Small Talk

 

From harvest to vintage
Though Vanessa Willem and Mike Hynes are no longer to be seen front and centre at Harvest Blue, they are still firmly ensconced in Mangawhai having moved to a more specialised part of the food industry, that of boutique vintage wines and food of labels not generally seen in the north. Their outlets will mainly be restaurants and cafe’s but their sumptuous products will be available on line to the general public shortly. We’ll keep you informed.

Cafe still true blue
In the meantime Harvest Blue, under management of Jae Wang with Kris Malcolm at his favourite spot in the kitchen, are still serving up their usual quality dishes whether it be morning tea, brunch, lunch or dinner. For a quick treat away from your own kitchen, why not drop in on Burger Night, Fridays from 6pm. Facebook and foodie sites are aglow with compliments on the food range and quality of Harvest Blue “and we’ll be working hard to maintain that reputation,” says Tae.

The Dune coming soon
Seems Mangawhai is all about food at the moment as the Smashed Pipi is about to become ‘The Dune’. Undergoing a complete refit under the guidance of Lloyd Rooney and Mike Fraser, The Dune is scheduled to open mid-November with a family-friendly new look and a different menu from their other establishments to welcome in summer.

And more about food
Despite their other outlets –The Quay in Whangarei and Waipu Cove Cafe – keeping them on their toes, the partners have somehow found the time to produce their own cookbook. Documenting their journey through both travel and food ‘The Quay to the Cove’ covers their experiences from the US, to Australia, into New Zealand and of course to our back door. Due for release in December but we’ll give you a sneak peek shortly.

Ag Day history being lost
Some of the greatest local fun days are our school Ag Days but some of the past winners are being a bit greedy in holding onto cups and trophies. Otamatea Group Day Calf Club committee secretary Karen Woolley is sending out an appeal. “All trophies won last year need to be returned, along with those still outstanding from the previous few years ‘no questions asked’ so that the history is not lost.” The event has a proud history and trophies should be returned to Farmlands Wellsford store, Karen Woolley Ph 09 423 9361, or Bruce Ferguson via Jaques Store at Kaiwaka so as to be presented to this years’ winners.

Old cottage safe and sound
For those who listened to the Chinese whispers and who feared for the future of the old Woods Cottage in Moir St at the Village, you may now breathe easy. There was concern that it may be moved or at worst bulldozed to make way for unspecified roading changes. However, the building was recently visited and scrutinised by members of the New Zealand Heritage Trust and awarded a Category A heritage status so it’s fair to say the old cottage ‘ain’t goin’ nowhere’ anytime soon. We hope to have more on it’s colourful history in the near future.

Over 50? Time to catch up
Hey, over 50 and still not even a little tech-savvy? Don’t be embarrassed. Rock up to SeniorNet Help Clinic at Mangawhai or their regular Tuesday courses. Kids and grandkids living and holidaying overseas? You really do need to keep track of things and it’s really so easy and nothing to be afraid of. Then, once you get the hang of it, it’s fun. Just take that first step and call Val (431 4042) or Tony (431 2269) and you’ll soon have the world at your fingertips.

Top customer service
Big ups to the girls at the KDC office in Mangawhai. An Asian customer arrived last week with an incorrectly written cheque to pay his rates and only very limited English. Our observer waited as the girls painstakingly coached and coaxed him in the correct cheque presentation and sorted the necessary paperwork without any feathers being ruffled and all happy with the end result.

New sport to the area
First double New Zealand champion wrestler Stacey Stewart is bringing her roadshow to Waipu Cove. The longest competing wrestler (male or female) in NZ, Stacey will run her training camp for any locals who may be interested over the weekend October 29-30. The cost of the camp covers accommodation, training and prepared food. Group discounts can be arranged. Bookings are essential and can be confirmed via maniacsunited@gmail.com or by cell 021 0228 0998.

Market on the move
Mangawhai Beach & Country Market is moving! The market will now be held on nominated days in the grounds of the Mangawhai Museum, just down the road from Mangawhai Activity Zone. “We are delighted to share this news,” says market manager Sue Martin. “Not only do we get enormous exposure to all passing traffic and pedestrians, but we are going to look fantastic set up between the Museum and Historic Village site.” Next market is Labour Weekend, Sunday Oct 23, 9am-1pm, free parking and admission.