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Half-way mark for MAZ
Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) charitable trust is romping ahead as volunteers and the public can now see the planned development is at the halfway mark. Metal has been spread on the car park area, MELA grant received to complete the 'volcanoes' on the streetscape, multi-sports court well used, KDC funded public toilets soon to be constructed, and a major event looming to raise funds for the family picnic and barbecue area.

An enterprising group of families are running what promises to be a grand night – the Casino Royale Dinner and Auction on Saturday June 20 in the Recreation Centre, Insley St, 6.30pm until midnight, with Leigh Hart as MC. Single tickets $80, or $600 a table for 8. Tickets from Bammas in the village. The aim is to raise $20,000. What a great way to contribute and have a fabulous night out.

Free computer support on offer
Contributing to our community in so many ways are those who give voluntarily of their time and expertise, from the Domain Society, Plunket and sporting clubs through to St John, fire brigade, museum, MAZ and loads more.

Steve Green 'the computer chap' is one who contributes by offering a free computer support service providing help in getting the most from the technology on offer. How come it's free, you may well ask? Steve and Val moved to Mangawhai several years ago after a lifetime in the computer industry, and he began helping friends and neighbours "simply because I enjoy helping people, and am very appreciative of people welcoming me into their homes."

He sees people approaching computers in four stages: awareness that there is a benefit, getting access to one, developing skills, and ongoing support. Steve explains it is imperative that it is a free community service as he doesn't want to have a negative impact on other services in Mangawhai.

"I don't fix computers, don't sell anything, nor do I have a brand loyalty," he says. Sounds like just the right person for me!

Would a tablet or an iPhone be more suitable for me, how do I read a friends blog without having to join up, and how do I get the best from my existing PC? Call Steve! 431 4383.

More ‘friends’ needed
Have you joined up as a Friend of the Mangawhai Museum? The first special 'Friends' event is on this Saturday, May 16, with the launch of the exhibition 'When War Comes to Mangawhai' featuring the sinking of the Niagara, Mangawhai Home Guard and much more. Open to the public on Sunday May 17, the exhibition will run until October.

The Museum has been operating for five months now, lots of challenges have been met, and the 'tweaking' continues! Air conditioning was installed late January, making the temperature and humidity

levels far more stable and comfortable. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, joining the Friends, or the monthly genealogy group, just ask at reception for details.

Beach clean-up this weekend
Get ready for the voluntary beach clean-up this Saturday May 16, meeting at 3pm by the Heads carpark. Bags, gloves etc supplied, so bring your family and friends along too and have a bit of a laugh at the same time. When the clean-up is over, there's a free art exhibition opening at 5.30pm down in the Library hall in the village, plus a surf film (big screen!) showing at 7pm. All free, but a donation is always welcome. Contact Craig Freeman 021 262 6178.

Art for arts sake
Dada and the Renaissance, two disparate art movements. Like to know more? Come along to the monthly Art Forum on Tuesday May 19 in the Library Hall, 7-9pm. Ian McGowan and Suza Lawrence will discuss the parallels, differences, crossovers and influence. Just $6, BYO refreshments.

Harvest Blue goes pink
Harvest Blue is hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this year, supporting the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation. Join other supporters on Tuesday May 19, at 9am, for a breakfast including tea and coffee for $20, of which $7 will be donated to the Foundation. You will need to book, so get a group of friends together and reserve a table by calling 431 4111.

 

News and views to share through this column? Contact Jo Roberts 431 4711 or email jo.roberts@xtra.co.nz