Scene & Heard

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With possibly the biggest summer influx of visitors ever we notice odd messages of graffiti showing up on some spots on the outer reaches of Mangawhai. While it may be offensive unfortunately it’s not an offence that warrants a lot of man hours and resources in finding the culprits. Thus it becomes a community problem to be aware of any unseemly behaviour to nip this in the bud or at least keep it to a minimum. It’s just a couple of bored egg-heads with little better to do but it makes work for others and gives visitors a reputation that most don’t deserve.

On the contrary locals don’t have a right to be anti towards Aucklanders. Have heard several derogatory terms used towards ‘Jaffa’s’ which are little short of ignorant. We portray ourselves as virtually an outer suburb of Auckland being just over an hour up the highway and, much as we might like to deny it, it’s visitors primarily from Auckland that constitute the ongoing wave of community members contributing to the growth and industry here. For the community to prosper we need to welcome allcomers.

Seems to be a little confusion for some visitors in finding the Information Centre. The address is simply Molesworth Drive and with this stretching for around seven kilometres, a number coming from the southern side are calling into the Museum expecting it to be there as is the case in a number of other towns. ‘Carters’ Information Centre trips some up too but 221 Molesworth Drive is the place you want though we’re not sure it actually carries a number. You’ll know it when you see it.

Pop-up seems to be the ‘in’ word with the pop-up cafe at The Cowshed restaurant on Pebblebrook Rd drawing customers like bears around a honeypot. Similarly the pop-up bakery ‘Baked For Mangawhai’ can satisfy almost any appetite that needs donuts, pain chocolat, chocolate croissants, Turkish bread, fruit tarts, ciabatta, and lots more with gluten-free options as well. Order online. ‘Baked for Mangawhai’ is also on Facebook.

With a more sedate lifestyle in mind for health reasons, Daryl and Sandy Reardon have sold Mangawhai Fishing and Tackle. The new owners take over later this month but Daryl is involved with several activities in and around Mangawhai so this is certainly not the last we will see of him.

Similarly, the Scott family have also sold Molesworth 4 Square. Originally run by Robert Scott, then more recently family members Heather and John Rankin, after 23 years of serving a growing public and in light of growing demands in the food and industrial sector, all are agreed on a change of pace. New owners will take over early February.

Sad to relate that during the latter part of last year Penrose Farm, long being Mangawhai’s animal haven, has had to bear the passing of their much-loved donkeys. Many children, in fact many parents, will remember with affection the donkey rides at gala days and various fundraising events around Mangawhai over many years. Jo and Malcolm Roberts bred and nurtured the lovable and docile animals for many years.

As expected, the ‘Guardians’ (life-sized cut-outs) lounging around the Museum carpark attracted lots of attention. Unfortunately one was ‘borrowed’ prior to Christmas – probably invited somewhere for Christmas dinner. Fortunately it returned to its post shortly thereafter but then anothere has ‘escaped.’ The appeal is out for its return.

Kids in the estuary paddling, swimming, kayaking and just fossicking is the summer sight of tranquility we all like to enjoy but then the silence is split by the roar of jet skis. I guess it’s a sign of the times but one wonders what are the rules that govern speeds and proximity to bathers and whose responsibility it is to enforce them. An accident would ruin summer for everyone.

It’s sometimes hard for staff to keep track of orders, serving meals and dealing with payments in a bustling food outlet, but we weren’t impressed to see a young trio adopt the old ‘dine and dash’ scenario at one of our major eateries. Surely a good meal deserves thanks by way of simple honesty in making payment. One hopes their conscience pricked them hard and long.

The newly opened Art Gallery at the old library at the Village has surpassed all expectations says local art group president Jan Grover. Since it opened just prior to Christmas, the gallery has been home to the works of 50 artists. Over 200 people have taken the time to visit and more than 40 works have been sold. The Mangawhai Art Group has really found its feet as a stand alone entity.

As if there wasn’t enough activity at the MAZ, tucked in behind Bayleys Office is the Mangawhai Airshed. Run by Aaron Jackson, who has a similar operation in Wanaka, this is like a trampoline on steroids. Not only can trampolinists really take it to the limit, this is also a good training ground for those with a penchant for extreme sports with the air bags affording that extra degree of safety and encouraging players to go that but further and harder.
 

What’s On JAN 12 Pilates with Mary begin for 2016. Tues, Wed, Thurs. JAN 16,23,30 Music in the Vines, Te Whai Wines, 367 King Rd Mangawhai from 4-8pm. JAN 16 Kids fishing comp, Mangawhai Fishing Club, Alamar Cres. JAN 17,24 Jan Mangawhai Beach & Country Markets, Mangawhai Domain. JAN 17 Amateur mens golf tournament, Mangawhai Golf Club JAN 24 Surf Club Family Beach Day JAN 15-17 Mens and womens mid-amateur golf FEB 20-21 Ladies Tournament Golf. DAILY Wined About Bike Tours, operating daily from 367 King Rd. DAILY For a full list of Mangawhai walks, please call at the Information Centre on Molesworth Dr near Mangawhai Golf Club entrance.

n Scene & Heard anything newsworthy? Tell everyone about it. Email your news briefs for this column to info@mangawhaifocus.co.nz.