Did You Know.....

 

Gloves for Goughy?
What an amazing holiday season.The number of people holidaying in Mangawhai increased dramatically, putting quite a strain on all the shops, and of course, the roads. Who spotted Senior Constable Graham Alfred Gough on point duty at the intersection of Moir and Insley St on a recent Saturday market morning? He did such a good job easing the tension that there are rumours of a collection being set up to purchase a pair of those vibrant white gloves for him for they are sure to be needed!

Local businesses busy
Support for the Domain Society Summer Carnival was once again so strong that the trustees will be able to confidently continue maintaining and upgrading the facilities. And while many 'locals' stock up in advance, trying not to venture out when the holidaymakers dominate, we agree that we all need each other to keep the businesses in our community viable and strong. Magical Mangawhai is still weaving its spell...

Honour for Jean
Jean Goldschmidt featured in the New Year honours list, awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for community services. Known to all locally as ‘the Walking Weekend lady’, Jean has made a contribution to all the communities in which she and Don have lived. Here in Mangawhai, Jean instigated the formation of the Information Centre, accommodation group, Walking Weekend, walking tracks, and the Tracks Charitable Trust...

Book now for walks
In its 16th year, the Mangawhai Walking Weekend now comes under the auspices of a charitable trust, with a new look website. Mangawhaiwalkingweekend.co.nz will provide all the information you need on the walks on offer and booking details for March 27-29 this year. Don't delay booking as many of the walks fill very quickly.

By popular demand, the Mermaids will be returning to entertain at the Saturday Food and Wine festival, a highlight of the weekend – food, wine, music and dancing in the olive grove.

High praise too, for the latest walking track to be opened by the Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust and the team of cutters. The Waterfall Track is a 'must do', steep in places, but you get up to the remains of the kauri dam, and you can do the loop by returning via the Tanekaha track. A round trek of 4-5 hours. Look for the very large eel in the first waterfall pool. King Road, turn right at the T and you'll spot the carpark and info board. Or, call in to the Info Centre and pick up a map with all the great walking tracks in the area.

More plans for museum
More praise too, for the Mangawhai Museum: ‘Can't believe how good it is’, ‘Tells our story amazingly well’, ‘Found out all about the Big Dig, the film was great’ are just some of the overheard comments.

Volunteers were at times overwhelmed by the number of visitors but new manager, Emma Gray, took over last week and hopes are high for organisational help! Emma, formerly manager at Bennetts, has a business and marketing degree, plus of course, an interest in history.

As the fundraising continues, plans are being made for the installation of air conditioning, along with completion of the exhibition room at the rear.

While the museum was officially opened by Jim Wintle on December 7, a special evening function is being held to honour and thank the many sponsors and contributors. Waitangi Day sees a fundraising golf tournament, with the next Book Fair at Easter.

Bird report from Sioux
Of the four fairy tern chicks at Mangawhai this season, two have officially fledged, being seen away from the sandspit. The other two are a bit young yet, but appear to be growing well. Please folks, remember that the entire sand spit is a wildlife refuge where everything out there is protected, with fines for ignoring this. There have been a number of unnecessary disturbance incidents this summer, so disappointing.

Summer markets
Markets continue over the summer with the regular Saturday morning in the Village. The Beach & Country market on a Sunday at the Domain (free entry and parking!) will be held on Sunday January 18 and 25 (Anniversary Weekend) from 9am -1pm. All enquiries to Sue 0274 586 144 or email toriamartin@hotmail.com.

Top of the Rock just weeks away
Time to ratchet up your training for the Top of the Rock multi-sport event scheduled for Sunday February 8: Choose from a 5 or 10km walk or run; 10km run plus 15km mountain bike ride; or 30km mountain bike ride. Great prizes too! For details contact Cheryl Anderson 431 2051, 027 346 2702, or e-mail kaiwakasports@gmail.com.

Holiday movies
Mrs Browns Boys, D'Movie is showing at the Kaiwaka Cinema on Friday January 23, 7.30pm. Enjoy a few hours at the Kaiwaka Memorial Hall, with comfortable chairs, surround sound, and interval refreshments. Or try a matinee sessions for the family – Guardians of the Galaxy on Sunday January 18, 2pm, and Tinkerbell, Pirate Fairy on Sunday 25, 2pm.

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

Snippets n There are still a few faded 'Another Striking Mangawhai Property' signs about, with several visitors to the area believing them to be real estate signs. n Sign spotted at a Summer Carnival plant stall: ‘Prostate Rosemary’. n Beautifully crafted 2-in-1 outdoor table and bench seat which folds up smoothly into an attractive garden seat with arms, made locally by Gerry Ryke. Give him a call on 431 5794, 021 0279 0355. Indo, in the former Smashed Pipi gallery building, also has 2-in-1 outdoor tables made from teak. Check them out. n No longer do you have to go out of town for picture framing and mounting. At 'The Ashfords' you will see a beautiful range of frames and get sound advice on choosing the perfect presentation. Spot the business sign by the property at 75 Old Waipu Road or phone 431 4984. n Claydon's have a new personalised plate on their vehicle, WESTI, of which colourful Ann says she was very pleased to be able to secure! n Visiting Bridge players are welcome to come along to Mangawhai Bridge night, Wednesday evenings, 7-9.30pm in the Senior Citizens Hall in Fagan Place (off Wood St.) Bill Adams is the contact 431 3247.