MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Did You Know?Salt is sensational
Bennett’s chocolate is synonymous with all that is special about Mangawhai, and recently, enterprising Mary has added another little specialty. Mangawhai Fleur de Sel, the 'posh' name for the large, flakey sea-salt crystals now being used in their salted caramel chocolate. Mary makes no secret of her love of local ingredients and flavours, so on a cool grey morning she collected a bucket of water from the beach and began the process of making their very own salt. "It might sound a bit crazy, but it worked!" says Mary. The sea water was heated slowly then they waited for the crystals to form ending with a tray of perfect flakey sea-salt crystals which David then trialed in the caramel chocolate. Rumour has it that this salted caramel really hums. Pop in to Bennett's for a taste sensation! Fairy tern trust AGM Bennetts has always been associated with the NZ fairy tern too, through their Wishing Well donations and chocolates sales. The NZ Fairy Tern Trust, based here in Mangawhai, is holding their AGM on Sunday September 21 at 2pm in the Senior Citizens hall in Fagan Place (off Wood St). Nigel Miller, DOC Northland senior ranger, biodiversity, is guest speaker. In the Trust's latest newsletter they confirm the sighting of 39 birds since April, so you can see the numbers for the tiny bird are very fragile. Predator control is critical to their survival, and thanks to an earlier grant from ASB Trust, they are able to fund trapping until November. Trapper Reg Whale's tallies from Mangawhai for the period November 2013 through to July this year are very revealing: 93 rats, 108 hedgehogs, 25 stoats, 21 cats, 14 rabbits, 3 ferrets, and 4 pigs – yes, pigs. Mark the date of the AGM in your diary now and become a member. Zonta offers opportunities The Zonta Club of Mangawhai is now calling for applications to their 4th annual award for young women in the area to apply for a 10-day Youth Development Voyage on the Spirit of Adventure. The opportunity is open to NZ residents 15-18 years of age who reside in the Wellsford to Bream Bay area. Grab a form from Mangawhai@zonta.org.nz, or phone 027 555 6636. Applications close Friday October 3. And Zonta is also celebrating 121 years of women gaining the right to vote in New Zealand by hosting a breakfast at the Waipu Golf Club on September 19 from 9am. Jill Mutch and Sarah Shaw will be giving speeches from 10am, and the intention is to remind those present to use their hard-earned right to vote next day in the general election. All are welcome. Volunteer for new museum Behind the scenes at the Museum, work continues with a real passion. The official opening is to be on January 17, but a special community day will be held on December 6 – Spirit of Mangawhai Day – for the first public viewing of the new museum. Landscaping is really moving along, with the Thelma Road rock entrance under construction and more planting on the roadside. If you would like to donate money or plants you think may be useful, please contact Sharyn on 431 4838. Sharyn and her team are following a landscape plan. Inside, volunteer groups are preparing everything for exhibition, catalouging, verification of stories and photographs, building, painting, getting the cafe ready – phew! A volunteer workshop on Thursday September 10 will discuss the possibilities of help with reception, retail, cafe, and guides. If you want to be part of this great community project, come along at 10am. Exciting plan for MAZ Along the road, volunteers are also working hard at the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ). There have been delays with the next stage of the skateboard streetscape, but 'expert' Jason Parks hopes to begin shortly! Plans for the location of barbecue tables, artworks, and memorial seats have been finalised, more planting is underway, and bike tracks completed. A memorial seat is a very special way of donating to the park, or a plaque on the snake path, simply contact Jenny Gallagher on 021 333 450. And did you know, a flying fox is on the drawing board? Tracks: all can be involved Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust, made up of 'trackies' and supporters, is looking to have two groups – one doing the new tracks, and the other a maintenance team. Everyone's a winner then – new tracks get built and old ones maintained so there is a place 'at your pace' for all who wish to be involved. Even an hour trimming asparagus fern is helpful. Mike Robinson is the person to contact on 431 5443. The trust is holding a public forum on Monday September 8, 2pm at The Club, with the opportunity to get your ideas on future tracks, get an update on the opening of the new Tanekaha Falls track and plans for the Browns Road farm bush block. Come along and meet the trustees, and find out where and when you can help. Local author has toddler appeal If you are looking for an original gift for a toddler or pre-schooler, local artist Andy Griffiths has copies of his book Eddie the Bad Tempered Teddy available. Andy wrote and illustrated the book which was featured in the Mangawhai Focus a few months ago. Copies can be purchased from Books and Gifts in Wood St, Well of Health in Kaiwaka, Woody's Winners in Wellsford, or from the author himself 431 2029.
News and views to share through this column? Contact Jo Roberts 431 4711, email jo.roberts@xtra.co.nz |