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Back to the future for mangroves

July is bringing some dramatic changes to the view from the Insley St causeway as mangrove removal progresses. Orang-Otang has the contract for this stage of the project being undertaken by the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, and it is planned to have this area completed by the end of the month. Old photographs of the causeway, which was constructed in the early 1900s, show a clear expanse of water and sparse human habitation on the land. How things change. The Molesworth Drive clearance, from the causeway to Moir Point, has been completed with just a little tidying up before it gets the big tick. This is a major project for the MHRS and they are appreciative of the support they are receiving.
 

Planting needs community support
Alongside the mangrove removal is the ongoing work of the Mangawhai Riparian Planting Group, local folk who are concerned about the amount of silt and nutrients washing into the Mangawhai harbour after rain. Planting native plants on the river banks can help prevent this loss of silt, reduce the shallowing of the harbour (which encourages mangroves to grow) and improve the general health of the harbour. With the help of a much appreciated grant fom Mangawhai Club, and with kaipara District Council's approval, this group will be doing some riverside planting at the junction of Tara Rd and Moir St close to the Village on Saturday July 19, and again on Sunday July 27, starting at 9am both days. A narrow strip of planting on the true left of the river will be undertaken. This is a community project which needs lots of support to plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs. Eve-ryone is welcome to come along to help – a spade and perhaps a pair of gardening gloves is all that is required. Gather at 9am by the road and foot-bridge just before the Tara Rd junction. If you would like more information on this group please phone Christine (09) 973 3433 or email christine@sil-vesternz.com.

Make a MAZ donation
You might also like to consider making a contribution to the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) by purchasing a name plate to go on the snake pathway around the childrens playground. These are sold at $40 each and MAZ has 39 left to sell. There is a sign in the park with details or email Lara at content@ mangawhaiactivit-yzone.co.nz Following up on a query re memorial seats in the park, MAZ can now offer relatives the opportunity to have a seat installed in the park at an estimated cost of $2600. Jason Parks are scheduled to develop the next stage of the Street Plaza starting at the end of the month – a lot of graffiti and rubbish has been left in the park, especially behind the gazebo. The area is a bit messy with timber framing lying there ready for the street plaza work, but it is attracting rubbish, despite there being a bin just a few metres away! Fundraising plans are also underway to put down a multi- sport surface on the flat concrete pad by the car park. It truly is an activity zone!

Local antiques roadshow
Mangawhai Heads Antique Road Show, hosted by Sail Rock Restaurant, will be a first for Mangawhai. Want to know what your antiques are worth? Do you simply wish to watch and listen? It's not being filmed for TV, but it's all happening on Monday July 28 from 2-6pm. If you are a collector, simply tell the professionals and they'll keep an eye out as they travel about for any pieces you might be seeking. Plus, if you have any broken jewellery or scrap, bring it along, you may be able to turn it into cash! Register your interest in the inaugural Mangawhai Heads Antique Road Show by phoning Margaret 431 5176.
 

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

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