Did you know......

Waterfall track development
The Goldschmidt walking track, from Cullen St to the surf beach, has been made just that much more accessible now that the track cutters have completed the boardwalk sections. Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust is supported by some very dedicated and passionate people who continue to develop and maintain superb walking tracks in the area. Their next project is to complete the Waterfall Track encompassing the kauri dam in the Brynderwyns which was built in 1896. Stage one, to the first waterfall, is complete and walkable. They've scouted out the next section and are currently in the process of cutting the track. It's all looking very exciting, despite being quite a challenging undertaking. Spokesperson Gordon Hosking says ultimately they hope to form a loop taking in the Brynderwyn Track and back down through the Tanekaha. Both the Tanekaha and Waterfall tracks are accessed from King Road. Look for the signs where the road forks, with the parking area and information boards just a short distance along to the right. If you want to walk to the first waterfall, cross the swing bridge, and follow the signs.

Good progress for Club extension
You can't miss seeing the construction underway at The Club on Molesworth Drive. Much of the exterior is complete and fitting out the interior is underway. Club manager Wayne Williams explains that it is all about putting profits back into The Club which benefit all members. This large extension is an 'indoor sports area' providing for billiards, pokies, TAB etc. Membership of The Club is now close to 1100, and with Friday night meals proving overwhelmingly popular, there is a need to ensure members and their visitors are top priority. It's just $50 per annum for club membership, and that also entitles you to reciprocal visiting rights to all other Clubs in NZ.

Mangawhai council office open
Kaipara District Council office in Mangawhai is now open, located at The Hub on Molesworth Drive in the village. The welcoming reception area downstairs is shared with GJ Gardner, and is open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm. Keep the phone numbers handy - freephone 0800 100 388 or 431 3161.

Students receive gold DOE awards
Five young people who achieved their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award while at Otamatea High School were presented with their badges by the Governor General at Government House in Auckland on May 12. Kiriane Abel, Scott Donaldson, Portia McCabe, Elliot Miller and Jonathan Sergeant were fortunate to be able to attend and were 'stoked' by the ceremony!

Get creative with Maori Wearable Arts
Te Hana Te Ao Marama is celebrating Matariki on July 20 with a Fashion Parade and Wearable Maori Arts competition. Entries for the wearable arts do not close until the end of June, so you still have some time to get an entry in. The theme is Wahine Toa - Warrior Princess. Entry is free, and there are great prizes including 2 tickets to W.O.W in Wellington plus return flights. It’s open to all, but Te Ao Marama would also love to see students between 13-18 years-old becoming involved. Contact tehana@xtra.co.nz, go to the website www.tehana.co.nz or simply phone 423 8701 for more details. And if you want to reserve a seat for the big night on July 20, book now as tickets at $25 are limited.

Moving made easy
Moving overseas? Need to send something that can't go by post? We've just had excellent service from NZ Movers who really do make it easy. Door to door service – packing (amazing), shipping, insurance, delivery and unpacking at the other end, plus they even reassemble furniture and take away the packaging. How easy is that?  Contact (09) 255 6888 or email auckland@newzealandmovers.co.nz.

Got scrap metal?
This long weekend may provide you with the time to have a bit of a clean-up of any scrap metal that you may have. Mangawhai volunteer fire service has an ongoing fundraising project to raise funds for an auxillary van, and they'll arrange to take any old scrap metal off your hands – old gas bottles, washing machines, barbeques, roofing iron etc (not TV's). Give Maurie Doughty a ring to arrange on 431 5325.

Believe it or not…
Purchased some cotton sheets recently, and thought this 'Did You Know?' as part of the packaging worth sharing:
During the late medieval period, cotton became known as an imported fibre in northern Europe, without any knowledge of how it was derived other than that it was a plant; noting its similarities with wool, people in the region could only imagine that cotton must be produced by plant-borne sheep. John Manderville, writing in 1350, stated as fact the now preposterous belief: 'There grew in India a wonderful tree which bore tiny lambs on the end of its branches. These branches were so pliable that they bent down to allow the lambs to feed when they were hungry.'

Bird report from Sioux:
The little egret is once again looking comfortable here in our harbour. Spoonbills have been roosting in the trees across from the school bridge. A bellbird was seen amongst banksia on the Goldschmidt Track. There are still plenty of birds using the harbour at low tide to forage so please try not to disturb them any more than necessary.

School Quiz Night
Still time to get a team together for the Mangawhai Beach School fundraising Quiz Night this Friday, May 31,  7.30 pm, in the Recreation Centre next to the school. Tables of six $10 per person. A light supper will be provided, but bring along your own table nibbles to supplement the wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks on sale. Register a table, or as individuals. Tickets from Bammas and the school office. Leabourns shuttle available too.

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