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Mangawhai busy over Easter

Mangawhai certainly proved its magnetic draw over the Easter break, with people, people everywhere, and loads to see and do! Book sales at the museum swelled the fundraising coffers; St John Op Shop volunteers had their busiest time ever; market stallholders and shoppers were not too bothered by the welcome rain; Mangawhai Books and Gifts super hero dress-up and colouring competiton delighted the participants. Meeting local authors proved popular, with a wide range of titles on display in the shop. Check them out. Walkers also took to the trails for the Mangawhai Walking Weekend, and Art Trail.

 

Celebrating the tractor

And it doesn’t stop there. The Tractor Cavalcade at the Domain on Sunday April 14 should draw the crowds. Organised by the Historical Society to celebrate those who took part in the ‘Big Dig’, the event incorporates an extensive range of tractors, stationary engines, entertainment, stalls, ride-on mowers races, tractor trailer rides. Norwood Machinery from Whangarei is the major sponsor, along with Placemakers, with prizes awarded for the best tractors and so on. It’s possibly the first event of this kind anywhere in the country, right here in Mangawhai. Gates open at 9am, with time to have a look around before the calvalcade arrives, piped on to the Domain, around 10.30am. Bring the family – entry by donation.

 

Kiwi make comeback

In total contrast, Saturday April 13 sees the release of Northland brown kiwi into the privately owned Marunui conservation block off King Road. The owners of this property have worked for many years to prepare and restore the habitat, so being able to welcome kiwi back into the hills is a very, very special milestone, and a remarkable achievement.

Kiwi arriving, godwits leaving

There are still a few bartailed godwits to be seen before they leave for the journey to Alaska with a feeding stop in China en route, but they’ll be back in September. Monarch butterflies will soon be leaving our gardens for the winter, and by joining the Monarch Butterfly Trust, you and your family can learn a lot more about their behavioural cycles, different types of ‘swan’ plant, and butterflies in general. Email members@monarch.org.nz or write to PO Box 44100, Pt. Chevalier 1246, Auckland.

 

Walking group celebrates first year

Did you know Mangawhai Trampers are about to celebrate their first year as a group? Formed after the 2012 Walking Weekend, they now have about 60 members. They meet on the third Sunday of each month to undertake a tramp of around four hours starting at 10am – all very leisurely with ‘fuel’ stops. Their April 21 meeting will be a mostly coastal walk in Leigh, with the ‘birthday’ celebration walk on Sunday May 19 a local one, over the Henry farm on the Tara, taking in farmland, bush, Maori pa and archaeological sites. New members are welcome (no joining fee!) and the group carpools wherever possible. Contact Dawn Browne 431 5926 or Jan Jacob 431 5157.

 

Development underway

Been wondering what’s happening on the corner of Estuary Drive, opposite the museum? Rex de Baugh of Stylish Homes explains they have six residential sections in the block, with a Stylish show home under construction on one of the top sections. Watch the progress – you should be doing 50kmh or less anyway!

 

Spotted…

Have you spotted the Dump Station sign on the Thelma Road corner? Motor home travellers certainly have…

 

MBS golf fundraiser to tee off

Great prizes are on offer at the Mangawhai Beach School fundraising Golf Tournament on Friday April 26. Tee off at 12.30pm, $45 per person and you can register with Denise Stuart at stubuild@clear.net.nz or phone 431 4023.

 

SeniorNet presentation

The changes in society that have brought about computing becoming an essential home service – no longer a ‘nice to have’, but a ‘must have’ – is the subject of a SeniorNet presentation by Steve Green. Come along to The Club on Molesworth Drive, 2-4pm on Friday April 12. No need to register, entry is $5 with afternoon tea included.

 

Local wins new car

The nationwide Gasoline Alley (GAS) win-a-car competiton was won by a local resident. Yes, on Tuesday, Mr Cato will be officially presented with his brand new red Suzuki Alto down at the Village GAS station. How lucky is that?

 

Understand the plan?

Have you read the proposed amendments to the KDC Long Term Plan? There was a comprehensive pull-out section in the Lifestyler which should help you understand. Submissions close on Friday April 19. You can go to the council website www.kaipara.govt.nz to see how the proposed amendments could affect your rates.

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