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Call for commonsense on channel dredging
Boat groundings in Mangawhai’s estuary at low tide prompted an urgent meeting of interested parties on site recently.
In attendance were representatives of Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society (MHRS), Kaipara District Council and Northland Regional Council (NRC).
MHRS chair Peter Wethey says local boaties are concerned about the level of sand build-up in the channel directly in front of Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park, as well as the positioning of the navigation buoys.
“We’re concerned about people who aren’t local and don’t know the channels of the harbour,” he says. “They know what green and red markers are meant to portray, but the red marker is gone so it’s causing confusion.”
But the real concern is the build-up of sand along the centre channel.
Wethey says the channel needs to be dredged, but the area is outside MHRS’s current brief that only allows them to dredge certain areas of the estuary.
The society wants the NRC to change the resource consent to allow dredging in the channel, offshore from the holiday park, with a section of the beach used as a settling pond. “All of these things take a lot of money but if the NRC were a little bit more sympathetic to the issues we’ve got here, and listened to what the community who pays NRC rates are saying, they’d possibly grant us consent,” Wethey says.
Previous NRC consents for dredging have cost MHRS between $200,000 and $300,000, although the price for the actual dredging was only $34,000.
MHRS has regularly dredged the harbour since the 1991 Big Dig where locals dug out the Picnic Bay channel, which had become smelly and toxic due to breaches in the spit and changes in the natural water flow.
Residents pay an annual $80 targeted rate, which goes to the society to keep the channel clear and return the sand to the Distal Spit.
“There’s huge sand movement with every tide, a self-cleaning wash that goes out round Picnic Bay and the Heads. If we allow the sand to build up over the years, the volume and speed of water exiting the harbour on
the tide gradually diminishes, carrying less sand out,” Wethey says. “We’ve got to be constantly making sure that none of the big channels block and we return sand to the Distal Spit so it doesn’t have any chance of breaching again.”
An Auckland University study has revealed that in the last three or four years, the spit had diminished by 260,000 cubic metres of sand.
“If we don’t keep putting it back it’s not going to be there in another 20 years.”
Wethey says that in the last decade, there has been an “exponential increase” in boating activity on the harbour. With the Coastguard potentially proposing a station along the estuary, this will add more pressure to the area.
“The easy decision for the NRC is to look at the consenting issue and waive all the fees and costs associated with it. That would be a significant contribution. We’ve got the dredge; we’ve got the people; we’ve got the knowledge.”
Following the site meeting, NRC regional harbourmaster Jim Lyle agreed to meet with NRC’s consent team to find out what the issues were.
However, on the concern for boats running aground, he said it was the skipper’s responsibility to know their skill level, plan for weather and tide, and learn the local dangers such as bars and currents.
“The general saying is ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’,” he said.
He said he would look into renewing
Horse chaff, kibble maize, rolled and whole barley, molasses and multi nuts.
Dog, puppy and catfoods plus a range of raw meats. Now stocking Natural Supplements &
information signs at the boat ramp and he had secured funding for a regular boating patrol in Mangawhai.
“We have an experienced skipper to provide safety advice over peak summer so that’s a big win,” he said. “Additionally, we have a summer campaign each year of safety initiatives targeting problem issues or areas.”
On the yellow marker, which was originally installed by the Northland Harbour Board barge Maui, NRC’s deputy harbourmaster Peter Thomas said that due to the sandy location of the beacon on the bend of the estuary, the channel had changed route significantly over the years to either side of the marker.
continued page 2
From left, Kaipara councillor Mike Howard with Mayor Craig Jepson, MHRS member Doug Lloyd and chair Peter Wethey, Bay of Islands harbourmaster Rodger Girvin, NRC regional harbourmaster Jim Lyle, Mangawhai harbour warden Trevor Downey, MHRS member Vern Dark and NRC Whangārei harbourmaster Ross Watters, met recently to find answers to keeping Mangawhai’s estuary clear and boaties safe.
Horses Ducks Calves Chickens Pigs Cats Dogs
Alpacas
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September 23, 2024
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Patrick Goodenough, Editor news@localmatters.co.nz
Before Local Matters hired me in the middle of last year, I worked for many years for a Washington-based online news service. Although I was writing foreign news – for a mostly American, mostly conservative audience – I occasionally strayed out of my lane and got stuck into US affairs. I love politics, so no surprise there.
So why am I telling you this? Because while covering the Kaipara District Council over the past year it occurred to me that there is one striking similarity between our local authority here in Kaipara and the most powerful court in the most powerful nation on earth.
The US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) comprises nine justices, each appointed by the president in power at the time the seat becomes vacant. Of the current judges, five were appointed by G.W.
from page1
Bush and Donald Trump, and four by Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. On a range of issues, the court is divided, but not surprisingly leans to the right. A couple of justices swing either way, depending on their interpretation of the US Constitution.
Back to Kaipara.
No-one watching council meetings in Mangawhai or Dargaville can fail to be frustrated at the level that the discussion sinks to at times. On almost every controversial issue, three of the elected members vote one way and six others vote as a bloc. And as with SCOTUS, there is a member who tends to sit on the fence.
Something to think about as issues like the fate of the Māori ward are debated in the days ahead.
“At times it has been a port beacon and other times a starboard beacon,” he said. “It is now not suitable for either a port or starboard mark, so an interim decision was made to paint it yellow as a special mark and install five knot signs on it as a reminder of the speed limit in the area.”
Thomas says there had been several attempts to remove the beacon but these had failed due to the pole’s embedded depth.
“However, if the beacon is in the middle of the channel then consideration will be given to getting a specialist dive team to cut it off at the seabed.”
The seafloor is clearly visible at low tide around a marker, which is designed to guide boaties as they move in and out of the channel.
Correction - rates
The projected rate take for the Kaipara district is $46,882,000 for the 2023-2024 financial year and $50,850,000 for 2024-2025, not as stated in our September 9 issue. We apologise for the error.
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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
Tyranny of the majority
Two items were recently delivered to my, and I imagine all other Kaipara ratepayers’, letter box. One was a message from the mayor, accompanying my rates bill, claiming that the council had “heard the need for rates affordability” and was, therefore, keeping rates as low as possible. The second was a copy of your paper demonstrating how untrue this was, by explaining how a hefty, and unnecessary, price tag was attached to Kaipara councillors vote to remove the Māori ward.
It seems the choice council had was:
1) leave things unaltered with as many views as possible guaranteed on council with no additional cost
2) have a referendum in 2025, costing $5000
3) disestablish the Māori ward after consultation with community, iwi and hapu, costing $25,000
4) disestablish without consultation, and then fight resulting court case, costing anything from $25,000 to $180,000 (around $10 per ratepayer).
And unbelievably, to ensure a “more affordable approach” to the rates, six councillors chose the unbudgeted, most expensive and least democratic option.
It has been generally accepted since the 18th century that the one person-one vote system of democracy, particularly in areas where there is a sizeable minority, can result in ‘the tyranny of the majority’ (de Tocqueville 1835, John Stuart Mill 1859) and different measures have been put in place to ameliorate this such as the Electoral College in the USA, power sharing in Northern Ireland, and the party vote and designated rural and designated Maori wards in New Zealand.
In a meeting I had with the mayor last week I, perhaps not unsurprisingly, failed to convince him to change his view on having a Māori ward in Kaipara.
As the deputy mayor stated, it is not possible for him to represent the different views of all of his constituents. So, councillors cannot necessarily represent Māori views when they don’t even represent views like mine and those of many other Pakeha I have spoken to in the Kaiwaka Mangawhai Ward.
Let’s hope that at the next mayoral and council elections in this ward, there are at least some candidates, like Crs WilsonCollins and Vincent in other wards, who believe that as many views as possible should be represented on council. And also, that it’s not worth increasing the rates bill by tens of thousands of dollars to ensure Māori don’t have a guaranteed council seat and that the ‘tyranny of the majority’ can be more easily achieved.
R Morgans, Mangawhai
10.00am to 4:30pm
Shared path nears completion
The final sections of Mangawhai’s longawaited shared path phase three are nearing completion.
Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson and elected members visited the site on September 9, meeting with Kaipara District Council project manager Tim Manning and contractors Downer NZ to check the progress.
Manning said the 1.5 km stretch, between the Wood Street shopping centre and ITM Mangawhai, and the 900-metre strip from the village to Mangawhai Central, will be finished by mid-November.
The ambitious project started in February and will provide a safe trip for walkers and cyclists between the village and the heads. The
three metre-wide path offers enough space for assorted modes of transport including scooters, baby strollers and mobility scooters.
The $8 million price tag has been split, with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contributing 62 per cent of the cost and council paying the 38 per cent balance.
Manning says Mangawhai is lucky to have the shared path following a government decision to put the brakes on walking and cycling initiatives last year.
“We wouldn’t be able to get the funding for this now and council also has different spending priorities,” he says.
Jepson says he is aware of comments from some in the community that progress on the
Machinery theft warning
Police are urging machinery operators to be vigilant about securing their vehicles and heavy machinery.
The message comes after four tractors were stolen from the Wellsford area over the past two months. There have also been three commercial burglaries targeting heavy vehicles and machinery in Warkworth.
Enquiries are ongoing but police say that in many cases, the keys to these tractors and vehicles were left inside.
“We are finding thieves are breaking into property or premises and simply driving away
with stolen property,” a police spokesperson says.
Police are urging owners not to leave keys inside their tractors or heavy vehicles, lock or secure all access doors, windows, and gates, and install tracking devices on their vehicles if possible.
“Everyone can take small steps to make life difficult for thieves and help prevent equipment being stolen.”
shared path has been slow.
“A lot of work goes on before you actually lay the concrete, which is the easy part,” he said. “It’s the underground work and preparation that takes time. It’s a very complex project and the team is on target.”
Addressing some local concerns about the thickness of the path, Manning said there were areas where the edge of the path dropped away steeply and the thick-looking concrete was a 200mm wide edge beam to help tie the path into the existing ground. The rest of the path was still 125mm thick.
“We’ve also put in some future-proofing ducts for Northpower so they don’t have to dig up the pathway in the future,” he says. “The
Back Bay boardwalk has been an awesome detour through this construction. The council contributed to the cost of materials so the Trackies could get it fixed and opened before we started work on this section. It’s been and should now handle large storm events like Gabrielle, which is great.”
Phase Four of the project – a shared path from Wood Street to Mangawhai Heads surf beach and along Insley Street and Tomarata Bridge –has yet to be funded.
“Phase Four wasn’t in the Long Term Plan so it will come down to a council decision and I think NZTA has changed its focus as well,” Manning said. “It’s not to say it won’t happen.”
By November, locals will be able to enjoy an uninterrupted wander from the village to the heads on the completed shared path (Phase 3). Checking out the progress are, from left, Kaipara deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen, Mayor Craig Jepson, Cr Rachael Williams, project manager Tim Manning, Downer NZ project manager Jarrod Thompson and Downer NZ stakeholder manager Sam Smith.
Two of the tractors that were stolen from the Wellsford area.
Lack of funding hampers causeway repair
One of the main routes into Mangahwai from the south is showing serious signs of erosion, bringing the busy road perilously close to the water’s edge.
Over recent months, residents have noticed a gradual deterioration along the eastern side of the Insley Street causeway, which borders the shoreline. Multiple crevices are hollowing out the bank along the road, undercutting the tarmac.
Resident Robert Koning says he has been keeping an eye on the erosion and has raised his concerns with Kaipara District Council elected members and social watchdog organisation Mangawhai Matters.
“At the moment, some of the spots are only 50 centimetres away from the outer white line of the road and, with a few more storms at high or king tide, the gaps will reach just under this line,” he says.
“We only have to think back to when the old concrete bridge was being repaired to know what impact the temporary ‘stop-and-go’ had on traffic, causing long queues along Insley.”
After Mangawhai/Kaiwaka councillors Rachael Williams and Mike Howard followed up on Koning’s and other residents’ concerns with council’s roading crew, engineers were spotted inspecting the causeway late last month.
However, a council spokesperson says remedial
repairs cannot be scheduled due to funding constraints.
“Council contractors have been monitoring the damage during monthly inspections for any sign of deterioration,” the spokesperson said.
“The fix here requires capital expenditure outside our traditional maintenance budgets so no significant repairs have been made here to date.
“An initial engineering assessment has been done on the erosion and the required repairs have been discussed with the NZ Transport Agency. However, levels of funding from NZTA are still to be determined. Once that is confirmed, staff can prepare a business case for council approval.”
Social housing projects in Whangarei under review
Kāinga Ora is reviewing 371 social housing projects across the country, including five in Whangarei comprising a total of 48 units. The agency has spent more than $2.3 million on those five projects to date.
According to data released under the Official Information Act, the projects under assessment in Whangarei are in Paramount Parade (17 units), Paramount Parade and Hawea Place (21 units), Thomas Street (two units), Thomas Street (two units) and Steere Place (six units).
“It is important to note that this list captures a point in time before the government’s priority locations had been communicated to Kāinga Ora,” general manager strategy, finance and policy Gareth Stiven wrote in the OIA response.
“Kāinga Ora is currently reviewing all projects against these new priorities and so far 48 of the projects captured in this list are now proceeding to contract.” Stiven said that the work associated with the costs often included demolishing old social housing units, consenting and construction.
“In most cases, Kāinga Ora looks to redevelop its existing sites. However, occasionally Kāinga Ora acquires land in areas of high social housing need. The investment in this land will have future benefits as we look at the options available to redevelop it for social housing.
“As we work through and finalise the review of the overall programme of work, a number of these projects will proceed and as decisions are made, we will keep communities informed.”
Erosion of the bank is slowly undercutting the road’s tarmac.
Festival frolic set to return
The much-loved Mangawhai Lions Food & Wine Festival is set to return next year.
The festival will be held at the Mangawhai Domain on March 15. In previous years it was held at the conclusion of the annual Walking Weekend. However, next year the two events are likely to be run separately, with the date for the walking weekend yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, the food and wine festival has attracted the support of a major backer with New World Mangawhai, owned by Scott and Rachael Henderson, taking on a platinum sponsorship.
Lions secretary Amanda Hebben says Scott is an generous supporter of the Mangawhai community and Lions are delighted to be working closely with him on this project. The club is also keen to muster some volunteer support.
“We would also love to hear from anyone who has skills they think would be useful and would like to help,” Amanda says.
A range of smaller sponsorship packages are available for businesses and organisations who would like to support the festival, and Lions hopes to find someone with an STMS (Site Traffic Management Specialist) qualification to assist.
Early bird tickets may be available from next month.
“This will be a major community fundraiser for Mangawhai and we are looking forward to bringing this much-loved festival back.”
For more information and to check for early bird tickets, visit www.mangawhailions.com or keep an eye on the group’s Facebook page.
For refreshment vendor enquiries, email Chris Dixon chris@dixon.kiwi.nz For sponsorship queries call Clive Hebben on 021 802 532.
Mayor’s Memo
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Every day, as I pass, I look to see what progress has been made on the shared path and the new wooden bridge. I like to check it out and see how it’s taking shape. I’ve been hearing growing excitement for the project from the community and, like everyone, I am looking forward to seeing it completed around midNovember – just in time for summer. It will bring a huge benefit to residents and visitors to Mangawhai, making it easier to move about town on bikes or by foot. I’ll be out there on my bike as soon as it is completed.
Over the last few months I’ve been inviting people to meet with the deputy mayor and me to talk about things that are important to you. We have been offering these sessions throughout the district. It has been enlightening to get to grips with your issues, especially in our smaller communities. One of the things I love most about this job is discovering what I can do to improve council services and help the people in this district. Something that has proven to be a big concern in our communities, especially recently, is law and order. I really feel for
those who have suffered from the recent spate of ram-raids and for anyone who is feeling unsettled by them. I was impressed by the way the police attended quickly to the sites. I met with shop owners the following day, with Grant McCallum, and they all expressed their satisfaction with the police response. I have tremendous confidence in our local law enforcement and particularly appreciate the support of our local Area Commander Matt Laurenson.
Recently I attended a Kānoa presentation along with other Northland mayors and MPs. It was led by Top Energy and Northpower. They described their plan to link more transmission infrastructure from Dargaville to the main power line south, allowing us to export existing and planned solar and wind generated power to Auckland, rather than depending on them for power transmitted to the north. The Northland-wide approach includes Ngāwhā, in the Far North, which has the ability to significantly increase power generation. This will increase our resilience and, hopefully, help maintain our power at affordable levels.
Ball organised in wake of Wood Street ram raids
Three weeks after Wood Street retailers were hit by ram raiders, Mangawhai Rotary is hosting a Castaway Island Ball at Hakaru Hall to raise funds for the installation of CCTV cameras at Mangawhai Heads shopping centre.
The ball will be held on October 19 with the proceeds to be shared between the Mangawhai Business Association and Rotary’s Learn to Sail Project for children and young teens, which is about to enter its fourth season.
Rotary members Carolyn Miller and Isabel Hollis say the club hopes to raise around $15,000, by way of ticket sales, a monster auction, supper and cash bar. Local band Home Brew is providing entertainment for free.
“We’re looking for sponsorship and donations for the auction, and are welcoming enquiries from local businesses who would like to be involved,” Isabel says. “We’re hoping to have a trip to Rarotonga and a sailing dinghy worth around $3000 to auction.”
MBA chair Stephen Owles says the association is happy to support any initiative that helps promote security for businesses.
He says retailers hit in the ram raids are thrilled by Mangawhai Rotary’s gesture.
Books & Gifts shop owner Scott King says the idea “proves what this community is like”.
“Cameras would mean a bit of extra security although, hopefully, they will never be
needed,” he says. “The store didn’t have a lot of damage but it was still a heck of a shock when it happened. In the first couple of days after, I thought, I can’t do this, but then you move on. People are still asking about the raids and expressing sympathy.”
Mangawhai Heads Service Station was hardest hit by the thieves, with thousands of dollars worth of damage to the storefront, as well as stolen products. A spokesperson says they believe people are still on edge after the attack as the offenders have not yet been arrested.
“ ”
We’re hoping to have a trip to Rarotonga and a sailing dinghy worth around $3000 to auction.
“Everyone would feel a lot better if those responsible were caught, but there’s not much else we can do but get on with it. The ball would be absolutely amazing, and such great support.”
The service station has been visited by a Retail Crime Prevention Programme specialist, who assists targeted businesses to install protective equipment and advice on security upgrades. Police say enquiries are ongoing.
To volunteer, sponsor or donate to the Castaway Island Ball, contact Isabel Hollis 021 685 851.
Crowdfunding class
Online donation platform Givealittle has launched a free online short course that teaches the fundamentals of crowdfunding. A spokesperson says that while it is designed primarily for Kiwi charities, schools and community groups could benefit from it as well. Givealittle general manager Mel Steel says the Generosity Generator Masterclass enables charities to grow their crowdfunding skills, so they can fundraise more effectively and develop a new income stream to increase their financial sustainability. The masterclass covers how to plan, create and promote a successful crowdfunding campaign. It takes about 2.5 hours to complete in one sitting and is self-paced, so people can learn at their own pace. Other than a reliable internet connection, no other materials are required. Info: https://ggm. givealittle.co.nz/courses/GGM
Craig Jepson, Mayor Kaipara Council
Mangawhai Lions member Clive Hebben and New World Mangawhai owner Scott Henderson secure sponsorship with a handshake for next year’s Mangawhai Food & Wine Festival.
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Warkworth to Te Hana motorway moves a step closer
Work to construct the SH1 Warkworth to Te Hana motorway should start within the next three years, according to the coalition government’s first National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) launched on September 2.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown reiterated the importance of the four-lane highway as part of a nearly $9.4 billion roading-heavy transport spend in Auckland and Northland from now until 2027.
“We will start work on three key Roads of National Significance (RoNS) – SH1 Warkworth to Wellsford, advancing an alternative route to the Brynderwyn Hills and upgrading SH1 Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei,” Brown said.
He added that property purchases, design and consenting for the Warkworth to Wellsford stretch would be continued and completed, before actual construction started “late in this NLTP period”, which ends in 2027.
“This will continue over future NLTP periods, and combined with the two RoNS in Northland, will provide a continuous 100km upgrade between Auckland and Whangārei, known as the Northern Expressway – one of the largest infrastructure projects in New Zealand’s history.”
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) confirmed that it was continuing the process of contacting residents whose land was on
the proposed route and purchasing properties where necessary.
“All landowners have now been contacted to advise of the property requirements and to discuss next steps,” a spokesperson said.
Out of 143 affected properties, there are currently 61 still to be fully or partially acquired using funding allocated in this year’s Budget.
Construction funding has yet to be provided, with the funding model for that set to be confirmed through an accelerated delivery investment case and open tender process later this year.
The government requires alternative funding and financing to be considered as part of the process, include assessing whether RoNS should be toll roads.
The new motorway will be 26km long and will include an 850-metre long twin tunnel through the Dome Valley, a viaduct and three interchanges – west of Warkworth, where it will join the Puhoi to Warkworth stretch, at Wayby, south west of Wellsford, and north of Te Hana near Mangawhai Road.
Across Auckland, the NLTP also forecasts spending $941 million on maintenance operations, $1.1 billion on pothole prevention, $2.5 billion on road improvements and $3.7 billion on public transport.
In Northland, $258 million is planned for maintenance, $458 million for pothole prevention, $243 million for road improvements and $18 million on public transport.
Minister Brown said this was a record investment in road maintenance and pothole prevention, which would enable contractors to “have a clear pipeline of work that delivers real results across the regions”.
The planned spend was welcomed with open arms by Northland’s Regional Transport Committee (RTC) chair, Northland Regional Councillor Joe Carr, though he said more funding would still be needed in some areas.
“This is good stuff from the Minister and is consistent with the RTC’s submissions and meetings with him,” he said.
“While there will be work to improve the safety and resilience of more than 620 lane kilometres of state highways, with road resurfacing, renewals and fixing potholes, the extent of structural damage to our SH1 and SH10 pavements because of years of neglect means that the two per cent allocation for rehabilitation is grossly insufficient, as reseals alone will not work.”
Info: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/nltp
The planned Northern Expressway route.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown on a recent visit to the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway.
Stuff you need to know
A much-needed topographic mapping of the Mangawhai sand spit that will enable the monitoring of future changes, and initiation of actions to protect our areas most valuable asset, is underway.
The Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society in collaboration with Mangawhai Matters are to be congratulated for their engaging of Tonkin Taylor, along with the submission of a report prepared by Professor Mark Dickson, Associated Professor Murray Ford and Dr Emma Ryan, the University of Auckland.
The survey of the topography of the Mangawhai spit was conducted this year using a drone based LIDAR system, which allowed for a comparison of topographic changes with data from an earlier aircraft based LIDAR survey conducted in 2018.
Water levels were calculated for extreme events, including the future effects of sea level rise (SLR), enabling maps to be drawn identifying potential points for breakthrough by the sea, and flow paths through which water might penetrate the spit, opening the harbour to potential flooding by the sea.
The information provides baseline data against which to monitor future change, the report includes guidance and options for monitoring these future changes.
Some of the key findings:
• Lateral erosion of the bay-side spit has occurred, while the ocean-facing dunes in the northern part of the spit have increased in elevation.
• Net loss of sand over the spit between 2018 and 2024 is ~260,000 cubic metres, which is the equivalent to 26,000 standard dump trucks at 10 cubic metres per load, or about 8cm over the entire spit, representing 1.8% of the total sand spit volume.
• Relatively modest increases in sea level by 2040 are unlikely to materially change inundation associated with typical annual
storm levels.
• By 2080, if the morphology of the spit does not naturally adjust upward in response to sea level rise, the annual storm is likely to inundate the spit both through the distal northern portion of the spit and at several locations on the oceanside of the spit where the dunes are low lying.
• A storm with similar characteristics of the 1978 storm would likely produce water levels of 3.2 metres that would inundate large portions of the spit, with potential for breaching.
• Extreme dynamic total water levels of 4.7 metres, have been modelled by Tonkin Taylor for the open coast of Mangawhai, based on a 1% annual recurrence interval. Such an extreme storm would overtop the dunes in many places creating conditions under which breaching is likely. They recommend the ongoing monitoring of the Mangawhai spit, with particular focus on the position of the estuary channel, the growth of the estuary shoal adjacent to the spit neck and ongoing east to west movement of the beach shoreline and spit dunes.
The location of the estuary channel is of importance, thankfully the regular channel dredging conducted over past decades by the MHRS has mitigated the impact of more recent cyclones and storms, without this work we would not have our wonderful treasure, for all to enjoy.
Clearly the work is ongoing, the evidence of climate change inducing extreme weather events, more frequently occurring, is not going away.
This proactive research conducted by the MHRS and Mangawhai Matters provides a mechanism to scientifically monitor change, and initiate remedies, they embody the “Spirit Of Mangawhai”.
See story page 1 and 2.
Boaties asked to be alert for new seaweed
A red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) that is new to mainland NZ has been found at Iris Shoal on Kawau Island and Tamaterau in Whangārei Harbour. Officials suspect it has been at these locations for some time, likely finding its way there on a vessel either associated with biofouling, on an anchor, anchor chain or dirty equipment. A native of the Kermedec Islands, it is unknown how the red seaweed will react in the mainland NZ marine environment and, at this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that the seaweed is affecting biodiversity in these areas. However, internationally it has been shown to outcompete and displace native species. Biosecurity is currently completing a risk assessment but, in the meantime, all vessel owners are asked to be extra vigilant and ensure hulls are clean before moving as officials suspect that it will be in other locations. Anyone who finds the seaweed outside Kawau Island or Whangarei Harbour is asked to call the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66, or use the online report form http://report.mpi.govt.nz/pest
Ken Rayward
Matakana hosts new food and drink network
And Drink (WIFD) as a platform to inspire and support women who work within the diverse layers of food, drink and hospitality, who are inspirational across NZ.
She says the Matakana event will be an opportunity to connect with like-minded women as well as those with different perspectives, to share experiences and celebrate the contributions women make to the food and drink industries.
“Whether you’re a business owner, a farmer, work in hospitality, a food artisan, a grower or are involved in redistributing food, you will be welcome,” she says.
WIFD advisory board member and Mahurangi Matters food columnist Lauraine Jacobs will join Kelli for this evening.
The event will be held on at the Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room on Leigh Road on Tuesday, October 22, from 5.30 pm to 7.30pm. Tickets are $50 with catering by Source Kitchen and a glass of Brick Bay rosé on arrival. Cash bar.
Info:https://www.cuisine.co.nz/women-in-foodand-drink-aotearoa-new-zealand/ or email Kate Arbuthnot at markets@matakanavillage.co.nz
Life’s questions reflected in pop-up art show
An art show, featuring the bold reflective style of an artist who uses canvas and acrylic to express life’s complex questions, is popping up at Hakaru Hall next month.
The show will be the third pop-up exhibition for painter Phillipa Reeve, whose deep ruminations guide her brushstrokes and form, resulting in dynamic and compelling abstract designs. She says painting is an intuitive process, “an emotional explorative response to an idea”.
The question, ‘What does it take to shape a future that generates excitement, wonder and gratitude?’ was a catalyst for the 38 piece exhibition.
“I looked at the stories we could create that might be capable of holding such a future,” Phillipa says. “That is, the way our relationship with ‘place’, whether it’s land, sky, trees, sea or wildlife, supports and
informs the creation and the strength of heart and vision that might be required.
“The whole collection is bold, colourful and full of energy and joy.”
Nine small framed paintings will be raffled at the exhibition.
The Phillipa Reeve Pop Up Art Show will be held at Hakaru Hall, on Settlement Road, on October 12, from 10am to 3pm.
Professional women in the hospitality industry in the Mangawhai area have been invited to attend a networking evening in Matakana next month.
The event will be hosted by Cuisine magazine
editor Kelli Brett and is aimed at women who work in all aspects of food and drink in the district. She says it is an opportunity to celebrate and network.
Brett created the initiative Women in Food
Artist Phillipa Reeve.
Legacy of the land – treasures to cherish
From mountains to oceans, valleys to volcanoes, the earth provides treasures to care for and cherish. Legacy of the Land, the new exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, celebrates the beauty and generosity of this bountiful natural world through the interpretations of artists Jocelyn Friis, Jan Grover and Lee-Ann Hamilton.
“Through painting and jewellery-making, we aim to capture the essence of our environment, each piece a testament to the gentle balance of living in this world whilst taking care of these precious resources,” Jocelyn Friis says. “Reflecting both the majesty and the vulnerability of nature, we hope Legacy of the Land will inspire to appreciate and safeguard the natural wonders that surround us.”
Originally from South Africa, Jocelyn now lives in Mangawhai where she is inspired every day by the beautiful land and seascapes surrounding her.
“My deep love of nature and all things creative traces back to my childhood where, growing up with the freedom to explore my natural
surroundings, I learnt to appreciate creativity in nature,” Jocelyn says.
“My artistic journey has been marked by curiosity and self-study, developing my own techniques along the way in expressive and free flowing acrylic and encaustic works. It is only in recent years that I feel I have found my voice.
“I feel the gift of art, both for the creator and the viewer, is an important one, especially in today’s stressful times where beauty and the message of our connection to each other and nature can be shared”.
Jocelyn’s passion for art goes beyond personal expression; she believes in the healing power of art-making. As a qualified facilitator, she extends this passion to others by offering classes in process painting.
“Water has been sculpting the earth since the beginning of time, leaving its legacy on the land as we know it,” says Jan. “I have always been drawn to the beauty of water in relation to the land - from snowy peaks, misty valleys, turbulent or peaceful streams and rivers, to the crashing of waves against the shoreline.
“Living on the estuary I am fortunate to watch the ebb and flow of the tides each day, supporting a rich birdlife and creating an ever-changing pattern of sandbanks and reflections. I try to capture these moments where the water meets the land.”
Legacy of the Land is at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir Street, Mangawhai, until Thursday October 3. It is open daily from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Bay Combined Arts Group
Bream Bay art show
The Bream Bay Combined Arts Group will hold a spring art exhibition on Sunday, October 6. Following the group’s end-of-summer exhibition, the collective of self-taught painters, potters, sewers and photographers will showcase a wide selection of original craft including oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings, decorative and functional feltwork, and a variety of pottery. Visitors will find the show by following roadside signage to the group’s Ruakaka headquarters, in The Art Cottage, 35 Lakeside Park Road. The group opened the cottage in 2020 to meet, create and enjoy the company of like-minded artists. The group currently has 45 members. The exhibition will be open from 10am and 4pm.
Decarbonisation funding
Meridian Energy is looking for community groups to support through its 2024 Decarbonisation Fund. Chief customer officer Lisa Hannifin says that while more organisations are thinking about sustainability, it is often hard for community groups to juggle priorities. Over the past two years, the Community Decarbonisation Fund has distributed $1.5 million to 22 projects across the country. This year, it has $1.2m available for community electrification and decarbonisation efforts. Projects can range from providing funding for a new EV, converting to electric heating or installing solar power. The Decarbonisation Fund uses the net proceeds from the company’s Certified Renewable Energy product. Through Certified, businesses match their electricity-usage with an equivalent amount of renewable electricity into the national grid from one of Meridian’s hydro stations or wind farms. Applications close on September 30. For more information, and to apply for funding: https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/community-support/decarbonisation.
Bream
painter Karen McCann working on a masterpiece to showcase at the coming spring art exhibit.
Jocelyn Friis with an artwork.
The three artists, from left, Jocelyn Friis, LeeAnn Hamilton and Jan Grover.
Motorway speed change proposed
Travellers are being asked for feedback on a proposal to increase the speed limit on two sections of State Highway 1, between Orewa and Warkworth, from 100km/h to 110 km/h.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency director regional relationships Steve Mutton says sections of motorway are designed and constructed to a high safety standard, which means they can be considered for increased speed limits.
“Safety features include two-lanes in each
direction to provide safe passing opportunities, physical separation between opposing lanes to prevent head-on crashes, and a mostly straight, wide alignment,” Mutton says.
The two sections being considered are from the start of the toll road to the Johnstone Hill tunnels and from the tunnels north to Warkworth.
Mutton said the sections of the motorway where the speed won’t change include:
• Johnstone Hill Tunnels where the enclosed
environment of tunnels creates a different safety risk to that of the surrounding motorway. The speed limit on SH1 through the Johnstone Hill Tunnels is 80km/h and there are no plans to review and/or change this speed limit.
• SH1, south of the Northern Gateway Toll Road, currently operates with a permanent speed limit of 100km/h through to the Auckland Harbour Bridge and there are no plans to review that speed limit.
The current 90km/h speed limit for heavy vehicles and towing vehicles will still apply on any road with a 110km/h speed limit. This means journey times for vehicles carrying freight will remain unchanged.
A spokesperson says some heavy vehicles can weigh up to 60 tonne and take a lot longer to slow down and stop.
NZTA will consider all feedback received during the consultation process before recommending a new speed limit, which will be reviewed alongside technical and safety assessments. It will then provide a recommendation to the Director of Land Transport and this process could take six to 12 months.
Road and transport campaigner and Rodney Local Board member, Geoff Upson, says the motorway should have been 110km/h when it opened.
“I am disappointed in how hard the police have been working to make revenue from people who already drive 110km/h on the new motorway,” he says.
“The road is suitable for a speed limit of 130km/h one day. Internationally, lots of similar motorways are 130km/h and Germany has the safest motorways with no speed limits at all.
“Hopefully, increasing the speed to 110km/h will encourage police to go and do something else with their day like catch speeders outside schools.”
Upson says he is disappointed that the tunnel will remain 80km/h.
“I reckon we could at least raise it to 90km/h so it’s only a difference of 20km/h, but I think there are some rules about tunnel speed limits.”
Consultation on the proposed speed change closes on October 1.
To find out more and provide feedback, head to: nzta.govt.nz/sh1-northakl-110.
Marae funding boosted
Marae at Te Hana, Omaha and Ōrewa are among seven marae who will receive a share of more than half a million dollars from Auckland Council for marae development projects.
The Te Hana Community Development Trust, which runs the Te Hana Te Ao Marama cultural centre, will receive $80,000, while Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa will receive $33,000 and Omaha Marae at Leigh will receive $20,000.
Planning, Environment and Parks Committee chair Richard Hills says marae are a critical cultural connection hub, not only for mana whenua and mataawaka, but also increasingly for wider communities throughout our region.
“The support and guidance provided by marae and their tight-knit networks throughout the Covid pandemic and last year’s weather events often made the difference for communities’ resilience and their ability to find ways to thrive in the face of adversity,” he says.
With this in mind, council has an increasing focus to ensure that marae infrastructure, capability and support systems are robust, efficient and resilient. Hills says the funding will help with a range of projects from technical feasibility and design planning for Otakanini Haranui Marae in the Kaipara to supporting Ngāti Ōtara Marae in South Auckland with remedial repairs and project management costs. Houkura/Independent Māori Statutory Board member Glenn Wilcox emphasises the value of the Cultural Initiatives Fund for communities.
“It’s great to see council addressing a previously forgotten group of buildings and institutions that are particularly Aotearoa New Zealand and unique to our landscapes and communities. Marae are not just buildings – they’re about people and our relationships with those people.”
GET SET FOR Summer
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Build a new home with us and go unconditional before 16th October 2024 and you will score our Set for Summer package valued at over $1500!
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We have a range of home and land packages available now – ideal for a family home, retirement retreat or that holiday bach you’ve always wanted.
For more information on building with Generation Homes, our fixed price guarantee, and this offer, contact our friendly sales team: Vynka Short 021 120 1163 vynkas@generation.co.nz
Shayne Mudford 027 247 2792 shayne.mudford@generation.co.nz
Wellsford
Pūhoi
Ara Tūhono –Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway Orewa
Warkworth
The map shows the two sections being considered for speed increases. Travel through the Johnstone Hill tunnels will remain at 80km/h.
Legal Advice
Patrick Steuart, WRMK Lawyers
September revival: How sellers can blossom in the spring market
As we enter spring and the real estate market begins to stir after a quiet winter, there’s hope for a renewed burst of activity, with wellprepared sellers being in an ideal position to capitalise on this.
A well-prepared agreement for sale and purchase is essential for maximising your chances of a smooth and successful sale. It helps to reduce the risk of buyer’s remorse or unexpected disputes, which can sometimes arise during the selling process.
The Agreement for Sale and Purchase outlines key details, including the seller’s (vendor’s) warranties about compliance with building regulations and the disclosure of any known defects. Addressing these potential issues before going to market will not only attract more buyers but also help to streamline the process, making the sale much less stressful. Fixing any compliance issues early, if you’re able to, is one of the best ways to ensure a headache-free sale. While it may take some investment of time and money, sorting out the necessary paperwork upfront can make your property much more appealing to potential buyers.
It’s also important to ensure that chattels, such as ovens or dishwashers, are in good working order and free of any debt. If something is broken, it’s better to exclude it from the warranties in the agreement. Buyers can ask for a price reduction to cover
the cost of repairs if there’s a problem with any warranted items, which can lead to lastminute negotiations at settlement. Being clear from the outset avoids these potential complications.
For tenanted properties, if the purchaser requires vacant possession at settlement, you must plan ahead by giving tenants at least 90 days’ notice and ensuring the settlement date in the agreement aligns with this timeline.
Once the Agreement is signed, you are legally bound by its terms, therefore, it is important to understand what you are committing to.
Seeking legal advice early on can help you navigate any challenges, especially if your property has unique features or if timing is a key factor in the sale.
While the Mangawhai property market has faced its share of challenges recently, with falling interest rates and the arrival of spring, there’s a growing sense of optimism. More buyers are entering the market, and sellers who have taken the time to prepare their property and contracts will be well-positioned to seal the deal.
An experienced property lawyer can guide you through the process, helping you understand your rights and obligations, which will allow you to enjoy the benefits of a smooth and successful transaction.
To contact WRMK visit wrmk.co.nz or call (09) 470 2459.
Whatever
Asking
Crook 027 202 7227 natalie.crook@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS
Mangawhai 56a Pebblebrooke Road
Trying out the director’s chair
Rodney College Year 13 student
Michael Lynch of Mangawhai, had a brush with fame earlier this month when he sat in on a weekend rehearsal for the play Taking Off, written by Sir Roger Hall.
Michael hopes to take a step into professional drama next year, through an apprenticeship with a theatre company.
Knowing of his plans, college drama teacher Lucy Duffield leaned on a friend, who is the production and stage manager for Tadpole Productions, to give Michael a chance to observe a reallife rehearsal.
This led to a hall in Mt Roskill, where director Simon Prast and the cast of Taking Off were busy preparing for the show that ran at
The Pumphouse from September 5 to 15.
Unbeknown to Michael, Hall, one of NZ’s most successful playwrights, dropped into the rehearsal.
“I watched him making notes about the play and it was amazing to think that this was the man who actually wrote the play, sitting there watching it,” Michael said.
“It was a really valuable experience to see how a director works, the decisions he makes and how his confidence reflects on the cast. You can see him cutting everything into his vision of how he wants the play to be performed.
“It was also a much calmer experience than anything I’ve been involved in here at the college.”
Blue Light lights up Rainbow’s End
Hundreds of youth, police and volunteers took part in a weekend of high-speed thrills during the North Rodney Blue Light Funday at Rainbow’s End recently.
Blue Light chief executive Brendon Crompton said the outing was an opportunity for police to build a positive connection with young New Zealanders, “in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.”
The Rainbow’s End event, which has been running for 25 years, is Blue Light’s biggest event of the year.
Blue Light involves police volunteering their time to support youth aged six to 24 years, offering programmes, activities, events and services such as life skills and leadership camps.
North Rodney youth coordinator Shane Gould says the number of schools involved has steadily increased. Students selected by Blue Light branches come from as far away as Kaikohe and Taranaki, and are the trip is a reward for their school attendance, behaviour and service roles such as road patrollers and peer mentorship.
During his years at Rodney, Michael has performed in Devil in Drag, Dracula and took the lead role of Jack in this year’s production, Jack Absolute Flies Again.
He says directing appeals to him because he loves the idea of storytelling and putting all the pieces together.
“In the case of a stage production, that’s not just the play itself, but the lighting, sound, props and so on. It’s a bit like Lego – you put all the blocks together to make something great.”
Two other Year 13 students –Ethan Skelling and Benny Manson – were also given the opportunity to visit the set during production rehearsals at The Pumphouse in the week before the show opened.
“The Funday is a powerful way for the community to see police engaging with all young people, not just a selected group,” he said.
Gould thanked partners Green by Nature and community sponsors and supporters, who enabled so many young people to attend the event. He also thanked Wellsford Lions Club which fully sponsored six students and covered bus transport for many others.
“Green by Nature volunteers served a staggering 3000 barbequed sausages to the hungry youngsters over the weekend,” Gould said.
“Police enjoy seeing youth in a positive environment rather than the challenging situations they are sometimes working with and I believe the whole community benefits from seeing police engaging with young people.”
North Rodney Blue Light acknowledged the generosity of sponsors Mason Containers in Warkworth, Wharehine Contractors in Wellsford, Constellation Communities Trust and Oxford Sports Trust.
Blue Light chief executive Brendon Crompton gave the Rainbow’s End event the thumbs up. He is pictured with police colleagues, Green by Nature director Cameron Parr (centre) and volunteers, as well as some of the hundreds of young people who participated in the Funday.
Michael Lynch (top left) with the cast of Taking Off including director Simon Prast (standing) and playwright Roger Hall (seated).
1 Darmah Lane, Mangawhai
Settler Style Home and American Barn
• Peaceful and picturesque pond and countryside setting
• Container swimming pool, a real bonus for hot summer days
• High stud barn with 4 bays, workshop, storage, and hobby room
• Barn has 3-phase power and home solar power
• A large area of native plantings makes for an easy care lifestyle
Enjoy the beautiful vista or relax with your clan, this offering has it all. Vendors are downsizing and need SOLD!
rwmangawhai.co.nz/MGW30370 09 October 2024 5:00pm at 10 Polygon Road, St Heliers (unless sold prior)
View Saturday 12:00-12:30 pm
Sunday 12:00-12:30 pm
Kaye McElwain 027 215 2016 kaye.mcelwain@raywhite.com
Stewart McElwain 027 255 5186 stewart.mcelwain@raywhite.com
34 Moir Point Road, Mangawhai Heads
Nichols-Gill 027 334 7058 liz.nichols-gill@raywhite.com Shane Romani 021 889 906 shane.romani@raywhite.com SET DATE OF SALE View By Appointment
From the Northern Lights to the Southern Cross, this architectural gem has been inspired by the artist owner's international background and respect for the natural environment. Discreetly positioned on an elevated site, this is a substantial coastal retreat, featuring multiple entertaining areas and a Mediterranean garden. A separate studio is the perfect place for friends visiting and currently one of the most sought-after Airbnb in this area. Within easy walking distance to the estuary, this impeccable haven has been created with 'heart and soul'. rwmangawhai.co.nz/MGW30466
McElwain Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008) Set Date of Sale
Closes 4:00pm 17 October 2024 (unless sold prior)
McElwain Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)
Councillors invite residents’ input
Over the last year, two Mangawhai councillors on the Kaipara District Council have offered residents a chance to air their concerns about council face-to-face.
The sessions have been organised by Mike Howard and Rachael Williams and are held at Mangawhai Golf Club. They have heard a range of issues from roading and flooding to boy racers and disregarded or overlooked complaints.
Howard says helping people to find a resolution or a way forward, especially for people who have just been beside themselves due to no action, is very rewarding, and the response from the public has been “phenomenal”.
“It’s an opportunity to meet with us on a casual basis and most people are generally very appreciative of having this access,” Howard says.
The councillors acknowledge contacting KDC can be overwhelming sometimes and the meetings give a ‘locals talking to locals’ aspect to council matters.
“We don’t know everything that’s going on so it’s good for people to bring concerns to our attention,” Williams says. “I always advise people to email the council and then you’ve got a paper trail. We can also contact council staff or go directly to senior management who have been supportive of our queries.”
Two years into the job, after being elected at the 2022 local body elections, both councillors have immersed themselves in their roles and say “by and large”, they love the job, although they admit the position is busier than expected.
“I was told two days a week max, but it is a lot more,” Howard says. “It’s not 40 hours every week but some weeks can be 60.
“There’s a lot of information to read before council meetings, but we’re not here to just fill in timesheets and turn up for meetings,
we want to make a difference and understand everything that comes before us.”
Prior to running for council, Williams regularly watched KDC meetings and also thought the position would be part-time. However, besides normal briefings, meetings and Long-Term Planning sessions “which were all-consuming,” the workload also includes involvement on several council committees such as the audit, risk and finance, Mangawhai Community Park and, awards and grants.
Mangawhai/Kaiwaka councillors
Rachael Williams and Mike Howard at their Mangawhai Golf Club ‘office’, waiting to hear questions and concerns from residents.
On some of the controversial decisions, such as the Māori ward dissolution and rate increases, both councillors say the level of negative feedback they receive has been minimal. They have chosen not engage on social media, on the basis that it is not the right place for discussion.
“Being a councillor is a huge learning curve but I think we’ve both grown into it,”
William says. “Mike and I work really well together, we share the load and are supported by Jonathan Larsen, which we’re grateful
for. If we didn’t have this teamwork, the job could be more challenging,” she says. “It is also very rewarding and a privilege to serve the community.”
The sessions are held on the first Friday of every month. To book a 10-minute slot at the October 4 ‘Meet the Councillors’ session, email Mike Howard mhoward@kaipara.govt. nz
Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson and deputy Jonathan Larsen also hold monthly meetings. To book, email dtaylor@kaipara.govt.nz
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR LEASE
Country character main building, centrally known Kaiwaka Cheese shop and the iconic Utopia Cafe. High visibility to north and south bound traffic, diagonal SH1 frontage
140m2 retro style interior, rear access to 35m2 outdoor area and offstreet parking area. Some internal fittings and
FREE CLASSIFIED ads. Got stuff to sell?
FREE Classified FOR SALE ADVERT in the MANGAWHAI FOCUS.
Just a few small rules: Private/householders may run up to two 12 word For Sale adverts per issue. Home Traders & Businesses must pay going rates. Email your adverts to: info@mangawhaifocus.co.nz.
PUBLIC NOTICES
ABC LTD driveways, slabs, paths, patios and excavations. For all your concrete needs. Free quote. Workmanship guaranteed. Darren 021 2676 820.
GRASSHOPPER LAWNMOWING MANGAWHAI Small lawns through to lifestyle blocks. Ph Brett 021 897 164.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
KNIFE SHARPENING SERVICE - RUAKAKA/OTP AREA
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
CHATEAU MANUFACTURING
JEWELLERS - WAIPU
6 The Centre, Waipu, (Behind Lydia Sushi) Phone 09 946 1720. chateaujewellers@gmail.com
REPAIR-REMODEL-RENEW
PROPOSED TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
Lawnmower blades, knives, chainsaws, scissors, chisels, hedgetrimmers. Call Dave 027 497 3378.
SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2024
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. Kaipara District Council
TSUNAMI SIREN TESTING
Northland’s network of tsunami sirens i n coastal communities will be tested on 29 September 2024
NOTICE OF INTENTION FOR TARGETED SPRAYING
The sirens will sound at 10am for 10 minutes a nd 10.30am for 30 seconds.
The twice-yearly checks are carried out at the beginning and end of daylight saving.
I offer 24 hour care for 2-5 day periods. 13+ years experience assisting with diverse needs. Email: margbrowne13@gmail.com or call 029 020 386 22.
CARPET, VINYL, HARDFLOORING. Supply and install. 100% mobile service. Ph Kaipara Flooring Co 021 515 415. Free quotes.
Let us update or create your Will. Best advice and rates. Frontline Law 09 889 0098
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.
The upcoming test involves the current siren network only; the newly installed upgraded sirens will not be tested at this time.
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.
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 and will be considered at the next Council meeting.
Approx 400m3 available. Unsprayed for last
Supply and install. 100% mobile
nz/residents/trees-and-vegetation-2/no-spray-zone
Kaipara District Council
Mangawhai Communit y Directory
URGENT NUMBERS
ABC LTD driveways, slabs, paths, patios and excavations. For all your concrete needs. Free quote. Workmanship guaranteed. Darren 021 2676 820.
GENERATORS AND INVERTERS FOR SALE Honda and Engel from $1495. See Kevin at Mangawhai. Small Engines. Ph 09 431 5270.
CHATEAU MANUFACTURING JEWELLERS - WAIPU
6 The Centre, Waipu, (Behind Lydia Sushi) Phone 09 946 1720. chateaujewellers @gmail.com REPAIR REMODEL RENEW
MANGAWHAI REBUS
DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
DETAILS: 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.
NOVEMBER REBUS: 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, just in time to end with afternoon tea.
MORE INFO: Phone Gordon 021 025 30066 or Carol 022 337 4666.
BOAT Hobie 16 catamaran. In good order, ready to sail. Comes with recently built, registered and warranted road trailer. Located handy to Mangawhai. Offers. Phone 027 431 5677.
BOAT 14 ft Whitehall dinghy. Heart kauri construction. Built by acclaimed boat builder. Comes on custom built trailer and 3 pairs of oars. Offers. Phone 027 431 5677.
2 BRM UNIT Easy walk to Waipu village. $430,000 ono. Text 022 079 0721 for info.
Reiki Energy Healing
Reiki is a gentle technique for stress reduction and relaxation that nourishes the soul and supports the body’s own ability to self-heal.
Lyn Frewin 0274 836 136 fromtheheartnz@outlook.com
History
Angela Cook, Mangawhai Museum Manager
info@mangawhai-museum.org.nz
Mangawhai Gem
The Daring was launched on 1 September 1863. Today, the ship rests inside a temporary storage facility neighbouring Mangawhai Museum, but every effort is being made to see her within a purpose-built, climate-controlled Daring Discovery Centre. Such an extension to the museum is worth fighting for, given this two-masted schooner is ranked in the Top 10 best-preserved shipwrecks in the world.
The Daring was built in Mangawhai by Donald McInnes of Waipu (formerly Nova Scotia), and fashioned from kauri carvel planks and pohutukawa ribs.
In early 1864, she was purchased by David Kirkwood then launched in Mangawhai. Soon after, she was stranded on the bar at Waikato Heads. A £500 insurance claim enabled her repair, after which Kirkwood persuaded locals, speaking in both English and te reo Māori, to join him in his quest to see her refloated.
But just two years after her first launch, on 21 February 1865, the Daring again ran aground. While battling strong westerly winds, skipper Captain Phipps and the crew settled upon a controlled beaching rather than risking loss of life and boat on the Kaipara Bar. Several attempts were made to refloat the Daring (again!) before she was abandoned and left to the elements on Muriwai Beach.
There she lay asleep and forgotten until shifting sands in 2018 unearthed her. Upon inspection, it was agreed she was worth saving, and so the oldest non-Māori vessel in Aotearoa was excavated and trucked to Hobsonville Point, where she underwent daily watering to preserve the timbers.
After lengthy negotiations, the Daring was brought back to her hometown of Mangawhai on 4 May 2021, where the Daring Trust attentively watches over her and ensures her preservation, escorting visitors inside her
storage facility to enjoy their own personal encounter with the vessel.
There is so much more to learn. What about the ship who came to her aid when she was in trouble? What treasures were found inside her bowels? What’s special about her windlass? Visitors can learn more about the Daring story inside the Tara Road School in the Mangawhai Historic Village, inside Mangawhai Museum, in books sold in the museum gift shop, or best of all, alongside her champions, the Daring Trust, during a guided tour. Group visits can be booked at manager@mangawhai-museum.org.nz.
What’s On at Mangawhai Museum
27 Sep – 08 Nov: Special Exhibition | Our Harbour: Told Through Tututuku. An opening night for friends and guests will be held on September 26.
25 Oct – 28 Oct: The Labour Weekend Bookfair.
10am-4pm daily
31 Oct: Spooky Night – a night for the young and young at heart.
4.30-6.30pm
REST ASSURED
IN GOOD HANDS
Youth get down to conservation fundamentals
The success of an ecology and conservation pilot programme for youth in the Mangawhai area plans to expand next year.
The Rangatahi Conservation programme involves students in their early teens spending a day a month on conservation themed events.
The programme is coordinated by the Piroa Conservation Trust, Shorebirds Trust and Tara Iti Golf Club. A Piroa Conservation Trust volunteer says each session starts with a bit of learning, followed by activities to put the lessons into practice.
“Attendees learn about the fundamentals of conservation – predator control, biodiversity monitoring and restoration – and each session focuses on a particular ecosystem such as forests, coasts, or freshwater,” she says.
On a recent visit to the Waorahi bush block, in the hills behind Langs Beach, a participant, Joseph Knight, described his experience:
“The day started with a talk by Deb Searchfield who showed a slideshow about kiwi, what is being done to keep them safe and protected from predators, how kiwi chicks are raised, when kiwi are considered old enough to be able to fend for themselves and much more. In a second slideshow, Deb talked about native frogs – their life cycle, habitat and the threats they face.
Then we off on a bush walk. At the start we had a quick stop to look inside a weta home, where there was a bunch of Auckland Tree Weta (Hemideina thoracica). Some of the plants I
found were Pseudognaphalium lanatum, a rare-ish native plant that I have only ever seen growing in the sand dunes but never in the bush so it was an interesting find. I also found a NZ bluebell (Wahlenbergia violacea) and saw two species of native orchids on the banks of the track, Corybas trilobus and Pixie Cap (Acianthus sinclairii).
“We stopped at a large puriri tree that is about 800 years old. I noticed that part of the trunk had hollowed out so I took a look inside and saw two large Auckland cave wētā (Pachyrhamma acanthocera). They were cool. The puriri tree had quite a few holes in it, made by the puriri moth larvae.
“We also did a five-minute bird count. Deb told us how the bird count works, what it is useful for and the factors that need to be considered before starting the bird count such as temperature, how sunny or windy it is. All of these can affect bird behaviour and activities. In five minutes, we saw a fantail, heard a tui and grey warbler singing happily, and we heard a kereru flying by with its heavy wingbeats. Two of us were even lucky enough to see a bellbird bopping from branch to branch in the puriri tree.”
Organisers extended a special thanks to Steve Mckee for providing access to the Waorahi bush block.
For more information, email info@ piroaconservation.org.nz or visit the website www.pbl.org.nz
Kaipara Kōrero
News from Kaipara District Council
New Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy
Northland’s four local authorities have joined forces to create a new strategy aimed at improving accessibility across the region, which has the second highest rate of disabilities and impairments in New Zealand (29 percent). The Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy was developed collaboratively by the Whangarei, Far North, and Kaipara District Councils, along with the Northland Regional Council. This initiative follows a 2020 survey in which only 17 percent of participants felt their district was accessible.
Northland Regional Event Fund now open
If you are organising an event that brings people to Te Tai Tokerau Northland, you may qualify for funding from Northland Inc. Find out more and apply at northlandnz.com/regional-events-fund Applications close Monday 4 November 2024.
Attention beach lovers
Northland Regional Council is re-establishing a CoastCare group in Mangawhai to restore the dunes at Mangawhai Heads surf beach. CoastCare groups are partnerships between the local community, iwi, local councils, DOC and NRC, working together to restore our region’s beaches. CoastCare focuses on a range of restorative measures including planting, fencing, signage, weed management, pest control and beach clean-ups. If you would like to help protect and preserve the dunes, contact coastcare@nrc.govt.nz.
Meetings with the MAYOR
Do you have an issue or idea that you’d like to discuss?
Make a time to meet with the Mayor Craig Jepson and Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen.
• 15 October - Maungaturoto Centennial Hall
• 22 October - Dargaville KDC office
• 29 October - Mangawhai KDC office
Bookings are required. Email dtaylor@kaipara.govt.nz or call 027 703 4897 to book.
DUE DATE EXTENDED
Last week to register your dog
We extended the due date for dog registrations by one month – please make sure your furry friend is up to date by 30 September to avoid penalty fees. Skip the queues and register online at kaipara.govt.nz/annual-dog-registration If you have concerns about paying on time, contact our Customer Support Team on 0800 727 059.
Have your sayFuture representation arrangements
Council has prepared an initial proposal for future representation arrangements. The proposal includes a mayor elected at-large, and eight councillors elected from three wards. There is also a proposed boundary adjustment between Wairoa and Otamatea general wards.
We are holding two drop in sessions for anyone who would like to talk to council staff:
• 1.30-5pm Tues 24 September - Mangawhai KDC Office
• 1.30-5pm Thurs 26 September - Dargaville KDC Office
Find out more and submit feedback before 2 October at kaipara.govt.nz/repreview
Tsunami siren testing
It’s that time of year again! Sunday 29 September is the beginning of daylight saving That means it’s also time for another six-monthly test of the tsunami siren network in Northland coastal communities. The sirens sound twice: firstly at 10am for 10 minutes and then again at 10.30am for 30 seconds, and will be monitored for any faults.
Love your Kaipara Library
Love your library these school holidays. Pop into the Dargaville and Mangawhai Library to participate.
What’s on
• Design your very own custom library bag (age 10+ unless with adult supervision)
• Tell us why you love your library on the ‘why you love your library’ flyers
• Make you own bookmarks
• ‘Spring into reading’ challenge on our beanstack app
• Give - Grow - Take. Seed library is back up and running for spring at Dargaville and Mangawhai Libraries.
• StoryWalk® around Dargaville and Mangawhai Village.
Learn more about our libraries by following our love your library campaign on Facebook @Kaipara Libraries
Māori Phrase of the month
Kei te haere au ki te whare pukapuka
I’m going to the library