Mangrove meeting
Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society is hosting a public meeting this Saturday February 15, 2pm at The Club. This is an opportunity to learn more about the mangrove management, the Environment Court decision, and the conditions under which the work will be carried out. There will be a powerpoint presentation of initial mangrove management to be carried out off Lincoln St next month, and an opportunity for questions. Worth giving up an afternoon at the beach to become better informed on just what has been approved.
Local Government opinion wanted
Submissions to the draft proposal for reorganisation of Local Government in Northland close on February 21. If you haven't been keeping up, the main thrust is for one Northland Council supported by community boards and a Maori board. You are bound to have an opinion, so do call in to the KDC office in the village for a submission form – it makes it easier to express your views, with all the necesssary details included. There is also a submission assistance session being held by KDC staff at the Domain Hall this Monday, February 10 at 5.30pm. And if you can't get to the office, just ring 0800 727 059 for assistance with your submission.
Register for Mangawhai Tri
Another big event this weekend is of course, the annual Mangawhai Triathlon on Sunday 16th. Entries close on Wednesday February 12, so if you haven't yet entered, you will need to get straight on to it. Enter online at northlandtri.co.nz, phone (09) 437 9600 or check out the Mangawhai website for full details. Not everyone can be an entrant, but supporters are valued, so watch out for the swimmers, kayakers, cyclists and runners and support them on their way.
Fire brigade benefits
Salsa in the Vines, the big fundraiser for the volunteer fire brigade, was well-supported, despite the heavy downpour late in the afternoon which really put an end to the festivities. Award winning wood sculptor, Aaron Ellis-Smith, made a major contribution with generous reserves on his 18 pieces, all of which sold. The work of artist Greg Straight was also very popular and organisers of the event say they are very grateful for the support they received.
Garden loses friend
Little bit of sadness at the Community Gardens as one of their beloved volunteers, Moyra Henderson, passed away recently. Organiser Joan Farrell says everyone loved her wit and jovial manner, and she will be missed.
A big thank you too, for Julie Wintle and her wonderful Geneva Northlink caregivers who distribute the vegetables from the community gardens to the people who appreciate them. Joan also thanks the whole community for their support. "Mangawhai is a special caring place."
Volunteers at the Community Gardens at the Domain are always welcomed. Friday mornings, from 8am onward through to morning tea, there is always something to be done – weeding, staking, watering, composting, picking – and always a joke or two to share!
Bird report from Sioux
A report that banded rail with young have been once again seen in the area of the bridge and Black Swamp Rd. They were more common in this area but have not been seen here for a while, here's hoping they stay around. Our arctic visitors are starting to smarten up into breeding plumage before their long flight back to the breeding grounds.
NZ fairy tern have been regular visitors to the stream mouth at Te Arai and seen foraging in Slipper and Spectacle lakes.
Museum progresses
Inside the new museum, work on exhibits is progressing rapidly. Apart from the replica wharf shed, a tram car is under contruction, very cleverly showing a bach conversion one side, and an Auckland tram the other. Walls are up and the progression through the exhibits is becoming clear. Fundraising is being stepped up as plans are to have the museum open in six months. With the big golf tournament fundraiser over, the next big thrust is a monster garage sale on Saturday March 15. If you have any treasures to donate, please ring Sharyn 431 4838 or Roi 431 5105 to arrange collection.
MAZ website
Check out the new concrete snake path encircling the playground in the Mangawhai Activity Zone. Development and improvements to the area are ongoing, with lots of volunteer input and support fom local businesses. Their website mangawhaiactivityzone.co.nz lists up and coming events, especially skatebowl competitions.
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Snippets
■ Beach and Country Market on Sunday 23rd on the Domain.
■ Bammas has a range of trendy earrings which are made locally. 'Dinky Design' studs and levers are created by Rachael, while Francesca has her 'Little Leaf Creations' on display.
■ Congratulations to Kathy Bygrave on recently gaining her Trinity Intermediate Certificate (vocal) with distinction. She is a pupil of Maura Flower.
■ Make sure you register early for the walks of your choice on the Mangawhai Walking Weekend, March 28-30. Pamphlets are at many outlets, or go online www.mangawhaiwalkingweekend.co.nz
■ A new ukulele group for beginners is starting up in March, so if you would like to join in please contact Jo Roberts 431 4711, email jo.roberts@xtra.co.nz
■ Mangawhai Music Makers (first Tuesday of month, 7.30pm at Sail Rock) tossed in a joke last session: What do you call a small person working as a fortune teller who has run away from the circus? Wait for it… A small medium at large.
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■ News and views to share through this popular column? Contact Jo Roberts 431 4711 or email jo.roberts@xtra.co.nz
