Mangawhai Central development underway

 

With a hi-vis gathering, sharp spade and inspiring words, the foundations for the area’s new town, Mangawhai Central, has begun. 

Just over a year and two days after developers Viranda Partners signed ownership of the 128 hectare Molesworth Drive property, work on the Kaipara district’s largest ever project was established on April 2 with a ceremonious breaking of ground and the arrival of heavy earthworks machinery. 

Watched by Viranda members and chair Andrew Guest, Kaipara mayor Dr Jason Smith turned the first bit of earth on the land while commenting on the significance of the day for Viranda, the council and the people of Kaipara. 

"Mangawhai Central is a big milestone, an undertaking of real scale, and in my view a coming-of-age project pointing towards our growing future," he said. “Such an honour to dig the first sod, I'm thinking of the thousands of people who will enjoy this place once it is completed.”

Smith says the earthworks also aligns with another significant time, the 30th anniversary of Kaipara District Council which was formed in 1989. 

"I want to thank Andrew and his team for bringing us this wonderful opportunity,” said mayor Smith. "Council will put the wind beneath your wings and make this project fly, I know it’s going to be a huge success."
Andrew Guest reaffirmed Virand’s commitment to the project.

“One year since we settled and we have machinery on site. We are continuing to deliver what we say to the people of Mangawhai.”  

Kaipara Mayor Dr Jason Smith and Viranda chair Andrew Guest surrounded by Viranda team members, Duncan Napier, Oliver Wills, Brandon Morley, Brian Chin and director Mark Bridgeman, with community representative Colin Gallagher and McKenzie & Co contractor engineer James Bufty. PHOTO/Supplied