August 26th 2013


Mangawhai Ratepayers get their day in court Nearly one hundred Mangawhai Residents and Ratepayers Association members turned up to the High Court at Whangarei on Friday August 16 as they push for a judicial review against the Kaipara District Council.
Ed Said I thought democracy was a system where all members of a community participate but in the end 'majority rules' simply because you can't please all the people all the time. If we weren't satisfied with those we voted into office, then we voted another way come next election. Apparently not so.
Time at Rodney College most satisfying says retiring Principal The college has made excellent progress over the last five years he says, with a lot of people working extremely hard to move the college from strength to strength.
Brynderwyns kiwi getting active Four months ago 14 kiwi were released at Marunui in the Brynderwyns, an event celebrated by some 250 people from the Mangawhai community.
Mangawhai pottery in a new mould Popular potter and local identity Gary Smith (pictured) has been looking for a change of scenery so is on the move this month.
Did you know....... Support growing for Brennan, Bird report from Sioux, Dental award for Dossie, Zonta needs nominations, Zena in the dog house, Park making progress, New home for potter, Sea snake spotted, local events planned, Coming up and much much more..... ■ News and views to share through this column? Contact Jo Roberts 431 4711, email jo.roberts@xtra.co.nz
Work and Lifestyle attacts new CEO David Wilson, who since 2007 has been director of the Institute of Public Policy at AUT University, will take up his new Whangarei-based role leading the regional economic development agency and tourism organisation, in September.
Surf club gets lifesaving renovations While the Mangawhai Surf Club has long been a hangout for sun lovers and beach bunniers, it has always been an essential part of the Mangawhai Community.
Gravel my new wonder mulch The sign outside Naja’s says: Time to Plant EVERYTHING. And it is. Warmer weather, rain, spring well on the way, the ground warming and the possibility that there will be more rain in the next couple of months makes it an ideal time.
Pig hunt is serious fun The second annual Boar Hunt fundraiser for the Point Curtis Cruising Club August 10-11 attracted sponsorship of almost $6,000 in prizes and product, and over one hundred adult entries, well up on last year.
Worzels World - In search of practical purpose “…I was herded with other human overflow from the main courtroom to be accommodated next door with a live video link – a group watching daytime reality television but without the ads. We struggled with the volume while awaiting Justice Paul Heath and the commencement of proceedings.”
Northlanders give big to annual Chopper Appeal This year’s Westpac Chopper Appeal has raised $40,856 for the Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter, part of a total of $1,550,000 raised across the country. All donations from the Westpac Chopper Appeal will be distributed back to the 16 rescue chopper services across the country with the money collected in each region going back to the local Trust.
Northland pass rates better, but basics overlooked The NZ Transport Agency says the average pass rate in Northland for people sitting the new on-road restricted driving licence test has increased steadily, but too many drivers are still tripping up on the basics.
Otamatea High School welcomes new principal Otamatea High School principal Rachel Clothier-Simmonds, pictured above, has had a busy start to her new role – visiting classes, meeting staff members and parents, and hearing about their vision for the school.
Keeping things on the straight and narrow Short Top ’n’ Sides have the right equipment. A farmer by trade, Dave Legarth knows about land care and cultivation and has the equipment to bring those gnarly old trees into line, then when trimmed a couple of times a year even the roughest line of trees can take on a more orderly hedgerow appearance and enhance your whole property.
Your questions Answered - Kaipara Commissioner - John Robertson: Bill confirms rates are payable The Bill removes any doubt that property rates set and invoiced for last year are payable. The Council has always been clear on this matter, but the MRRA has been advocating otherwise, advising people not to pay the rates for this year. To make this absolutely clear, the Bill has a special provision to remove doubt.
Wood Street pumping again The Mobil outlet has recently been taken over by Aucklander Surinder Dhaman and is being managed by husband and wife team Nitin Mehra and Reenu Arora who, with an 8-month-old baby, are keen to integrate into the community when time permits.
Northpower voted NZ’s best electricity lines company Freeman Media, the company behind the awards, cited Northpower’s focus on cost control and delivery, higher operating earnings, a huge improvement in system reliability, significant gains made by the company’s contracting arm, and the success of the company’s fibre rollout as reasons for the win.
Show must go on The district's longest running event, The Warkworth A&P Show, was in danger of closing due to funding issues. However, community spirit has come to the rescue with Bayleys Real Estate committed to supporting the event for an initial three year period.
Help purge pesky possums Possums beware! Paparoa residents are again on the war path to rid the countryside of these pesky critters in their annual possum purge.
Sea serpent found on Mangawhai Beach Local man Peter Farrell was doing his daily cliff walk circuit earlier this month and came across a strange and unusual creature at the Norther end of the surf beach. Fortunately carrying his camera to catch those special moments, Peter was able to take some pictures.
A classic day for car lovers An annual winter sortie for Whangarei Rod and Custom Club members was extended somewhat this year when they formed a cavalcade and headed out to Mangawhai “just for something a bit different” said club president Don Ross.
Seussical artists shine Three talented children from Waipu and Mangawhai have won Otamatea Repertory Theatre’s Seussical Art Competition. Minnie Stratton, Kiera Carroll and Hemi Ruka all won a double pass to the musical’s opening weekend for their artistic endeavours.
Spelt – the real deal In this day and age there are many people who suffer from gluten intolerance. This is partly due to the modifying of wheat to produce a higher yield and hardier crop. This higher yielding hybrid contains greater levels of gluten.
News in Brief Ruakaka coordinator needed - Breast Cancer Foundation needs a volunteer area coordinator to help out with its Pink Ribbon Street Appeal in Ruakaka. Local body elections race on -All areas are being hotly contested although there is only one seat in each constituency to be filled. Battery thief will be charged - someone has stolen the battery from the solar unit that powers the street lights at the junction of Molesworth Dr and Sunlea Lane.
Park plan meets approval A recent open day to display the vision and promote the management plan for Mangawhai Park was well patronised and generally warmly accepted says steering committee chairman Jim Wintle. “We are now concentrating on the area east of the skate park,” he says. “It’s a process we have to follow and the open days let everyone have a say, share ideas and get a first-hand look at the proposed plan.
Letters to the Editor Community stiched up - Thank you once again for your total and utter lack of transparency and community focus. Dream or nightmare? - I was rather disturbed in reading the article in the focus of August 5. Wiring above board - The Kaipara District Council contacted Mr Graham McKenzie after reading his letter to the editor (Mangawhai Focus, August 5) Insurance option makes no sense - I have found no one who will publish this point of view much less tell me where I am wrong.
Auckland Showhome leads the way About to launch into its 36th year, the 2013 Auckland Home Show continues to be the go-to exhibition for building, renovation, home improvements and sustainable living.
Mangrove removal approved on appeal In his speech, Chairman Trevor Downey acknowledged that foremost in most people’s minds is the mangrove issue and what has been perceived by some as an apparent lack of action following the Environment Court hearing in May 2012.
Family violence subject of new Wellsford project Making the Wellsford area a safer place is the aim of a new It’s Not Okay project focused on reducing family violence in the greater Wellsford area. Anyone who supports this aim is being invited to a public meeting to be held at the Wellsford Community Centre from 6pm on Tuesday September 17.
Creative community called for fundraiser Part-time Mangawhai resident Annie Kitchener burst on the scene last year with her fundraising event in support of the Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Brigade. Buoyed by that success Annie is planning another exciting event called Salsa with Sculpture In The Vines, to be held at Millars Vineyard Mangawhai, Anniversary Weekend January 2014.
Mangawhai Probus - Invitation leads to career At the recent August Probus meeting, guest speaker Martin Davies was introduced and spoke of his involvement with St John and how he works full time as District Relief. There are 17 stations in Northland, including Mangawhai. He is the manager and there are nine officers at present to fill the roster.
KSA Sports Briefs Junior rugby - On Saturday September 14 we will host an Under 18s rep match Junior netball - Our junior netball club will celebrate the end of their season Prizegiving BBQ. Soccer - End of season prizegiving at the Complex on Saturday September 21st. Farewell for OHS Principal - Haydn Hutching's service as Principal of Otamatea High School Portrait fundraiser - A portrait sitting day with well-known photographers Jack 'n' Jill Portraits. Great funding news! - I applied for funding to the ASB Trust for $4,000 Summer Touch - I am considering running a Touch module over summer Advance notice - Our two major events to be held early next year
Rodney grind out netball win Rodney College Netball Team 1 have run out winners of the recent 2013 Northland Secondary School Senior Netball Tournament.

MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER Melody sales@mangawhaifocus.co.nz 021454814 Nadia n.lewis@xtra.co.nz 021677978 Reporting: Julia news@mangawhaifocus.co.nz 0274641673 Accounts: Richard info@mangawhaifocus.co.nz 021678358

Pig hunt is serious fun

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MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
Melody sales@mangawhaifocus.co.nz 021454814
Nadia n.lewis@xtra.co.nz 021677978
Reporting: Julia news@mangawhaifocus.co.nz 0274641673
Accounts: Richard info@mangawhaifocus.co.nz 021678358