Did You Know.....

 

Museum to tell ‘our’ story
Mangawhai Beach School kapa haka group will be welcoming the public as the doors to the new muse-um are officially opened on Saturday Decem-ber 6 at 12 noon. It's going to be a very big day indeed, beginning at 5.30am with a 'First Light Blessing' led by our local iwi and Colin Chitty of Causeway Church, followed by a private viewing for members and volunteers, culminating with the formal opening at noon of the Spirit of Mangawhai. And what spirit! Many have be-come so passionate about this project that they have dedicated almost every day to ensuring the museum opens on time and plan to continue on with the same enthusiasm. We are all in for a surprise – this is a museum with a story to tell, our story, told with a display that will enthrall. So come along and celebrate with the community on December 6, plant a tree in the Spirit of Mangawhai Garden, and become part of the story of Mangawhai.

Retail food popular
And there are several more 'openings' planned in the commercial area. Wood St shops now include a Sushi Gallery, and work is underway for an American-style 'milk bar' in the premises vacated by Roasts To Go. They plan to serve icecreams, gelatos, frozen yoghurt and the like, along with donuts and other goodies. Roll on summer!

On yer bike!
Bike Mangawhai officially opens on December 6, 9am - 4pm, located at 110a Moir Point Road (just be-fore the seal ends!). Everything you could possibly ask for, right here in Mangawhai, including a super supply of Giant brand children's bikes with accessories. They're even operating a 'Santa Shed' for Santa to pick up from on December 24 - layby now for Christmas! Of course there's adult road and mountain bikes, fold-ing bikes for campers and boaties, BMX for the park, Camelbak hydration packs, sports nutrition products, fully qualified mechanic and workshop for bike repairs...phew!. Check it out asap.
 

Guests highly rate The Palms Congratulations to The Palms Bed and Breakfast on Garbolino Road, awarded 100 percent guest rating 2014 in this years Travelbug Awards. Tony and Lynn Williams have also received similar awards from the Trade Me, Travelbug booking agency for Best Guest reviews in 2011, and 2013. "We thoroughly enjoy meeting new and returning guests from overseas and through-out New Zealand," says Tony. "It is pleasing to have our efforts rec-ognised by our guests, and by Travelbug, for being one of their best reviewed bed and breakfast accommoda-tion providers in New Zealand."

Family violence info evening
Zonta is hosting a 'Family Violence Awareness' information evening on Wednesday November 26, 7pm in the Library Hall in the Village. Numerous speakers will discuss the issue and what we can all do to help not only prevent violence, but what to do when we know it is happen-ing. Supper will be pro-vided, and proceeds from the gold coin do-nation will go to the So-phie Elliot Foundation.

Keeping up with technology?
SeniorNet Mangawhai is hosting a presentation (the last for 2014) by Grant Sidaway from SeniorNet Federation on the latest technology including social media. Plus a bonus presentation on 3D printing - a factory on your desktop! Thursday November 27 2.30-4.30pm at The Club. All welcome, no need to register, just a $5 entry fee, which includes af-ternoon tea.

Dinner and a movie
Did you know the Kaiwaka Cinema is about to celebrate its first an-niversary? The Kaiwaka War Memorial Hall So-ciety formed a charita-ble trust to operate the cinema, spruced up the hall, and now have an appropriate facility for screening all movies with comfortable seats and surround sound, all run by dedicated volunteers. December 12 will see a special screening of the popular Hundred Foot Journey plus dinner provided by the Spice Lounge, all for just $25pp. Dinner served at 6.30pm, movie screening at 7.30pm You will need to book for this event on 431 2234.

Jersey Boys is the movie at Kaiwaka this Friday November 28, 7.30pm. Bound to be popular! On Sunday November 30, 2pm, a family matinee of How To Train Your Dragon. Coming up on Decem-ber 19 is the brilliant New Zealand movie, The Dark Horse. A must-see.

Locals growing mo’s for Movember
Have you spotted a few of the locals trying to grow a moustache for 'Movember'? Adam Strong, Mike McGarry, Brett Broadhead all have the makings of something going on and there are plenty more about! All for the purpose of creating Mens Health Aware-ness this November. Check out the web site nz.movember.com, and give someone your support and donate a little.

Open AA meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous is now holding Mangawhai Steps meetings every Tuesday morn-ing, 10.30am in the Sunday School room behind the CauseWay Church (opposite Ben-netts). These are open meetings where all are welcome. If you would like more information, you can contact Pauline on 021 251 0225, or Michelle 0274 955 447.
 

SNIPPETS „ Briar Lomas is the 2014 recipient of Zonta's Spirit of Adventure Award. „ St John Op Shop is opening a special Christmas Shop on Friday December 5, located in Shed 7 of the storage units behind their property. No need to purchase decorations or gifts out of town as it's all there in Shed 7! „ Harvest Cafe changed ownership last week - new name, new menu and more! „ Rumours of an imminent Hospice 'pop up' shop are just that. But North Haven Hospice will once again have a presence at the big Gala Day on January 2, so give them your support. „In the village, The Pipi Gallery is looking very smart along with the garden area featuring sculptures to tempt! The former Smashed Pipi gallery/cafe/restaurant are of course, being prepared for sale. „And check out the beautiful new packaging at Bennetts Chocolates - boxes, tins, extra special Christmas boxes along with sensational new tastes. Have you tried the (Mangawhai) salted caramels yet? „ Music Makers at Sail Rock Cafe on Tuesday December 2, 7pm. A Christmas theme for the last open mic of the year. „Have you seen the stylish new rubbish bins at the Wood St shops? And the toilets have been spruced up too. It's all happening here in Mangawhai! „Perfect for Christmas - the Mangawhai Focus calendar featuring 13 months of glorious Mangawhai picture portraits - selling fast, believe me. And all the profits will be going to local organisations. How good is that?

„ News and views to share through this column? Contact Jo Roberts 4314 711; email jo.roberts@ xtra.co.nz

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