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What an eventful 2022 on the east coast, with the signs of growth and progress everywhere you look.
Looking back on the year that was and leafing through the pages of the Weekend Lifestyler, it’s apparent that the fastest growing communities in New Zealand are those of Bream Bay and Mangawhai, with thriving community spirit as well as commercial growth. We have been very proud to serve you, the readers, with a wealth of things to see, do, taste and experience in 2022. None of these would have been possible without our local businesspeople, volunteers and people doing the things they love to do and share. Last but by no means least our team Ann, Amy and Liz bringing the stories, Olivia and Fiona, our
Bay to Mangawhai, with a major new shopping centre now being populated in that town. We have welcomed new neighbours, and seen the outgoing Kaipara District Council approve a new sports field for Mangawhai, to match that growth in numbers.
sales team, and our production team — Gavin, Anna and Kelsey.
The holidays are a time to be thankful; this is a good time to reflect on the people who make our communities safer. Our firefighters, police, ambulance officers, surf life savers and rescue helicopter crews have had a busy year. Our local charitable volunteers, medical professionals, community organisers and leaders in art, culture and sports have had a big year too as evidenced in our pages. Thanks to them all for their continued efforts.
It has been a year of significant changes in the area. Marsden Point’s iconic oil refinery has reached the end of an era, while its nearby port is set to expand. New shops, cafes and restaurants have popped up from Bream
The east coast is a vibrant place. One thing we have never had is a shortage of good, positive stories to fill our pages. We love to hear about the stories of the local community, so please feel very welcome to share yours with us in 2023. At the same time, we wish to wholeheartedly thank our advertisers, who embrace the spirit of local enterprise. We love to bring your message to our readership, as this can only strengthen the local economy.
The only minor issue with all this positive growth is adapting to its pace. We have had some inconsistencies with distribution in 2022, which we are working hard alongside our delivery partners to rectify. If you find your Weekend Lifestyler is not reaching your mailbox, we also place ample copies at key shopping areas along the coast. Pick one up from a drop box and contact us if non-delivery continues.
All that is left to say is thank you for your support and have a very happy festive season — stay safe and enjoy our summer issue.
It has been a year of significant changes in the areaDeb Wright, Editor
by Ann van Engelen
“Danielle Adams from Adams Family Productions, also here in Kaiwaka, gifted very special heru,” says Sandy.
“Heru are ornamental combs that go in the hair. We presented the taonga in time for the lead students to wear at the recent Ōtamatea Toi Māori Kapa Haka Festival.”
Kaiwaka School has a special place in Sandy’s heart as all of her children attended the kura, and now her grandchildren are there.
“The korowai have special representations woven into them. The girls’ represent the layers of being female and the layers of land and sky. The boys’ has the patiki or flounder on it, which is a triangular shape. It also represents Tāne Mahuta separating his parents, the earth and sky. Danielle’s heru was the icing on the cake.
“When I first came to Kaiwaka, I had married a Kaiwaka person, and my tamariki were the first in the bunch to attend the bilingual classes. Sharlene, the principal, was a young teacher back then, and now with my grandchildren attending, I feel our family has come full circle.
“Mina Paikea, the kapa haka tutor, planted the seeds for my family nearly 30 years ago when she taught my daughters kapa haka. We believe the school deserves something special, and these gifts are our whānau aroha to the school.
“The presentation was beautiful, it was a very emotional event, and a lot of the teachers had tears in their eyes. My children wore their korowai, and my children’s father, Steven Connelly, was there, and we blessed the taonga for the kura. We placed the gifts on the lead students, Tia Ocean Hansen-Tipu and Nikaya Nathan, during the ceremony.
“The three triangles on the korowai represent the tūpuna watching over you
and guiding you in your learning. The colours are Ngāti Whātua gold/yellow and black. We are extremely happy. No words can describe the emotional journey we have had nor the special memories we made. The school is very deserving, and it was beautiful to see the taonga on stage.”
Tia Ocean and Nikaya, wore the korowai at the kapa haka festival. The students insisted on wearing them at both of the school’s performances at the festival.
“I was excited all day about being able to wear the korowai. It is something very special to me,” said Tia Ocean. ¢
Wishing all customers and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2023As a mark of respect and appreciation, Te Puawai Connelly-Richards and her mother, Sandy Davies of Nga Whetū Creations, presented Kaiwaka School with two korowai and headbands to be used on special occasions.
Stretching in a long curving expanse along the eastern coastline are
The area is more than rich in its natural and human heritage. Historians, even in the 19th century, pondered over the story of how the area inherited its iconic name. The embayment’s naming goes back to Captain James Cook onboard the barque Endeavour when he sailed up the coast and into the blue waters of the outer Whangārei Harbour.
Cook wrote in his journal, dated Saturday, November 25 1769: ‘At 7.30pm we anchored in a bay in 14 fathoms, sandy bottom.
‘We had no sooner come to an anchor than we caught between 90 and 100 bream; this occasioned my giving this place the name of Bream Bay. The two points, which form this bay, lie north and south five leagues from each other. The bay is everywhere pretty broad and between three and four leagues deep; at the bottom of it, there appears to be a freshwater river.
‘The north head of the bay, called Bream Head, is high land and remarkable on account of several peaked rocks ranging in order upon the top of it. The land between Point Rodney and Bream Head, which is 10 leagues, is low and wooded in turfs, and between the sea and the firm land are white sandbanks. We saw no inhabitants but saw fires in the night, proof that the country is not uninhabited.’
The bay runs from Bream Head, at the entrance of Whangārei Harbour, 22 kilometres south, to the headland of
Bream Tail, east of Langs Beach and north of Mangawhai. The area includes Ruakākā, One Tree Point and Waipū, the oldest and largest of the local townships.
Throughout the area, there are signs of former Māori pā, middens and occupation sites. The Patuharakeke hapū still occupy the region; the name
for the coastline in te reo is Te Akau. In the Waipū Caves, the war canoe, Whenuaroa, belonging to the Te Pirihi tūpuna, had been hidden.
European settlement was sporadic until the arrival of Scottish immigrants led by Reverend Norman McLeod in the mid-1850s.
The local museum holds a collection of their stories and artefacts. Around the township is a heritage trail established in 2002.
Bream Bay’s heritage is ongoing, so take time out during these holidays, take the coastal route and step back in time. ¢
Situated on the coast, and a not-too-distant drive to Whangārei city, the Bream Bay area has a lot on offer, including an array of cafes, art groups, markets, sporting codes, golf, bowling clubs and community groups.
From the small coastal village of Langs Beach in the south to Waipū and Marsden Point in the north, Bream Bay stretches 22 kilometres with golden sand beaches and blue waters. The picturesque scenery includes coastal walks and estuaries, refuges for rare wildlife, native forest, caves, waterfalls and, of course, fishing, kayaking and surfing opportunities.
Famous for its Scottish heritage, Waipū is well known for an array of family-oriented activities such as the annual Highland Games held at New Year, the Waipū Museum Art & Tartan+ Creative Cultural Wearable Art event, and the Northpine Waipū Car and Bike Show, run by the Lions Club.
Ruakākā is home to Bream Bay College and several primary schools. Rugby, hockey and netball are just three of the sporting codes available. Living in the area opens the door to experiences such as exploring the local glowworm caves, surfing the waves, visiting the magnificent waterfalls and enjoying a game of golf or bowls.
The Ruakākā Racecourse runs a variety of family-friendly events every year, including International Tartan Day set for July 1. The Trigg Family Fun Day is set for Friday, January 6, starting at
noon — a day of fun for all ages and celebrating summer holidays.
The area has several fishing competitions held through local fishing clubs around the area, including Reel Legends Fishing Competition on February 16–18 at Marsden Cove.
Both Ruakākā Village and Waipū have skate parks and, of course, both townships have surf life saving clubs.
For walkers, the Ruakākā Pipeline Road Track is a three-kilometre trail where you can enjoy back-of-the-dune access to the beach or try the Ruakākā Estuary Walk. Not far away is the Waipū Walking Track, taking you from Waipū to Langs Beach.
Cyclists enjoy the many roads and heading to the hills, where the reward is often magical views. A section of Te Araroa passes through the Bream Bay
Walk, being 27km from Marsden Point to Waipū, taking approximately seven hours to complete. There are art groups in the area catering for many individual interests, such as pottery, painting and felting. Those living in Bream Bay enjoy the best of the urban, rural and coastal worlds — whether working locally or in Whangārei township, the locality is enjoyed by many. ¢
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monstera, even if it might cost a cool $3,000 on the auction site. Ouch. It’s just the latest in that long line of trendy, in-fashion house plants everyone has to possess. Let’s face it — if you’re a gardener indoors or out, there’s always something you have to ‘need’, and too bad about the mortgage. Oops.
Take something like roses, for instance. No sooner the wish list gets filled with yet another prized fragrant beauty — up pops another temptation at the nursery. Oh, dear. It could wait for a month, perhaps more. Still, any excuse to have just one more thorny princess gracing the garden brings forth that dreaded phrase — I need it.
Yours truly has an addiction to heritage roses, and so do a few others I know. Growing up with family friends that owned a huge rose nursery in Auckland fed the addiction to collect as many roses as possible. However, being stuck in a suburban section had its challenges. So, it came to resorting to pots and miniature roses for a decade or more before moving north on to 10 acres.
After years of cattle, children, escaping miniature horses and chickens destroying anything remotely green or flowering, my evil gardener’s plan to turn the top paddock into a rose garden is now underway. Meanwhile, there’s the matter of having to need more King proteas to add to the collection. After a two-year wait, three beautiful Arctic Ice proteas arrived. I had to ‘need’ those too.
If you’re into the subtropical fruit trend and decide to have a jungle of papayas, bananas and other exotic delights, it can get really expensive. Shop around is my advice on that. Check online for price comparisons. More often than not, it’s a case that a larger supplier is far better value than someone on Trade Me selling something like five ‘rare’ papaya seeds for $10 when you can obtain them from seed retailers for less than $6 and get several times as many.
Across the board, collecting plants is great for the soul — maybe though not for the bank account. Even so, with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, that sneaky need might have to be fulfilled at the local garden centre. Let’s face it you can never have enough dahlias, tulips, azaleas or anything else the heart desires. After all, you had to ‘need’ them — right?
Dargaville will play host to a wearable arts spectacular once again in 2023, the fourth such event to showcase the skill and imagination of Kaipara art visionaries in this field.
“The event is not a fashion show — it is a celebration of artistic endeavour,” says co-organiser John Pickworth, who has helped to assemble a stellar team to make the show a reality. This year’s theme is Down the Rabbit Hole, a reference to Lewis Carrol’s weird and wonderful classic masterpiece, Alice in Wonderland. This theme spans a whole feast of visual and audio entertainment in itself and frames the show-within-a-show that is the wearable arts competition.
“Contestants, designers and participants invest many hours of collaboration and teamwork to be ready for the stage, the audience and the judges. For months, our entrants develop costumes across three categories: Our Natural Environment, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Avant-Garde,” says John.
These give a whole lot of scope for creativity and are not at all constrained by the overarching theme of the event. Patrons can expect to see creations of wild imagination and ambitious design, fusing novel materials, colours and shapes into a parade of the extraordinary.
Above and beyond the spectacle on stage, the Dargaville Wearable Arts event is a chance to experience the gala atmosphere of a West End premiere combined with the visual
impact of a gallery opening or a fashion show. Patrons will witness a show featuring cutting-edge visual effects, three-dimensional projection mapping turning surfaces into virtual spaces, performance art and full surround audio as the Dargaville Town Hall is transformed with a 30-metre catwalk.
Culturally and artistically, this event has become a showcase for the best of the best in local creativity, with previous winners pushing the boundaries of what wearable art can mean and what it can be.
Socially and economically, the event has been described by former mayor Jason Smith as second only to the
Northland Field Days in terms of bringing vibrant engagement to Dargaville. After a break due to Covid, the resurgence of the Dargaville Wearable Arts has galvanised all participants. The inspiration is there, and the work has been put in to ensure an all-around stunning experience when the spotlight hits the stage on May 19 and 20, 2023. ¢
With millions of surfers worldwide riding waves and finding some serenity in an increasingly hectic modern world, this is the summer to take the plunge and give it a go, says Aotearoa Surf School’s Che Burnett.
“It’s an empowering sport, one that’s adrenalin pumping, but one which also offers other benefits,” says Che.
“That could mean family time, sharing a love of the ocean, or having some time for yourself.
“I enjoy surfing at the end of the day. For example, at about five or six, I can leave the workday behind and relax.”
Surfing is for all ages and people from all walks of life. Che and his Aotearoa Surf School team have been teaching men and women, children and adults, how to find their ocean confidence for many years now in the beautiful setting of the east coast. Many have discovered a lifelong passion for surfing thanks to those early lessons with friendly and skilled instructors.
“We have lessons suitable for all, including the chance to stay with us over your holiday break,” says Che, referencing
the eco pod and glamping facilities enabling him to offer surf camps, an immersive experience.
“However, for first-timers, we suggest a two-hour beginner’s class. You will be up on your feet and catching waves within
that time, and it’s great to see people’s confidence grow.” With many learners coming back to become regulars, this could be your summer to catch a wave. If it’s been on your wish list, Che and his team can make surfing a reality for you.
Surfing is a sport like no other, offering a connection to the ocean and nature while also providing a great boost to your mental and physical health.
by Andy Bryenton
“The latest addition of the fine mist water sprinkling system has made the job of keeping the timber damp much easier for the guys,” says Mangawhai Daring Trust chair Jim Wintle.
“The system is very effective at reducing the surplus amount of retained moisture in the timbers and the bilge of the vessel. We are still monitoring the ship itself very closely and believe if we are heading into a hot summer, we need to keep up with the misting programme to let it stay moist, so it doesn’t dry out too quickly.
“At a recent meeting with the conservation team, we decided to send the small pieces of artefacts that we found in the bottom of the ship when we removed the sand to a conservator in Taranaki to preserve.
“This is better than trying to do it ourselves. We have an intern down there helping with the project, and it will be done at a more affordable cost, which means it is a saving as well as getting the job done properly. They will return to us in around six months.
“We still have some small finds on display in the Urlich cottage at the Mangawhai Historic Village. Some of the leather and other interesting articles will
be held there too until such a time that the new building is capable of housing them in the controlled environment where they will be looked after forever.”
There is now a roadside sign pointing visitors to where the Daring is anchored for now.
“The team recently put the sign at the museum roadside with a photo of the Daring and a big arrow pointing to its location to attract more visitors. It was donated by local artist Wendy Leech and her husband, Colin.
“Wendy created it from a photo we provided them, and we are very appreciative of their support and kindness.
“It has been a fantastic year, one trustee David Windgate stepped down and was replaced by Roy Farris, who is also on the building team.
“We are now progressing discussions to where the ship’s final destination will be on-site and how we will work in with the museum to achieve what everyone wants.
“We are pleased with the progress we are making and are thankful to all the volunteers and sponsors helping our main team with this amazing historic project.” ¢
by Ann van Engelen
When Corrina and Julian McMath moved to a property between Mangawhai and Te Ārai recently, they turned the outbuilding into a functioning workshop for Corrina’s handmade leather sandals.
“We moved here recently, and the little shed was perfect for turning into a workspace, and Workshop Sole was born,” says Corrina.
“I began my journey of making sandals about four years ago as something different to do. I used to make big ceramic sculptures. When we had our children, I realised I couldn’t put them on the dirty floor while doing ceramics, so I started sewing clothes and knitting but always felt I could be doing more.
Corrina has always loved tools and machinery and being in a workshop environment.
“One day, I was listening to a podcast of a lady who made shoes, and the idea really excited and challenged me. I couldn’t figure out how to make shoes and that made me more curious, so I went to a three-day shoemaking course in Wellington and was absolutely hooked.
“We were living in Auckland at the time, and I got in touch with a sandal maker who has been in the industry all his life, and he let me learn alongside him. He showed me the different machinery and what to do.
“He was very generous with his time and knowledge, and I could take my sandals to him, and he’d show me how to do things differently if need be. He
also gave me tools that I needed to start, including his original shoe stretcher that was sitting in his garden as an ornament.
“I make very traditional sandals with leather soles, which means they mould to your feet and take the shape of your foot. I try to use vegetable-tanned colours, and the footwear is completely repairable. I try to use vegetable-tan leathers for sustainability. When they are feeling like they are wearing through, I can replace the heels or put a rubber sole on.
“So much of the fashion industry is you having to fit in with what is on offer, and to me, it is important to make things that fit. I believe what you wear should fit your body and personality. It is a very special thing for me when I make shoes for someone who can’t buy regular shoes because they have issues such as their feet being too wide or narrow.
“People can find me on Facebook at Workshop Sole, or my website is workshopsole.co.nz. I like to give people what suits them personally. I came up with the name Workshop Sole because I loved being in a workshop amongst the shoemaking tools. I often feel like a little old man happily toiling away in a shed, making shoes that fit my customers’ feet.” ¢
From the time the first European settlers in the 1850s came to take up the land and make a home, names such as Moir, Mooney and others were putting a stamp on the Mangawhai landscape.
Every settlement needed a community hub. In the late 1850s, William Moir established a home, store and hotel on the site of the Mangawhai Tavern, where he remained until 1859 and then sold it to Samuel Mooney. The first meeting of the farmer’s society was held in the building in 1861. At the end of January 1863, the first market and agricultural show was held in the paddock next to the hotel. With the new settlers coming from England under the Albertland settlement scheme, Mangawhai’s profile came to the fore in many newspaper reports.
walk over dry-shod. Uphill and downhill for four and a half miles the road winds along in a very trying manner to Te Arai.’
The hotel served as a meeting point for the settlers to decide on issues such as the dangerous Mangawhai bar at the harbour’s entrance. On May 28 1862, a group of settlers came together to build a breakwater and improve safety for vessels entering the inner waterway. Subscriptions were advertised to finance the proposed project and get it off the ground.
‘The place known as Mangawai is four miles up a tidal creek and contains two houses, Mooney’s (licensed) and Dennison’s (lessee of the ferry), both keep stores and accommodate travellers. It would be invidious to institute a comparison between them, we have stayed frequently at both, and have been very comfortable. So if the traveller wishes to remain all night, he must make his choice, and the next morning they will ferry him if high water, by boat to Bentley’s Point, but at low water, he can
After countless delays in obtaining government funding for the breakwater
project, news came in September 1864 that funding had been secured. Tenders were advertised for the breakwater construction firstly in November 1864 and again in May 1865. The structure was designed by Daniel Simpson and supervised by engineer William Weaver. Immigrants under the Waikato Settlement Scheme undertook the work during the course of the same year. The Public Works Office advertised further tenders for work to be completed in May 1866.
The breakwater prevented many vessels from ending in grief on the rocks. However, the structure became redundant as more roads were built and improved.
The Mangawhai Hotel was burned down in 1890 and replaced by the current version designed by prolific Auckland-based architect Charles le Neve Arnold. ¢
“This is our eighth show, and it always draws a crowd,” says Waipū Lions member Ron Cave.
“Previously, we have had more than 700 cars and 120 motorbikes on display. Most of the money raised at the 2023 event will be donated to the Waipū Cycle and Walkway project, with the remainder donated to several community groups, which will also be assisting on the day.
“Classic cars and bikes can be addictive, and become quite a thing to collect, whether you have one, two or more.
“There are always stories to be told, and the car owners are always happy to share their tales too. Many hours are spent getting cars ready for shows like this, and we have ladies dress up for the occasion in vintage outfits — it all adds to the atmosphere.
“This is a laid back show with no rules and regulations, it is a real community event. Although we don’t allow gang patches — there is no alcohol or dogs allowed on-site.
“There is always something for everyone to look at, including European,
“Being involved with the car clubs means you meet new people, and they are always willing to help you out with restoration projects.
“When I was young and an apprentice, I always had cars and got involved in the car club. I love that you get to meet such a vast array of personalities. At these events I love seeing old bikers talking to grandmas and grandpas about their bikes and explaining the history of them and the adventures they go on.
American, Australian, English and German cars and bikes. My favourite cars that turn up are the muscle cars because I am a true westie.
“We are grateful to the sponsors, and it is amazing the work that the Lions Club members do to make the day the success it is. They always get behind the event and do the work like cooking and making cups of tea. The Lions Club members and volunteers are a very community-minded crew, and it
there is something for everyone. Gates open to the public from 10am, and the show concludes at 2pm. Entry is $10, children under 12 free, and a family pass is $30.”
Maggie Prentice loves flowers and makes her floral bouquets from flowers she grows in her purpose-built home garden.
“My husband and I have lived in Wellsford coming up a year this February,” says Maggie.
“Years ago, my sister-in-law and I decided to do a floristry course, and both enjoyed it. A few years back, she started working as a florist for Warkworth New World and suggested I help out for Valentine’s Day when she got busy, and after that, I joined her part-time.
“During the lockdowns, I decided to do the Open Polytechnic Level 2 Floristry Course by correspondence, and currently, my sister and I are both contract florists.
“Since we have lived here, we have been developing our garden and planting a lot of flowers that are excess to my contract requirements, so I decided to start doing more floristry work for myself. I love rustic and seasonal style flowers
and have very strong opinions that we should be using more seasonal flowers as we do with produce in our cooking. I don’t think that we should be dependent on importing our blooms for floristry in New Zealand — I think sustainability should take a bigger part in our industry.
“In my garden, I grow a lot of flowers that I can dry, and I walk around and pick what I need and dry what I have an excess of if I am not using it. I also source flowers from two flower farmers nearby when I need extra product.
“I love that my floral arrangements are always fresh, loose and unrestrained. You can’t put my flowers in a bouquet and expect them to be perfectly symmetrical — that’s never going to happen, they have a life of their own.
“Variety of colour is important to me too, as well as the form and texture. The
best way to look after fresh flowers is to recut the stems when you get home and pop them into fresh water, and change their water every day or two.
“Because they are garden blooms, they may not have the longevity that some customers may be used to with the likes of lilies etc.
“None of the flowers is treated or sprayed as with some imported flowers used in the industry. Usually, when they
start looking tired, I hang them upside down in a wardrobe to dry. They make nice arrangements that way too.
“There is nothing like receiving a beautiful fresh bouquet.
“People can find me at Maggie’s Backyard Bouquets on Facebook or maggies_backyard_bouquets on Instagram. We love being in Wellsford and supplying people with seasonal locally grown blooms.” ¢
by Ann van Engelen
Mother and daughter team, Shannon and Sally Mcquarrie began Creekside & Co utilising the family farm barn at 703 Mangawhai Road, opposite the Tomarata Rugby Club and hall.
“Ten years ago, mum started painting and upcycling furniture that she had at home as a hobby,” says Shannon.
“She was also helping her friend Margie at a store called The Red Barn in Warkworth. We have a family farm here in Tomarata, and I was an early childhood teacher and decided to have a change. I thought having a retro caravan and offering coffee beside our barn to people passing by would be a good idea because the road we are on is very busy, and there is nothing between the Wayby straight and Mangawhai offering coffee.
“Mum and I both love to cook, so we decided to add food because coffee
and food go hand in hand. We have homemade food such as sausage rolls, scones and cakes, slices and fresh sandwiches. The menu changes daily, and we have a lot of fun supplying good food for our customers. They say we have the best sausage rolls in town.
“Mum had so much furniture, and I had set up my caravan beside the barn, which was in good condition, and we decided to open Creekside and Co, so she could sell her items. When we opened, it was a hit, and we discovered there were lots of people making things like candles and pottery with nowhere to sell their products.
“We decided to offer selling onbehalf, and it became a very successful idea. The barn is full of rustic upcycled furniture and country-inspired art. Mum has the barn open on Thursdays and Fridays, but over Christmas, she will open daily until the end of January. She loves that she gets to talk to people about upcycling and meet lots of new people with talents in art and craft.
“All types of people come and buy from her, whether it be for gifts, a table
getaway spot. We love for me that it is my own business and I can work around my family because I had done early childhood my whole working life.
“The coffee caravan is open from 6.30am–1.30pm Monday to Friday and closed on weekends because it is all about a work-life balance for my family. We love doing what we do, and having the space for mum really was a great way to utilise the barn.” ¢
by Andy Bryenton
In October 2017, a special ribbon-cutting happened in the Russian town of Yaroslavl. For the first time, an entire building had been completed using 3D printer technology.
The method of printing out pre-formed concrete and extruded plastic shapes had been in development for more than a decade by the time the Russians were confident enough to develop their large, turret-roofed mansion. Initial experiments at the United Kingdom’s Loughborough University were conducted by 3D printer pioneer Rupert Soar in 2003, aiming to upscale the plastic-filament-extrusion type printers of that era.
By 2008, Richard Buswell, also of the Loughborough University faculty, was involved in turning this tech into a commercial reality. However, it would not be until 2016, eight years later, that the first commercial office building using 3D printer technology was constructed as part of Dubai’s Museum of the Future. At roughly the same time, the United States Army’s Corps of Engineers took to the idea. It developed tracked, robotic machines that could rapidly deploy to
forward combat positions and print out barriers, bunkers, trench reinforcement structures and simple buildings.
While this kind of brutal and blunt architecture is perfect for a concreteextruding robot, what about more elegant forms or even a fully AI fix to our housing crisis? Mainstream architects remain unconvinced that 3D printing can currently outperform traditional builders in terms of flexibility of design, hands-on safety assurance and the use of mixed materials.
The answer may lie in the near future, with 3D printers coming online, which can prefab parts made of everything from clay to steel to recycled plastic.
It’s likely that a combination of the remote, prefab 3D printing of specific forms, like roof trusses, may become commonplace even as traditional builders continue to oversee the way they are put together. ¢
Since the Sumerians discovered that a city works best with sanitation, in the days before Egypt had pyramids, people have been innovating ways to deal with the problem of waste.
From the humble long drop privy to the industrial-scale sewerage treatment plants that enable modern cities to be free of disease and smell, things have come a long way. However, for many rural residents, things have also come full circle, with a new appreciation for the hard work of bacteria in the breakdown of ordure.
The advent of the flush toilet may have been an accident when John Harrington, godson of Queen Elizabeth I, compared the sanitation of Roman times with a need to ‘flush away’ bad practices of government. His pamphlet led to the invention of the flushing toilet, which was perfected by later plumbing innovator Thomas Crapper, who gave his monicker to a slang name for the convenience. Still, this move to centralised, reticulated waste disposal sidestepped a huge proportion of non-urban toilets. In recent years, innovations to rival those of Harrington and Crapper have been
afoot under the surface on off-the-grid properties and farms, taking the old concept of the septic tank and making it as obsolete as the long drop itself.
Composting toilets have received a big boost, with a growing realisation that these conveniences are effective, safe, healthy and free of odious smells. As people seek a tiny-home, bach-based, sustainable living solution, the idea of the composting toilet has taken off. Several very effective kitsets and premade examples can be installed easily without a lengthy consenting process.
Modern bio-based waste treatment units take the septic concept of sludge settlement and bacterial interaction even further. Adding one or more extra bio-chambers, these systems make use of the amazing power of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, or even worms, to turn so-called night soil into just plain soil. Another byproduct is water which can irrigate a run-off field, sequestering
carbon and growing plants. Many now avoid the need for mechanical pumps, and those that still pump water and waste often do using solar power.
As municipalities nationwide wrestle with the issue of wastewater reticulation, Three Waters reforms and the need for large investments in complex infrastructure to expand sewerage
networks, these off-the-grid answers to the problem of waste are looking increasingly attractive.
There’s also the possibility of such systems replacing old and ailing septic tanks in some towns where a large number of underground concrete units are reaching the end of their usable lives at once. ¢
by Andy Bryenton
In ancient times, priests were tasked with finding water sources; in places such as Egypt and Sumeria, water was considered a sacred gift, and wells were ordained by a ceremony. It’s very likely that the success of these divinations was more to do with religious leaders knowing how to read the signs of underground water, such as spots where wild palm trees grew or areas that remained green in summer.
Through the Middle Ages and into the present day, many people have sworn by the power of water dowsers, who claim to find underground water with the help of a pendulum, forked stick or pair of l-shaped wires. Some water-finders produce consistently good results, confounding sceptical thinkers, but the US National Groundwater Association opines that ‘controlled experimental evidence clearly indicates that the method is without scientific basis’. Its
theory is that water dowsers, like those priests of old, have a knack for reading the lay of the land and that their forked sticks and other tools are props.
Hydrogeologists use science alone to find water underground, relying on knowledge of how aquifers form in porous rock. Sedimentary rocks like sandstone and porous rocks like limestone are apt to hold water reserves, and the shape of hills and valleys will often suggest where underwater reservoirs can be found.
Aerial maps proved a game-changer for the field when they arrived with the era of flight. Hydrogeologists could trace linear features in the landscape that could indicate fractures in the rock, the edge of different zones of minerals, and even underground streams.
While the specialist skills of such an expert are often needed to drill a successful well in uncharted territory, local well drillers will often have a good
knowledge of the underground strata in the area where they work, helping them get the job done through experience more than experiment.
The ultimate tool for finding underground water is thoroughly modern. Still, it’s unlikely to be deployed to help construct a new bore or well for your farm. Ground penetrating tomography
that fires waves of energy into the earth, and records the signals which bounce back can detect water from far above.
Some satellites are even sensitive enough to minor shifts in the planet’s gravity field that they can detect the movement of underground water from space. ¢
by Andy Bryenton
Despite economic headwinds and inflationary pressures, the east coast of the mid north continues to be a magnet for those seeking a lifestyle home of their own.
The change of season may spur summer buying as people look to make their vacations permanent, getting away from the city to places like Mangawhai and Bream Bay. Mangawhai was recently selected as the second-most charming small town in New Zealand, narrowly beaten by Wanaka, so the buzz is out there. Sales nationwide may have been down thanks to the reserve bank’s war on inflation tweaking interest rates. Still, November and December saw a 5.6
per cent increase in nationwide sales compared to October.
“Buyers are again weighing up the likely impact on mortgage rates with current downward pressure on property prices. Those thinking of selling are again looking at the market and asking, ‘Is this the right time?’ For many it is the right time. In November, people continued to transact; 5,525 according to our sales count,” says Real Estate Institute of New Zealand chief executive Jen Baird.
Looking at the data, sales volumes are down across most of the nation. The critically important seasonally adjusted count change showed a slowdown everywhere apart from the NelsonMarlborough region, Southland, and Northland. Northland has the highest figure that’s not in the negative, with a 17.1 per cent positive change.
That’s still down from November last year as the market adjusts to interest rate increases, but it shows that demand for this part of the country is still running hot.
Compare this to the drop in the median price of properties in Auckland, where the need to load up a large mortgage has given buyers some cause to pause.
With interest rates yet to peak, owneroccupiers and those looking to get on the property ladder may find themselves the beneficiaries of a scenario in which over-extended landlords decide to cut loose one or two investment properties to stabilise their debt loading.
“The market is less competitive,” says Ms Baird. “While owner-occupiers remain a strong presence, investors have largely stepped back, for now. We have seen prices come down 12.4 per cent since their peak last November.
Affordability will remain an influencing factor, but for those previously sidelined in last year’s quick-paced market, now is a great time to take another look at what’s out there.” ¢
Extended outdoor living areas are all part of exterior upgrades when looking to improve the look and feel of a home.
Important factors to consider when planning a renovation are the backyard, front yard and facades. While landscaping and exterior upgrades are often completed at the final stage, these parts of the home shouldn’t be an afterthought.
A well-thought-out renovation of a backyard can extend living areas outdoors, giving the home a bigger feel and improving the functionality of often underutilised spaces. Don’t forget the children or grandchildren in your life. Adding a modest, or not-so-modest playhouse can mean hours of fun and memory-making for the family.
Consider creating an outdoor living space that allows all-weather entertaining. It can be achieved by adding blinds, closing in the sides of a patio or building a pergola-type structure. A home with great street appeal gives the owners a relaxing feel when they drive up to their house and walk in the door.
Think twice before painting bare brick. For some homes, this may detract from the period look of the property. Consider having brickwork cleaned and restored professionally instead to update the home without losing its original charm.
If you live on a larger block, you may prefer having a lush lawn and trees, whereas on a smaller property, you may want neat and tidy shrubs. Either way, it’s best to keep gardens regularly pruned and maintained. That way, the garden will look established without feeling overgrown and unruly.
When selecting new plants, make sure you choose species that suit both your local climate, and the microclimate
A home doesn’t always need to be completely repainted. Sometimes all it takes to update a facade is a new coat of paint on eaves, window frames, doors, fascia boards, fence palings and gutters. Although painting is one of the simplest updates that homeowners can do — for older heritage homes, specific projects are best left to the experts.
in each particular location. Plants native to cool climates don’t suit harsh dry and sunny conditions, while lush tropical plants will probably struggle in frosty or windy areas. Be sure to prepare garden beds well before planting and water well until established.
Consider existing features you can keep and upgrade as well. Working with what you already have minimises costs and can help add to the aesthetics of your dream home.
Adding a few new items, such as a bird bath, outdoor fireplace, or water feature, can help complete your dream home. ¢
BY PROFESSIONALS IN YOUR COMMUNITY NOT “EXPERTS”
by Ann van Engelen
Being a person who has moved many times, here is how I created a dream home when I moved into my grandmother’s homestead in the country a few years ago.
Whether you are starting from scratch or taking items with you, moving can be a fun, simple experience that leaves you with a special place to call home.
Rosie’s house is around 75 years old, an old original home set in the country, with a pine forest behind it.
Firstly I painted the inside, as it was quite tired, and I wanted to make a fresh start.
Being a bit of an old-fashioned country girl and romantic at heart, and it being Rosie’s house, I decided to create a look I thought she would love.
Buying an antique oak tea trolley and china cabinet, I set about purchasing vintage Rose dinnerware, crystal glasses, coloured glass egg cups, enamel cookware with flowers on the outside and retro cutlery. I figured buy
the best and don’t keep anything for special occasions — every day is special.
I found vintage New Zealand pure wool blankets because I am allergic to acrylic. I brought a white leather lounge and a new bed because new beds are always an important factor when starting again.
I hired a little truck and took myself off to collect my large purchases driving from Whangārei to Mangawhai, up to Whangaroa Harbour and beyond.
I planted gladiolus and dahlias in the front garden and sunflower seeds around the wooden fence line, hoping they would bloom for the people driving by to enjoy, and of course, added a vegetable garden.
The room on the front porch became my dining and office, overlooking the highway, and the spare bedroom was
my walk-in wardrobe, with a cane bed settee. Some retro-looking items were new, purchased from home decor stores, and, of course, there were floor rugs too.
It was spectacular, and I know Rosie would have loved the way I turned her home into what was meant to be a sanctuary. You see, it doesn’t have to cost a lot to create a dream home. It took time, thought, patience, a bit of creative thinking and love.
I called it ‘Rosie’s Cottage’ and was going to have a carved sign above the front door. For the time I was there, I was proud of myself for making it a dream home Rosie would enjoy. ¢
“My wife Rebecca and I have lived in Ruakākā for the past four years,” says Johnny.
“We moved to New Zealand from Bradford, West Yorkshire, in the UK 12 years ago. I played rugby when I came here, and when my first daughter was born, I was struggling with my belly weight and image.
“I was in Auckland and a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter friend suggested I do jiu jitsu as it would be good for my flexibility so thought I’d give it a whirl. After one class, I was hooked — that was eight years ago. I think it is great for young men because they enjoy a bit of rough and tumble. That is what we did when we were children. We wrestled with our dad and grandad and had fun.
“We have classes for homeschooled children, children of all ages and adults, too. We incorporate surfing into the lifestyle because I am also a keen surfer. In the advanced class, I teach advanced techniques, like conceptual approaches that work with lots of jiu-jitsu moves.
“I like it for children as a combat sport and a personal development tool. It is good for discipline, and they learn a little bit of self-defence. Some children don’t learn very well in the classroom, but they gain good life skills on the mat. It is stimulating because it is quite a complex art.
“My grandad was a wrestler, and our family comes from a long line of boxers, so for me, it was good to get back into it. I then decided to start Hold Down Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA classes in Mangawhai on Monday and Wednesday, and Ruakākā on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“It is so good for your mental health, and I see children and adults build confidence because when you are on the mat you don’t have time to worry about other life stuff going on. I have seen it drastically change people’s lives, including myself. It has been one of the greatest things I have done outside of my marriage and my children.
“We will have children’s workshops running every Monday through the summer holidays at Ruakākā. Our club is like a massive family, and we also
support Ruakākā youth on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings with free classes as a way to give back to the community. I know myself, what it is like to come from a lower socio-economic situation like youth face today.
“People can check the Hold Down Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA Facebook page, Holddownbjj on Instagram or contact me on 027 788 8006 for more information.” ¢
“It
HAVE A SAFE & MERRY XMAS
Esme Kenobi began teaching pottery at the
“I had absolutely no experience with pottery two years ago. I was green and had never touched clay,” says Esme.
“I started off keen to do pottery wheel work, and I heard the Bream Bay Combined Arts Group had a pottery class. So I went along with a friend on a Tuesday night when they had a group for younger people.
“The group ranged from people doing hand building to others working on a
rusty old kick wheel in the corner. It was a heck of a laugh, and I really enjoyed it and continued on. Our teacher at the time, Anne Andrews, taught us casually, and then we learned from each other, watched YouTube videos and practised as much as we could squeeze into our lives.
“I recently decided to help teach others as Anne couldn’t anymore. We have guest potters teach us on occasion too, and as this year has progressed, we have been fundraising and buying second-hand electric wheels to use.”
Esme says group members have been driving long distances to purchase the sort-after wheels.
“They are often a bit rickety, but the older guys with the know-how get their tools out and fix them up and make them beautiful.
“To me, pottery is like meditation. You get into the rhythm of the wheel work pulling and shaping something beautiful. I love gifting something I made to my friends — it is a personalised thing.
“I do mostly ceramic and porcelain ware and make items like mugs, plates and vases. Most of us in the group
has the goal to make the perfect mug, and we are getting very close. The perfect mug is the right size, shape, is watertight and has a beautiful handle. It feels good to hold, and of course, has a beautiful glaze.
“A mug takes about half an hour to throw on the wheel, a week to dry before its first kiln firing session, then you glaze it, and it is fired again.
“You have to hope it doesn’t break in the process and always get a surprise with the final colour. We have a rule,
no falling in love with the item until it is finished because things happen like the handle drops off or it falls on the floor.
“My favourite piece was a frog salt pig I made for my French brother-in-law who is frog mad.
“I have also made 25 beer mugs for friends’ 40th birthdays, so they all have their own special mug.
“You go from clay to a finished item. Pottery is a very cathartic process and makes you feel good as you learn along the way.” ¢
by Ann van Engelen
It is said that one of the best ways to be kind to yourself is to be kind to others, while research shows that lifelong learning may improve brain function.
Studies have shown that doing good deeds delivers a bigger happiness boost to you than the person you are helping. There are several ways to make doing good deeds a normal part of your life, such as volunteering for community initiatives, helping a neighbour or at the local school, sending a thank you note to someone you appreciate or writing down
the release of a chemical called oxytocin. It stimulates the area of your brain associated with social connection and trust, which makes you feel good.
Regular positive interactions and fostering stronger relationships and connections to your community also strengthen your social networks for the times you might need extra support.
something you are grateful for daily.
Showing gratitude can improve your self-esteem, enhance empathy, reduce aggression and even help you sleep better. Gratitude creates strong positive emotions and also helps build your mental resilience.
Feeling connected to people, groups, places and culture play an important part in your mental wellbeing. Learning a new activity like sailing or bike riding are two ways of meeting people while taking care of your physical wellbeing. Performing an act of kindness triggers
Daily life can be busy and stressful, and it helps to be mindful of the world around you. Taking a moment to stop and focus on the present can calm any pressure you may be feeling.
Mindfulness is about connecting with your immediate thoughts and feelings without judging them, and it can be practised anywhere. Start by taking a few deep breaths and allow yourself to focus only on what is happening at that moment — both in the world around you and in your mind. By directing your attention to what is happening in the
present, you are less likely to focus on worrying about things from the past or things that might happen in the future.
Take the opportunity to enrol in an education programme as a way to not only start a new career, prepare for employment or upskill your established talents, but it also expands the mind and builds personal abilities. Study improves confidence, competence, and self-esteem. As teenagers begin high school, it is the perfect time to seriously
consider their future career options or employment interests. Getting a head start with class choices helps toward later study decisions.
For adults, researching online or adult education classes in the local area are ways to expand knowledge and gain qualifications that may have seemed out of reach in the past.
Researching what you may like to do with your adult life can be an exciting experience in itself. ¢
the winterless north. With a long history of surfing, the Cove draws people from all over the world to come experience it’s chilled vibe.Group and Private Lessons After School Lessons Holiday Programme Lessons Surf Parties!
All our lessons are designed to introduce, develop and progress everyone in their surfing. We have lessons for all ages. Lessons include surfboard, wetsuit and a qualified a coach.
When the seaside town’s population swells by thousands as the call of surf, sun and sand entice the adventurous to spend some time under canvas or in the caravan. However, the attraction on January 2 is situated in the Mangawhai Domain. The Mangawhai Gala is a true Kiwi
classic, combining food, music, a carnival atmosphere and lots of entertainment for all ages. It’s as if your favourite memories of school fairs and summer fetes were all transported to the east coast and combined just in time for the holidays. At 9am the gates will open, inviting families to a wonderland
of more than 100 market stalls, with crafts, artwork, coffee, delicious street foods and local cuisine, plants and flowers, produce and funky retro chic. There’s something for everyone set to go on display, while live music jams in the background, thanks to talented musicians like Totally Uked and DNA.
The event is a big fundraiser for the local domain, which is run by a volunteer committee of dedicated locals. All year round, this space is host to many local sports fixtures, such as tennis, cricket and football. There’s also an events hub in the main hall, which has been host to some memorable get-togethers. All this is made possible by those volunteers and a supportive community, so by visiting the gala, you’ll be helping to make Mangawahi a better place
to live. With the aim of the day being family fun, there’s plenty to amuse small visitors too. The gala day will feature carnival-style rides, face painting, pony rides and all those delicious fairground treats that make a day special. To make things easier for mums and dads, there’s parking on site. Of course, for those not living or holidaying right in Mangawhai itself, the town is only a short drive from Bream Bay, the west Kaipara or even Auckland’s CBD.
The whole Mangawhai Domain committee and many other creative locals have worked hard to prepare for this festive day, seeing in the new year for celebration and style. They warmly invite one and all to join them on the domain for the 2023 Mangawhai Gala to get the year off to a suitably merry start.
Pitch, Putt and Drive has been locally owned and operated by the couple for 27 years. They hold a passion for the sport and desire to share that drive with other eager families and individuals.
“People either love or hate golf. I love the challenges it presents and that not every shot is the same as the last one,” Sophie says.
Spend time with your friends and family during the holiday season and enjoy a round or two of golf. Sophie and Bruce man the course alongside their dedicated team of casual workers.
The golf course is open seven days a week and open hours vary according to the time of year. During daylight saving, its hours are from 9am to late — standard hours are from 9am to 6pm.
“We are closed on Christmas Day and sometimes open for Boxing Day. At times, we are closed with opening hours because the course is unplayable due to bad weather. Unfortunately, we do not have wheelchair-friendly toilets.”
People must wear flat-soled shoes and book ahead for groups of 10 or more wanting to use the facilities. It is also available for private events such as birthday parties, hen and stag functions and other important occasions.
Give the team a call to hire the course for a private event.
Have fun at an affordable price of $9 for nine holes, or go around the course twice for $12. The business hires golf clubs for $6 each and balls for $2. There is a barbeque available to use for $35. It must be booked
in advance, and you must bring your own utensils and provisions. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy during their time there.
You can pay via the Internet or phone banking by cash and receive an invoice for your use and hire of the course.
“We are a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere golf course, and
we hope everyone enjoys their time here. It only takes one good golf shot to create a lasting memory and bring you back.”
The course is located at 245 Three Mile Bush Road, Kamo, Whangārei. For more information, call Sophie on 027 685 4334, visit kamo9hole.com/home or on Facebook at facebook.com/kamo9hole.
Over the last 20 years the Kiwi dream has come a long way since the elusive quarter acre. That’s why we’re proud to still be able to provide a Kiwi solution for your first home, second home, a home where you need a bit more home, or even your home away from home. We offer a range of plans from 60 to 250 square metres. These can be built straight from the plans, or we can use them as inspiration to create your own Kiwi dream.
Show home: Cnr of Sandford Road and State Highway 1, Ruakaka
Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-4pm Saturday 10am-2pm
Contact: Steve Hart 09 433 0200 a1northland@A1homes.co.nz
