Message from Mayor Cocurullo

Message from

Mayor Cocurullo

As I was sitting down to write this message, I took time to reflect on what Bream Bay means to me, and to our District.

Ilooked back over the past year, to consider what we’ve achieved in the Bream Bay area, and what still needs attention. I thought of all the people, places and activities that make Bream Bay unique, and it was about that time I realised that 600 words won’t be enough to do this piece justice!

Let’s start with what we’ve achieved (and when I write ‘we’, I mean Council and you, the residents of the Bream Bay area). In 2022, the Waipu community celebrated the opening of the Waipu River

Walk, the culmination of three years of dedicated community volunteer work.

Council provided the initial $100k funding for a Community Led Project back in 2019, and from that point on, the ball was in your court. Look at what you’ve achieved.

You developed partnerships with local hapū, environmental and government organisations. You involved all key stakeholders in meaningful ways, and the end result is a community asset that is a highlight for all who visit. Congratulations.

We also celebrated the opening of the Waipu Skate Park and children’s playground at the end of 2021, which sits within the Waipu Activity Zone, and it’s been fantastic to see this being used by the local community. Now we’re looking ahead to the development of the basketball half court, and the installation of the wheelchair swing (yes, we have all the hardware, we’re just in line to get it installed).

The Peter Snell Road safety improvements have been completed, which included the installation of new raised platforms, lighting, zebra crossings, a new kerb and channel and improved footpaths, with new road marking to be completed in early February. We have a rolling schedule of road maintenance works for the new year, which you can see on our website under www.wdc.govt. nz/roadworks, and we’ll keep looking for ways to improve the safety of your roads into the future.

Bream Bay is also one of our focus areas for the Freedom Camping Ambassador programme. From 16 December through to 6 February, a group of dedicated locals will be keeping an eye on your popular freedom camping sites, under a programme run by Whangarei District Council. The purpose of the Freedom Camping Ambassador programme is to help educate freedom campers on the ins and outs of responsible freedom camping – including how long they can stay (3 nights), what to do with their rubbish, what the rules are around noise and alcohol use, and how to give back to the local community.

We’re also asking all dog and horse owners to keep their animals off most beaches during peak hours (9am-5pm), for rubbish to be taken home with you (no bins better beaches), and for alcohol to be kept for use on your own property, not our public spaces. It’s a lot, I know, but these things are all here to keep everyone safe and happy through the summer season.

The last thing that came to mind when thinking of Bream Bay, was how sunny it always seems there. I mentioned this at work, and the response was – maybe it’s not the weather, but the people that make it feel sunny in Bream Bay. I couldn’t agree more. The special nature of the residents in your local community is what makes your area shine. When something needs to get done, you work to find a way, you talk, laugh, solve problems and find willing volunteers, pulling together to complete the most amazing projects.

I’ve also worked with a lot of businesses in the Bream Bay area, and always found them to be helpful, friendly and above all, community focused.

The Bream Bay community is a shining example to us all.

Enjoy your summer, and here’s to a bright, exciting 2023!

Nestled in the foothills of the Brynderwyns you’ll find our beautiful grove of olive trees. Our top quality, award-winning NZ extra virgin olive oil is perfect as an ingredient or as a delicious dressing. Whether you are a creative cook or you’re putting together a quick and easy meal, it will be enhanced with the addition of the right oil. As well as our fresh and fruity cold pressed extra virgin olive oils, we offer garlic infused or lemon infused olive oils for those special dishes.

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Photos: Michael Cunningham, 35mm film

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With a cosy dining room and a large garden courtyard, there is the perfect spot to relax. Great food, regular entertainment with live music. We deliver a down to earth hospitality experience with a warm relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. Come and make yourself at home at the Porthouse – our house is your house.

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