September 9, 2024
Mangawhaifocus
www.localmatters.co.nz
Community pulls together after ram raids
A week after ram raiders hit businesses in Wood Street, Mangawhai Heads, causing significant damage, police have made no progress in apprehending the offenders.
Waitematā North CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby said police were following positive lines of enquiry and investigating similar offences elsewhere, with the belief that the offenders were based in Whangārei. A stolen vehicle used in the burglaries was found abandoned and subjected to forensic testing. Wood Street retailers were awakened early on August 31 by security alarms. Four businesses were targeted: Four Square, Super Liquor, the service station, and Books & Gifts. The raiders used vehicles and tools for an aggressive smash-and-grab and boasted about their crimes on social media, with footage showing them vandalizing the stores. There were also unconfirmed reports of them posing with shotguns.
Super Liquor and Mangawhai Heads Service Station suffered the most, with thousands of dollars in damage and merchandise stolen. A service station spokesperson, who requested anonymity, described the impact on small businesses as severe. “It’s hard
as I have no idea yet how much stock they took, but they caused $20,000plus worth of damage. It could ruin a business,” they said.
Boaz Developments owner Reece Fortune immediately stepped in to help, coordinating material donations from Placemakers Mangawhai and organizing support from other builders. The community rallied, with Brewed As providing coffee and Wood St Pizzeria offering meals. Councillor Mike Howard visited the morning after the raid to offer support.
The spokesperson, woken at 1:15 am by a call, was among the first on the scene, joined by Super Liquor co-owner Cameron Adams and Mangawhai Senior Constable Rob Cato. The offenders had already left by the time they arrived. With over 30 years in security, the spokesperson noted the raid seemed “semi-organised by seasoned criminals.” They observed that the raiders pushed aside the security grill and door to gain access and were familiar with the fog cannon, which filled the room with smoke, obscuring their escape.
The business is now considering additional security measures. Barred windows prevented entry into Four Square, and owner Hamish
Townshend lamented the rise in retail and violent crime. “Everyone should be able to come to work and feel safe,” he said. Townshend noted the community’s overwhelming support, with numerous calls, texts, and messages of encouragement, highlighting the town’s special spirit. Scott King, owner of Books & Gifts, noted that the ram raid was the first burglary in the store’s 16-year history. The raiders, after targeting the other businesses, broke through a window at his shop, leaving behind some blood and taking five or six watches worth about $200. Despite the disruption, King was relieved the damage was manageable. “It could have been so much worse,” he said. “The community’s response has been amazing, with offers of help and homemade treats. It’s the small-town spirit; it’s great.”
The Mangawhai Service Station spokesperson criticized the offenders for their brazen social media post about the break-ins, suggesting it demonstrated their lack of concern. “The page they posted on has been used for aggravated robberies, ram raids, and other offences. Police need more power to tackle these issues,” they said.
Retailers ponder upping security
The unprecedented crime spree has prompted Mangawhai retailers to consider security upgrades.
“We’ll have to look at putting some bollards in front to prevent cars coming in,” said Supervalue owner Davesh Patel. “But out the back, if they want to smack into a container, they’ll do it, can’t help that.”
Patel, who has owned the store for 30 years, said he felt fortunate to have been broken into just four times over that period. Like other business owners, he would like the government to be tougher on youth crime and supports the reintroduction of boot camps for serious offenders.
“You want to make sure they pay the price. Give them an easy out and they won’t change. I think boot camps are good because they’ll discipline the kids, maybe lead them into good jobs later and
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then they could see the value of work.”
Mangawhai GAS co-owner Sheila Hassall said security was becoming more of an issue, with many outside influences coming into the area. Vehicle recognition cameras situated at both entranceways into the Heads and Village would benefit local businesses and
Local opinion is that a permanent police presence in our village would be to everyone’s advantage.
residents as well as help the police, she said. Hassall conceded they would be expensive – “maybe we can forgo a footpath or two and get the council behind this.”
continued page 2
The aggressive raids on businesses in Wood Street at Mangawhai Heads caused thousands of dollars in damages, but it also saw the community instantly step in to help and support affected retailers. PHOTO: JULIA WADE
September 9, 2024
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Supplying Fire Extinguishers and Equipment
and Workplace
Patrick Goodenough, Editor news@localmatters.co.nz
Welcome to your first issue of Mangawhai Focus under new ownership.
Local Matters is a Warkworth-based company that brings together three independent community newspapers: Mahurangi Matters –the 2024 Community Newspaper of the Year – Ōrewa-based Hibiscus Matters, and now the Focus. Representing you, the community, is a privilege we don’t take lightly.
It’s my pleasure to join Julia Wade, whose local knowledge will be invaluable as we move ahead. Rounding out our team are ad reps Hayley Bills and Nadia Lewis and graphic designer Bex Augustin.
I’ve always loved Mangawhai, especially the
continued from front page
“Many local businesses do their utmost to protect their staff and property but this is becoming extremely difficult. We’ve got our Mangawhai Community Patrol –which is fuelled by GAS – but it is severely undermanned and desperately needs more volunteers to spread the load.
“Local opinion is that a permanent police presence in our village would be to everyone’s advantage, a bone of contention that has been around for many years but with the huge growth of Mangawhai it is now a necessity.”
Bammas Surf Shop has suffered two ram raids in its 14 years of trading and increased security at the time. Co-owner David Glover said the crimes were “a horrible thing for our little town,” but he had no plans to take additional measures.
“The recent raid showed the ineffectiveness of bollards as offenders can just smash through windows to gain access,” he said in a statement. “Even insurance companies admit there is very little that can be done
surf beach, which has to be one of the finest I’ve ever seen. (I was born in Cape Town so the bar is set high.)
I’ll be based in Mangawhai a couple of days a week to begin with, but hope to make the move permanent, along with my wife. Ruth teaches piano to students aged four to 90, and still finds time to play the harp at retirement villages and in dementia wards, when she isn’t painting watercolours.
I want to thank Rich for his years at the helm, and sales rep Mel, and Local Matters managing editor Jannette Thompson for the trust she has shown in me.
‘Small town spirit’
From offering to rebuild and clean up to providing free coffees and dinners, Mangawhai has come out in a show of support of the retailers hit by the ram raiders.
“Everyone who’s come in says they can’t believe it happened,” says Books & Gifts owner Scott King. “The response from people has been amazing. I’ve had at least half a dozen coming in with homemade biscuits, chocolates and offers of free coffees, it’s the small-town spirit, its great.”
King was pleased that Northland minister Grant McCallum and Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson and councillors Mike Howard and Rachael Williams visited the affected businesses
“Acknowledgement is so often such an important part of this sort of thing. It was good they showed an interest and understood that this is a problem.”
when a two-ton weapon is fired at speed into your shop.
“We have specialised toughened glass and a fog cannon but all that will do is slow them down a bit. We could go down the track of big cities and fill every street with the latest facial and number plate recognition cameras but all they are good for is providing evidence for the police after the fact.
“These kids don’t give a rats about any of that. Lock them up until they gain a higher school education which might make them rethink their life choices and a lifetime ban on social media platforms may lessen the bravado.”
Interested in helping to protect Mangawhai community from more crime?
Join Mangawhai Community Patrol and become the ‘ears and eyes’ of the police. Visit the Facebook page or contact Dave Thomas at mangawhaicommunitypatrol@ gmail.com
Retailers would like to thank everyone who offered support with a special mention to: NZ Police, Adrian from North Glass, Reece and his team from Boaz Construction, Tony Farley from Central Building and Placemakers for supplies, as well as Brewed As and Wood St Pizzeria.
Councillor calls Māori ward question a ‘Hobson’s Choice’
PATRICK GOODENOUGH
Ahead of this week’s High Court hearing on the Kaipara District Council’s decision to scrap Maori wards, one elected member revealed he had almost resigned over the controversy while another said councillors had been presented with “Hobson’s choice”.
Ash Nayyar told Mangawhai Focus the wards had been “superimposed” by the former Labour government.
“Local government is better off playing the political football as served, and focusing on core issues which matter to the ratepayers,” he said. “Unfortunately those core issues are being shrouded and ignored in the smoke screen of political beliefs and ideologies.” Nayyar pledged to continue to serve the interests of all ratepayers in district, to the best of his abilities.
On the day of the vote, Nayyar wrote an open letter to his constituents (see far right).
Changes to the Electoral Act required every
council to decide by September 6 if they wished to keep or dump Māori wards. They must hold binding polls at the 2025 local government elections, and the outcome of those votes will apply to the 2028 and 2031 elections.
Kaipara became the first in the country to disestablish its ward; Northland and Whangārei have chosen to retain theirs.
Mark Vincent told the KDC meeting late last month that he considered resigning over the issue but decided to serve out his term after realising that leaving now would probably confuse people.
“I am resolved to continue for the rest of this term to highlight any other anti-democratic abuses of process that come to light, and do my best to act in the best interests of council overall.’
Vincent accused Mayor Craig Jepson of leading a divided body.
Invited to respond, Jepson told the Focus that all councils are divided on some issues.
“Local government politics is little different
Silver supporters sought for MAZ
KEN RAYWARD
Built from over 40,000 volunteer hours, Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) has become the pride of our community and the envy of others.
The MAZ committee is constantly being challenged to keep maintaining the existing activities and has many new plans to make sure ‘Our Park’ continues to give back to our community and be “the best backyard ever”. We are now reaching out for support to ensure the future of MAZ is both secure and dynamic, and a true reflection of our community.
The park is living proof that dreams can come true and we’ve introduced a MAZ Supporters Sponsorship programme, which will enable new dreams to be realised and the continued maintenance of fulfilled dreams.
A special MAZ Supporters Wall has been erected in the park, where individual signs, measuring one metre by 0.75 metres, will be displayed featuring the logo and activities of local businesses, families and groups who are keen to become supporters.
An annual Silver Tier Sponsorship is $1500, payable at $125 a month or in total. What do supporters receive? The respect and recognition of the community, the approved
to central government politics. Decisions are made via a majority. Councillor Vincent enjoys every opportunity to voice his opinion publicly and at KDC meetings and is not reticent to do so or test the water by amendment to motions,” Jepson said.
“Being unhappy that one is in the minority for a voting decision is not abuse or a failing of democracy.”
Ngāti Whātua has applied for a judicial review of the vote, arguing that representatives of local Māori had been given insufficient warning of the extraordinary meeting. An urgent hearing has been set down in the Auckland High Court on September 11.
* Hobson’s Choice refers to the necessity of accepting one of two equally objectionable alternatives.
Skyrocketing cost
Nayyar’s statement to voters on August 7
I chose to migrate to New Zealand in 2001 over Canada as it promised a better potential for growth which it is still struggling to achieve. Looking back I find a nation with petty vested interests regional (east and west) or ideological (race/genealogy) which has only stunted this beautiful end of the world. National politics has played its role in glorifying the divide and we are in a coalition government which has given a wake-up call to society to work together for the betterment of people.
In that context, Maori wards have become a political football which have been brought in and out at will by successive central governments. Various local governments (including us councillors) have played its part in further extending the game, depending on the ideology of various representatives and their leanings.
I as your elected member would like to urge other members to not extend this debate/ issue any further and leave it to the central government which represents the whole country.
We in local government should focus on the welfare of all of our constituents equally and provide them with an efficient service that they need direly, at an affordable costs. Most of our time at the council has been spent so far on minor issues which should be relegated to the past.
I stood for council which stands for equality for all and still believe that should be the case going forward. I believe all races have the capacity and capabilities to prosper to the best of their ability on common ground.
The cost to ratepayers of the judicial review has hit $107,138 and could rise as high as $150,000$160,000, CEO Jason Marris has confirmed. For context, the projected rate take for the district is $541,033,000 for the 2023-2024 financial year and $504,618,000 for 2024-2025.
use of ‘MAZ Supporter’ identification with your own marketing material and the good feeling of engaging and supporting your community. We would welcome
Ash Nayyar.
Mayor Craig Jepson.
Community confident
Mangawhai Hills controversy can be resolved
Mangawhai Matters is preparing to lodge an appeal to the Environmental Court over Kaipara District Council’s decision to move ahead on the Mangawhai Hills development – but also believes the matter can be resolved “quite quickly”.
Doug Lloyd says the group is not opposed to development but fights for good, “especially around things like stormwater and sediment retention to protect the harbour”. He acknowledges that the developers have been proactive in their efforts to alleviate the community’s concerns.
“Following the ratification of the plan change we have already had meetings with the developers and they understand our concerns. I believe the issue will be resolved quite quickly.”
The proposed 218.3 hectare project, including around 600 large-lot residential sites amid wetlands, native bush and walking and bike trails, is the biggest to get council’s green light since Mangawhai Central.
The site is bounded by Tara Road, Cove Road, Old Waipu Road and Moir Street. According to KDC district planner Paul Waanders, 106 ha will be devoted to housing and 112 ha to ecological restoration.
He says the two main areas of concern raised by submitters dealt with wastewater and roading provisions.
The applicants had received Northland Regional Council resource consent for private wastewater works, and roading engineers had “adjusted the roading plan to alleviate those particular issues”, he told council last month.
Mayor Craig Jepson left the chamber during the agenda item due to a conflict of interest.
Ash Nayyar complained that the process had moved at “rocket speed”, but Mark Vincent, who moved the motion, applauded the applicants for their efforts to engage the community, both those supporting and opposing the project.
The motion was passed by five votes to three, with Ihapera Paniora and Rachael Williams joining Nayyar in voting no.
Bottom right: Aerial photograph of the plan change area.
(Source: Emaps)
Council reviews representation
Kaipara residents have until October 2 to have a say on new representation arrangements for Kaipara District Council.
This follows council’s decision on August 7 to disestablish the Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori Ward. However, the consultation does not include reconsideration of whether or not there is a Māori ward.
Once confirmed, representation arrangements will be in place for next year’s triennial elections.
The arrangements in the Initial Proposal see a mayor elected at-large, and eight councillors elected from three wards. These wards are the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai ward, with three councillors; Otamatea ward, with two
councillors; and Wairoa ward, with three.
The proposed arrangements include minor boundary adjustments, including transferring a small area of what is currently within the Wairoa ward to the Otamatea ward.
Consultation opens on September 10 and runs until October 2. After considering public feedback, elected members will confirm the final arrangements.
Council chief executive Jason Marris encouraged all residents and ratepayers to share their feedback on the proposed representation arrangements.
For more information about the proposal and ways to have your say, visit kaipara.govt. nz/repreview
Kaiwaka Four Square targeted by burglars
Just days after Mangawhai’s ram raids, Kaiwaka Four Square was on the receiving end of a smash-and-grab on September 4. Waitemata North area response manager Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie says police were notified shortly after 3.30am that at least two offenders had broken into the superette. “They were disturbed by a security guard and fled the scene on foot,” Fowlie said.
A vehicle, later confirmed to be stolen, was left abandoned at the scene and has been towed for forensic examination.
“Our investigation is in the very early stages.”
Anyone with footage or information that may assist is asked to contact police via our 105-phone service, referencing job number P059853894.”
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Although contacted, comment from Four Square headquarters was not available by publication time.
Whether subdividing to create a lifestyle property, releasing capital for retirement, protecting native bush, or developing a wetland subdivision, one thing people often say is, “I wish I had started this process sooner.”
Meet your local experts.
We talk to Simon Reiher, a Registered Professional Surveyor and land development expert, and Myles Goodwin, Planner and Environmental Director of Cato Bolam, about rural subdivision.
Simon: “As landowners reach retirement, we hear a common statement: “The property has become too large to manage, but we love the location and want to stay in our community.” Subdividing allows them to sell part of the land while retaining their homes.
Others may wish to subdivide to maximise property value before selling. Many landowners realise that if they don’t subdivide, a purchaser likely will, to increase the property’s equity.”
Myles: “Another reason rural landowners subdivide is to create a block of land for their children, making homeownership more affordable in a challenging housing market.
Some seek to release capital to pay down a mortgage and in other cases, life changes such as marriage breakdowns prompt subdivisions, as they can facilitate a fair and equitable division of assets.”
How long does the rural subdivision process take?
Myles: “Rural subdivisions are generally straightforward but can still take at least a year from start to finish. If you are undertaking an environmental enhancement subdivision, which requires the establishment of bush or wetlands, these timeframes may be longer. Our planners and rural land development experts are skilled at navigating the process efficiently and keeping your project on track, freeing you up to focus on your vision.”
Our advice is to start sooner rather then later.
Simon: “If your property has subdivision potential, it would be wise to start the process sooner rather than later. Getting your consent in place now can provide you with an action plan, considerable security, and land equity, as land development consents can be held for 8 or more years.”
Find out what opportunities exist for your property in Mangawhai. Contact Myles Goodwin or Simon Reiher, your local rural subdivision and land development experts.
Call 0800 2 CATO BOLAM or visit catobolam.co.nz
to Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 4:00pm
& Public Holidays: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Simon Reiher and Myles Goodwin, left to right.
Community gets planting at Patch’s place
A recent community planting day in Waipū saw 17 dedicated Piroa Conservation Trust volunteers work hard to get around 1400 plants into the ground.
The planting site is situated on the edge of the estuary, in front of the Waipū Wildlife Refuge Reserve. This estuary is one of the main tributaries of the Waipū River and has been lacking riparian cover, which is key for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
A few years ago, the estuary was affected by a red algae bloom, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Established riparian plants provide shade, helping to keep the water temperature down, and offer cover, which improves both water quality and biodiversity. Overhanging native vegetation creates a suitable environment for fish to lay eggs and provides more food for taonga species residing in, or visiting, the Refuge Reserve.
The reserve is one of the few breeding sites for the New Zealand fairy tern (tara iti), the country’s most endangered coastal bird.
The refuge also welcomes long-haul migrants, including bar-tailed godwits from Alaska.
“By planting natives along the estuary, we aim to improve water quality, increase fish populations, and support bird biodiversity,”
Piroa Conservation Trust’s ???? said.
Landowner Patch Jenden, who prepared the site for planting, said he will be excited to
see the native plants grow and enhance the landscape.
The site on his property is also being used as a demonstration of what can be achieved with riparian planting, aiming to inspire other landowners along the estuary to undertake similar conservation efforts.
“As a landowner, I’m aware that planting native species along my riverbank contributes to enhanced biodiversity and improved water quality,” Patch said at the planting day.
The next steps will involve ongoing care and maintenance to ensure the plants thrive in their new home.
The plants were grown from eco-sourced seeds provided by volunteers at the Waipū Water Community Nursery.
Local farmers and landowners interested in riparian planting can benefit from the nursery’s output, as the goal is to see these plants thriving in their natural habitat.
Piroa Conservation Trust collaborates with interested landowners to facilitate planting on their properties and works with catchment groups in Bream Bay to enhance waterways, and create habitat for native birds, insects and fish species.
If you’re interested in enhancing your patch and local awa by starting native riparian planting, contact Catchment Coordinator, Graham Matthews, catchmentgroups@ piroaconservation.org.nz
Viewpoint
Jonathan Larsen, Deputy Mayor Kaipara Council jlarsen@kaipara.govt.nz
Fixing roading legacy issues
Mangawhai and Hakaru have seen substantial growth of small rural lots over recent years. With rates based on land value, and values being driven up by demand, there is a reasonable expectation from ratepayers that they will get something more for their money. Council has two mechanisms to collect funds to upgrade roads to compensate for the effects of subdivisions. One is via financial contributions (FCs) under the Resource Management Act and the other is via development contributions (DCs) under the Local Government Act. In earlier times, FCs for roading haven’t been consistently collected. Roading DCs have been collected in recent times, but have only been allocated to major upgrades on arterial routes and typically not to actual roads where the subdivisions are occurring and the main effects are felt.
So what are we doing about it?
Firstly, in the Annual Plan work starting this year, we will undertake a full review of how DCs are calculated and applied. I will be pushing to see funds collected in this way applied partly to projects upgrading the roads that are directly impacted by subdivision growth.
Secondly, in our Long Term Plan (LTP) adopted in July we have allocated budget to address three roading legacy issues. Thank you for your submissions which have helped to
make these projects happen. The projects are:
• Cames Road has been an issue as long as I have been on Council. The middle section of paper road was linked up by subdivisions on either side, closed off, opened up again and eventually built to an under-engineered standard. This resulted in a steep single lane section unsuitable for the level of traffic now using the road. The steep under engineered section will be upgraded to the top of the rise. The rest of the narrow and deteriorated middle section of the road is also programmed for upgrading.
• A large amount of subdivision has occurred on Devich Rd. It has also essentially become a through road from the Village for the likes of Cames Rd. The unsealed section from the bridge to Settlement Road will be upgraded to a sealed surface.
• Settlement Road has also seen a large amount of subdivision. The section of this road from the Kaiwaka- Mangawhai Road to the RSA will also be sealed.
The work budgeted in the 2024/25 year is required to be completed by March 31 next year. I will have further detail on these projects once they have been fully scoped.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the consensus position of Council.
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Contact: Jannette on 021 263 4423 or gm@localmatters.co.nz
Devich Rd looking west from the bridge.
Settlement Rd looking from Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road.
A steep section of Cames Rd.
Fistonich Building can help. We are based in Kaiwaka and build from Orewa to Ruakaka and have 20 years experience building everything from fences to high-end homes, qualified and licensed.
Poisoned family tree gets new lease of life
JULIA WADE
After being poisoned in a cowardly attack last year, a treasured old pōhutukawa has succumbed to the toxic substance and died. However, thanks to a Mangawhai builder with a new talent for woodturning, the tree will forever be immortalised as heirlooms, bringing comfort and closure for the tree’s owners.
Two 50-year-old neighbouring pōhutukawa on Heather Street were assaulted early last year with large drills and a toxic granular substance, which filled eight deep holes in the tree’s trunks.
The owner of one tree, Tina Gray, engaged an experienced Northland soil scientist Phil Walesby to treat the tree and, initially, the natives appeared to have survived the attempted sabotage with a show of new foliage. However, after another suspected attack in December, Tina’s tree deteriorated and eventually died. Although CCTV cameras were installed, they were not operating at the time of the second attack and the perpetrators are still unknown.
The pōhutukawa holds sentimental value for the former longtime holiday-local, who is currently building a permanent home in Mangawhai with partner Paul Lewis, as her father established the native at the front of their family bach over 60 years ago.
“I have been struggling with it all given that my Dad planted the tree, but just had to make my peace with it,” Tina says. “I thought it would just have to come out so it really brought a lot of lovely feelings to my heart when our house builder said he could do something with it.”
Local carpenter, Oakland Homes co-owner Peter Oakden, has been trying his hand at woodturning over the last 12 months, crafting a range of stunning vases and bowls in his spare time after being “YouTube taught”, and will transform the branches and trunk into a table and a garden bench seat.
out already, which eventually will be laminated together,” Peter says.
“I’ve also turned a few little candlesticks out of the smaller branches. I really enjoy it as the piece that you’re making just naturally comes out of the block of the wood, you work with the character and flaws in the timber.”
As pōhutukawa is not a commercial product, the items Peter will create are expected to be unique.
“I didn’t realise it had such beautiful grain,” he says. “It’s given Tina some comfort knowing that it’s going to be used for something purposeful, so it’s a really beautiful ending to the tree.”
Tina’s two adult children, Holly and Julian Simpson, have special memories of the tree from family holidays at the bach, and are both upset about the loss of the native which was a source of fun and shade.
“Sitting under the pōhutukawa Grandad planted was always sought after on hot sunny days and I remember climbing the tree and using the swing we installed in the early years. Family and friends parked their cars under it and the tree was a great halfway point for conversations on the street,” Julian says. “It’s a shame there’s wet wipes living among us who, without a second thought, decide to destroy a piece of history.”
Holly says what saddens her is she will not be able to share the childhood experiences of swinging in the tree with her own daughter, “because a nasty person decided they wanted to be selfish.”
Besides the furniture, the tree will also be remembered with the planting of a smaller variety of pōhutukawa, although Tina joked that they had considered Norfolk pines.
“It’s made me really happy that the tree is not going to be taken down and turned into firewood, that it’s going to be repurposed into
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Dead
although the tree has yielded to the poison attack, the old pōhutukawa will live on through special heirlooms crafted by local carpenter Peter Oakden of Oakland Homes (far right), bringing comfort and closure to the ‘family tree’; From left, Paul Lewis, Tina Gray and daughter Holly Simpson sitting with ninemonth-old Millie Cameron.
PHOTO: JULIA WADE
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Night for the museum raises much-needed funds
Tables were full and the bids were enthusiastic at the Mangawhai Museum annual Dinner & Auction fundraiser held at Mangawhai Golf Club on August 31.
BREAM BAY
9.00am
9.15am
9.20am
9.35am
9.40am
10.10am
10.50am
*For travel within Whangārei see CityLink Whangārei timetable www.citylinkwhangārei.co.nz or get your timetable from the Rose Street offce.
3.00pm
3.40pm
4.00pm
4.10pm
4.15pm
4.30pm
4.35pm
Molesworth
Organisers says the evening was the most successful in the event’s seven years, netting $12,500 from ticket sales, and silent and live auctions.
As always, the local business community gave generously, donating a range of art, wine, photography, garden supplies, children’s toys, services and plumbing gear, as well as a massage chair and a large dog sculpture.
Food was supplied by golf club eatery Greenview Café, musical entertainment by Mangawhai Tavern markets regular Dave Ewart, and professional auctioneer Dave Lincoln set the tone for the bidding.
Museum manager Angela Cook helped coordinate the event along with the fundraising team of Lesley Bell, Maggie Cameron and Marion Naish.
“It was fun, we mixed it up with some
different music this year and had a bona fide auctioneer which added to a real festive spirit,” Cook said. “I was impressed with the catering, it was a really good spread.
“This year was the first time in a long time that we haven’t had a main sponsor, but we still managed to fundraise a comparable sum.” The event was the first for Cook, who was appointed manager late last year. She says now that she know what she is in for, “we can just go from strength-to-strength”.
Mangawhai Museum & Historical Society chair Jill Corkin says the event was a great night.
“We are enormously grateful to all those who came along to support the museum. Times have been tough for businesses and everyone in general, yet donors were generous with prizes, which is wonderful,” she says. “Thank you to the Mangawhai Golf Club for once again hosting us and I would also like to publicly thank our hard-working band of volunteers who organise this event every year. They do a fantastic job.”
Locals dig deep for Daffodil Day
Locals, decked out in gold, turned up in large numbers to support two fundraising events recently, collecting more than $10,000 for the Cancer Society.
Just over 120 people put their general knowledge to the test at the sixth annual Cancer Society Daffodil Day Quiz Night, held at Mangawhai tavern, raising just shy of $5500.
Quizmaster John Phillis says the event was a huge success.
“It was a terrific night and extremely wellsupported by so many businesses and individuals in the community,” he said. “I’m so pleased we could do it again for such a worthy cause. There’s not one person that couldn’t tell you a cancer story, whether it’s a friend or a family member.”
Phillis also organises the Tuesday Tavern Quiz Nights. Proceeds were raised from the $10 entry fee, raffles and “a very lively auction” conducted by Bayley’s auctioneer Justin Brassfield.
“It’s just fantastic to see people support the fundraiser, many thanks to the Mangawhai Tavern who once again was host and thank you to all who came on the night.”
Mangawhai Lions also held a Daffodil Day Trivia Night fundraiser on August 24 at the Mangawhai Club, raising over $5000 and had over $4000 worth of donated prizes for the silent auction. “Thank you to everyone who attended in a sea of yellow costumes,” Lions secretary Mandy Hebben says. “A big thank you also to our wonderful sponsors who helped make this event a real success.’
A full house, a lot of fun and the best result to date. Organisers of the successful Mangawhai Museum Dinner & Auction, manager Angela Cook and the fundraising team Maggie Cameron and Marion Naish. Event founder and lead coordinator, Lesley Bell, takes a well-deserved rest in the massage chair, which was auctioned on the night.
Time to tango in the tinsel
With just 14 weeks before Mangawhai Activity Zone’s [MAZ] fifth annual Santa Parade, organisers are encouraging locals, clubs and businesses to let loose their Christmas creativity. They want to see as many Christmas floats as possible joining this year’s parade, which will be held on Sunday December 15, from 1pm. The convoy will follow the usual route, setting out from Sellers Reserve, off North Ave, to cruise through the Wood Street shops and along Molesworth Drive to MAZ.
After arriving in style in his stunning sleigh, which was locally-made for last year’s event, Santa will take centre stage on his throne to hand-out presents. Young fans will also have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa. The Christmas Concert will follow at 3pm and will feature a talented lineup of local and visiting performers.
For all inquiries and to register, contact Santa’s best mate, head elf John Phillis, on 021 339 329.
Return of Kaipara Art Awards
The Kaipara Art Awards are back for the first time since 2022, after missing a year due to the havoc wreaked across the region by floods and cyclones last year.
Entries are open until September 20 in five categories:
• Painting
• Other media – drawing, collage, fabric art, printing, photography, etc.
• Sculpture/3D media
• Emerging artist
• Youth (16 and under)
Entrants do not have to live in the Kaipara region, but they do need to be current members of one of its art groups such as Mangawhai Artists or White Rock Gallery
Artists in Matakohe.
Two dimensional art such as paintings and photographs have to be no more than 1m x 1m and 3D entries must be no more than 1m x 1m x 1m and no heavier than 20kg.
Entries will be judged at the Mangawhai Artists gallery in Moir Street on Friday, October 18, before the gala opening night and awards ceremony that evening in the atrium at Bennetts of Mangawhai.
The awards exhibition will open at the gallery the following day, Saturday October 19, and will run until Wednesday, October 30. Most works will be for sale.
Info and entry forms: https://www.mangawhaiartists.co.nz/
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Neuroverse – changing the way we
‘Neuroverse’, the new exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, celebrates the work of artists Lisa Wintle and Jay Allen. While both artists share a love of nature and the environment which is reflected in much of their work, a key aim of the exhibition is to raise awareness of, and self esteem in, people who respond to their environment differently from the status quo.
“This is extremely important to me as it reflects a core value in my life and work,” says Lisa. “Through my artistic practice and my role as a parent I am interested in exploring and bringing awareness to the four different learning styles of visual, auditory, sportive and kinetic connection.
“This is a central theme in my work: to raise confidence in others by educating them and shining light on their unique strengths. Come along to our exhibition and discover our visual message!”
Lisa is a commission artist who specialises in translating nature and feelings.
“I am inspired by the natural world and seek to bring a scene to life on canvas. I was raised on the Kaipara Harbour and have an affinity with land and waterscapes with their many seasons and moods. I have always loved to paint and have taken painting instruction from a young age.
“Much of my learning has been self-directed.
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The collection I am exhibiting covers a mix of commissions and photos. The rural scenes are nostalgic memories capturing the sentiment of days gone by for generations to come. The seascapes reflect the feelings of well-being you get from walking down a beach or looking out on to the water. ‘Breathe’ was painted as a tribute to mental health and taking time out.
“I like to pay attention to refractions in the water and continuous patterns in nature to reflect the feeling of trying to pause and relax, and many of my paintings are painted with the intention to unwind and transport the viewer.”
Jay Allen, a finalist in the recent 2024 Parkin Drawing Prize is a regular exhibiter at the Gallery and their work is much sought after.
“Drawing is my first love,” says Jay. “It has been a lifetime practice, as well as a source of peace and solace. My artistic influences are diverse, and stem from a love of natural structures, plant forms and creatures.
“In a combination of obsessive detail and murky chaos, my creativity draws from emotional states, liminal spaces and thematic and visual tensions.”
Jay has a background in art history, photography and illustration.
“A move into the field of ceramics has taken my work into another direction, incorporating the textural elements, formal considerations and creative challenges of this three-dimensional media into my drawing practice.
“This body of work is a collection of stories, explored through clay and line. Of the natural world and of our own community. ‘Tell me’ is a fleeting glimpse into the internal worlds of those around us – one which began with asking one open-ended question: Tell me something.”
‘Neuroverse’ is open daily from 10.30am to 3.30pm from Saturday 7 September to Thursday 19 September at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir Street.
Call for fairy tern volunteers
Do you have an interest in shorebirds? Do you enjoy being out in the wide-open spaces of nature on the Mangawhai or Waipū estuaries?
Are you keen to support the survival of New Zealand’s most threatened and rarest breeding bird, the fairy tern/tara iti, and want to learn more about the variety of shorebirds in the area?
‘About Tern Mangawhai and Waipū’, volunteers who work alongside the Tara Iti Recovery Group and Department of Conservation (DOC), urgently need more volunteers to monitor the nests during the breeding season.
On Friday September 20, there will be an onsite meet-and-greet on the Mangawhai Spit with DOC rangers and current volunteers. People interested in lending a hand are welcome to attend.
There are several other ways potential volunteers can get involved and support this vital work:
• advocacy to educate the public about shorebirds in general and more specifically about tara iti/fairy terns;
Divers wanted
• trapping and predator control;
• weed control on the Spit;
• the ongoing fishing study monitoring food sources for tara iti;
• monitoring and identifying other shorebirds
– Mangawhai is host to a wide variety of shorebirds, as well as tara iti.
The most important role is advocacy work as the DOC rangers simply do not have sufficient time to engage with the public during the busy holiday period, which also coincides with the main breeding season.
Having a regular volunteer presence near the boat ramp and around the estuary or on the beach over low tide would be invaluable; to answer the public’s questions, hand out information pamphlets and offer binoculars or a telescope for those interested, to view the birds from a safe distance. Volunteers can also point out the main foraging areas where fairy terns are most likely to be seen at low tide.
Anyone interested contact Dawne Sanson, Mangawhai volunteer coordinator, on 027 289 3185 or email dawne.sanson@xtra.co.nz
The country’s oldest diving club is casting its nets wide to find current and former members for its 70th anniversary celebrations next month. The NZ Dolphin Underwater & Adventure Club is based in Takapuna, but members come from far and wide to join in its organised dive, underwater photography and environmental clean-up activities, as well as mountain biking, tramping and travel. The 70th anniversary party is on Saturday, October 19 at Milford Cruising Club, with drinks from 5.30pm, dinner at 7pm and guest speakers Dave Moran, Keith Gordon and Fiona Tarlton. Tickets cost $45. Info and bookings: www.dolphinunderwater.co.nz
Volunteers (from left) Lisa Marshall, Melanie Scott, Debbie Stone and Dawne Sanson, in the NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust’s boat Audrey, make their way towards the breeding site on the spit. PHOTO: ANDY BRUCE.
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Locals win big at GAS
Defying the odds, two lucky locals have individually won a massive prize in a nationwide event, which will bring some welcome relief at the petrol pump.
Last month, GAS retail stations were promoting their ‘Instant Discount Card and GAS APP’ with $32,000 of free fuel up for grabs, divvied up into two lots of $4000 each week.
Customers could enter the competition after buying $40 worth of petrol and swiping their
discount card. Given only eight people across the country could actually win the big prizes, Mangawhai GAS co-owner Sheila Hassall says that incredibly, the Village station had two regular customers strike the jackpot.
“We had a young lady win one week and then blow me down, another customer won it the following week. Seeing as this is New Zealand wide, how good is that!”
GAS Mangawhai manager Brett Strong handed out the vouchers to the winning
locals Valeria Booth and Danny Morales, and Shelia says although the promotion is over, customers can still have a chance to win free fuel with the station’s own monthly $250 promotion draw.
“We would like to thank all our loyal customers for supporting our business, which enables these sorts of promos to be offered and also allows us to support other local enterprises.”
Opera film festival ends with tribute to Margot Fonteyn
The Mangawhai Opera Lovers Film Festival season ends on September 22 with a doco on the life of ballerina Margot Fonteyn.
“Her life was extraordinary – but also in many ways tragic,” organiser Stuart Thompson says.
“With wonderful footage of her dancing, and through commentary from friends and colleagues, this Tony Palmer documentary provides an insight into an amazing dancer
who became a household name around the world.”
The partnership between Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn was legendary, he says. But her life was no fairy tale.
“The film Margot shows what can be achieved through commitment, dedication and talent, while also exposing how loyalty and betrayal
impacted on the life of a legend. The film is an eye-opener.”
This year’s festival featured six operas and two documentaries, The event is now firmly established on the winter calendar and will return next winter.
Contact: Stuart Thompson 021 379992 or Belinda Vernon 027 557 0845 or visit www. mangawhaimovies.com
GAS Mangawhai manager Brett Strong presented the vouchers to the two winners, Valeria Booth and Danny Morales.
St John Op Shop volunteers honoured
Fifteen devoted Mangawhai St John Op Shop volunteers have received one of Hato Hone St John’s most prestigious medals.
The retail volunteers received the Volunteer 10 Year Service Award – a silver medal which harks back to Queen Victoria.
Officiated by Order of St John representative and area commander Nicholas Roberts, the September 1 ceremony at the Mangawhai Ambulance Station was attended by recipients, fellow volunteers, op shop manager Frances Kennelly and St John Northern Region patron Richard Blundell.
Kennelly paid homage to the volunteer team as well as the humble beginnings of the op shop, which locals launched at The Hub in 2010 to raise funds for the state-of-the-art ambulance station.
The team showed their respect for Kennelly, with medal recipient Betty Dix presenting a large Bennetts gift box to “our loving manager”.
“She takes all our jokes, laughter, troubles and sadness on her shoulders, and she’s always there with a helping hand for the volunteers and customers alike,” Dix said. “I think of her as my mother hen. I’m so lucky to be a volunteer.”
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Patron Richard Blundell described the intriguing history of the organisation, which dates back to the 12th century. He added that the work and team camaraderie at Mangawhai embodied the “spirit of St John”.
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PROUD JOINT SPONSORS OF THE MANGAWHAI HEADS TIDE TABLE
“Without the effort and support of the volunteers, we wouldn’t have this valuable asset that we have today,” she said. “Thank you so much for everything that you all do, St John is very grateful. I’m so proud of you all and for all your wonderful service to St John, myself and to our shop.”
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“I feel very privileged to meet ordinary people doing extraordinary things, from ambulance officers through to people like yourselves who give up their time to do what you do,” he said. “So thank you for the superb service, you obviously have a very happy op shop.”
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Nicholas Roberts, who has 35 years’ worth of medallions, says the service medal is an important tradition inaugurated by Queen Victoria in the 1800s and can be proudly worn on any formal occasion, including Anzac Day.
“I’m very proud to see so many people here in this beautiful ambulance station that your work at the shop paid for, as well as your new store. You also support the Mangawhai and Bream Bay ambulance services, as well as community initiatives in these areas,” he said. “We are grateful to you and very proud to be part of this occasion.”
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Roberts is also arranging ribands – a decorative award ribbon representing the service medal –for the 15 volunteers to wear while working at the op shop.
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PROUD JOINT SPONSORS OF THE MANGAWHAI HEADS TIDE TABLE
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Recognised for a decade’s worth of service, 15 St John Op Shop workers now proudly wear the prestigious Mangawhai Store Volunteer 10 Year Service Award, presented at a recent ceremony.
The Service Award is a high-status, traditional silver medal stamped with the face of royalty.
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On the Ocean
Grant Dixon
Snapper on the chew
Just as duck shooters anticipate their opening day in May and deerstalkers the April ‘roar,’ anglers eagerly await the start of the ‘workup season’. In spring, bait fish like pilchards, jack mackerel and whitebait begin to school up, attracting predators such as kingfish, snapper and sharks. The surface becomes a battleground as dolphins, whales, gannets and terns join the feast, creating a spectacular natural display. This frenzy also lures boatbased anglers, some of whom experience a ‘red mist’ similar to a novice hunter’s buck fever. Workups are dynamic, shifting locations as predators attack the baitfish. Novice anglers often chase these workups, not realizing that some of the best fishing happens in the aftermath, where the action has just subsided. This post-workup fishing, known as ‘fishing the exhaust,’ involves targeting the snapper that feed on wounded baitfish drifting toward the bottom. As the remains of the workup filter down, snapper and other opportunistic feeders take advantage of the easy meal. This makes lure fishing particularly exciting because the fish can strike anywhere from just below the surface to the seabed, keeping anglers on their toes. One effective technique during this time is horizontal jigging. This method involves casting a lure out and allowing it to flutter downwards in a controlled manner, mimicking a wounded baitfish. Anglers need to pay close attention to their line; if it stops before reaching the bottom, it’s often a sign
that a fish has taken an interest. At this point, reeling in hard is usually enough to set the hook and start the toes. One can be worked similarly. Cast them ahead at a 45-degree angle from the drifting boat, letting them naturally sink into the action zone. The key is to stay in touch with the bait, maintaining a sense of feel to detect any bites and avoid missing opportunities. During this season, the fishing can be exceptionally productive, with some crews quickly reaching their limit of seven snapper.
However, with a growing conservation mindset, many anglers are now choosing to catch fewer fish while making full use of what they do land. As snapper begin to aggregate before spawning, they tend to be larger, offering more meat and greater culinary possibilities. This makes it easier to utilize the entire fish – heads and frames can be boiled to make stock, smoked, or used in other recipes. Even the ‘wings’ and meat around the bones are often considered the tastiest parts. For more information on fish utilization and some excellent recipes, visit www.legasea.co.nz. For those not interested in using the whole fish, there are many families in the district who would gladly take the frames for eating or as fertilizer. To connect with recipients, visit www.freefishheads.co.nz.
For more information on the techniques discussed above, along with the best bite times for this area, check out www.fish.net.nz. Tight lines!
Nearly $1 billion for Northland roading
Northland’s Regional Transport Committee has welcomed news the government will invest $991 million into the region’s transport network over the next three years. “This is good stuff from [Transport Minister Simeon Brown] and is consistent with the RTC’s submissions and meetings with him,” said Chair Joe Carr. Nonetheless, Northland has particular difficulties with the condition of SH1 and SH10. “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 percent allocation for rehabilitation is grossly insufficient as reseals alone will not work.”
Welcome onboard fishing columnist Grant Dixon
Born into a hunting/fishing/sporting family in Te Awamutu, Grant Dixon made the most of the many outdoor opportunities on offer.
A graduate of Hamilton Teachers College, Grant joined joining the Te Awamutu Courier as a reporter, later becoming its editor. A stint
at the helm of the Morrinsville based Piako Post followed, before a move to Aucklandbased NZ Fishing Newsmagazine. He would be there for the next 30 years, serving as editor before taking up a co-ownership opportunity. Grant and wife Faith have had a long association with the Bream Bay area, and retired to Mangawhai in 2021.
A Bream Bay workup – gannets diving on a pilchard meatball.
Kaipara Kōrero
News from Kaipara District Council
Shared path works
Haere mai – Welcome to Kaipara!
The second phase of the Mangawhai shared path works kick of 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. Trafc management will be in place while they undertake for more information on Phase 2
Mangawhai residents are asked to flush
o o ha e an iss e or i ea that you’d like to discuss?
We’re asking Mangawhai house owners and residents on the wastewater system to fush water through their drains, toilets and showers and make sure their water traps are full.
Make a time to meet with the Mayor Craig Jepson and Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen. Bookings are required. Email dtaylor@kaipara.govt.nz or call 027 703 4897 to book.
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.
• 11 September – Kaiwaka War Memorial Hall
• 19 September – Ruawai War Memorial Hall
• 15 October – Maungaturoto Centennial Hall
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.
• ctober aipara istrict o ncil o ce ar a ille
• ctober aipara istrict o ncil o ce an a hai
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 ofces before
It’s Welcoming Week, an opportunity to make our communities more welcoming to all those who choose to call Aotearoa New Zealand home.
Kaipara District Council Welcoming Communities Advisor Misty Sansom encourages Kaipara residents to roll out the welcome mat to newcomers.
If you are eligible to vote but haven’t received voting papers in your letterbox, you can call the Electoral Ofcer on 0800 922 822 to be posted a special vote. You can also pick up a special vote pack from a Kaipara District Council ofce. Find out more about voting in local elections in Kaipara at kaipara.govt.nz/council/local-elections
“Most of us know what it’s like to be new to a place, whether that’s a new workplace, school or neighbourhood. We know what it’s like to belong somewhere, because we know how it feels to not belong. As a community, we can make sure that feeling of ‘not belonging’ doesn’t last long for our newcomers by reaching out and making them feel welcome.”
Head to welcomingweek.org for ideas on how you can get involved in making Kaipara a welcoming place to be.
Hubert Linnell Reserve (Rangiora Road park/reserve area) update
If you’ve been down near Hubert Linnell Reserve (Rangiora Road park/reserve area) recently you will have seen all the work taking place. The improvements are well underway with drainage installed, trenches backflled, and all the on-site spoil loaded out of the reserve area. Last week the team began preparations for kerb and channel work and excavation has begun for the footpath and carpark areas. Works remain on track for completion just in time for summer.
Finish line in sight for loo projects
• 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, fush the toilets.
Shortened Representation Review update
• 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.
Council has adopted a proposal for future representation arrangements and wants your feedback. Any agreed changes will be put in place for at least the 2025 triennial elections.
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, fush toilets, take a shower, the trap is flled with new water.
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 confned spaces can be fatal.
The proposed arrangements see a mayor elected at-large, and eight councillors elected from three wards. These wards are the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai ward, with three councillors; Otamatea ward, with two councillors; and Wairoa ward, with three councillors. The proposed arrangements include minor boundary adjustments, including transferring a small area of what is currently within the Wairoa ward to the Otamatea ward. This is so that each councillor represents approximately the same number of people.
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.
Public consultation opens 10 September through to 2 October 2024. This is your chance to look at the proposed representation arrangements and share your thoughts.
New mobility park
The decision to disestablish the Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori ward has already been made and can’t be part of this representation review process.
Find out more and have your say at kaipara.govt.nz/repreview
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.
Upcoming council meetings
The new toilet facilities on Alamar Crescent will soon be open for use. This includes a mobility parking space outside the toilet building. Works on new toilets at Lincoln Reserve are in the fnal stages. Look out for some artwork on the building that celebrates the Tara Iti / Fairy Tern and Mangawhai’s natural environment. Coming soon!
There is currently no turnaround area at the end of Rangiora Road, and the boat ramp is closed while the works are happening. We will let you know when it’s back in action. This project is supported by central Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF).
New crops for second season
Sunfowers and squash will soon be brightening up the Kaipara Water demonstration sites.
The sites are at Te Kopuru and Maunganui Bluf. Both are set up as working examples of the ways in which diferent irrigation techniques can support land diversifcation across Kaipara District.
Stormwater improvements for Eveline Street extension
Work starts this week to improve stormwater in the Eveline Street extension catchment.
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.
Works include hydro excavation, and installation of a new stormwater pipe and catchpits. Lincoln Street Reserve will be used as a lay-down area for construction materials. Eveline Street and Eveline Street walkway will be closed to all users except residents for approximately eight weeks. Please follow the directions of our trafc management staf onsite and use alternative routes if you can.
The sites are part of Kaipara KickStart supported by the government’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
Wandering stock and roaming dogs
Rates due Friday 20 September
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 confned within their properties.
A friendly reminder, instalment one of rates for 2024/2025 is due on 20 September. Having trouble paying your rates? If you’re having difculty meeting the cost of your rates, talk to our friendly revenue team about developing a payment plan. You can contact the team by phone 0800 727 059 or email revenue@kaipara.govt.nz Find out more at kaipara.govt.nz/rates
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.
• Audit, Risk and Finance Committee 9.30am Thurs 12 Sept, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai
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
• o ncil rie n 9.30am Wed 18 Sept, Ruawai Tokatoka War Memorial Hall, 25 Ruawai Wharf Road, Ruawai
Meet T.D. Kuchel
• Extraordinary Meeting Raupo Drainage Committee 3pm Wed 18 Sept, Ruawai Tokatoka War Memorial Hall, 25 Ruawai Wharf Road, Ruawai
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.
• Council Meeting 10am Wed 25 Sept, Tangiteroria Community Complex, 23 Pukehuia Road, Tangiteroria
• Awards and Grants Committee 9.30am Thurs 26 Sept, Lighthouse Function Centre, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville
The Passage of Conquest is available to borrow from all Kaipara Libraries. Borrow or place on hold on our website, https://kaipara.kotui.org.nz or on the Kaipara Libraries app.
Please see our website for the most up-to-date information or call 0800 727 059 and ask to speak to a Governance Advisor.
Kaipara Libraries update
Kaipara District libraries ofer a range of services to help the community including photocopying and scanning IDs, support locating a Justice of the Peace in your area for document certifcation, assistance with immigration papers, access to computers and 24/7 Wi-Fi.
These services are provided in a welcoming space for the community to enjoy where library staf are present to ofer advice and support with general queries.
Māori phrase of the month
Kei te haere au ki te whare pukapuka
I’m going to the library