15th January 2018

Trekkers, cyclists and strollers have a new scenic trail to explore thanks to a hard-working bunch of volunteers, who dedicated a few hundred physical hours in 2017, carving the pathway through arduous scrubland.

 

 

What a Godsend for Mangawhai was the big rain at New Year which was greeted with nothing but joy from holidaymakers and local homeowners thrilled to have their tanks filled.

 

 

 

 

The new wharf project has fired up a wide public interest not only through the editorial in the last issue of the Focus but with the open displays and information at the New Year Gala where the stand fuelled interest and team members fielded questions from a constant flow of visitors.
 

 

Christmas is hardly packed away, and many homes are still sporting their lights and tinsel in an effort to keep that special Christmas and summer holiday feeling, but supermarkets are moving on at a great rate. At least one local retailer is already selling hot cross buns.
 

 

 

Thousands of small black plastic balls washed up on beaches from One Tree point to Waipu during the wild weather of January 4.



 

 

The next few months for Mangawhai artists continue to be focused on creativity and showcasing Mangawhai art. There are five exhibitions between now and Easter.
 

 

 

 

The message from Mr Rogan on the Mangawhai ratepayers Facebook site before Christmas must not go unanswered. He criticises the former Mayor for resigning or bailing as he puts it. There was widespread disappointment about this decision. However he then invents emotive speculation as to why this happened.

 

 

 

Congratulations to Mangawhai’s Mel Birt pictured receiving her first prize of a $350 Christmas hamper from Waipu Business and Promotions Group, presented by group secretary and local real estate identity, Shane Samtani.
 

 

Recreational drugs concern Police have been kept busy over.
Drink & speed disappoints Police checkpoints disappointing.
Illegal parking clogs beach Holiday crowds and a lack of parking.
Jet ski daylight robbery Thieves managed to steal jet ski
Vandals target Mangawhai Vandalism has been a problem.
 

 

 

Waipu will awaken to the third annual Car and Bike show or, in fact, anything on wheels, on Waitangi Weekend Sunday at the Caledonian Park, but this year will be preceded by a rock ‘n’ roll dance.
 

 

 

 

 

Entries are now being sought for the 2018 Waipu Museum Art ’n’ Tartan Wearable Art awards to be held on July 20-21 in the magnificent Celtic Barn, Waipu.
 

 

With electricity costs rising at an average rate of 4 per cent a year over the last 20 years, and the pricing of solar panels falling, putting solar power on your roof has never looked like a more attractive investment than it does now.

 

 

One of the area’s largest attractions, the Mangawhai Domain Summer Annual Gala, celebrated its 40th anniversary recently, making it an historical event and was once again enjoyed by a steady stream of holidaymakers, locals and visitors.

 

 

 

The usual traditional white bowling outfit was nowhere to be seen at a recent annual Mangawhai Bowling Club (MBC) tournament, instead the green was overtaken by a parade of unusual regalia and characters including Billy T doppelgangers, genderdubious maids and ‘70s cartoon stars.