6th March 2017 Issue

Pioneer Village shaping up

Ed Said - All roads lead to… where?

I have mentioned previously the Auckland Mayor of the early 60s, Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson, advocating a rapid rail system for Auckland. He was overruled, but 60 years later the subject is still being discussed on and off around the Council table.

 

Data: Most Northland swim spots ‘swimmable’

Most of Northland’s most popular freshwater swimming spots – and their coastal equivalents – are suitable for swimming all or most of the time over summer, newly-released regional council data shows.

New categories in Waipu wearable arts comp

Entries are now invited for the 2017 Art n Tartan wearable art contest held every year in Waipu.

Brand new and exciting categories will feature this year, with a prize pool of over $16,000.

 

Campground sewage now in council hands

Sewage has been a contentious topic in Mangawhai over the last few years, however Riverside Holiday Park (RHP) had cause for celebrating the sticky issue recently.

 

Ambience of summer captured in art

Three standout artists with widely diverse designs, skills and talent, made for an impressive showcase at Mangawhai Art Gallery’s recent exhibit.

Developer declares beach access guaranteed

Goliath has struck back at David in the ongoing dispute involving a surf beach access, with developers claiming an environmental organisation is misleading the public.

In response to Save Te Arai’s (STA) 6100 signed petition regarding the process of how council and developers made decisions about access to the popular beach.
 

Kiwi Guardian site in Rodney

Seaweed forests, sponge gardens and schools of fish are some of the attractions at the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island) Toyota Kiwi Guardian site 80km north of Auckland, and just south of Mangawhai.

 

Sculpture park opens gates to raise funds for music charity

Gibbs Farm, the private world-renowned Kaipara sculpture park owned by entrepreneur Alan Gibbs, is to open its gates on Thursday March 23 in a fundraiser for charity The New Zealand Music Foundation.
 

Gardening with Gael - Flowers that will brighten your day

It is still a little early to plant. The ground is warm but the rain still too intermittent. There is one group of plants, however, that need to be planted at this time of the year.

Bulbs.
 

Zonta - Dedicated volunteer receives rose of admiration

An exceptional woman, who has been noted for her tireless devotion and energy to a wide range of community services, has been unanimously selected to receive a prestigious award.

 

From the Mayor - KDC Citizens Awards reinstated

It is quite incredible that two months of 2017 have passed already. Councillors reconvened in late January and since that time have had plenty to deal with.


 

NZ First won’t be silent over ‘Big Kiwi Sell-off’

There’s an old saying: Big money talks.

You can believe it when you look at New Zealand. When cashed up foreigners arrive on our shores looking for bargains we have a National government that goes weak at the knees.

Letters to the Editor

Fire station funds - A letter from Friends of the Brigade to the local community and visitors 

Quiet council - With our last rate invoice, January 2017, (elected) Mayor Gent informed us that the Councillors undertake training program.
 

PROBUS: Rescue pilot wouldn’t give up ‘office’

February guest speaker Steve Couchman from Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST), the Whangarei based rescue helicopter service, spoke of the many and varied missions he has been on in his career as a helicopter pilot.

 

Trapping ring key to increased kiwi numbers

Since April 2014 a chain of nearly 150 mustelid traps on properties surrounding Marunui Conservation in the Brynderwyns has provided a protective buffer to the 43 Northland brown kiwi released there between 2013-2015.
 

ORT takes show on the road

Otamatea Repertory Theatre (ORT) is producing the hilarious comedy revue ‘I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change’ and is planning to tour the show at seven different venues around Northland.

 

Surprises in store on Troubadour Trail

What makes the Troubadour Trail such an enjoyable event? It offers a combination of spectacular views, a relaxed walking trail, surprise, and entertainment to please the tastes of most people.

 

Mystics in Mangawhai

Lifeguards show prowess at anniversary longboard event

Over 40 lifeguards converged on Mangawhai Heads on February 18 for the 25th anniversary of the NZ Lifeguard Longboard Nationals.

 

Records tumble at swim sports

Some long-held records tumbled at Rodney College’s recent swimming sports. Junior swim sensation Rosa Ewing (pictured) broke five school records in freestyle, backstroke and butterfly, some which have been held for over 25 years.

 

Worzels World - A Poisonous Agenda

Central Government and her agencies have made no secret of their desire for greater power by centralisation. The sticking point though has been the democratic process. Whenever such moves as the amalgamation of Councils is put to the vote the public come out overwhelmingly against such measures.
 

Tarren qualifies for Teen World Golf Champs

Young Mangawhai golfer, Tarrin Rous, has qualified for the Teen World Golf Championship.

Tarrin recently competed in the US Kids Golf Auckland Tour, a worldwide event run by US Kids Golf in America.