30 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

Mangawhai Small Engines194 Molesworth Drive • Mangawhai HeadsPh 09 431 5270 | zeroturnmowers.co.nz

2x2 electrical off road power by

THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION IS HERE!

NZ designed Now available – exclusively from Mangawhai Small Engines

One of the first things a new visitor to Mangawhai notices is that there are two Mangawhais – the ‘Heads’, traditionally the destination for holidaymakers and the ‘Village’ where the locals shop, educate their children and socialise.Property investors took a hammering in Mangawhai during the global financial crisis, but the area’s proximity to Auckland and enviable lifestyle meant it was never going to be in the development doldrums for long.Real estate agents are careful to avoid the word ‘boom’ but describe the investment mood as “very, very buoyant”.Last month, Kaipara District Council received 17 building consent applications from Mangawhai, worth just over $4.4 million.While Council said it would take too long to provide building consent trends, its Annual Report records that there were 139 new connections to the Mangawhai Community Wastewater Scheme in the last financial year, and continued steady growth was expected. Overall, residential building in Kaipara was up 23 per cent during the same period.As development expands, the

LOCAL NEWS:

MANGAWHAIour patch

challenge is to protect the natural character and environment. The Council acknowledges that increased subdivision has already had a detrimental affect on the on-going sedimentation and siltation of sensitive environments such as the estuary.The District Plan calls for better linkages between open space areas, the coast

and reserves, questions the long-term viability of light industry on the main arterial entries to the town and recognises that any commercial intensification of the Wood Street business area will require provision of car parking and better traffic management.Barfoot & Thompson agent Mike Hutton says the phenomenal growth,

Investment rebounds from development doldrums

Year Count Sale Price (Median)

2005 63 415,000

2006 58 417,500

2007 71 410,000

2008 48 405,000

2009 58 396,250

2010 50 394,000

2011 51 345,000

2012 85 381,000

2013 93 390,000

2014 142 433,500

2015 194 489,500

Year Count Sale Price (Median)

2005 9 -

2006 9 -

2007 17 452,500

2008 10 397,500

2009 8 -

2010 7 -

2011 14 330,000

2012 23 320,000

2013 52 357,500

2014 54 345,000

2015 96 337,500

Residential dwelling sales

Mangawhai and Mangawhai HeadsLifestyle block sales

particularly in the past six months, means the area is crying out for better infrastructure including a supermarket.“The cheapest time to buy a section in Mangawhai was yesterday,” he says.“Sections that cost $80,000 two years ago are now on the market for $190,000 and I don’t see any reason for that trend to change.”Mike says interest from buyers is for both the village and the heads. “The days of the village being the poor cousin are well and truly over.”Not surprisingly, the bulk of enquiries are coming from Aucklanders, who are cashing up on the extraordinary prices being paid in the city.The median sale price for Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads was $489,500 in 2015 which is 25 per cent higher than the median sale price in 2013, with the number of sales during this period increasing by 108 per cent. REINZ data from February this year alone shows the median sale price for the region at $587,500 for 16 sales. This is an increase of 20 per cent in the median sale price compared to the median sale price for the region in 2015.

Note: Where there were less than 10 sales in a period, median sales prices are not reported. In February 2016 there were less than 10 lifestyle block sales.

MANGAWHAIour patch

• Windscreens• Chip Repairs

• Body Glass & Mirrors• Household Glazing

• Mirrors• Showers & Splashbacks

Award winning SureFlap™

Microchip pet doors available now from North Glass

ph. 0800 70 40 10 em. info@northglass.co.nz web. northglass.co.nz

xxxfeature 31MahurangimattersApril 20, 2016

• At the time of the 2013 census, the usual resident population of Mangawhai was 1329, which is an increase of 411 people, or 45%, since the 2006 Census. There were slightly more women (678) than men (648).

• The population is getting slightly older with 25% of residents aged 65 years and over (18% in 2006). 18.5% of

residents are under 15 years.• Most people own their own

homes (77%) and the median weekly rent paid was $300.

• Most people identify as European, with nearly 12% identifying as Maori or Pasifika. Just over 22% of residents were born overseas, mostly in the UK or Ireland. This compares to 13% in the Kaipara district.

• 20% of people aged 15 years and over have never married, 58% are married, and 21% are separated, divorced or widowed. Additionally, 33% of those who have never married, live with a partner.

• The median income is $21,900, although just over 18% of people have an annual income of more than $50,000.

• 77% of people aged over 15 years have a post-school qualification, compared with 69% in Kaipara. Just over 20% have no formal qualifications, down from 30% in 2006.

• There were 579 occupied and 315 unoccupied dwellings in 2013.

Statistics NZ

TOWN STATS

MANGAWHAIour patch

Hine TimokoI moved here from the Waikato eight months ago to help the new owner of the Mangawhai Tavern. I love the place and intend to stay. It’s so much warmer than the Waikato and the people have been very welcoming. There is one thing I would do to improve the place though, I’d get rid of the mangroves. I’ve signed every petition in town calling for them to be gotten rid of.

Samantha ParkinsI moved here from Auckland when my partner got a job in Mangawhai and love it because it reminds me of Beachlands where I grew up. I think Mangawhai needs to find ways to overcome the seasonal fluctuations so that workers have more security in their jobs. We’ve also noticed that rents are starting to creep up, which makes it hard to save.

Lyn JohnstonWe’ve been holidaying in Mangawhai for 13 years, but moved here permanently three years ago when we found a house by the sea. It’s a great community and a nice place to start slowing down. If there was one thing I could change, it would be the continuing negativity by a small group. It’s getting boring. I think they made a good point, but it’s now time to move on.

LOCALS TALKING

Kathy LancasterFamily brought me to Mangawhai last year, but now that I’m here I don’t think I will ever want to leave. People are friendly, there’s lot to do and places to explore and the lifestyle is relaxed – what’s not to love!

Buy 4 new tyresin 1 purchase &

we will give you a

FREE

Wheel Alignment*

09 431 5656

194 Molesworth DrMangawhai Heads

*Up to $70 value. Terms and conditions apply

The Mangawhai Museum is a new and modern museum that celebrates life around our harbour from building ships to building sandcastles. The stories are told with a wonderful collection of graphics, displays and videos that will keep you interested and engaged. So allow plenty of time!

Our Displays - Maori Battle, Niagara Shipwreck, Endangered Birds, Mangawhai Harbour + more

Molesworth Drive,Mangawhai HeadsOpen 10am - 4pm

09 431 4645 mangawhai-museum.org.nz

ACTIVITY WALKS

Winding through the foothills of the Brynderwyn Ranges and through farmland, regenerating bush and along streams and waterfalls, the Tanekaha Walks are a complete experience for those looking for a dose of kiwi-country.There are a number of options, ranging from a two-hour return trek up to the Taniko waterfalls, through to a four-hour loop up the Brynderwyns.The tracks start at 300 King Road, about 3km from the Cove Road turn-off and about 6km from Mangawhai Heads. It is not well sign-posted, so it’s best to use GPS or keep your eyes peeled for the small sign signalling the turnoff.From the carpark, the track traverses farmland before a swing-bridge guides

you into the forest, filled with nikau and maturing natives.The waterfalls are about a 30-minute walk from the bridge. With water cascading down a cliff into an idyllic pool, this is also a great swimming hole on a hot day.The track crisscrosses upstream and involves some boulder-hopping, before arriving at a second waterfall, cascading down a series of cliffs.From there, the more determined can continue up to the Brynderwyn Ridge Track, with views stretching out along the coast and continue on the loop back to the swing-bridge.The track is relatively easy going, but can be muddy so is best avoided after rain.

SERVICING THE AREA SINCE 1995 - LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATEDTOWN AND COUNTRY COLLECTION - DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE

PH 09 431 4969

32 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016 MANGAWHAIour patch

• INDOOR OUTDOOR ART • HOUSE NUMBERS • WELCOME SIGNS • • GIFTS • POSTCARDS • CERAMIC • GLASS • ARTBLOCKS •

www.sarahc.co.nz • 0800 72 72 42

• INDOOR OUTDOOR ART • HOUSE NUMBERS • WELCOME SIGNS • • INDOOR OUTDOOR ART • HOUSE NUMBERS • WELCOME SIGNS •

Keeping Birth Natural: I promote natural active birth, unmedicated Babies, gentle birthing, water birth, woman-centred care, breastfeeding, baby-led parenting, attachment parenting, Natural Health.Birth facilities attended: Birthing at home, Wellsford & Warkworth Birthing Units and Whangarei Hospital

Mangawhai Midwife Kate Rankin Member of NZ College of Midwives. Over 20 years experience

Give me a call and see me for a chat about your needs on 027 671 1011Available Wednesday afternoons at Kakariki Health and Wellbeing, Bennetts Complex, 52 Moir St Mangawhai

• Name game The name Mangawhai comes from early Maori who referenced the area for its “stream of the stingray”. The ray emblem can be seen in local art works, on wine labels and most recently, the stunning design of the Mangawhai Museum.

• River highway River trade made the Mangawhai district important to the north with cargo of kauri gum and logs being shipped from the estuary to Auckland. Shipbuilding began in the 1830s and continued until the 1900s. The river was a busy highway until the rail reached Kaiwaka around 1913.

• Mining Sand mining began at the Mangawhai Harbour entrance prior to 1940. In 1978, the collapse of sand dunes, believed to be caused by sand mining, closed the harbour for five-and-a-half years. From 1993 to 2004, sand was commercially suction-dredged from the sandbars of Mangawhai Heads. In 2004, the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society won an Environment Court decision to stop the issue of new licences. The companies such as McCallum Brothers, re-applied to the Auckland Regional Council for resource consent but the application was turned down in 2005.

Sources, Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ

PAST TENSE

Explore the Tanekaha Walks

Looking for The Best Result ?Then talk to the team at Mike Pero Mangawhai.

Highly experienced and enthusiastic in residential, coastal and lifestyle sales our team will provide you with personal service and the best possible result.

Kristine RobertsonLicensed Salesperson

021 1121 957

Alan CorkinLicensed Salesperson

021 906 901

www.mikepero.comMike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008)

www.treetrimmers.co.nz

PH: 09 4315 625Tree Work Specialists

CUSTOM MILLINGTIMBER SALESTANALISED PINE

SLEEPERSSLABSLANDSCAPE TIMBER

GETTING CREATIVE Terry McDell Consultant

e: terry@wynyardwood.co.nz m: 021 850 540 p: 09 422 2190

33MahurangimattersApril 20, 2016

Art plays an integral role in the community culture and spirit of Mangawhai, with many professional and amateur artists living permanently in the area.Last December, the area’s first community exhibition space opened in the former museum in Moir Street.Staffed by volunteers, the space is quickly establishing itself as a much sought after venue for small-scale exhibitions.Mangawhai Artists Inc president Jan Grover says the gallery is fully booked for the year, with shows changing about every two weeks. The beach and coastal environments are a strong influence in the works on show.But the group hopes the small gallery will be just a stepping-stone to a purpose-build complex, on land near the museum.“Developing the concept plans takes considerable time and resources, but we are quietly pursuing it,” Jan says. “A dedicated complex would enable us to utilise the expertise of the professional artists and retired tertiary level tutors who live in Mangawhai to run school holiday programmes and recreational classes.“But, for the moment, we are content with our new little gallery.”The group also runs two art trails a year – in autumn during the Walking Weekend and on Labour Weekend –

Nicky Everett outside the new gallery space in Mangawhai, where her dry point collage is currently on show. She moved permanently north from Auckland 18 months ago and believes the relaxed lifestyle in Mangawhai, as well as the space, encourages creativity.

New gallery showcases creativity

and 18 artists are also involved in a permanent Arts Trail, which is run by appointment.

MANGAWHAIour patch