Did You Know?

Track cutters show the way

Inspiring. The hardy band of ‘track cutters’, formally working as Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust, has achieved another remarkable milestone with the recent opening of the Tanekaha Track, followed by the dual-use tracks in Mangawhai Park. 

Working with DoC and other agencies, a paper road off King Road has been defined to include a car parking area, with the track, including a swing bridge, leading to the tanekaha grove and beyond to the trig all clearly marked – 15 minutes to the Tanekaha grove, another hour or so to the summit. Take a drink, hiking stick, and a sense of wonder.

Centred on Mangawhai Activity Zone, the new tracks in Mangawhai Park have been primarily designed for mountain bikers, but walkers are encouraged to use them with care. Carters Information Centre has walking track maps in the Mangawhai area which include the Goldschmidt track and of course, the Clifftop walkway.

If you would like to join the track cutters for a few hours each week, give Gordon Hosking a call on 431 5579, or email gordon.hosking@xtra.co.nz.

 

Kiwi release likely

Friends of the Brynderwyn Society are another group working to protect over 15km of natural habitat containing many threatened and rare species of native vegetation and animals. Through determination and years of hard work, it is now likely that Northland brown kiwi will be released back into the area next year. If you would like to be part of this, you are invited to join this society. Contact Martina Tschirky on 431 5161.

 

Second MAZ open day

The future use of Mangawhai Park, that area of largely undeveloped land off Molesworth Drive which includes the museum and MAZ, is the subject of another open day on November 10 at The Club, from 10am – another opportunity to view concept plans and provide feedback for the steering group.

 

A taste of Kaipara

Taste Auckland, November 15-18 at Victoria Park, will this year see a very professional stand featuring the Kaipara district. Co-ordinator Liz Holsted is very excited about the presentation from participants Lochiel Wines, Millars Wines, Purple Monkeyfinger Vodka, Long Flat Bacon Company, Chapel Olive Oil, Tara Lodge Tamarillos, Forgotten Fruits Nursery, Mangawhai Golf Course, Mangawhai Accommodation Providers Group, Mangawhai Business Association, and supported by Kaipara District Council. An excellent array of businesses.

 

A taste of France

Something to taste right here in Mangawhai is ‘Le Beaujolais Nouveau’ which has arrived at the Frog & Kiwi. This annual event takes place on Thursday 15, and Saturday 17 November, with a set menu. Finger food, traditional French beef stew, French cheeses, strawberry tart, and of course, the new Beaujolais. Bookings essential, phone 431 4439.

 

Forecourt fundraising

The forecourt of Village GAS is just the place for fundraising activities, so if you are planning something over the summer period, call in and book your event now. If it’s a car wash fundraiser, Gary and Sheila will even provide the suds! The area is provided free, so secure your spot before you miss out!

 

Kakariki to close

Several changes in retail activity. Kakariki, the wonderful health store in The Hub, is to close. Hard to believe that Jess has been operating for five years, but now her growing family plus her flexible work as a first aid instructor and medic has to take priority. Starting November 19, Jess is planning a two week sale before the last day of trading on Saturday December 1.

And all going well, Bazaar World plans to open the doors in their village shop by the end of the month. Tami and Ross say they their variety/discount store will stock a very diverse range of products, including furniture.

 

Bird report from Sioux

The NZ dotterels that nest by the bridge at Langs Beach have hatched two chicks, despite the dogs and people. 

New seasons fantails in my garden are demanding constant feeding from their busy parents. 

The little NZ fairy terns are settling in on the Mangawhai spit, sorting out partners, and which shell patch they like the best.

News from Te Arai dotterel care group is that they have had a good crop of chicks, despite someone driving through a fence.

 

Did you know?

Reg Whale, the trapper contracted to the NZ fairy tern Trust, has been busy on the southern boundary of the spit where it borders with the forest and Tern Point subdivision? His aim to control predators before they get to the refuge has been very successful, trapping hedgehogs, rats, stoats, weasels, possums, rabbits, 8 feral cats, along with a rarity, an albino ferret.

Reg is now trapping to include the refuge, concentrating on controlling the rabbits that tend to attract predators to the breeding grounds.

 

Kiteboarders banned

Look out for the new kiteboarders information signs. No kiteboarders are permitted on the sand spit at any time. Aerial disturbance can scare birds from their nests.

 

Spotted

Roadside sign ‘4 sale hirdro ponik chanil’ and a personalised plate 4CHIN8.

 

Book sorters needed! 

If you could spare a few hours on a Monday afternoon (Nov 12, 19, 26) starting at 1.30pm (which is actually after golf!) the museum folk would love some help sorting through the thousands of books coming in for the big annual Book Fair 2013. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll even get a cuppa and a scone. Just arrive at the new museum, Monday afternoon at 1.30pm. 

 

Treasurer needed

Mangawhai Community Trust, which owns the Recreation Centre, needs a treasurer to replace the current one who is ‘retiring’. It could be an ideal voluntary job for someone who is looking for employment, or entering the work force, as work for a community organisation always scores well on your CV. Probably only an hour or two a week, so it’s not onerous. Or perhaps you’ve just settled in Mangawhai and looking to offer your services to the community. Just give chairman Tom Smith a call on 431 5522.

 

20 gardens for Ramble

And of course, the big event this month, The Garden Ramble. This weekend, November 10-11, 20 gardens will be on display, plus High Tea hosted by Zonta served at Tara Lodge. Tickets for this Plunket/Kindergarten special event, this year sponsored by Palmers Planet Albany, can still be purchased at Naja Garden Centre, and Mangawhai Books and Gifts. Map provided with ticket. Enjoy!

 

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