Did You Know?

Use the info centre

With so many activities scheduled over the peak holiday season, a visit to the Mangawhai Information Centre could save a lot of time. Golf tournaments, bowls, fishing, tennis, art exhibitions, Black Swamp Rod Run, and of course, Gala Day at the Domain on January 2. This is a major fundraising event and your support will ensure that this community-owned facility continues to meet our needs.

Shuttle service trial

Sun, sand and surf are always top of the list this time of year. This season there will be a trial shuttle bus service from the Village to the Heads and beach. With limited parking, the sensible thing is to use the bus and save all that frustration. After all, it’s a time to chill out, relax, and do things at a leisurely pace. Mangawhai Heads surf lifesavers will be on duty right through, providing a service that we almost take for granted. They will be holding their annual street appeal on Monday December 31, so please give whatever you can spare.

Look out for the fairy tern

Mangawhai is also home to New Zealand’s rarest endemic bird, the fairy tern. There are only some 40 of these birds left in the world, so it is vital that care is taken when walking out on the sand spit. It is an internationally recognised wildlife refuge, so absolutely no dogs, horses, vehicles, firearms, or fires. Signs are up advising kite boarders to stay clear of the dunes as the shadow of the kite makes all the birds think a big new predator is after them and they may desert their nest.

Try our walking tracks

Thanks to the volunteers of the Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust, we now have a large number of walking tracks in and around the area. The new Tanekaha track (off King Road) is well worth the hike, and there are more new tracks in Mangawhai Park (Molesworth Drive) including several great mountain biking trails for all levels of ability. Check out the track map available from the Info Centre.

Christmas carols

The Mangawhai Singers led the Christmas Festival of Song held in the stunning new museum building, and in a generous gesture, collected donations for St John. Causeway Church will be bringing Christmas Eve Carols to the Recreation Centre (next to the school) at 6pm, 8pm and 10pm.

Cool collectables

Sue Blincko’s store, Coolectables, on the Kaiwaka Mangawhai Road (just past the Tara Road corner) has a well-established reputation, with retro and vintage clothing, furniture and accessories. Sue also has a Garage Sale room where nothing is over $5. Everything is clean and ironed, and the presentation is designed for rummaging. If we should get a wet day, head to

Coolectables!

Volunteers recognised

Among those volunteers who received recognition at the recent Northland St John Awards were local ladies Frances Wearing and Shirley Partington who gained their 12-year service medals. They are part of the Caring Caller Service, with Frances also being the area team leader. And did you know that Frances has for many years sponsored a Christmas Day luncheon for elderly folk who find themselves on their own? Give her a call on 431 4810 if you wish to know more.

Spotted 1

The shade sail at the Fagan Place playground. This was a Zonta initiated project with Canvas Plus in Kaiwaka supplying and installing the sail. Thank you from all who use the playground.

Business changes

Alison Jacomb of Kakariki Health Store has been working overtime transferring the business to new premises at Bennetts. New stock is arriving, and many new lines including organic baby clothing from Nurtured by Nature. A change of premises too, for Mangawhai Books & Gifts. You can’t miss them in Wood St, right next to the ATM! Bazaar World in the Village made the Christmas deadline, so pop in and have a look at what they have

to offer.

Spotted 2

A caravan parked on a sloping section in Vista Verano. Santa Claus may well be putting a spirit level in the Christmas stocking.

Recipe in a jar

And for the most outstanding Christmas treats, Bennetts of Mangawhai. The new ‘Tili Jars’ decoratively filled with the dry ingredients for chocolate cup cakes, chocolate and recipe also supplied, are something very special. Gift packs with festive wrapping, boxed baubles (chocolate of course!), and to top it all off, ‘Finnegan’s Boxing Day merriment’. Mary’s family story, which accompanies this presentation box, is a joy to read.

Yoga challenge will stretch some

After all that indulgence, the 30-day Yoga Challenge starts on January 3, 8-9am, in the Domain pavilion. Last year’s 30-day challenge (some flexibility here with 10-20 day options) was most successful, so just turn up on the day, or contact Gabi 022 070 4763 if you would like more information.

Plenty to do

Remember the Village market is every Saturday morning from 9am, and the Beach and Country Market at the Domain is on Sunday right through January and February, 9am-1pm. Matakohe Kauri Museum entry is free to Otamatea residents and ratepayers and is a fascinating place to visit. Of course, if you’re a ‘striking ratepayer’, you wouldn’t take advantage of the free entry, would you…?