, whether supporting their sports or connecting with extended family. My 96-year-old mother-inlaw, Ruth, also lives with us, adding to our family.
Outside of family, I enjoy sports, fishing and music. Giving back to the community is deeply important to me, and I value opportunities to make meaningful contributions.
What would you like to say to the school community here?
I’m excited to join the Rodney College whānau and look forward to working closely with staff, students and families to ensure every young person feels valued and supported. Together, we can build on the school’s proud legacy and create even greater opportunities for our students. I encourage the community to connect with me – I’m here to listen, collaborate and grow alongside them. I look forward to meeting everyone in the coming year.
I would also like to acknowledge Irene Symes and the work she has done and wish her well
Laurence Caltaux takes over the reins of Rodney College this month.
Viewpoint
Mark
Vincent Otamatea Ward
Why we need museums
My wife and I got called in at short notice to join a friend providing some music as part of the Mangawhai Museum’s10th birthday celebrations. As I listened to speeches from the present board chair Jill and past chair Christine, I heard a lot about the “how” of the Mangawhai Museum – in large part an army of able and motivated worker bee volunteers. As well as acknowledging their efforts, I also got to thinking about why we have museums. To me, a museum is not just a collection of old artefacts, although they can act as signposts helping us to visualise where we came from to get to be where we are now. A great example is the Mangawhai Museum’s feature of the story of the Big Dig, which reopened the northern entrance of the Mangawhai Harbour – without it Mangawhai would be a very different place today. Another example would be the construction of the causeways linking the Village and the Heads. By collecting and conserving things, museums help us remember and learn from these past events and what people have achieved over time.
In a rapidly changing world, museums are essential in preserving knowledge, fostering learning and creativity, and providing a sense of identity – who we are and where we came from. They are spaces that allow us to explore the past, understand the present, and even inspire future generations. Looking to the past can be a launching pad to the
future. I am always amazed by the ingenuity and enterprise of our forebears, given the technology they had to work with.
The volunteers will never be without a job –museums must change and renew themselves on an ongoing basis if they want to stay relevant – current events become tomorrow’s history. And, of course, the audience is changing – I have to accept that what interests my generation will not necessarily interest future generations in terms of both the content and the way it is presented. That is a huge challenge.
I am advised that one of the displays which now generates the most interest at The Kauri Museum is the chainsaw collection. That won’t necessarily be the case in 20 years’ time. Visitors should be able to see, touch and engage with objects that bring history to life in a way books and lectures cannot. This hands-on experience fosters curiosity and learning. It can also cost money to provide.
You might be aware that through the current draft Annual Plan consultation process, Kaipara District Council is considering striking a targeted rate to support the district’s three museums. This will help them keep the lights on and deal with the ongoing adaptation required to keep them relevant. As always, we’d welcome your views.
Disclaimer: the views expressed in this article are the writer’s personal opinions and not council policy.
Family fun day moves to Anniversary Weekend
The tiny west coast community of Birds Beach is once again hosting the annual Tapora summer family fun day, this year during Anniversary Weekend, on Sunday, January 26.
In the past, the event has been held around the New Year holiday, but organiser Maggie Hunt says this year it is a few weeks later to allow more time to organise everything and in the hope that the weather will be warmer.
As ever, the emphasis is on good oldfashioned games, races and activities, with all funds raised going to the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.
The ever-popular water slide will return, as well as a tug-of-war, rounders match, lolly scramble, sack race and lots more games and races, with prizes for everyone, plus a sausage sizzle, ice-creams and drinks.
There are also colouring competitions for all ages and a guess the number of lollies in a jar contest.
Meanwhile, the grown-ups can buy fresh baking and produce, Tapora merchandise
and tickets for two huge raffles – the Premier Mega-Raffle, with premium prizes and vouchers, at $5 a ticket, or the Super-Duper Classic choose your prize draw, at $2 a ticket, or three for $5.
Hunt says she is still happy to receive prizes for both draws, and is also looking for volunteer help on the day.
“If anyone has anything to donate for raffles, no matter how small – vouchers, toys, cakes, books, produce, any goodies – all will be gratefully received.”
She says the range of prizes this year will be as diverse as ever, including two $200 vouchers for boat servicing from new sponsor Shore Marine.
The fun day will take place at Tapora Beach Domain from 11.30am to 2.30pm-ish. Anyone attending is advised to bring cash, sunscreen, water, sunhats, chairs and shoes to cope with prickle grass at the domain. Info and donations: Contact Maggie Hunt on 021 271 5544 or maggie.hunt@xtra.co.nz
Scan the QR code to book an appointment or call now and speak to Mike directly on 021 579 324 Visit mwmortgages.nz for more info and our latest customer reviews.
9.00am
*For travel within Whangārei see CityLink Whangārei timetable www.citylinkwhangārei.co.nz or get your timetable from the Rose Street office.
AFTERNOON
Clan Matheson chief visits Waipu
Waipu’s links with Scotland will be strengthened when the Chief of Clan Matheson, Sir Alexander Matheson, and his wife Katharine (Lady Matheson), visit next month.
Their visit to New Zealand is a private one but they will be taking part in a Clan Matheson event hosted by the Waipu Scottish Migration Museum.
This will be of particular interest to those with Matheson heritage, but everyone is welcome.
The informal gathering will be on Sunday, February 9, at 4 pm, in the Heritage School immediately behind the Waipu Scottish Migration Museum, vehicle access off Halifax Drive.
Clan Matheson Chief’s Lieutenant for New Zealand, Andrew Matheson, says this will be a great opportunity to mix with others with an interest in Matheson heritage, meet Sir Alexander and Lady Matheson, and hear about Clan Matheson activities around the world.
“Museum volunteers will provide afternoon tea, and donations to the museum would be welcome,” Andrew says.
“Visitors are welcome to visit the museum before the gathering, and there will be an opportunity to continue meeting Mathesons over dinner, with details to be announced on the day.”
Lieutenant Colonel Sir Alexander Matheson is the 8th Baronet of Lochalsh and 28th Chief of the Clan.
He succeeded to the baronetcy and to the chiefship on the death of his father Sir Fergus Matheson in 2017.
Following three years at Durham University, Sir Alexander joined the Coldstream Guards as his father, grandfather, three uncles, three first cousins and both godfathers had done before him. He served as a regular officer from 1973 to 2001 in the UK and on many overseas postings.
He later headed the British Schools Exploring Society before becoming secretary of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood at St James’s Palace. He has served in the royal household as a gentleman usher and extra equerry to HM Queen Elizabeth II and to HM King Charles III. Alexander and Katharine divide their time between Berkshire and the Isle of Skye, and have three married children.
Sir Alexander Matheson and Lady Katherine Matheson pictured at Edinburgh Castle..
Doug Lloyd Chairman, Mangawhai Matters
To
dredge or not
to dredge –the wider picture
Mangawhai, like other coastal communities, is having to front up to the threat of a more volatile climate. So, it is disappointing to see our representative on the Northland Regional Council Rick Stolwerk disagreeing with local Kaipara councillor Mike Howard on the possibility of dredging the accumulation of sand from the channel near Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park (MF, Dec 2)
Mr Stolwerk dismisses the possibility by citing dredging in Whangarei Harbour where it is justified to “keep their operations going”. The dredging he refers to provides a private economic benefit to the listed company, Channel Infrastructure (formerly NZ Refining Company), which funds it.
The only difference in Mangawhai is that dredging here provides a public, rather than private, benefit.
Mr Stolwerk also points out that the regional council has no legislative responsibility to keep harbour waters navigable, and is concerned simply with structures and safety. It does, however, have a regulatory role with a direct bearing on the condition and use of the harbour through the Coastal Regional Plan it administers.
Maintaining navigability is a role that Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society undertakes on behalf of the community, subject to the conditions imposed on it by the regional council. The society is funded to do this by ratepayers because doing so provides benefits to a wide range of people and organisations.
The regional council must consider the economic significance of our harbour should it be faced with an application for a change to or extension of the current dredging resource consent. For example, we estimate the value of the benefits visitors enjoy by coming to Mangawhai at over $50 million a year. This is based on what they spend on travel and accommodation simply to get and stay here. Our research also shows that while people from outside Kaipara were here, they spent another $50 million in local businesses in the last financial year, or 40 per cent of total Mangawhai sales.
We know that many of these visitors come to enjoy the harbour. Over a third of respondents to our 2023 visitor survey said they swim in it,
five per cent that they participate in paddling sports, eight per cent go ocean fishing via the harbour, and five per cent fish in the harbour. It follows that a large share of local incomes and jobs will be at risk if the harbour becomes less useable or attractive to visitors.
Much of the residential appeal of Mangawhai can also be attributed to the quality of the harbour. An earlier (2021) survey asked respondents to rank the measures (from a list of 11) that they thought most important to manage Mangawhai’s growth. Protection of the harbour was by far the highest priority given by both residents and visitors.
The appeal of the harbour goes a long way to explaining why Mangawhai’s growth rate is the highest in the country, with the population more than doubling between 2013 and 2023.
A strong residential sector in turn supports a strong job market. Together, growth in resident and visitor numbers explain the expansion of local retailing, construction and services. These activities jointly accounted for nearly 96 per cent of Mangawhai-based jobs. Therefore, the harbour is critical to sustaining Mangawhai incomes and jobs. For both visitors and residents, the economic consequences will be far reaching if it becomes less attractive. For Mr Stolwerk to dismiss the value of a functioning harbour shows little understanding of how it underpins the community’s very existence. As if the economic benefits of a healthy and usable harbour are not enough to justify investment in protecting it, the Dickson report raises the prospect that the spit’s role as the harbour’s protective barrier will be threatened if we encounter storms like the one that breached it in 1978. Major spit inundation or another breach would put at risk the biodiversity associated with a healthy harbour and the spit.
Mangawhai Matters is currently seeking to extend its research into the environmental consequences of such prospects. Replenishing the parts of the spit vulnerable to flooding by dredging sand blown into the channel back onto the spit may be an important option for reducing any climate-related threat to Mangawhai’s distinctive physical environmental and economic wellbeing.
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New seating for summertime dining
Visitors looking to picnic along the estuary at Alamar Reserve now have more chances of getting a seat during the busy summer season, thanks to a local community group.
Mangawhai Lions Club (MLC) took on a mission to get four new picnic tables set up on the grass area of the popular park in time for the Christmas crowd. The large eight-seaters were successfully installed on December 5 and have already seen plenty of use, club secretary Amanda Hebben says.
Folk dancers visit town
Armed with sticks and hankies, a troupe of more than 100 dancers will be in Mangawhai this week to entertain locals with an ancient choreography style.
As part of their national Pot Hole Tour, the Whangarei Morris Dancers (WMD) will perform two free events this Thursday, January 16, on the grounds of Mangawhai Historical Village at 10.30am, before heading to Mangawhai Tavern for lunch and another performance at 2pm.
Hot Rod tickets
Additional funding was donated by the Lions Club Lloyd Morgan Charitable Trust, with proceeds from MLC’s sausage sizzles and Christmas cake sales topping up the required cost.
Local businesses were also involved with the construction of the project. Sculpt It Contractors’ Zayne Cave and CHR Builders’ Clinton Rogers assisted with the ground
“Many Lions members live nearby and use the Alamar Reserve, and often the few available picnic tables were always full,” she says. “Of course, over the summer period, the need for them only increases so we applied for and were successful in getting a grant from the Kaipara District Council Reserve Contributions Fund.”
preparation and laying of the concrete pad, Placemakers Mangawhai donated timber for the boxing and Bunnings Mangawhai supplied the security fencing.
“We are very grateful to everyone who pitched in, especially Zayne and Clinton who volunteered their time and expertise for free. A special thanks also to Sam Walton and Jenny Rooney, from KDC, who helped us work through all the necessary paperwork required,” Hebben says. “The project came in at just under $14,000 and we were happy to be able to complete this in time for the Christmas holiday rush for everyone to enjoy.”
Kumeu Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival is roaring into town for three days from January 17 to 19. It’s a family-friendly event with free entry for kids. We’re giving you the chance to win a pair of VIP tickets, which includes access to an exclusive area at the festival where you can park yourself, recharge and enjoy a complimentary coffee. So put the pedal to the metal – email your name and number to editor@localmatters. co.nz before 3pm on January 15.
Dating back to the 15th century, Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance involving rhythmic stepping, sticks, swords and handkerchiefs with dancers dressed in costumes including bells tied to their shins and shoes.
The performance will also include members of an American Morris dancing group, WMD’s Julie Scott says.
“The national tour is where all the Morris sides in New Zealand come together for fun, workshops and lots of public dancing,” she says. “We dance in kit in groups of six or eight or en mass with live musicians. It is very entertaining for spectators.”
As part of their tour, the troupe has already performed at One Tree Point and Waipu, and will head to Whangarei for two shows on January 17 and 18. The shows are free and everyone is welcome.
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Cheers for the new picnic tables – Mangawhai Lions members, including secretary Amanda Hebben (front left), with a few Alamar Reserve neighbours, celebrating the installation of the eight-seaters which the community group installed.
Large gala crowds give welcome boost to ensure Domain’s future
The annual Mangawhai Domain Gala drew thousands of holidaymakers, visitors and locals on January 2.
More than 100 stalls including many local vendors spread over the domain grounds, offering a wide range of wares from various cuisines, clothing, crystals and crafts to leather goods, woodwork and plants. An assortment of children’s outdoor entertainment including bouncy castles, horse rides and tours in the St John’s ‘ambulance’ were also available.
The ongoing buzz in the air from Warkworth helicopter operators Skywork proved the rides were a hit with punters, as people took the opportunity to get a bird’s-eye view of Mangawhai.
Mangawhai Domain Society chair Mike McGarry said Skywork hadn’t attended since 2017, but when approached, the company was keen to return.
“To see Mangawhai from the air is normally beyond the reach of people and children, and the helicopter never stopped flying from the start of the gala to finish,” he says. “They even gave a little downward drop thrill as the flight returned to base – legend! Our sincere thanks to the entire team for bringing this excitement to the gala.”
Environmental watchdogs Sustainable Kaipara were on hand with an enlisted volunteer crew to advise the crowd on rubbish disposal, keeping the grounds relatively clear and clean, while Mangawhai’s Volunteer Fire Brigade
gave multiple displays on fire safety. Live music from local group Totally Uked and rock band DNA also added to the carnival atmosphere and even inspired some to get up and dance.
The crowd over the day was estimated at more than 6000.
Proceeds from the gala help to maintain the community-owned complex.
“Most people do not know the operating costs to keep this greenfield area viable and open to the public. We do not receive any operational funding from council or central government and, as a registered charity, we have strict rules,” McGarry said. “Annual donations made to us equal less than $1000.”
As the domain runs as a commercial venture, commercial rates apply to operating costs and per annum, MDS has to pay more than $10,000 in insurance, $3245.00 in rates, approximately $4000 for power and $1600 for internet, plus other miscellaneous costs.
“On behalf of the society, a special thanks to holidaymakers who made up most of the crowd numbers, and to all volunteers and operators as well as Wharehine’s for traffic management, Mangawhai Rescue, St John Ambulance and all who contributed,” McGarry said. “Thanks also to the domain’s committee and board members for all their efforts, such a great team. Everyone made the 2025 Gala an absolute success!”
Kaipara Kōrero
News from Kaipara District Council
Follow new Check, Clean, Dry rules
Shared path works
Are you planning a trip to Kai Iwi Lakes at the iconic Taharoa Domain? Before you arrive at the Domain, play your part in protecting the lakes from invasive freshwater gold clams. Follow the Check, Clean, Dry rules for all watercraft, gear, or clothing used at other lakes or rivers. Biosecurity spot checks are being done during the summer break. Find details on new Check, Clean, Dry rules and the latest information about the invasive gold clam at Biosecurity.govt.nz/freshwaterclams
The second phase of the Mangawhai shared path works kick off this month. From the second week of October our contractors Fulton Hogan will begin works by building a retaining wall from 90 Molesworth Drive down to the causeway. Traffic management will be in place while they undertake this work.
Go to mangawhaicommunityplan.co.nz for more information on Phase 2 and the wider shared path network.
Voting for local elections closes 8 October
Upcoming council meetings
Mangawhai residents are asked to flush
• Council Workshop, 9.30am Wed 29 Jan - Public Excluded Session
We’re asking Mangawhai house owners and residents on the wastewater system to flush water through their drains, toilets and showers and make sure their water traps are full.
• Council Briefing, 9.30am Mon 3 Feb, Sportsville DargavilleMemorial Park, Dargaville and on YouTube
Recent monitoring at pumpstations has detected elevated levels of hydrogen sulphide in the pipes coming from houses and the wastewater network. Hydrogen sulphide is the key odour contaminant from wastewater systems –in low concentrations it has the distinctive smell of rotten eggs.
Get your votes in the post by Tuesday 4 October 2022 to ensure it’s received before voting closes at 12 noon Saturday 8 October 2022. Voting papers can also be hand delivered to one of the ballot boxes at Council offices before voting closes.
If you are eligible to vote but haven’t received voting papers in your letterbox, you can call the Electoral Officer on 0800 922 822 to be posted a special vote. You can also pick up a special vote pack from a Kaipara District Council office. Find out more about voting in local elections in Kaipara at kaipara.govt.nz/council/local-elections
Kaipara Kōrero
Check it’s alright before you light
Finish line in sight for loo projects
Shared path update
The fire season status can change at any time. Head to checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires and keep an eye out for fire ban signs.
The new toilet facilities on Alamar Crescent will soon be open for use. This includes a mobility parking space outside the toilet building.
Downer is working hard to get construction done through the winter period, in time to have the third phase of the shared path open for use when summer rolls round again. Please be kind to workers on site – their efforts keep the traffic flowing as smoothly as possible -- and take care when travelling through the areas.
Pay your rates by direct debit
Works on new toilets at Lincoln Reserve are in the final stages. Look out for some artwork on the building that celebrates the Tara Iti / Fairy Tern and Mangawhai’s natural environment. Coming soon!
There’s plenty happening across different areas:
The easiest way to make rates payments is by direct debit. You can make your payments weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or annually.
New crops for second season
Sunflowers and squash will soon be brightening up the Kaipara Water demonstration sites.
We can help you set the direct debit up and do all the administration for you.
By the end of next week the Downer team working between Wood Street and Findlay Street will complete this section and move south, between Findlay and Awatea Street. There will be traffic management in this section including stop/go on Molesworth Drive and a road closure on Awatea Street (residents only will have access).
The sites are at Te Kopuru and Maunganui Bluff. Both are set up as working examples of the ways in which different irrigation techniques can support land diversification across Kaipara District.
You won’t have to remember to pay your bill and there’s no need for you to contact the bank or adjust your payments when rates change.
We’ll give you plenty of notice and adjust your payments annually.
Squash on site 1 will be watered using sprinklers. Site 2 hosts a 242m centre pivot irrigator, which can irrigate up to ten hectares. Council has contracted Northland Inc to manage both sites.
The shared path team have also been working on the section along Molesworth Drive by ITM and MAZ (Mangawhai Community Park). From 1 July southbound traffic will be diverted around Moir Point Road/Seabreeze Road for approximately two-three weeks. The detour route adds only a couple of minutes to journeys, keeps traffic flowing and avoids a stop/go, and was identified as the best solution after consulting with many of the businesses in the area. Northbound traffic will continue to use Molesworth Drive.
You can also pay using:
Bill payment
The sites are part of Kaipara KickStart supported by the government’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
Credit card online or Eftpos at our office
Wandering stock and roaming dogs
You’ll find more information at kaipara.govt.nz/rates
You can contact our friendly team by phone 0800 727 059 or email revenue@kaipara.govt.nz if you need a hand.
From 1 July there will also be stop/go for two weeks between Old Waipu Road and Mangawhai Central, in order to complete piling and associated works on the shared path.
Spring has sprung and so have all the animals! This is a particularly important time of year for our farmers with spring farming in full swing and paddocks brimming with calves and lambs. Our animal management team is asking dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets and make sure they are confined within their properties.
Keep an eye on wandering stock too. It’s a good time to check your fences and make sure cows and sheep are securely enclosed in their paddocks.
• Remuneration and Development Committee, (public excluded), 1pm Mon 10 Feb, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai
While elevated levels of the gas in the wastewater system is not unusual, we’re asking residents, and in particular bach owners, to run water through their systems and make sure their water traps are working as they should.
• District Plan Review Workshop, 9.30am Wed 12 Feb - Public Excluded Session
• If you have been away for a while and smell odour, open your windows and doors when you arrive, and do a quick run of all your taps, showers, baths, flush the toilets.
• Same applies if you have a bathroom or laundry that hasn’t been used for a while. Running water (just for a short time) ensures your trap is full of water and working as an airtight seal, blocking any gases from coming back into your house.
• Rates Review Hearings, 1pm Wed 12 Feb, Lighthouse Function Centre, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville and on YouTube
• Mangawhai Community Park Governance Committee, 9.30am Tues 18 Feb, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai
Don’t know what a water trap is? The trap is the bend part of the pipe found under sinks, showers, baths and laundry tubs. A water trap is designed to always hold a small amount of water in the bend of the pipe, creating a seal or plug which prevents foul odours and gas from entering homes. Toilets also have one. Each time you run water, flush toilets, take a shower, the trap is filled with new water.
• Council Meeting, 10am Wed 26 Feb, Lighthouse Function Centre, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville and on YouTube
• Rates Review – Deliberations, 3.30pm Wed 26 Feb, Lighthouse Function Centre, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville and on YouTube
The elevated levels are due in part to some house connections not being used often, causing wastewater to stagnate in some pipes and release hydrogen sulphide as it breaks down. Breathing high levels of hydrogen sulphide in confined spaces can be fatal.
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.
Our team is keeping a close eye on the hydrogen sulphide levels and are taking necessary actions to reduce the gas to an acceptable level.
Info on water quality and swimming conditions
New mobility park
Did you know, you can see up to the minute information on water quality and swimming conditions at popular swimming spots in Kaipara? Check it out at safeswim.org.nz
We’re trialling a temporary mobility park outside the Wood Street supermarket, following requests from the community. Look for the markings on the ground and do your bit by leaving this space clear for those with mobility issues who really need it.
Summer feeling
New footpath for Ellen
The Wood Street interim design remains in place through to 2023, when we implement the permanent layout. For more info go to mangawhaicommunityplan.co.nz
Some of our kaimahi (staff) have been sharing their special spots in Kaipara recently.
Meet T.D. Kuchel
Last week works started on Ellen Street to construct a new footpath and drainage. The Downer team is expected to finish the footpath off this week sometime, with some work still to do on associated drainage.
Jasmine says she loves “Tangihua Forest and Ranges in Tangiteroria. Definitely one of my favourite places in Kaipara, whether admiring from a distance, watching the mist roll off the ranges, or the sun come up over them in the morning or walking through the forest, they definitely are very special.”
International author T.D. Kuchel, will be at Mangawhai Library at 3pm 12 October for a talk about their latest title, The Passage of Conquest. Come along to hear all about this gripping, fast paced, time travel, historical adventure and meet T.D. Kuchel.
The Passage of Conquest is available to borrow from all Kaipara Libraries. Borrow or place on hold on our website, the Kaipara Libraries app.
Where do you take your whānau and friends when they come to visit?
Local New Year’s art exhibit draws crowd
A palette of creativity was on display at the Monday Art Group’s annual two-day exhibition on January 3 and 4.
The event attracted 180 visitors and added a splash of colour to the Senior Citizens Community Hall at Fagan Place.
This year’s exhibition theme was a personal portrayal of Mangawhai by the group’s 33 artists. The beauty of the area was showcased through various styles and methods from abstract works to contemporary designs, landscapes, portraits and even paper mosaic guitars.
Marion Bilton, spokesperson for the art group that has been running for over 40 years, says like previous events the exhibit had a happy vibe.
“The artists gladly shared their methods and inspiration for their work with the visitors and some good sales were made. The visitors also enjoyed participating in the People's Choice Award, which Sandra Donaldson
won with her painting depicting Mangawhai Heads. She was delighted with the win.”
Monday Art Group weekly sessions are held at Senior Citizens Community Hall, Fagan Place 9.30 am. New members welcome.
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Overlooking the pristine sands of Langs Beach, this contemporary 345m² residence designed by the acclaimed Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects offers the perfect blend of modern design and coastal elegance. With 5 generously proportioned bedrooms, a spacious study, and 4 bathrooms (including two ensuites), this home is designed for both comfort and style.
The kitchen with an oversized island opens to adjacent dining and exquisite lounge areas, ideal for family gatherings and entertaining. The soaring doubleheight living room leads directly onto a north-facing, sheltered terrace and flat lawn, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, perfect for alfresco dining and relaxation.
Throughout the home, American oak hardwood flooring adds warmth and sophistication to the open, airy spaces.
A private west-facing courtyard offers a peaceful retreat, while a dedicated storage area provides ample space for water toys, ready for fun-filled days at the beach. With automated blinds and curtains, server room and extensive cabling the home features the latest in convenience and technology.
This stunning home, spread across three levels, combines modern design with the natural beauty of its surroundings, offering the ideal space for those seeking both tranquility and a luxurious lifestyle.
This is undoubtedly one of Langs Beach’s finest residences.
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Gaylene Marsden’s talented brushstrokes range from beautiful art of the natural world to the abstract.
The People’s Choice selection was popular with visitors, and the artists’ talent and humour –with Mangawhai’s orange cone numbers a comical feature – made selection difficult. No.9, by Sandra Donaldson was voted the ultimate winner.
Created with hundreds of small coloured paper strips, Alix St Clair’s stunning instrumental art, Summer Buzz and Shimmering.
Detailed sketches and intricate paintings show the skilled hand of artist Andrea Gardner.
Art and Soul
Vernon media@mangawhaiartists.co.nz
Gallery captures light explosion
Abstract painting and photography come together to create an explosion of light in the new exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery. Using different media, artists Roland Seibertz and Christine den Hartogh are the perfect pairing. The interplay between Seibertz’s paintings and Christine’s photography in A Philosophy of Light creates a captivating visual experience, blending vibrant colours and broad movements to produce a stunning and harmonious display.
Seibertz has an established following for his large-scale colourful works from his previous four solo exhibitions. In this exhibition, his paintings are still large but their style is very different from the softer colours of the past. His new style is one of boldness, with a strong emphasis on how colours relate to each other. His work reflects travels last year strongly influenced by a long stay on Rarotonga, which brought completely fresh perspectives to his painting.
He says the one painting that doesn’t look like Rarotonga at all is very grounding – it came simply through that sense of feeling grounded during his time there, so different from Europe – not only a place to rest but also a shift to a bold approach to colours.
“In another work, bearing no relationship to a photograph, you clearly see the elements – the relationships between the light, the sunlight and the sky – and the way Rarotongans use colour, in their houses, their shop fronts. Looking around, you see they use the colours of plants – a vivid orange, a deep cadmium red. It is just astonishing – that luscious look of paint! The impact on me visually was profound.”
And yes, his paintings are still large. “It’s difficult to express what I do on smaller frames!”
Originally from the Netherlands, den Hartogh draws on a rich background in documentary photography and photojournalism, having trained at the Rotterdam Art Academy and
Amsterdam Academy for Photography. Based in Langs Beach, Christine draws inspiration from New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, using her artistry to explore new creative paths. Her work spans photography, mixed media, and printmaking, embracing both traditional and unconventional techniques.
In this exhibition the focus is photography. She originally worked solely in black and white with a wide-angle lens, but now she is using the camera to explore abstraction and colour, to craft bold and striking works.
“The size of the works invites viewers to fully immerse themselves, with some pieces offering a sense of calm and tranquillity, while others radiate excitement and energy,” she says. “These works can be appreciated purely for their visual appeal or they can challenge the viewer’s mind to create its own narrative, offering a momentary escape and a sense of solace from the weight of today’s world. On a technical note, all images are singular incamera shots, with no digital manipulation apart from minor colour correction.”
A Philosophy of Light is on display at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir Street, Mangawhai, open daily from 10.30am to 3.30pm (and from 9am on Saturdays).
Mangawhai artists take lead roles at annual Snells show
Around 2300 people attended the Great Summer Art Exhibition held at Snells Beach over Christmas/New Year, making it one of the most successful exhibitions in the event’s 31 year history.
The judges were Mangawhai artists, Elena Nikolaeva and Christine den Hartogh, who described the standard of entries overall as very high. Their selection of the winners was based on individuality, personality and
level of execution.
In the Established category, sponsored by Chemwash Rodney, the top award went to Snells Beach artist Jonathan Bourla, for Honour Guard, with Mangawhai artist Jocelyn Friis, taking second place for her painting Nature’s Presence.
For the third year in a row, the People’s Choice Award was won by Shanna Olivier.
Belinda
Mangawhai artist Jocelyn Friis won second prize in the Established category for her entry, Nature’s Presence.
Christine den Hartogh and Roland Seibertz surrounded by a philosophy of light.
Umbrellas add colour
A splash of summer colour and cool shade was added to December’s Christmas Concert thanks to the creativity of young locals. In November last year, members of Te Whai Community Trust Youth Collective took part in the Umbrella Project, which involved designing and painting sun brollies to be used at community events. Aged between 13-19 years, the teens received guidance from Mangawhai artist Shann Whitaker with support from Te Whai youth worker Siobhan Henderson and Te Puna Hauora cultural advisor and singer Keri Cullen. Bunnings Mangawhai and Kaipara District Council also supported the project.
Safety at sea reminder
Coastguard is reminding boaties that if their phone dies when they are out on the water, “you can’t get out and walk!” A spokesperson says before leaving shore, skippers need to make sure they always have two forms of waterproof communication. “Having two forms of waterproof communication, like a mobile phone in a waterproof case and a working VHF radio, ensures we can communicate with you in an emergency,” the spoksperson said. “In addition to mobile phones and VHF radios, we also recommend water users have an emergency beacon like
an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) or a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) available. Both devices are equipped with GPS technology, ensuring precise location information. They’re invaluable during emergencies, offering a direct link to emergency services when people need urgent assistance. Boaties should also log a trip report, so we know where you are going, how many people are on board, and when you plan to be back. You can log a trip report via VHF, *500 on your mobile or on the Coastguard app.”
Christmas spirit alive and well at Mangawhai Santa Parade
A record number of 45 floats made up the Mangawhai Santa Parade last month, the largest parade since it started six years ago. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets on December 15 to cheer on Mangawhai Activity Zone’s (MAZ) festive flotilla, which showcased the creative Christmas spirit of local services, businesses, clubs and individuals.
Parade organiser, Santa’s best mate and head elf John Phillis says Santa gave out more than 300 presents, ranging from kites and beach toys to magic trick games, art supplies and soft toys.
The MAZ committee acknowledged everyone who took part in the parade, as well as all the sponsors for their continued support –
Mangawhai Heads Four Square, Bayleys Real Estate, New World Mangawhai, Limitless Scaffolding, Tara Iti and Mangawhai Business Association. Local radio station owner HeadsFM’s Mark Perry was also thanked for his selection of Christmas music.
Following the parade, the Christmas Concert also attracted a good crowd with new coordinator, Mangawhai’s Song Conversations co-founder and musician Kiri Eriwata, saying the event was a true celebration of the talent in the community.
“We were thrilled to showcase some incredible youth bands who have spent the year developing their musicianship. Some of these young musicians were part of the Youth Music Collective, led by Song Conversations earlier this year at Te Whai, and also
performed in Olla Podriga at Otamatea High School,” she says. “I want to thank all the individual group coordinators who generously shared their time and expertise for the concert.”
Included in the dynamic lineup was Maura Flower, who runs the Mangawhai Community Choir and her young performers who “captivated the audience”, Dance Dimensions, Totally Uked and the Gaya Tree’s Gabrielle Crowe who worked with several emerging musicians “eager to bring some Metallica to the concert!”
“We were also treated to a beautiful whānau performance featuring recording artist Majik and her son, who expertly played the drums.
Craft your beachside lifestyle
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The day was further enriched by a host of talented soloists, including Aliyah Connelly-
Richards, Naomi Gruener, Eve Wilson, and Carden and Sage Kidd.”
Kiri says a standout moment for many was the original music by Socially Awkward and Oscar Curtain.
“Special thanks to Kaipara Libraries for providing activities and much-needed shade for the tamariki, and to the Te Whai Youth Collective, who collaborated with Shann Whitaker to hand-paint 10 stunning sun umbrellas that added both colour and shade for our audience,” she says. “Finally, we couldn’t have done it without the sound technicians, support crew, MC Keri Cullen, parent helpers, the MAZ committee and the wonderful audience – we can’t wait to see you all next year.”
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Nearby Mangawhai Heads surf beach
Nearby Mangawhai Heads surf beach
Nearby Mangawhai Heads surf beach
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SITUATIONS
RESPITE ELDER CARE
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
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
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.
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 of the Kaipara District Council no later than Monday 22 January 2024 and will be considered at the
Netball Rodney Centre 2024 Annual General Meeting will 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
7 The Braigh, Waipu (Old Fire Station opposite FEOH)
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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.
JEWELLERS - WAIPU 6 The Centre, Waipu, (Behind Lydia Sushi) Phone 09 946 1720. chateaujewellers@gmail.com REPAIR-REMODEL-RENEW
nz/a-z-forms
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 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
For more information about Kaipara District Council’s spraying and vegetation control, head to kaipara.govt. nz/residents/trees-and-vegetation-2/no-spray-zone Kaipara District Council
LTD driveways, slabs, paths, patios and excavations. For all your concrete needs. Free quote. Workmanship
On the Ocean
Fickle holiday fishing
Fishing in the Bream Bay/Mangawhai area over the holiday period can only be described on average as ordinary. Strong offshore winds have kept the anglers in smaller craft close to home or tucked along the shoreline.
There has been some workup action close to the Bream Bay coast, especially down the southern end where the snapper are spewing out whitebait, anchovies and shellfish. A couple of keen fishers from Camp Waipu Cove have been making the most of what is on offer, coming up with plenty of snapper to feed their families and friends over the holiday period without using much fuel. Softbaits, especially the smaller four and five inch models that ‘match the hatch’ (whitebait and anchovies), have been their go-to size and colours.
It is good to see the resurgence of the tuatua beds off the Bream Bay/Mangawhai beaches. Although the shellfish are small, there are patches of bigger ones if you put the time in to search them out. Surfcasters can also match the hatch, gathering up some tuatua and using them as fresh bait, held on the hook with plenty of bait elastic.
Tuatua are great bait for tarakihi and there have been a few caught over the deeper pins off Bream Head. Ocean Beach, north of the Head, has fished well for those prepared to take a bit of a bashing getting back to their launching point. Orange sliders have been the go. The offshore conditions, often gusting over 20 knots, requires a decent drogue/sea anchor to slow the drift down.
When lure fishing, if I can keep the boat’s drift speed to around a knot or less, I am
happy. In these windy conditions I would up the weight of my lure or jig head to give it more time in the strike zone.
For those who don’t mind a bumpy trip home, the Hen and Chicks have been worth the effort to fish. The area to the north-west of the Chicks, known as the ‘War Zone’, has produced some good snapper bags.
For the game fishers, yellowfin tuna have been caught in 100 metres of water six miles or so east of the Hen and Chicks with a marlin already caught in 80 metres off Ocean Beach – and these are just the ones of which I have heard. In the Ocean Beach case, the anglers jigged a mackerel out of a workup and set it out as a livebait. The result was a small striped marlin which was smoked and shared among the crew and families. Livebaiting has always worked well in the Oceans Beach area early in the season.
Tight lines.
In windy conditions a good drogue is required to slow the boat’s drift.
Tarakihi are moving into the area’s inshore pins and can be caught on both bait and lures.
There has been a resurgence of tuatua on Bream Bay beaches and these make both good bait and for eating either au naturel or lightly steamed.
What’s on ...
14/25 School Holiday Chess Tournament, Mangawhai Domain Hall, 2-6pm. All ages and levels welcome. Visit Mangawhai chess club Facebook page for details.
16 Whangarei Morris Dancers free performances by over 100 dancers. 10.30am Mangawhai Historical Village and 2pm Mangawhai Tavern (see story p11).
18/25 Mangawhai Beach School Community Market, 9am-1pm.
26 Sandsational Competition, 10am - 3pm, Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach. Tickets available from Mangawhai Lions, contact 021 419 224 (see story p2).
26 Stop Sandmining Bream Bay public protest, Ruakaka Beach by surf club, 11.30am, everyone welcome (see story pg3).
27 The Amazing Beach Race and Hunt. Family fun event, Surf Beach, 7am-10am. Picnic, swimming and sand castle after race. Lots of prizes to be won. All ages are welcome! Register your team now, visit Mangawhai chess club Facebook page for details.
1 Summer Sounds, Tahamoana Angora Goat Farm, 566 Cove Road, 12.30-7pm. Fundraiser for North Haven Hospice. Tickets: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz
1 Paparoa 14th A&P Show. Gates open 9am. A great day out for everyone Paparoa Valley Road.
1&2 The Extravaganza Fair, Mangawhai Domain, 9am-5pm. Market stalls, arts and crafts, food, music, Ashton Family Circus, and more. Free entry for kids, gold coin for adults.
6 Waitangi Celebrations in Mangawhai, dawn service at Museum, activities and stalls and music concert on MAZ green (see story pg5).
8 Pop Up Art at Hakaru Hall. Three women artists exhibit, Tuned To Wonder, 10am-3pm.
9 Clan Matheson event to welcome visiting Scottish chief. Hosted by Waipu Scottish Migration Museum, in the Heritage School behind the Waipu Scottish Migration Museum, 4pm (see story p8).
See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/ for a full list of upcoming events
Happy New Year from
Specialists
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New Year festival goes off with a bang
Thirteen proved to be a lucky number for the recent Northern Bass music festival, with organisers saying it went off without a hitch.
Festival director Gareth Popham says thousands of young New Zealanders brought in the new year with arguably the best music line-up in the country,
“After the unprecedented rain last year, one of our biggest goals this year was to run the best Northern Bass to date and I feel like the team delivered on every level,” he says.
“Thanks to the hard work of staff, suppliers and vendors as well as support from the Kaiwaka and Mangawhai community, the
festival went off without a hitch. We have had good feedback from both the punters and the locals about the event’s success and we are looking forward to doing it all again next summer.”
Waitematā North area prevention manager, acting Inspector Roger Small, said police had a presence at the three-day festival, from December 28 to 31, but it was mainly a demonstration of “trust and confidence”.
He said the crowd was generally well-behaved and police were mainly involved in providing support for the ambulance teams on site who had to deal with partygoers who had “overindulged”.
