Bream Bay 2018

The many faces of

JANUARY 2018

Bream Bay Market Report Total Bream Bay Sales

$

A erage sa Average sale price e iincreased by c eas

Average sale price

2017 - $503,120 2016 - $465,474 2015 - $390,847

2017 17 vs 2016 - 8% 2017 vs 2015 - 22%

Number of sales

2017 - 190 2016 - 226 2015 - 296

Number umber of sa sales has s altered by

2017 vs 2016 -15% 2017 vs 2015 -35%

*Source: REINZ - 1st Jan 2017 to 1st Dec 2017

The Gift of Property this summer What a gift the property market has proven to be, benefitting both our recent purchasers and astute long term locals, property prices in bream bay across all property disciplines continue to experience strong upward pressure.

The entire bream bay area has received intense buyer scrutiny, the way of life, value of property, obvious investment and quality of the marina developments all help give confidence and urgency to new investors. Other factors that should give confidence is the diminishing supply of property and the elevated median values.

Owners that have resided in the area since 2015 have seen increases in property values exceeding 25%. When comparing Bream bay with the other sea side locals around NZ it is apparent that properties here still reflect good value.

With demand for sections and lifestyle properties remaining un sated, residential homes of all ages and sizes being in short supply, vendors who are considering taking their property to the market would be well advised to take advantage of buyer interest this summer.

Tony Grindle - Northland General Manager

Bream Bay

30 Rauiri Dr, One Tree Point

Melva & Dale Combining marketing and integrity Living locally and bringing a world class service to the vendors of the Bream bay! If you combine internationally acclaimed marketing with these two, the result is a superior sale price for their vendors.

Demand is unprecedented, frustrated purchasers are desperate to invest in our area, now is the time to enter into a coordinated sales programme designed to bring you the best money possible.

Ring Melva and Dale to find out how.

Melva Hartnell 027 499 8463 melva.hartnell@bayleys.co.nz

Dale Kirk 021 228 8422 dale.kirk@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

The many

faces of

JANUARY 2018

Welcome to our annual Bream Bay publication I would like to say a special thank you to those who contributed to this fifth annual Bream Bay feature.

We look forward to seeing the opportunities evolve within the business, recreational and urban sectors as a result of those big projects that are unfolding in the Bream Bay region.

We wish you enjoyable reading and a happy New Year from Jan Hewitt, and the team at the Northern Advocate and NZME Northland.

Editorial Photography Advertising

Christine Allen Michael Cunningham John Stone Jan Hewitt, jan.hewitt@nzme.co.nz

Contents 4 6 8 8 9 10 11 12 14 15

The many faces of Bream Bay Our representatives Diverse communities and infrastructure provide competitive advantage Waipu Boutique Sunday Markets Summer Safe So many making Marsden home Waipu Cove Fish Fry The Anchorage – Marsden Cove Craig Cogan - Building in Bream Bay Marine and Engineering Supplies

17 19 20 20 22 23 24 25 26 27

Camping at Uretiti Be part of the Bream Head success story Northland Equestrian Horse Museum Ruakaka, a growing paradise Waipu – a heritage treasure Sunny keeps Waipu kids sunsafe Historic Waipu – Bagpipes to Beaches!!

Tapatai Driftwood Creations Te Whai Bay Wines Wined About Bike Tours Olives on the Hill and The Grove Supply Co

The many faces of

The

4

The many faces of Bream Bay

Stretching from Lang’s Beach to Marsden Point, Bream Bay has many faces - industrial, tourism and residential - but they are all turning towards a bright 2018 as the area is a hot spot for growth.

Christine Allen writes

I

magine it’s 2028! The land holdings at Marsden Point are chocca with life - industry and homes. There are educational facilities and science labs, industry with a green overlay, manufacturing plants pumping out renewable sources of energy for their neighbours – industrial symbiosis.

Marsden, Ruakaka, One Tree Point, Waipu – now a place to work and play and no longer just satellites of Whangarei.

Imagine high paid employees travelling the short distance from Waipu Cove to Marsden Point to work in green technology.

Consider the potential – new families escaping the rat

race of Auckland for a quieter life in Northland.

The potential for fresh employment for Northlanders – new skills and better-paying jobs.

Imagine, for a moment, a State Highway which whisks you to Auckland in no time, part of a modern transport network that connects Northland to the rest of the country.

VISION This is the vision for Bream Bay. Each company that moves there can see it. Business leaders can almost smell it. Politicians want to get their hands on the Marsden Midas effect too – the area is hot!

Northland Inc CEO David Wilson says Bream Bay has many projects already on-the-go but connectivity was a major contributor.

Transport networks, as well as digital connectivity through the submarine Hawaiki Cable landing nearby at Mangawhai, would help boost the area for tech companies.

“Just over the hill, the cable’s landing will open up development possibilities for IT and data centre operations. Having access to high speed broadband,

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with such access to industrial land, is ideal.”

Data centres, he says, provides high paying jobs while companies trading in large data files would be attracted to the area.

He says it could open up a new sector for Northland.

“We already have interested parties and will know more in 2018.”

He says the expansion of the Ultra-Fast Broadband project would also open the area up, while the biggest boost would come from Northport, whose vision for growth would contribute massively to the economy if implemented.

During the recent election campaign, Winston Peters suggested that the Ports of Auckland should move operations to Northport.

Peters retained his strong arm on the issue during coalition talks, resulting in an agreement with Labour to consider a feasibility study into the port’s movement, with Northland given serious consideration.

Northport is currently undertaking public consultation over its expansion. While no definitive plans have been put in place, the port has communicated its vision to expand east and west of its existing wharf.

5

The port has a potential footprint of 75 hectares, with almost 700 hectares of designated port and commercially-zoned land nearby.

If Northport did expand it could take its berth capacity from the current 570m to 1309m, and its footprint from 48ha to 75ha.

Expansion would allow Northport to meet forecast demand and be a trade route to give Northland business more transport options.

TRANSPORT Mr Wilson says Bream Bay is now moving towards its vision.

The New Zealand Transport Authority’s longterm programme of works includes a four-lane dual carriageway between Whangarei and Port Marsden Highway and a Brynderwyn Hill bypass, as well as the Puhoi to Warkworth and, Warkworth to Wellsford roads of national significance.

‘These projects are happening now – the diggers are working.

“We need to be in a position to provide solutions for Auckland’s congestion.”

Mr Wilson says Marsden was also mooted as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), with a tax-free status around Northport.

“An example is Suzhou in China. Old Suzhou is ancient, but new Suzhou has blocks of international companies. It’s like a new city. The Chinese government provides subsidies and incentives. The idea has been floated for Marsden, but the policy hasn’t landed yet.

“The SEZ could see tax or rebates, or special incentives for companies. It could see fast-tracked consents with SEZs all ready to go.”

The new Forestry, Regional Economic Development, and Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones has promised major economic development for Northland too, with a $500 million-plus upgrade of rail to Auckland, a $150 million-plus rail spur to Northport, at Marsden Pt. Meanwhile, the Hopper Development Canal lifestyle living project at Marsden Cove is underway. It will see a 200-unit retirement village with medical facilities, while also underway is the continued growth of the Ruakaka Town Centre and the development of the Ruakaka Recreation Centre.

The site previously known as Marsden City is now under new ownership too and being developed by Bream Bay Village Ltd to include 75 homes with building starting in early 2018.

MAKING THE MOVE FROM SILVERDALE Joe Wiid who owns and operates Extructec, says he moved his company from Silverdale to Marsden last year and slashed his land lease costs by 50 per cent.

Extructec makes commercial fishing lines, twines and Evercut trimmer lines. It also has plans to expand in manufacturing ropes and it has future plans for

developing a recycling element.

He had viewed about 1000 Auckland properties over two years but hadn’t been able to find somewhere affordable for the manufacturing firm’s growth plans.

“We established Extructec in Auckland in 2003 but my company started growing, and we are expanding our product lines. I needed a larger space and something affordable.”

He says he was also paying over $21,000 to Auckland City Council in fees for the luxury of doing business on the outskirts of the super city.

“We needed a site that would accommodate a long factory, as our machines need that space.

A customer of mine suggested that I look north, to Marsden Point, as there was heaps of open land and it was near the port, which ties in with our plans to export.

“Northland does need to sell itself better. I wouldn’t have thought of Northland.”

Mr Wiid contacted Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) and says that MMH CEO Graham Wallace made the process of moving as easy as possible.

“We signed our lease with MMH, and started moving in September 2016. By January 2017 we were fully located at Marsden.

“I’m now paying 50 per cent less on my lease than when I was in Auckland and I have room to grow.”

Mr Wiid has a team of four, and a one-hour commute from Warkworth with his team members.

“I plan to move up and live here, probably around Waipu, eventually – it’s beautiful. For now, most of my customers are in Auckland.”

He believes improvements to the road network between Northland and Auckland would see masses of companies make the move.

“The trip isn’t an easy drive, and there are too many trucks on the road. Once that’s fixed, more companies will come. But it’s all starting to add up.”

He also says Bream Bay will need to become more self-sufficient, relying less on Whangarei and Auckland, but that would come in time.

“Bream Bay is also so friendly. You lose that sense of community in larger cities.”

LAND HOLDINGS MMH CEO Graham Wallace says that 2018 is shaping up to be another active year at Marsden Point.

“Last year was extremely busy for us, particularly around the construction of our new haul-out and hardstand facilities at Marsden Cove Marina. These are operating well, and we are already experiencing a high level of demand. As a result, we’re fielding a good level of enquiry from marine service providers, and associated with this, we anticipate further development occurring.

“Based at Marsden Point, our company has a vision for growth that’s logical, unique and affordable – and people are starting to realise that. We’ve been attracting a lot of attention because of the new government’s

interest in regional development.”

He says Northland’s new, increased representation in parliament would see the region grow.

“Marsden Point has a significant role to play in that – for starters, there’s plenty of space. It’s also well served in terms of infrastructure and transport, and that will only get better.

“Northport recently launched a consultation period on its expansion plans, and our industrial landholdings immediately behind the port is a drawcard for enterprise that’s becoming constrained in Auckland. This additional activity translates into new job opportunities and higher earnings, which is positive news for Northland,” he says.

GETTING THE WORD OUT Garth Mortensen, chairman of the Ruakaka Economic Development Group (REDG) says the group’s main aim is to promote the Ruakaka/Marsden Pt area, especially to those looking to exit Auckland.

“We are promoting the fact that Marsden has wellpriced industrial land near the best port in the country and with excellent infrastructure.

Mr Mortensen says the area would soon see major residential growth and new businesses moving in.

He says the post-election political rhetoric was positive, while the rail proposal was significant for the area.

“Business confidence is high. People are busy, and expanding. And now, we are closer to the powerhouse of NZ through political representation. There’s lots happening on the ground.”

Mr Mortensen says the area needed a tourism boost, however.

“There is so much untapped potential here. We’re glad that cruise ships could potentially land here.”

The potential landing of cruise ships in the area, following the sign off the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei, was already being explored by Cruise New Zealand.

Cruise NZ boss Kevin O’Sullivan will discuss Northport as a cruise liner destination, when he attends Seatrade Cruise Global 2018 in Miami.

It is hoped that the arts of Whangarei will attract passengers, while the chocolate and wine of Mangawhai will bring visitors to that area.

Mr Mortensen has been in business in Ruakaka since 2003.

“It has always been a satellite of Whangarei but now, it’s the marked growth area for all of Northland. Auckland has nowhere to grow, but north to us, and we welcome that,” he says.

6

The many faces of

The

Our representatives Mayor Sheryl Mai

B

ream Bay continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in the Whangarei District and it’s not hard to see why. Bream Bay is home to 7,200 people or 8% of the district’s population.

If you are lucky enough to live in the Bay then you already know what I am talking about. It is an area of stunning natural beauty, with miles of coastline, crystal clear water to play in and on, and dramatic views to the Hen and Chicken Islands and Mt Manaia. It is also a place rich in heritage – with a long history of Maori and Scottish settlement.

Bream Bay is also home to two important assets for the District – Northport and New Zealand Refining Company – both of which have been in the headlines this year.

The refinery hit the news earlier this year when a pipeline burst. The refinery is the country’s biggest supplier of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel and the incident highlighted just how vital it is to keeping the nation’s transport system running.

The new Government made some exciting announcements around Northport and our rail infrastructure that would have big benefits to the Bream Bay area. Funds have been set aside for upgrading the rail between Northland and Auckland at a cost of up to $600m and a further $200m for a spur line to Northport. A feasibility study looking into transferring some of the Ports of Auckland functions to Northport is also being carried out. These are major investment projects that have the potential to inject huge amounts of money into the Bream Bay area and also pave the way for future growth and development.

Meanwhile, plans to improve the safety of State Highway One within the Bream Bay area are well underway. As a short-term measure, the notoriously dangerous 10km stretch of road between Springfield Road and Toetoe Road is set to get safety posts installed in a bid to reduce the crash rate. The eventual four-laning between Whangarei and Port Marsden is also planned to start next year.

In terms of resource and building consents, over the past 12 months residential developments in the area have continued to be centered around new subdivisions at One Tree Point and Waipu, while new commercial developments are also underway at both Ruakaka and Waipu town centres.

Here at Whangarei District Council we have also been busy working on our ten-year Long Term Plan (LTP) which acts as a roadmap for all our major projects and spending, including for the Bream Bay area. We will be releasing this for public consultation in March and I urge you to give us your feedback into our planning processes, that affect you, your families, businesses and recreation opportunities.

Councillor Shelley Deeming

T

he Bream Bay ward encompassing Otaika to the Brynderwyns is a fantastic area to represent. I thank the community for allowing me to do so for currently my fifth term on Whangarei District Council.

My roots in the area are well established, having grown up at Oakleigh and seen the district grow and change as the economy and community aspirations have waxed and waned. My early memories include spending every Christmas holiday under canvas at Ruakaka Camp Ground when there was no road access, little in the way of amenity, rules were few and life-long friendships were made.

Then the Bream Bay Drive Bridge connecting the camp to the mainland was built, the road extended out to the surf and today’s development was underway.

My expectation and prediction for Bream Bay is that the region will continue its current thriving momentum with new business continuing to enter the field and community activity continuing to enhance this great place to live and do business.

Bream Bay district combines a wealth of opportunity with its unique beauty in both landscape and people.

Business choice abounds as the already thriving community grows with the influx of new residents discovering the joy of living by beautiful white sandy beaches with unique marine recreation choices in close proximity to a range of employment opportunities.

Bream Bay has first class education facilities from pre-school to senior college, top medical services, well-stocked supermarkets and classy restaurants.

Bream Bay is proving to be a top choice to live play and invest.

We live in a unique and enviable place where the impact of our footprint and how we care for the environment and each other is of paramount importance to ensure future generations have the same opportunities to live the lifestyle we love.

Shelley Deeming Bream Bay Ward Councilor Whangarei District Council

Dr Shane Reti MP

I

am writing this a few weeks before Christmas in anticipation of a great end to the year. Our city continues to grow with more than 1500 people a year moving to Whangarei and projected to continue for many years. A senior colleague visited last week and observed that he used to think of Invercargill and Whangarei as being similar but not anymore. He could see the growth and transformation that is happening as

people really discover what we have to offer and move their families and their hopes to Whangarei. Auckland house prices and our proximity to New Zealand’s largest city are key factors driving this and importantly, we now have jobs to offer.

We have a new government and I will work together with them on projects that advance Whangarei and have a sound business case for tax payer money, and I will hold the government accountable where they do not.

Over the next three years I’d like to see these projects progress: • Increased trades training and apprenticeships • Coastal barging of logs – trucks off our roads • Four lane highway from Whangarei to Auckland • Marine reserve for the Whangarei Heads • Establishing a Rangitahi Youth Court for youth crime • New classrooms for a growing population • Suicide and methamphetamine support • Local cancer radiotherapy treatment Bream Bay currently has a lot of economic opportunities both announced and proposed. In the next few weeks the Hawaiki cable laying ship will approach the landing station at Mangawhai, there is visible construction work happening on sections at One Tree Point, and NIWA are close to commercialising their fish farms at Ruakaka. Proposals that I have heard about include a local data centre, economic zone and rail to the port. Each of these proposals will need a strong business

case especially if tax payer money is sought from the government. The proposed $500m four lane highway from Whangarei to Ruakaka roundabout will also be a huge benefit to Bream Bay and it simply must go ahead.

No part of the whole four lane highway from Auckland to Whangarei has as strong a cost to benefit ratio as the section between Whangarei and Ruakaka.

I am excited for Whangarei and I think we will all look back in years to come and see pockets of activity where visible growth happened, where there were jobs and new buildings were built like the nearly completed $7m school buildings at Whangarei Girls High and the announced $50m redevelopment of Whangarei Boys High. We are in one of those growth spurts now and I’d like to see us together maintain that momentum. With economic growth and surpluses also comes the ability to better address some of the social challenges that we have, and this is both a privilege and a responsibility for us all.

In conclusion, I believe we are all part of Whangarei history in the making, a game changing period when New Zealand woke up and noticed us for all the right reasons, and it is my privilege to be a part of that together with you as your hard-working MP in Wellington.

I shall see you on the Bream Bay beaches this summer so until then have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Stay up to date with events and legislation by following me on Facebook – www.facebook.com/drshanereti

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Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters

H

appy New Year to all the residents of Bream Bay and those visiting the area for their holidays. It’s a very special part the country.

Enjoy the beaches, and make the most of the good summer weather. As many of you already know, I’m from Northland and live nearby in Whananaki. And like many of you I’ll be aiming to get out on the boat for a fish.

It’s been a busy end of the year for the coalition government. After signing the coalition-agreement, we launched into a 100 day work programme. We are driving hard to deliver on the promises made during last year’s election. This government brings a fresh vision.

It is a government with a heart, delivering a stable and growing economy, fair for kiwis.

Already we are improving the lives of New Zealanders.

In the mini-budget just prior to Christmas we announced the Families package. This is designed to boost the

incomes of low and middle-income New Zealanders through increases in the Working for Families scheme. It means 384,000 families with children will be better off by an average of $75 per week.

A further tangible improvement of the lives of New Zealanders was the announcement of Winter Energy Payments, starting this year. They will help older New Zealanders and many of our poorest to heat homes in winter. It’s estimated 710,000 superannuitants will benefit from the Winter Energy Payments. The programme starts in July 2018 and will be available for 13 weeks.

New Zealand First is also spearheading regional economic development. We argued rigorously hard in our coalition negotiations for a major investment in our regions, and especially for forestry and rail infrastructure rebuilds in the regions. As a result we will deliver a $1 billion dollar Regional Development (Provincial Growth) fund. Unashamedly, New Zealand First is promoting a very large tree planting goal as part of this. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has set a goal of planting 1 billion trees over the yearsto bolster the forestry sector, and the jobs which it creates.

What’s more the government has delivered in other areas – raising the minimum wage, addressing foreign land purchases, and listening to the concerns of the families of the Pike River disaster. This is a government delivering on what it promised.

If you are still on holiday make sure you have a relaxing break. Stay safe. Spare a thought for those who still have to work, such as in essential services. And finally, all the best for 2018.

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The

The many faces of

Diverse communities and infrastructure provide competitive advantage Tony Collins, CEO NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland

S

ometimes when we think of Bream Bay our thoughts turn to the Refinery and North Port.

These are obviously key businesses not only for the immediate area but for the region and the whole of New Zealand. They contribute significantly to our GDP and have help many Northland businesses develop the skills, capability and capacity that allow them to compete globally. More importantly they have allowed associated businesses to grow and be located nearby and have provided employment for many diverse communities and families through the Bream Bay area and beyond. At the other end of the business spectrum are equally innovative crafts people such as Roger Hall of Surfline Custom Surfboards whose products also have an international reputation and is so entwined with all those natural elements that make this area so special.

Many areas of New Zealand can boast beautiful coastlines, beaches and natural environments. Many can also argue their climate is equal to ours. Not many however have Bream Bay’s proximity to New Zealand’s biggest domestic market, an ample supply of residential and commercial land, a deep-water port and associated infrastructure. A good internal road network and a range of different communities throughout the area provide potential residents and businesses with many choices as to where they wish to be located.

When we look at the growth in our district over the last 24 months as well as future continued growth,

this reiterates the importance of Bream Bay as an area that not only can accommodate this future demand but can also contribute to creating a vibrant social and economically sustainable district. In some ways the competitive advantage this area provide cannot be understated.

Added to all this is the potential that North Port’s vision for growth has and the possibility of cruise ship visits in the future and the opportunities this provides for new businesses to develop products and services related to that market. This will allow local culture and our

environment to be showcased to an international market and further enhance the already amazing reputation of Bream Bay. None of these things will mean anything without continued leadership and a common vision that is inclusive of all members of the various communities.

This is the element of Bream Bay which has especially impressed me over the last few years. The local business leaders from across the area are working collaboratively with their communities and this will promote, enable and attract future businesses.

Waipu Boutique Sunday Markets

Artisan at its best

T

he Waipu Boutique Sunday Market was founded in 2008 and is quite simply the best art & craft market in the beautiful Northland town of Waipu.

It is held on the 2nd Sunday of every month inside the Coronation Hall in the centre of Waipu.

They are passionate about the high quality of art and craft products produced in New Zealand and as a result, do not allow imported products at the market.

This market will astound you with the quality of the New Zealand made goods and the delicious locally grown foods. Our loyal stall holders always make this a great experience and a wonderful way to enjoy a Sunday morning.

The market has a reputation of being fun and friendly for both the stall holders and the general public. This is not just a market - it also has a fabulous cafe with espresso coffee and the most amazing selection of freshly baked savouries and cakes. You can sit at the tables and have a relaxing freshly brewed hot drink while listening to the live music and taking in the “buzz” of the market.

There are dozens of stalls with everything from organic home grown veges and delicious unique chutneys to the best of New Zealand art and craft work. The market features the best local artists and growers.

Waipu Boutique Sunday Market, 9am-1pm.

Waipu Coronation Hall, free entry.

Fresh local produce, espresso coffee and cafe, handmade crafts and local artists.

We are very proud to have all the items sold at our market are made and grown in New Zealand.

Dates till April 2018: • Jan 14th & 21st • Feb 11th & 25th • Mar 11th & 25th • Apr 15th & 29th

9

Summer Safe

W

ith many Northlanders taking to the roads over the holiday period and thousands of visitors flocking to the region the Transport Agency is reminding road users that a moment of inattention, impatience or tiredness can spell disaster for drivers, their families and other road users.

The New Zealand Transport Agency encourages motorists to plan ahead, avoid delays and stay safe on our roads this summer.

People are urged to check what is happening on their route and plan their journey accordingly to minimise the risk of journey disruptions due to speed restrictions and other traffic management at roadwork sites.

Transport Agency Director of Safety and Environment Harry Wilson says summer is the best time for road works, as more daylight hours and warm dry weather helps new seal set properly.

“While we know that road works can be dusty, noisy and generally a bit of a pain, drivers will have a better, safer journey once the work is done.

There was a holiday moratorium in place with no road maintenance works in Northland between midday Thursday 21st December 2017 and midday 8th January 2018.

Planned road works over summer include 60 km of resealing to be completed across the road network between January and March.

At Mangamuka, asphalt replacement is due to start

after Waitangi weekend. The road will be closed 7am to 6pm on three days to complete the work.

Work on the intersection of SH12 and SH15 in Kaikohe’s main street will start in January with drainage work initially. A lot of work will be done at night. Road construction will start in February, and should be finished in early March.

There will be road maintenance and safety upgrades on SH1 1 just north of the Mangapai turnoff. This work is due to start in February, include night works and take about 8 weeks.

And there’s also work planned south of Topuni Timber on SH1. It’s due to start in February, include night works, and take about 8 weeks.

“The Transport Agency and our contractors are committed to getting the work done with as little disruption as possible but there may be delays at times.

“Planning ahead and knowing what is happening on the roads means you can consider taking another route, if possible, or factor in any disruptions so you arrive at your destination safely, and on time,” says Mr Wilson.

“Everyone has a role to play in reducing the harm that happens on our roads, so we’re asking people to be patient, observe temporary speed restrictions around road works, take care and stay safe.”

Travelers can get information on journey times, and possible delays on www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz or by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 444 449).

STAY ALIVE FATAL 5 get to know the

1

Don’t drink and drive

2

Kill your speed

50 northlandroadsafety.co.nz

3

Don’t get careless

4 Belt up

5

Switch it off

10

The

The many faces of

So many making Marsden home If Waipu is the heritage heart of Bream Bay, then it must be said that the Greater Marsden Point area is certainly the brain.

L

ike a blank canvas, the artists of Northland’s future are focusing heavily on Marsden and One Tree Point to create a big picture of prosperity for the area south of Whangarei.

Population growth in the area has been soaring, with many new residents hailing from Auckland and beyond.

Already home to business giants Refining NZ, Northport and Carter Holt Harvey, new companies are deciding to pack up and leave Auckland in favour of beautiful Marsden.

Hopper Development is continuing to expand with its Anchorage Village, the latest residential offering in the area – a retirement village at the ever-growing Marsden Cove.

The Anchorage will cater for active retirees, over the

age of 60, offering a sense of community with shared facilities including a community centre, swimming pool, bowling green, petanque court and library. It is being developed over an eight-year construction programme.

Meanwhile, the 80-hectre site of Marsden City has been bought.

The site is being developed by Bream Bay Village Ltd to include 75 homes with building starting in early 2018.

The finished development will include a 20m lap pool with spa, a five-lane bowling green with golf chip and putt, and a summer house with camper van parking.

This is all ideally located close to Marsden Cove, the waterfront hub of the area with its café and retail, and fishing club.

With a mixture of young families, business people and retirees, Marsden offers a wonderful lifestyle with business opportunity.

The area is now being improved with digital connectivity, thanks to the neighbouring landing of the Hawaiki Cable at Mangawhai, and the continued roll-out

of Ultra-Fast Broadband.

Transport networks too are improving, thanks to the work on a four-lane dual carriageway between Whangarei and Port Marsden Highway, and the Brynderwyn Hill bypass.

Connection to the area will improve even more with the with a $500 million-plus upgrade of rail to Auckland, a $150 million-plus rail spur to Northport, at Marsden Pt. Being the focus of political machinations at the Beehive hasn’t hurt the Greater Marsden Area either, as Northport is being suggested as a solution for Auckland’s congestion issues.

The port has a potential footprint of 75 hectares, with almost 700 hectares of designated port and commercially-zoned land nearby, and is undergoing public consultation about its vision to grow.

What we now know and love about the area will not change, but there is one thing that we can be certain of, the secret is out and more and more people are now looking to make Marsden their home.

ARTIST'S IMPRESSION: Hopper Development Ltd's first commercial building at Marsden Cove residential marina at One Tree Pt on Whangarei Harbour. Marsden Cove - the joint Northland Port Corporation-Hopper Developments Ltd project.

Marsden Cove Self Storage Facility Located at 8a Marsden Bay Drive next to Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd • Securely fenced yard • 20’ containers • Lockable (padlocks available on request) • Weathertight • Access available during daylight hours or by special arrangement • Standard 20’ Container $200.00 + GST per month • Hi-Cube 2’ Container $220.00 + GST per month

Phone: 09 432 5033 or 027 599 2954 Email: info@marsdenmaritime.co.nz Web: www.marsdenmaritime.co.nz

11

Cove Fish Fry The fifth annual Cove Fish Fry is on at Waipu Cove on Sunday March 11. We talk to photographer, artist, surfer and Fish Fry big fry, Michael Cunningham.

FISH FRY - DO YOU GET SICK OF PEOPLE ASKING IF THAT’S SOMETHING YOU COOK UP ON THE BEACH? MC: Not anymore because the surfing community and general public have got their heads around what a Fish Fry is. It’s a gathering of surfers, board shapers, collectors and enthusiasts. It gives them a chance to meet up for a day, share food and a drink under the pohutukawas, display their boards, look at boards. If we’re lucky and there’s surf, people can get out there too and display their boards in the water.

WHY WAIPU COVE? MC: Firstly, it’s a beautiful location and has a large green space and shelter if it’s too hot, or if it’s wet. There’s plenty of parking and obviously it’s right next to an iconic, well known surf break. It’s family friendly, plus it’s midway between Auckland and the Far North. A lot of board enthusiasts come from throughout New Zealand.

Heaps of local surfers come out of the woodwork, and international guests. You never know until the day who’s going to turn up.

HOW MANY YEARS HAS THE COVE FISH FRY BEEN HELD? MC: This is the fifth annual one and I’m quite excited about that. It’s got bigger from Year One and still getting

bigger. It’s becoming an event people are putting on their calendar. Backyard and commercial board makers look forward to showing off what they’ve made during the year.

YOU’RE THE COVE FISH FRY MAN? MC: Yes, there’s one person behind this — me, but it’s not all mine. It’s an international surf movement.

There’s a group of people who help on the day but the event is kinda self-sufficient now. It’s not for profit, non-competitive and non-commercial. It’s about sharing surfing stories, helping young kids get into surfing, providing a place where the older surfers can share their knowledge and enthusiasm. The people and the boards, they all come together for the day.

To be really honest, I’m only providing a location, a date and a time. I believe if you come along and want to learn something and the more you bring to the day, the more you take away from it.

The original concept came from San Diego where a group of surfers got together to celebrate the Fish surfboard which was designed by Steve Lis in the 1970s.

They decided to do it again the next year and invite more people. It grew into international events. People have gone along to a Fish Fry and thought ‘that’s really cool,’ and gone home to their own country and started one. It’s

grown exponentially ... New York, Bali, Australia, Ireland, Waipu, more. They’re linked but independent. The ethos remains the same, to celebrate Fish boards, gather knowledge, meet people.

It’s exciting that, because of the first event in 2014, people have made boards especially for the Fish Fry. Through blogs and other media it’s become more than just a one day thing and extends far beyond Waipu Cove. This year is the first time I’ve used Facebook to promote or point toward the Fish Fry, and there’s five years’ worth of images and stories on the blog (thecovefishfry.blogspot.co.nz) SO THERE MUST BE A T-SHIRT? MC: Yep, it’s the fifth annual t-shirt. The underlying, loose theme this year is to encourage people to make boards out of waste products — upcycling and reshaping. One guy who’s coming has made a longboard out of foam from a commercial freezer unit and timber he got from a whitebaiter in the South Island, and the board’s covered with an eco-friendly epoxy resin.

MUSIC TO FISH FRY BY? MC: I imagine a dude in a straw hat and colourful Hawaiian shirt, sitting under a pohutukawa playing slide guitar. Whether or not that will happen ...

The many faces of

The

12

The Anchorage – Marsden Cove

Hopper Developments Ltd known for their superior waterways subdivisions and the quality Maygrove Retirement Village in Orewa, proudly presents “The Anchorage” in Marsden Cove.

T

he Anchorage aims to accommodate the needs of the active retiree over the age of 60 and hopes to deliver retirement living unlike anything else available in Northland.

Upon completion The Village will provide a very special community with world-class facilities including; bowling greens, swimming and spa pools, engineering/woodwork shop, library with access to computers, gymnasium, restaurant and bar, media rooms and much more. Residents at The Anchorage will be able to enjoy amenities that offer a wide range of social activities with the added benefit of a unique waterfront outlook, enabling boating, swimming and many other water-related activities.

The Anchorage Village has accommodation options to suit most needs

including; apartments, villas and attached townhouses, with some located directly on the waterfront. Work has started on the first units, comprising 2 & 3 bedroom villas and due to be completed early 2018. Designs have been made with detailed attention to living areas to deliver modern open-plan and easy-care living. The village will compliment the development, with attractive streets and common areas landscaped to maximise sunlight and greenery.

The Anchorage is situated within the unique Marsden Cove marine development.

This growing community is centred around a marina and marine village and offers a coastal lifestyle second to none.

We asked local residents Mike and Jennifer, how they find living in Marsden Cove. “We love the lifestyle - boating, swimming, kayaking, cycling, walking the dog and entertaining, all within beautifully kept surroundings. There is a great community feel out here and we are meeting new friends all the time.”

Don’t delay your plans on retirement, start planning how you’re going to enjoy your time, whether it be rest and relaxation, or rejuvenation and re-energization. Visit the sales office at 37 Waitemata Drive, Marsden Cove. marsdencove.co.nz/retirement

The Ultimate Retirement Lifestyle Make plans to live in the premium coastal community of Marsden Cove, Northland.

Retirement villas are under construction now and will provide the ideal location for the active retiree close to walkways, beaches and the marina village.

SECURE YOUR VILLA TODAY For more information please contact us today as units are selling fast - Paea (021) 618 335 sales@theanchorage.co.nz

|

marsdencove.co.nz/retirement

Northport marks 15th anniversary with a vision for the future

Growth. Cargo volumes at Northport have more than doubled since 2002 to a record 3.64 million tonnes in 2016/17

Record ship and cargo movements and ongoing growth marked the 15th anniversary of New Zealand’s northernmost port. Northport, situated at the mouth of Whangarei Harbour, has seen cargo volumes at Marsden Point more than double since 2002 to a record 3.64 million tonnes in 2016/17.

Last year it handled 250 ship calls. In its first year of operation it managed 93.

Sensible management has seen Northport grow consistently with demand over the years. During the world economic downturn between 2007 and 2011 the port saw an average compounding growth in forestry exports of 27.8 percent a year.

It managed successfully the staged introduction of 22ha of log storage infrastructure needed to enable that increase in traffic, ensuring that the Northland economy continued to benefit from forestry earnings while the region’s income from other sectors plummeted.

In 2007 Northport Ltd opened the port’s third berth. Since then it has completed a $10m expansion of its paved storage area, developed a $2.5m dedicated truck queuing and log scaling facility, and introduced container handling and storage capabilities.

Currently it is undertaking enabling works on 10ha of the Northport site, levelling the area and preparing it for paving and development as a future storage area for cargo.

Average berth occupancy is at a record 60.5 percent, up from 52.9 percent just five years ago.

Industry norms suggest that port operators of break-bulk and bulk terminals start considering additional berth space once this figure reaches 65 percent.

Northport cheif executive Jon Moore said that in recent years, and particularly in the run-up to the recent general election, there had been much discussion about what should happen

Northport chief executive Jon Moore at Northport. Although Northport Ltd has no firm growth plans at this stage, its management team has today released its vision for growth at the port.

The company has published its vision online at www.vision4growth. co.nz and is inviting people to ask questions or make their views known to its management team via the website.

“Some of the most frustrating narrative we’ve listened to over recent months has been around the perception that it’s not possible to grow Northport beyond its existing footprint,” Mr Moore said. “Our vision for growth demonstrates clearly that this is not the case.

“There has been a lot of public comment and discussion about what can and can’t happen at Northport.

The reality is now outlined factually on the Vision for Growth website and demonstrates that we are well positioned to support economic growth both in Northland and in Auckland.”

Mr Moore stressed that the vision was not a confirmed plan, or even a formal proposal. No decision had been made by Northport’s Board to extend the port, he said, but Northport would need to grow if it was going to play a key role in the future growth of the upper North Island.

Advertorial

www.vision4growth.co.nz Northport is launching a public discussion about the potential future size and shape of the port.

“Importantly, we don’t need to expand northwards into the harbour.

Instead, we can extend our existing linear wharf east and west,” he said.

Mr Moore said his team felt this was necessary if Northport was to play a meaningful role in developing Northland’s economy and supporting Auckland’s growth.

“Growing a port is an expensive and complex undertaking. To support economic growth and meet the forecast demand for shipping across the upper North Island we need to plan and build for the future, not just for today.”

The vision Northport Ltd is presenting is based on many years of research, technical planning and engineering input from a raft of experts in this field. The company now has a good idea about what is physically and technically possible at Northport.

Built specifically as a multi-purpose facility, Northport is ideally positioned to handle substantial growth in imports and exports, and flexible enough to accommodate whatever business comes its way, Mr Moore said.

“We are ready to respond to whatever role we might be required to play in the development of Northland’s economy, as well as Auckland’s.”

Northport has not put any dates to its decision-making process around possible growth.

This initial discussion period will be followed by further technical and environmental studies and modelling, and if there are no surprises the company will then embark on a more detailed stakeholder consultation exercise.

The port is already playing a role in Auckland’s growth. Nearly 10,000 tonnes of high quality, fabricated structural steel destined for both the New Zealand International Convention Centre and the 190m tall Commercial Bay high-rise at the bottom of Quay Street is being landed at Northport.

Leading Northland community and business personalities are encouraging the people of the region to take part in the conversation about growth at Northport on the vision4growth website. These include Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai, Northland Inc Chair Karleen Everitt, local businessmen Jeroen Jongejans and Barry Trass, and community leaders Peter Hope and Rod Gates.

The website will be updated as additional information comes to hand and people can register to receive update notifications by email.

Input sought Northport, a 50/50 joint venture between Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd and Port of Tauranga, is marking its 15th anniversary by launching a public discussion about the potential future size and shape of the port.

It has published its ‘vision for growth’ and is inviting people to ask questions or make their views known to its management team via the website.

Chief executive Jon Moore stressed that the vision was not a confirmed plan, or even a formal proposal. No decision has been made

by Northport’s Board to grow the port, but understanding the options and securing a footprint will enable growth long term.

“It’s a conversation-starter; a vision based on what we believe is possible here,” he said. “Before any decisions are made we want to hear from Northlanders about what role they see us playing in the future of our region.”

www.vision4growth.co.nz

14

The

The many faces of

Craig Cogan - Building in Bream Bay

C

raig Cogan was born and raised in the Ruakaka area and following 13 years away from home returned determined to build a business he was proud to call his own.

Craig spent years gaining valuable work experience in London and San Francisco, but in 2006 decided it was time to return home to fulfill a life long ambition to have his own local business in the area he loves.

Craig established Craig Cogan Builder Ltd as a sole trader, building his brand through quality workmanship, trustworthiness and determination. Satisfied clients became repeat customers who spread the word of Craig’s ability.

Craig now employs an experienced team of 13 including 4 apprentices. Craig believes it is important to engage and train new talent into the industry to ensure a professional standard is maintained in the future.

In addition to employing 13 locals, Craig also has strong relationships and enjoys working with other sub contractors in the area. Craig and his team of experienced builders specialize in architecturally designed homes, renovations and are reclad specialists in the Bream Bay area.

Craig and his team are gearing up for another busy summer as building activity in the Bream Bay area continues to boom and has completed several homes at Marsden Cove. Craig says ‘It’s great to see the area grow and flourish and to be a part of that’. Craig balances his work commitments with plenty of time to enjoy the local environment including fishing, diving,

golfing and kite surfing.

Craig has a show home in One Tree Point where he and his family live. The show home is open (by appointment) for viewing if you are interested in building, renovating or just looking for ideas and inspiration.

Craig takes great pride in sharing the dreams and vision of clients. Simply give Craig a call to make arrangements or view www.craigcoganbuilder. co.nz for further details.

Ph 09 4327705

www.craigcoganbuilder.co.nz

15

Marine and Engineering Supplies

S

teve and Denise first opened Marine and Engineering Supplies in March 2016 having moved to beautiful Bream Bay from Auckland.

Steve’s background is in the engineering arena, while Denise worked as an event organiser.

Having bought a property at Marsden Marina and with Steve’s engineering background, they saw a real gap in the market and it was a natural progression to open a Retail Marine & Engineering Shop in which they stocked a range of marine products sought after by the local community, including chandlery and marine Sealants and Sprays, marine oils, CRC Products, Teng Tools, Trojan trailer components, Fortress stainless steel fittings, Donaghy’s ropes. Rocna anchors, Hutch Wilco life jackets, tackle and bait, as well as dive bottles which are able to be filled twice daily onsite.

Marine and Engineering grew quickly, and in December 2016, moved into the a new building beside the haul out facility with the space required to expand. There was also a need for a dedicated marine service shop in the area and subsequently opened Marsden Cove Marine, which now offers a full mechanical marine service, Marine Electronics.

Since the service side of the business had grown so quickly Steve and Denise have recently taken on a business partner in Marsden Cove Marine, Brendon Hey who is a qualified, factory trained technician with Evinrude, Volvo, Yamaha and Nautique experience.

Marsden Cove Marine is also the agent and supplier of

April 21st 2018. The boats will launched from the Marina and the race in the harbour will be best viewed along the waterfront and also the Marsden Yacht Club.

Marine and Engineering Supplies is open 7 days a week from 7am-5pm Mon-Sat and Sundays 8am-4pm.

Marsden Cove Marine is open 5 days a week from 8am5pm Holiday hours from Boxing Day until the 31st of January will be 6am-6pm, a mechanic will be available during this holiday time.

Ray Marine, Furno, Jabsco and Endurant Batteries.

The latest addition to the group is a container pop-up shop on the new hard stand opposite the Marsden Cove Marina. The pop-up shop offers onsite consumables, hire equipment as well as scaffolding for those boaties who wish to do their own maintenance while their boats are on the hard stand.

Steve and Denise also have a fleet of eight rental cars based at Marine and Engineering Supplies available for hire to anyone who may require a vehicle whilst working on their boat.

Early this year Marine and Engineering Services organised a round of the NZ Offshore Powerboat Championship Series, they will this host event again on

DoYou Need

Boat Supplies?

• Marine sealants and sprays • Marine oils • Endurant batteries • CRC products • Teng tools • Trojan trailer components • Engineering tools • Donaghys ropes and dock lines • Fortress stainless steel fittings • Tackle and bait • Hutchwilco life jackets • Line 7 clothing • Dive bottle fills and more

Now offering boat and engine servicing at Marsden Cove Marine Ltd

Call in and talk to Steve, Denise and the team Open 7 Days 7am-5pm Mon-Sat and 8am-4pm Sun

Ph 09 437 0661 • 0274 734 550 sales@mas.co.nz • www.maes.co.nz

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17

Camping at Uretiti

D

OC manages more than 200 campsites throughout New Zealand and 13 locations in Northland. They are places to relax, enjoy and explore the outdoors.

The DOC camps are great fun and tend to attract more down to earth people looking for a more genuine camping experience. DOC campsites are often in some of the best locations around the country, and especially in Northland. DOC sites are often described as quite basic, offering ‘back to nature’ style accommodation and facilities – and this is reflected in the price with adults generally $13 a night.

In the top 10 list of most popular DOC campsites, Northland takes out four of the top spots- Otamure Bay, Maitai Bay, Puriri Bay and Uretiti Beach- and it’s not hard to see why.

Elizabeth Marenzi, an experienced DOC camper, shares her top reasons for camping ; It’s communal. I travel to experience new places, but also to meet new people – and camping is the best way I know to do both. Kids are especially good at connecting with other kids. Normally, within half an hour of arriving at a campsite, my guys (including one little girl these days) find some likely “besties”. I’ve also made friends that I continue to write to, send Christmas gifts to, and even

stay with. We meet while brushing teeth, washing the dishes, or watching kids. Family camping just builds that kind of community.

It’s simple. I have a lot in my life (as most of us do) and for me, camping strips life back to the basics. I’m happiest with the basics. Less stuff = less to lose and less to think about. It’s liberating. And when you’ve got a small old sedan, a five person family, and a (not very big) tent that takes up half the boot/trunk there’s no alternative but to keep it simple.

It’s cheap. Your money goes further so you can stay away longer – and longer holidays are good, right?

URETITI BEACH CAMPSITE This is a scenic campsite in the Whangarei area. Camp behind the sand dunes of Uretiti Beach.

FACILITIES • Camp office hours are 7:30 am – 8:00 pm • Camp gates and barrier arms are locked from 9:00 pm-7:30 am • Camp host on site year round • Contact Uretiti campsite on +64 9 432 1051 • Recycling facilities available

GETTING THERE Uretiti Beach lies between Whangarei and Waipu on Northland’s East Coast.Drive on SH1 5 km north of Waipu or 34 km south of Whangarei, turn off at the signpost. Follow road to beach and camp.

FEES • Adult (18+ years): $13 per night • Child (5 - 17 years): $6.50 per night • Infant (0 - 4 years): free Campers are required to purchase a $2 rubbish bag to assist with the disposal of rubbish and recyclable items.

BOOKINGS We recommend you make a booking during the busy summer season. Book online or contact the Uretiti Beach camp office, phone: +64 9 432 1051.

ACTIVITIES Surf, fish or swim at the beautiful sandy surf beach. Walk along the stunning coastal track at Mangawhai Heads, only a 20 min drive south, or explore the nearby Waipu Caves.

Gateway, Pataua South

Auckland Zoo aviary

If you want to build an imposing entranceway, pergola, deck or walkway there’s nothing better than Northbeam for real strength and character.

Available in lengths up to 7.2 metres, these SG8-verified beams and posts enhance the elegance and aesthetic charm of buildings in ways that can’t be replicated by steel or other materials.

Northbeam timber beams from Northpine are made exclusively from pine grown in Northland because it is stronger, denser and stiffer than pine grown anywhere else in New Zealand.

If you prefer the strength, warmth and charm of timber, insist on Northbeam. BRANZ Appraised, it’s the natural first choice for specifiers.

Talk to your architect, designer or building supply merchant.

A: P: F: E: W:

120 Foundry Road, Silverdale 09 426 4104 09 426 7226 northbeam@northpine.co.nz www.northpine.co.nz

A product range of Northpine Ltd

Appraisal No.986 [2017]

19

Be part of the Bream Head success story Make 2018 your year to be part of the incredible Bream Head Scenic Reserve success story.

T

he New Year brings many opportunities to support the Bream Head Conservation Trust’s ground-breaking work on this iconic, Whangarei Heads Peninsula reserve, aimed at eradicating pests and enticing the native birds to re-colonise it and begin breeding there again.

“Last year was possibly the Trust’s most successful year yet, due to the commitment of its deeply committed rangers, funders and army of local volunteers,” says Bream Head Conservation Trust Chairman, Greg Innes.

“Their collective efforts built on the Trust’s longterm trapping, planting, education and fundraising programmes, and produced a noticeable increase in native birds and threatened invertebrates, bats, skinks, geckos and native plants.”

Perhaps the Trust’s most notable 2017 achievement was the successful reintroduction of whiteheads, or popokatea, a species that hasn’t been seen on the Reserve for 140 years. Self-introduced grey-faced petrels also returned in greater numbers and the North Island robins introduced in 2016 continued to thrive.

“Walking the Reserve’s many spectacular tracks to try to spot these seldom seen bird species, especially the Te Whara track, one of the newly-designated Best Day Hikes in New Zealand where many of these birds hang out, is one way that people can contribute to the Trust’s work,” Greg says.

“We ask people to photograph them, if possible, and then report their sighting details to the Trust’s website to help provide essential data.”

Those who are physically fit and who have a few hours free on a regular basis can also apply to be part of the Trust’s trapping and weed eradication programmes, while those with less regular availability can join weekend planting days. Details of all Trust events and activities can be found on the website at www.breamheadtrust.nz .

“This year the Trust is also actively seeking corporate partners to help fund special projects on the Reserve,” Greg adds.

“These are longterm projects forming part of its 2017 – 2021 five-year restoration plan, with potential backers offered large and varied returns for their financial input.

“Individuals or smaller groups can also donate by joining the ‘Friends of the Bream Head Conservation Trust’, and they can target their donation to specific Trust projects.”

Schools can also get involved. Many use the Reserve to extend their classroom studies, with planned and guided visits provided by the Trust’s education specialists. The children get a real experience of the restoration programmes and Bream Head wildlife, or can further NCEA research and studies in nearly all curriculum areas.

“The Reserve is a thriving and productive place, and we expect to see that continue to grow in the year ahead,” Greg says.

“We do that with the aid of our dedicated and valued supporters, and encourage those who haven’t yet become part of the team to join us in 2018 to help create another landmark year.”

1. The Bream Head Scenic Reserve at the tip of the Whangarei Heads Peninsula has been the focus of the Bream Head Conservation Trust’s restoration efforts since 2001. 2. Bream Head Scenic Reserve visitors are encouraged to report their sightings of North Island robins, whiteheads and grey-faced petrels. 3. A planting day at the Bream Head Scenic Reserve

1 NORTH ISLAND ROBIN. CREDIT: KIWI COAST.

2

3

WHITEHEAD, OR POPOKATEA.

The many faces of

The

20

Ruakaka, a Northland growing paradise Equestrian Horse Museum

N

orthland Equestrian is a family owned and run equestrian centre based in Ruakaka, on State Highway One. The horse museum has been years in the making, having collected and restored many horse artefacts over the last 10 years. Paula and Maryke Winchmann have always had a passion for collecting and preserving items relating to all different branches of the horse industry and history.

Over the years they have found that there are many people interested in viewing, touching and learning about the history of many of their collected items.

After moving to Ruakaka, Paula and Maryke found a need to create a space where they could share their collection with others. In 2015 they started the build of the museum.

“We were very lucky to get the support of different people including Northpine

who generously donated all timber beams and flooring.”

Many items have been donated to the museum from all over New Zealand and the collection is forever changing and growing. They also have an extensive horse library with books for all ages.

“Many of our grazing and lesson clients enjoy upskilling their knowledge with assistance from the books but they are equally enjoyed by non-horsey people.”

The museum is open to the public free of charge 7 days a week from 10am till 6pm. The space is wheel chair accessible. A number of elderly care facilities visit the museum and horses for a fun afternoon out for their residents.

Northland Equestrian will be open throughout the holiday period and always welcome visitors to have a look around the museum, meet the horses or have a lesson.

Open 7 days in the Ruakaka Town Centre Licensed, delicious food made on the premises, friendly staff and amazing Atomic coffee.

Ruakaka Motors

FOR ALL YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS • WOFs, Trailer Wofs & Repairs • Mechanical and Repairs • Batteries & Tyres • 24 hour AA Roadside Assistance Salvage

O P E N S AT U R DAY M O R N I N G S

Greg Wheat

Phone: 09 432 7233 | Mobile: 021 0266 4606 Email: Ruakaka.Motors@gmail.com

Corner of Sime Road and Marsden Point Road, Ruakaka

Powder-white sand and world-renowned surf beaches that kiss the shore from the Pacific Ocean – it’s easy to see how you could feel like you’re in paradise when your toes sink into the sandy beaches of Ruakaka.

I

t’s little surprise that Ruakaka is growing – more than any other area in Northland.

According to the most recent Infometrics Hotspot Report, improved access from the North Shore will further help the spill-over from Auckland and boost the population growth of Whangarei, particularly in the southern areas of Marsden Point and Ruakaka.

In the 2013 Census, the Marsden Point/ Ruakaka population was about 3,500. This is estimated to soar to 5,000 by 2023.

The median age in the area was 43.7 years, with 20.5 per cent of people aged 65 and over and 21 per cent under 15 years of age.

Couples with children make up 32.2 percent of all families in Marsden PointRuakaka, while couples without children make up 49.1 percent of all families.

There were 311 business locations (geographic units) also recorded in Marsden Point-Ruakaka in the Census.

Earmarked for significant development, mostly from the industrial expansion around Marsden Point, the area boasts everything from water sports to Ruakaka Racecourse.

The population is expected to get a further boost from recent subdivisions at One Tree Point and Ruakaka Surf Beach, with an expanding Town Centre set to meet the needs of new residents.

The residents of Ruakaka are fortunate to enjoy activities from horse racing to golf, and hiking, martial arts, football,

league and motocross, while the ocean is home to some of the best fishing in the region.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT Ruakaka is also the home of the Bream Bay Safety Ambassador patrols, the Ruakaka Beach initiative which educates beachgoers about the dangers of the beach, especially around crab fishing.

Volunteer members of the community also give their time to the Summer Safe Carparks programme, which kicked into action in December and will run until April.

The programme volunteers promote the ‘Hide it, Lock it, Report it’ safety message.

The community spirit is what makes Ruakaka stand out, as the community proves itself proactive in making Ruakaka a better place to live.

Full to the brim of outstanding community members, one such character is Ruakaka Citizen of the Year 2017, Peter White. Peter was the founding member and long-time volunteer for Bream Bay St John.

The community is also gathering in force in a bid to build a new, multipurpose facility in addition to the existing Ruakaka Recreation Centre. It is hoped that the additional facility would be affordable and sustainable for the community, with a floor area large enough to cater two full-sized indoor basketball courts, as well as spectator areas.

The centre’s volunteers secured a Lottery Grant for a feasibility study and are asking community members to participate with letters of support.

The centre would be used for a range of sporting and cultural events for the community.

And if all of that was not enticing enough, you could easily bump into some well-known Kiwi personalities in Ruakaka.

The area is home to some celebrity New Zealanders, such as Roger Hall (the surfboard designer) and artist Richard Robinson.

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The

22

The many faces of

Waipu – a heritage treasure When folks in Waipu turn their attention to making their piece of Northland a little better, they usually win awards for their efforts.

stalactites, stalagmites and glow worms. Inside are fossil invertebrates of extinct species.

Settled amongst a 2km track, the caves are surrounded by karst limestone landscape and passes through the Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve, with the track ending on a ridgeway with panoramic views of Whangarei Harbour and Bream Head, as well as the Hen and Chicken Islands.

With plenty to do, from shopping in Waipu town to a round of golf at the Waipu Golf Club, the heart of the town also beats for the local brew, created by McLeod’s Brewery which recently brought home a heap of awards from the 2017 Brewer Guild Awards.

Run by the owners of The Pizza Barn, brothers Geoff and Clayton Gwynne, the artisan brewery carried home four gold medals and four bronze for their lager and pale ales but it was their pilsner ‘Longboard’ that helped them bag a trophy.

It’s hoped that passengers of cruise ships will flock to the wee town of Waipu too, if a bid to get ships landing at Northport is successful.

Cruise New Zealand will discuss Northport as a cruise liner destination at the Seatrade Cruise Global 2018 in Miami.

If it comes to pass, ships will again arrive to the area, this time, packed with eager visitors looking to enjoy the fruit of the Waipu labour and the legacy of McLeod and his followers.

ucked away, off State Highway, is one of Northland’s finest heritage treasures – the town of Waipu.

There are so many reasons to love the area, but let’s start with the long arm of shoreline which stretches across the coastline.

A surfer’s haven, Waipu Cove is easily the jewel in the crown of Waipu, with views capturing the Hen and Chicken Islands and the breath-taking crystal blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean.

Waipu is home to New Zealand’s best small museum and tells the tale of New Zealand’s pioneers, the Scottish clans that followed Reverend Norman McLeod to their Kiwi piece of heaven in the 1800s after escaping the Highland Clearances.

The museum is inscribed onto the UNESCO memory of NZ documentary register for its collection which includes 1350 photos, 11 diaries, 211 personal letters, 113 official letters, 76 printed documents with handwritten inscriptions, maps, books, shipping records, drawings and 3248 genealogy lists.

Almost 1000 people made the brave migration from Scotland to Waipu, having built their own ships and

travelled through Canada, and then Australia, where typhoid picked off many of the reverend’s congregation.

They settled in Waipu, where fishing, ship building and farming, as well as religious freedom and abundant fertile land and mild weather allowed the Gaelic speaking clans to flourish.

The people of Waipu today still have that same determination – which is why the area is an incredible place to live, and play.

The rich Celtic culture is still celebrated today at the Highland Games, a New Year event run by the Waipu Caledonian Society.

The most iconic annual event in Northland, running for 147 years, the games are attended by up to 8000 people each year, and draw visitors from all parts of the world.

They feature everything from the NZ Heavyweights Championship to piping, drumming, athletics, and highland dancing, with lots of tartan and clan links celebrated too.

The strength of the community is not just seen in this huge event, the legacy of McLeod’s migration spirit was seen in how the people of Waipu raised funds for the construction of the Celtic Barn.

The Barn opened in 2015 and has since won a silver medal in the Recreation and Leisure section at the New Zealand Commercial Projects 2016 Awards.

Another part of Waipu that will steal your heart is the wonder of Waipu Caves, with the entrance featuring

Kate and her son.

woman’s generous donation to the Waipu Endowment Fund will benefit local children for years to come. Sunny Riordan has given $5000 to the Fund, to put up a shade sail over the outdoor play area at the centre.

“We’re blown away,” says Kate Mitchell, President of the Playcentre, which caters for up to 30 kids. “The playground gets a lot of use, and the shade sail will help protect our tamariki from the sun” she says. “It’ll last for years”.

Sunny grew up in the Bream Bay area and still has fond memories of her childhood, playing basketball with teams from Kaiwaka and Mangawhai, and long road trips in her parents’ Model T Ford. She traces her ancestry back to the original settlers, who found Waipu at the end

T

Sunny keeps Waipu kids sunsafe

A

NORTHLAND’S VERY

OWNMILK

of a long journey from Scotland, via Nova Scotia and Australia.

Now retired, Sunny found herself motivated to make a lasting contribution to the community. She lost her mother to melanoma, and this instilled an acute awareness of the need to protect our skin from too much sun.

“I had a little windfall from Bonus Bonds,” she says, “And I thought it would be nice to share it around”.

Sunny has been working with the Cancer Society for many years, and has already put up the money to pay for another shade sail at the Devonport Naval Base In Auckland, near where she now lives.

“When cancer hits home personally, you think about what you can do to help” CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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PHONE: 09 432 0142

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23

Historic Waipu – Bagpipes to Beaches!!

W

aipu is a friendly village with an intriguing history, strong Scottish heritage and spectacular natural surroundings. It was settled in the 1850’s by around 900 sottish immigrants who came via Nova Scotia under the leadership of the Reverend Norman McLeod. Waipu’s strong Scottish heritage can be appreciated at the Waipu Museum, the best small museum in New Zealand, and during a number of special events throughout the year. Waipu is known internationally for its Highland Games, celebrated annually on New Year’s Day, and Waipu in Tartan which takes place throughout July. The Waipu heritage trail established in in 2002 will take you back to the early Scottish settlement of Waipu, visiting landmarks and buildings marked by distinctive limestone pillars. Waipu has become a culturally diverse village that supports and creates many events and fundraisers throughout the year.

Popular activities around Waipu include fishing, surfing, relaxing on the beach, cycling and walking.

The cycle/walkway from the village to the Cove has completed the first stage of 2.5k and hopes to have the next stage completed over the summer. Waipu Cove, a magnificent ocean beach, is patrolled by life guards during the summer months, and is great for surfing when conditions are right. A little further south is Langs

Waipu Business and Community Inc is the local group who are active in promoting Waipu as a destination for visitors and working hard to enliven the winter months for locals. This group is responsible for the Monster Markets which take place on the Sunday of long weekends and attract hundreds of people to the village. They organise the Christmas parade which takes place on Christmas Eve each year and again attracts many visitors to the town. During July, when the tourists are a bit sparse, the WB&C Inc organises “Waipu in Tartan”. Harking back to the town’s Scottish heritage and based around International Tartan day on the 1st of July, Waipu celebrates a series of events sponsored by local business to break the gloom of the slow winter months. The museum runs the highly popular and very professional “Art n Tartan” show, there are various competitions, events, parades and site visits, all with a tartan theme.

Check out Waipu.kiwi or ‘waipu’ on Facebook for events to look forward to in 2018…Waipu Car and Bike Show, Waipu River Raft Race, Neil & Liam Finn Tour, Waipu Rocks Concert on the Green, Waipu Easter Carnival, Waipu RSA Anzac Day Ceremony & Parade to name a few!

Beach, another holiday spot with extensive views of the Whangarei Heads and the Hen and Chicken Islands. As well as some of the best beaches in the country, Waipu boasts a thriving main street community with everything you need for a holiday and more. There are great eating and drinking spots as well as the Four Square, Chemist, Butcher, Hammer Hardware and a variety of specialist retailers.

Waipu has accommodation to suit a range of budgets, from camping grounds to motels to more exclusive boutique and hosted accommodation options. From your base it will be no more than ten minutes down the road to the spectacular Waipu Cove, or in the other direction Uretiti beach, both with white sand, clean water and sweeping views of Bream Bay and the Whangarei Heads. You can also explore the Waipu caves where there are impressive limestone formations, stalagmites and stalactites as well as a colony of glow worms. The Waipu Coastal Trail, a 1.5 hour walk from Waipu Cove to Langs Beach, is a best-kept local secret with its breathtaking coastal views.

The Piroa Falls is another hidden treasure just 15 minutes from Waipu village. It has a beautiful 10 minute bush walk to the waterfall where there is a great little pool that will literally take your breath away as you plunge in for a dip on a hot day.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 says Sunny, “It’s not a big thing, but I hope other people might feel motivated to invest in things that matter to them”.

It’s exactly that kind of thinking that drives the Waipu Endowment Fund, which is managed by the Northland Foundation. For the shade sail project, Foundation Manager Greta Buchanan supported Sunny and Kate in the process of the donation and making sure the project went ahead.

“People often come to us with a desire to fund something worthwhile, but not much idea how to go about it” says Greta. “In Sunny’s case we had someone with a very generous gift, and a very specific purpose. Our role is to connect people like her with the right project in the right place, and help make it happen.”

“Sunny is well aware of how important it is to protect young skin, and what better place than the Playcentre, where the kids just love to be outside.”

Greta is working on several other schemes where people with links to Waipu are making gifts to the Endowment Fund.

At the Playcentre, work to install the shade sail is being done over the holidays so it’s up and ready for the start of the summer term. Centre President Kate Mitchell says there’s an added bonus to keeping the sun off the play equipment. “The slide on the playground gets rather hot in summer,” says Kate, “Having this sail will stop that problem of burnt little bottoms”.

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24

The

The many faces of

Tapatai Driftwood Creations

E

ight years ago Greg Maddox from Tapatai Driftwood Creations decided to take a gamble on a different artistic medium in his career than he had been used to for over 20 years as a commercial artist and to swap his paints for driftwood.

Since then the commissions and personal builds have become hot property in both community and private spaces. From complete driftwood horse herds to birds that invoke movement and ďŹ&#x201A;ight Greg seems to capture the mood of an individual animal.

Working from his home in Waipu he travels multiple hours to desolate beaches collecting incredibly beautiful hardwoods to complete his commissions, not only making beautiful sculptures from it but each unique piece of wood involved speaking for itself with its rare beauty.

25

Beyond Bream Bay

Te Whai Bay Wines

J

ohn Burt and Nicola Deveraux of Te Whai Bay Wines in Mangawhai have a great selection of award-winning wines. They are situated in a most picturesque spot on King Road, five minutes from Mangawhai Heads. But they also have a secret weapon to help them achieve their goal of delivering an exceptional experience to their customers: a glass pavilion.

It’s basically a simple, steelframed glasshouse with a crushed shell floor. The glass is toughened, the frame is fairly heavy, black powdercoated – it’s industrial. But somehow this strikingly beautiful building is light, elegant and unobtrusive.

It’s really a permanent marquee, but one that will provide a point of difference to any event, as well as extending John and Nikki’s outdoor tasting season well into the shoulders of spring and autumn. The pavilion is slightly surreal, surrounded by vines and bush – and views, which stretch to the dark flanks of the Brynderwyn foothills.

A bronze solar film has been applied to the ceiling, which deflects over 80% of the heat and cuts down the glare. And of course there are huge sliding doors on all four walls, opening it up to any passing breeze.

There’s room for 76 seated in the pavilion and 100 or so for canapés. A great place for an intimiate wedding, a

relaxed team-building venue or other private functions.

Drop in to taste Te Whai Bay wines (note – they stock local craft beers as well!) and share a platter of local delicacies this summer.

Their series of free events, “music in the vines”, offer free live music every Saturday afternoon throughout January and February. (4.30pm -7.30PM) John and Nikki use mainly local produce for their platters: charcuterie from Mangawhai Meat Shop, cheeses from Grinning Gecko in Whangarei, chutneys and fruit pastes from neighbour’s Fig‘in Delicious, local olives and oils from Olives on the Hill, and salmon smoked in Mangawhai by Vintage Distribution .

And their wines are seriously good. This year will be their sixth vintage. Winemaker Nicola has been mentored by other experienced Northland/Auckland winemakers, and has completed post-graduate studies in viticulture and winemaking. “. Our wines are hand-tended, and I let the fruit itself guide us every step of the way, tasting and adjusting as we go.”

This area was known as “Te Whai, ‘the place where streams meet and stingrays gather’. Down at the Heads boat ramp there are certainly plenty of sting rays cruising for dropped fish bait. It’s great to be down at the beach… but up in the hills, having a wine and platter in this magical glass pavilion is another level.

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26

The many faces of

The

Beyond Bream Bay

Wined About Bike Tours

Take a cycle around Mangawhai Village and Heads to enjoy the local wineries, orchards, olive groves, chocolate factory, art and craft venues and other boutique outlets in Magical Mangawhai. The area also has some of the most spectacular vistas and scenery including a surf beach and quiet estuary with the sand dunes as a back drop.

V

arious tours available, all easy rides.

The tours are self guided and our maps will guide you as you cycle at your own pace, spending as much or as little time as you like at the various stops. Along the way you will find cafes and restaurants and so many beautiful vistas to simply relax, breathe and enjoy the view.

You can even choose where to start and finish and make the day your own! We will pick you up from any Mangawhai address and take you to your chosen start point. At the end of your ride we will pick you up and return you to your Mangawhai address, or perhaps the beach for a cool swim!

We are on hand to assist in case the bike needs a tweak or replacing, or if you get too tired.

We will also happily pick up wine, chocolate, or any other items you have purchased during your ride, and have those ready for you at your pick up point. Just let us know where your purchases are and we will do the rest.

Our well maintained bicycles are hired with helmets, locks, bags and carriers. To ensure a trouble free day we provide vehicle full support for any punctures or breakdowns.

GREAT IDEA FOR HENS, BUCKS & BIRTHDAYS Choose any tour version or we can tailor a package to suit you. Tell us your theme and we will adapt a tour to suit.

FOR CORPORATE EVENT FUN Combine your event with bowls, golf or a swim.

Tour Option 1: Art & Chocolate – Explore the variety of art and craft venues of Mangawhai. Start or end your ride at Bennet’s chocolate factory and also enjoy real Italian ice cream at the Gelateria!

Art, chocolate and ice cream - what more is there?

Tour Option 2: Wineries and Olives – Cycle along country roads to the vineyards and wineries, walk among the vines and taste the wonderful wines of this most outstanding wine producing area.

Continue your ride to the wonderful Echo Valley Olive Grove, explore the orchards and try the oils.

Tour Option 3: Freestyle Ride – Take your time to cycle aroung Mangawhai Village, Heads and surrounding countryside guided by our specially prepared map. Visit the beaches and sites of Mangawhai that interest you.

Escape the crowds over summer and savour a local-produce platter and sumptuous wines amongst the tranquility of the vines or in the comfort of the pavilion 367 King Rd, Mangawhai | tewhaibaywines.co.nz | sales@tewhaibay.co.nz | 09-945-0580 | 021-945-050 SUMMER HOURS: 7 days 11am-6pm (1 October to 30 April)

Wine Tasting | Platters | Functions | Events

27

Olives on the Hill and The Grove Supply Co

Chris and Linda Smith

N

estled in the foothills of the Brynderyn Mountains, near the small town of Mangawai in Northland, sits the picturesque olive grove, Olives on the Hill, owned by Chris and Linda Smith.

With its Mediterranean climate, the beautiful rural setting is also home to The Grove Supply Co. They provide anything that a small to medium olive grower would need, from harvesting equipment including the fantastic Mambo Karbonium, brilliant de-leafers, along with nets, rakes and bins.

“We have a huge range of fustis and stainless-steel tanks, taps, filters, cappers, fruit presses and an amazing olive press/malaxer combination,” says Linda. “We also have equipment for orchardists to crush and press other fruits.”

Chris and Linda recently took the opportunity to travel to Italy and visit Sansone and Zanon, their two main suppliers of plant and machinery sold through The Grove Supply Co. Linda says that Sansone and Zanon are high quality brands and The Grove Supply Co. is the sole official distri di ribu buto torr of Sansone Sanso sone products in New Zealand. so Zealand nd. nd distributor was She Sh e reflects reflflec re ects ts that tha hat th the e trip w as incredibly successful. succ ccessful ul. ul Meeting people Meet Me eting th et the peop ople who theyy do business op s wi with th ffaceaceac e-

to-face has enabled strong relationships to be established that will result in benefits being passed on to customers of The Grove Supply Co. “We’ve managed to negotiate very good deals with both Sansone and Zanon which will form the basis of a review of all our equipment prices next year. There will be some very special deals resulting from the prices that we have negotiated.”

After visiting their Italian suppliers, Linda and Chris moved on to Spain for 10 days, joining an Olives New Zealand tour of olive groves led by its President, Andrew Taylor.

Deeply passionate about New Zealand’s growing olive oil industry, Chris and Linda say the visit to the Spanish groves was very encouraging and that New Zealand olives could well become as successful as New Zealand wine is today.

“I really believe that the olive industry can compete on the world stage but we have to compete on quality, producing really top quality oil. I think we can definitely do that,” explains Linda. “We just have to discover the be way way of of do doin ing g th that for or our ur climate.” clima mate ma te.” te .” best doing While customers products Whil Wh ilile e cu cust stom st omer om ers ca er can bu buyy pr prod oduc ucts uc ts online onl nlin ine in e by visiting vis isit itin it ing in g their th websites webs bsit bs ites it es – www.olivesonthehill.co.nz www ww.o .olilive .o veso ve sont so nthe nt hehi he hillllll.c hi .co. o.nz o. nz for for sales sal ales es

of their award winning extra virgin olive oil, or www. grovesupply.co.nz for olive and fruit growers looking for equipment or storage solutions, Chris and Linda welcome customers to call in at their grove where they can chat about olives, taste the oil and view the equi eq uipm ui pmen pm ent. en equipment.

To make the BEST of your produce, you need the BEST equipment!

NZ extra virgin olive oil

Olive Grove and Orchard Equipment Phone 09 945 0890

435 King Road, Mangawhai, New Zealand www.olivesonthehill.co.nz

Email info@grovesupply.co.nz www.grovesupply.co.nz