Our Place Maungaturoto

Otamtea Hawks vs Hikurangi at Kaiwaka Saturday 28th April

2012-05-03T10:45:00.000+12:00

Otamatea Hawks vs Hikurangi @ Kaiwaka Saturday 28th April

Hikurangi 49
Otamatea 31

Once again it was Otamatea's inability to put together an 80 minute performance that lost the game. After a initially strong start Otamatea. allowed the Hikurangi pack to run at them and ultimately let in a number of try's around the ruck.

Mike Tovine salvaging the first half with an intercept try on the stroke of half-time. Hikurangi continued the same strategy in the second half and it wasn't until the last 20 minutes that Otamatea moved the ball scoring three tries and finishing strongly.

John-Luke Whitehead scored off his uncle Tommy King's chip kick, Mike Tovine ran 70 metres after a great inside ball from Olly Newton and Fono dotted down under the posts to finish the day. Prop Michael Batters was rushed to hospital with a suspected neck injury but thankfully is all right, he was diagnosed with some ligament damage and will be out for at least 3 weeks. Players of the day: Mike Tovine, Adam Exler,

The reserves had a fantastic game winning there second of the year 28-18. Thomas Tee Paa, Lincoln Paikea and Willie Garnett all instrumental in the win. However it was quoted as being 'a real team effort' by many players after the game. A fantastic moral booster for a team who have already improved significantly since last year. Players of the day: Aaron Kemp, Willie Garnett.

Report by Tamati Dick

Updates for April

2012-03-31T12:39:00.000+13:00

From the April Maungaturoto Matters:

Maungaturoto Rotary Guest Speaker

On April 3rd Maungaturoto Rotary Club will be hosting guest speaker Haydn Simon who will be giving a talk about Wireless Broadband for those in rural Northland. For further details contact Dave Marquet on 090431 8528.

Paparoa Farmer's Market

Saturday April 7 and 21st . Always a good thing to go and check out. Plenty of fresh produce and great people with it. Held in Paparoa Township.

Otamatea Day Camp

Is on again during the first week of the School Holidays. Camp dates: April 11, 12 and 13th. Bus pickups are from 8.45 am each day. Camp runs from 8.45 am to 3 pm each day. Registrations costs $25 per child or 2 children (same family) $30, 3 Children $36.Programme includes Archery, Horse Riding and much more. Registration forms are available from School Offices, Skelton's Drapery (Paparoa), Dreams (Maungaturoto), Sugarbelle's Cafe (Maungaturoto) and the Kaipara District Council Office at Kaiwaka.

Quiz Night April 24th

On Saturday 28 April at 7 pm the Maungaturoto Hall Committee are doing a Save The Hall Fundraiser with a Quiz Night. It costs $10 per team with a maximum of 6 people per team. You can contact Nyree Alcock on 09 431 8462 to register. Cash bar, nibbles plus Quickfire Raffles and Prizes. This should be a fun night out for everyone. Show your support by registering a team and help to raise funds so our community can keep our wonderful Centennial Hall.

Maungaturoto 150th Celebrations update Change of Event Dates.

Dates have been changed to November 1st, 2nd and 3rd from the originally planned Labour Weekend 2013.

Otamatea Christian School Jubilee

Will be held on Saturday 21st April with a special service at 10 am on Sunday 22nd April.

Zonta Mangawhai Gatsby Garden Party and Fete

2012-03-05T15:18:00.000+13:00

The Zonta Club of Mangawhai invites all comers to the fabulous annual Gatsby Garden Party and Fete on Sunday 25th March. Our main fundraiser for the year The Gatsby Garden Party and Fete funds our local Spirit of Adventure sponsorship.

Held on The Long Lawn at Tara Lodge, 631 Tara Road Mangawhai and kicking off at 2pm there’ll be drinks and afternoon tea, Vintage cars, Wine, stalls and live music, garden games and typical fete type stalls with products for sale.

This year’s theme is 1920’s Elegance with a prize for the Best Fascinator/Hat – so get your friends together and head to Mangawhai for this wonderful event.

Visit www.taraladge.co.nz for more details and to find ticket sales outlets.

Maungaturoto Christmas Parade 2011 Photos now on line

2011-12-06T15:44:00.000+13:00

Hope everyone had an awesome time last Saturday. Merry Christmas to everyone in our great community the photos are downloadable. If you intend to publish them elsewhere other than in the community ans school newsletters or for personal use please contact me for permission.

136th North Kaipara Agricultural and Pastoral Show

2011-11-30T21:59:00.000+13:00

136th North Kaipara

Agricultural and Pastoral Show

At Paparoa Showgrounds

Saturday 4 February 2012

Schedules for indoor section,

horse events and cattle classes

Available online at www.paparoashow.homestead.com
For further info Ph 09 4317040

Culture Challenge - Christian Comment Pastor David Patterson

2011-09-29T20:20:00.000+13:00

Every organization has a culture and when asked, they will describe themselves as having high ideals and aspirations. People want a friendly environment of cooperation and fairness. They want to be perceived as a great bunch doing an excellent job. However, when surveyed impartially, business organizations often reflect the opposite; they are power crazy, over-competitive, incompetent crooks. Very few stop to look at the mirror and bring a vision for change because they imagine that somehow could affect the bottom line badly. So nothing happens.

The last line sums up most organizational cultures…”nothing happens.” Is your organization in danger of that description? Actually there is something happening: The visionary people are drifting away; those who are motivated by fear are beginning to seize control and the organization will soon begin to fail in its mission. This natural transition occurs in every human organization and also happens to whole countries or regions, (it’s happening now in Europe.)

In the business world, when they finally run-off the Entrepreneur who started an enterprise, the ‘number-crunchers’ move in and can kill it if good management does not arrive in time. Unfortunately, the Christian Church often suffers the same cycles (with different terminology and methods) and in both cases a fresh clear vision based on the actual culture of the organization could mean it recovers and progresses positively.

Someone recently said that culture is like a Hot air balloon: When the culture is stimulated, the organization rises to become subject to the unpredictable winds of chance. Alternatively it sits on the ground and quietly deflates. The former is fulfilling, the latter feels “safe”.

God works with culture. He used standard cultural forms to establish his presence in the Old Testament: The Tabernacle was a tent-based temporary place of worship among the Nation of Israel during its wilderness journeys. Though it was subject to intense detail of construction, it was not overall a unique concept, just different in how it worked:

Deuteronomy 4:7-8 “What other nation is so great as to have their god near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?

Jesus worked within complex Jewish cultural restrictions but transcended them by consistently interacting with other cultures in a non-traditional way. This greatly challenged the stodgy.

The Early Church needed some severe prods to drop its culturally exclusive mentality. God has his purpose fixed on reaching out in love to all of mankind and they were reluctant to see even a Jewish Proselyte become a Christian let alone a bunch of Gentiles with Cornelius. Persecution provided the stimulus.

Here we are now, living in a bi-cultural nation facing a multicultural invasion. It seems if we cannot go to them, God is sending them to us, even with Rugby as a motivation. Our Kiwi culture is being challenged. We need fresh vision to regenerate our culture and this is an opportunity for the NZ Church to offer some leadership and direction. Where are you and where is your church in all this?

Pastor David Patterson
Congregational Church

Otamatea Christian School Newsletter September 20 2011

2011-09-29T20:07:00.001+13:00

Otamatea Christian School Newsletter September 20th

Vaughn Mooney Engineering

2011-09-25T17:06:00.004+13:00

Vaughn is offering a top quality service. Give him a call for all your engineering requirements.

The September Maungaturoto Matters is now on line

2011-09-02T13:33:00.003+12:00

We can say a big welcome to the new editor of the Maungaturoto Matters David Briggs who presents an outstanding new version of our communities' publication with new formatting and content. David has retained the community spirit we all know and enjoy in this publication

maungaturoto matters september 2011 web version

A Chance to Preserve Kaipara’s Unique Heritage

2011-09-02T10:19:00.002+12:00

Kaipara District Council is again offering help to preserve our District’s unique heritage through the Kaipara Heritage Assistance Fund.

The fund was set up in 2006 and as a result of its success Council has again set aside $15,000 for 2011 to help and encourage people to protect and preserve resources of heritage value. These can include historic sites, buildings and archaeological sites. Projects can include archaeological assessments as well as physical preservation.

Individuals, private landowners, iwi and hapu and groups, including community groups and organisations, can all apply but to qualify for funding, projects must:

be within the Kaipara District
have the support of the owner of the heritage resource
be of proven historical significance
demonstrate some community benefit
be essential and appropriate to ensure the preservation of the heritage resource
include a contribution from the applicant

Applications to the Kaipara Heritage Assistance Fund close on Monday 31 October 2011. Application Forms are available from Kaipara District Council Service Centres or online at www.kaipara.govt.nz. More information is also available from the Customer Service Team on 09 439 3123, 0800 727 059 or 0800 100 388.

Federated Farmers Dairy to work with its organic members

2011-08-23T20:22:00.000+12:00

Federated Farmers Dairy to work with its organic members

With Fonterra downsizing its organic operation, Federated Farmers is to ask the cooperative for greater transparency while working for affected members and farmers.

“Today is not a red letter day as my meeting isn’t until tonight in Palmerston North and I don’t know if I’m in or out,” says Gray Beagley, Federated Farmers Dairy organic spokesperson.

“It’s disappointing and leaves us in a lurch. We need to ask how hard Fonterra has worked to develop new markets locally and internationally.

“Only last year, Fonterra said publicly that the only way for organics was up even in the current economic climate. It even rescued suppliers from the defunct Taranaki based New Zealand Organic Dairy Farmers Co-operative, so it’s all a bolt from the blue.

“Farmers don’t take kindly to spin and organic dairy farmers like me are spinning as we face one of three choices.

“As organic dairy farmers, we believe in a philosophy and a way of farming but to continue doing so without a milk premium affects our profitability and viability. We could flag organics altogether, but that will be heart breaking and waste the time, money and effort we’ve put into our farm.

“The final option is to leave Fonterra at the end of our contract in order to supply someone more committed, or to join with other like-minded farmers.

“Before Federated Farmers can issue anything, we wish to get a feel from affected members and to talk with the other processors. Federated Farmers’ Andrea Beagley is keen to hear from non-Federated Farmers members affected by this decision, so please call her on 0275 511 673 or via 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING).

“Clearly, there’s need for a ‘what next’ session for organic dairy farmers affected by this.

“What I can say is that Federated Farmers will work in the interests of our organic members and that will include talking with Fonterra itself,” Mr Beagley finished by saying.

Federated Farmers is also concerned at the way the announcement was handled to affected suppliers; some not being told before the media release was issued.

“We’ll be calling on Fonterra to please explain this announcement. It didn’t come up once at a summit meeting we held with them only last week,” says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.

“Fonterra’s organic consolidation is a sobering international assessment of global organic demand. Consumers are seemingly unwilling to pay an organic premium.

“It’s a warning to those pursuing policies that add costs onto production without any payback. It also warns those who believe a niche should become an industry-wide template. Niches are niches for good reason.

“As Gray correctly says, it is a bolt from the blue. It doesn’t leave a good taste in the mouth and has wider implications for supplier relationships and we need Fonterra to understand that,” Mr Leferink concluded.

Kaipara’s Future Focused on Benefits to Its People

2011-08-18T13:42:00.000+12:00

Kaipara Mayor Neil Tiller says Kaipara residents are better off as a local Council. “If we join any other Council the rates are likely to rise.” he stated. “We reviewed the reports issued by McKinlay and Trapski and Brash and could find no benefits for the people of Kaipara.” He also noted that he was still in discussions with North Rodney residents who wished to leave Auckland and join with Kaipara.

Mayor Tiller advised that the previous Council had given its future serious consideration and believed Kaipara would be better off joining part of the old Rodney District than amalgamating with Whangarei and/or the Far North. “Kaipara focuses on the Kaipara Harbour, it is our greatest treasure.” commented Mayor Tiller. “Our people, and particularly our Maori community, would like to see the Kaipara Harbour well managed as a single entity.”

He went on to explain this could also happen if the rural areas of the Rodney Ward of the Auckland Council amalgamated with Kaipara. “Together we would have approximately 50,000 people. It would be a Council with a rural focus and one in which waterways are of great significance to all.” He said, “I am continuing to talk to the people of Rodney and should they wish to join Kaipara I would welcome it. The current Council has yet to discuss this issue.”

During the Auckland reorganisation the Kaipara District Council was advised by the Government that part of the Rodney District would be amalgamated with Kaipara and as a result the Kaipara District participated in that process and promoted a District that encompassed all of the Kaipara Harbour. That received some support from local Iwi and has resulted in an ongoing relationship with Ngati Whatua which is particularly focused on the management of the Kaipara Harbour

“There is no initiative from the Government to reform local government in the next three years. Our advice is the Government is waiting to review the performance of the new Auckland Council before it makes any further moves.” commented Mayor Tiller.

Kaipara’s District Plan Due in September

2011-08-13T11:35:00.000+12:00

The decisions version of the reviewed District Plan will be considered for adoption at Council’s September meeting. “The Hearings Panel has made its decisions on the 513 submissions received and this has resulted in a redrafting of the Plan to give effect to those decisions.” said Mayor Neil Tiller in announcing the timetable for the District Plan.

He went on to advise that it is proposed to be publicly notified on 21 October should Council resolve to adopt the Plan at the September meeting and it would be open for appeals to the Environment Court for 30 working days as required by the Resource Management Act. “This process gives submitters to the Plan the opportunity to consider how their concerns have been dealt with by the Hearings Panel and if they are not satisfied they can appeal to the Environment Court which will consider the concerns and make an independent and binding decisions.” commented Mayor Tiller.

He then said he was very proud of the work done by the Council and its Hearings Panel to get the Plan to this point. The Plan has been based around a number of outcomes supported by the community during the pre-plan consultation process. This has driven all stages of the process. It has given the Council a robust District Plan with strong links from the outcomes through to the Plan’s policies and rules. This approach provides the district with a high level of certainty around what is intended to be achieved by the Plan.

“This is an enabling plan which is specially written to protect the Kaipara’s life blood, farming, as well as encouraging other industries and businesses to establish and grow in the Kaipara.” noted Mayor Tiller.

When asked about the recently repeated call to withdraw the proposed plan Mayor Tiller commented that Paul Cavanagh QC’s advice is two years late. “He is commenting on a plan which has been through a public submissions process and Council is about to announce the results of that two year process. I would suggest that we will see a significantly different plan” said Mayor Tiller, “It may even answer the concerns of those asking for it to be withdrawn.”

He was also concerned that withdrawing the Plan at this late stage would cause the Council to incur even greater costs because Council is required by law to have a District Plan. However, he was more concerned at the injustice the withdrawal would cause to all of the submitters who have taken part in the statutory process. “Withdrawing the plan now would see most of those submitters ignored.” He said. “Going through the statutorily mandated process ensures fairness to all.”

Council is also processing Variation 1 which will insert an Outstanding Landscapes Chapter into the new District Plan. It is in this area that Farmers of New Zealand and others have expressed concern. Withdrawing the Plan at this time will not make the issue disappear. Those concerned about this aspect should have taken part in that public process which has just been completed according to Mayor Tiller. The Council received 556 submissions on the Outstanding Landscapes provisions and these will be heard later in the year.

The Northland Regional Council is preparing its review of its Regional Policy Statement which will cover similar areas of concern for those concerned about the outstanding landscapes provisions included in Kaipara District Council’s Variation 1. Kaipara’s Chief Executive Jack McKerchar noted that the Government has issued a new National Coastal Policy Statement which the Regional Council will have to give effect to in its Regional Policy Statement. This seems to require a much higher level of protection than envisaged by the Kaipara District Council. “In our discussions with Regional Council people they have indicated there may need to be rules covering activities within the Coastal Policy area and other protected lands.” said Kaipara Chief Executive Jack McKerchar. According to him this imposition of controls should be of major concern to land owners, especially farmers.

Kaipara District Council Chief Executive Leaving

2011-08-03T13:30:00.000+12:00

Mayor Neil Tiller and Chief Executive Jack McKerchar have jointly announced that Mr McKerchar has submitted his resignation from the position of Chief Executive of the Kaipara District Council effective from 31 October.

Mayor Tiller advised the Council had accepted the resignation which has been tendered for personal and health reasons. “Jack has been with Council since 1993 and has achieved many significant outcomes for Council in that time” said Mayor Tiller. “We wish him well for the future and thank him for his loyal service to Council.”

Mr McKerchar noted he was not getting any younger and his health, affected by diabetes, was not as robust as he would like. “I want to increase my fitness and get the health benefits that will bring so I can lead an active and healthy life as I get older” said Mr McKerchar. “The stresses of the position mean I cannot devote the time I need for myself and this will give me an opportunity to do some things for myself, including supporting my family.”

Mr McKerchar went on to say he was very proud of his career with the Kaipara District Council “I have helped the Council and the community to achieve some significant outcomes during my time here” noted Mr McKerchar. He went on to note the changing of the Council’s operational service delivery, saving $4million over three years as the first of many successes. Other highlights included the Dargaville Town Hall upgrading, the new Council chambers, the Memorandum of Understanding with Te Uri o Hau and the co-governance arrangements with Te Roroa for the Taharoa Domain through to the leading edge wastewater scheme for Mangawhai and the new swimming pool in Dargaville. “These were all projects that the Council considered important and I was pleased to be able to help Council achieve the outcomes it wanted” commented Mr McKerchar.

In relation to the timing of his resignation Mr McKerchar stated that with the recruitment of the new executive team and operational managers the organisation was in good shape. “The Council now has strengthened capability in operational management and financial management and policy development” said Mr McKerchar. “It is a good time to leave knowing the organisation has the skills needed to succeed and achieve the Council’s outcomes.”

Mr McKerchar is going to continue living in Dargaville. He plans to take a break for a few months before deciding on his future.

Issued by: Mayor, Neil Tiller and Chief Executive, Jack McKerchar

The Great Annual Paparoa PTA Possum Purge

2011-08-03T13:22:00.001+12:00

Register now for the Paparoa Primary School PTA Possum Purge to be in for great prizes. Over $3000 worth of great prizes for possum hunters pre-registered. Lots of spot prizes and prizes for most possums. Bouncy castle & slide; fun activities; kids competitions; sausage sizzle.

Registration $10 adults. Registration forms from Paparoa Primary School, Paparoa Hotel, RD1 Maungaturoto or emailhames.jones@xtra.co.nz

Hunting 2 - 4 September, Prizegiving Sunday 4 September from 11am at Paparoa School. It’s going to be heaps of fun.

For more information contact Libby or Pete 09 4316 822 or Paparoa School 4317 379

THE HAWKS WIN! THE HAWKS WIN! THE HAWKS WIN!

2011-07-19T18:49:00.001+12:00

THE HAWKS WIN! THE HAWKS WIN! THE HAWKS WIN!

Otamatea Hawks 22

Hikurangi 15

Just in case you missed it the Hawks won there first game of the season at Maungaturoto last Saturday against Hikurangi.

The win is a significant moral booster for players, management and supporters in what has been a difficult season. The Hawks have been improving every week in the second round, and after a narrow loss last weekend it was supremely satisfying to seal the victory.

The Hawks started well and created a great opportunity for John-Luke Whitehead in the first two minutes which was unfortunately called back for a forward pass. Hikurangi, playing into a strong headwind, had the better of the possession in the first half and used there solid pack to rubble the ball up from lineouts and around the ruck. This eventually led to them scoring the first try.

What little possession the Hawks had they used well. From an attacking lineout Centre Lincoln Phillips busted the line and managed to get the ball away to Toby Phillips who scored underneath the posts. Minutes later, after a break down the wing Whitehead followed up well to score the try he should have had in the opening minutes.

The second half was a battle of attrition as Otamatea was constantly penalized for an array of infringements. No less then three Hawks players were sent to the sinbin. Hikurangi managed to scrap back a try and although the pressed hard in the dying minutes the Hawks defense held. Toby Phillips picking up the other try for the Hawks making it two for the day.

Adam Exler and Shane Robinson were named players of the day for there immense defensive efforts.

The Reserves suffered a defeat although they made a great improvement from the first round and had impressive numbers at the game.

With three games to go three wins may be a bit too much to ask, but if I was a betting man I'd chuck a lazy tenner on the Hawks snatching another couple of victories before the seasons out.

Larsen responds to Mayor Tiller's comment on Strong Governance

2011-07-19T18:29:00.002+12:00

Mayor Tiller has alleged that I have not raised issues directly with him. As my letter of 3 July quite clearly shows, I had done so. My letter of 3 July in fact lists all communications which I had addressed to the Mayor to which he has not replied.

Mayor Tiller as well accuses me of lack of engagement. That was the whole purpose of my letter, borne out of frustration in trying to engage. The fact that the Mayor uses Council resources to perpetuate a lie (my letter proves this), where all I was doing was asking him to engage, is the extraordinary matter. If there is anything that illustrates why I am not engaged, it is that, rather than reply to my letter, the Council has chosen to issue a press release.

Furthermore, the release of a press release on behalf of Council, without first bringing the matter formally before Council, is a breach of the Council’s own Code of Conduct.As for the rest of the press release, my challenge to the Mayor, if everything is in such terrific shape, is to release the PJ and Associates report on the Financial Health and Sustainability of the Council, to the press, and allow the public to make up their own minds.

How the Council should work together, it seems to me, would be improved if the issues were addressed, rather than using personal attacks such as this Council press release and other communications I have received. It is the issue that is important here, not the attack on a single first-term councillor who has tried to reach out and ensure that the public knows what is going on.

Release the PJ and Associates report, release the EcoCare loan documentation, release the Brookfields/BECA District Plan budget report, release the Balance Sheet, release the Cashflow Statement – let’s get the information out so that the debate can be based around fact rather than insult.

Simply claiming in a headline that “Strong Governance Gives Strong Financial Management” is propaganda not fact.

If all those documents are available to the public, and I am wrong, then I will be the first to apologise.

Jonathan Larsen
Kaipara District Councillor

Strong Governance Gives Strong Financial Management

2011-07-19T18:27:00.000+12:00

Kaipara Mayor Neil Tiller assures ratepayers that the Council will not financially default.

“The Council elected in October is strongly managing the Council’s financial position. Council engaged an independent financial consultant to review the Council’s financial sustainability and found no concerns with Council’s position apart from the debt on the Mangawhai Community Wastewater Scheme which will require management.” said Mayor Tiller.

“We have already implemented some of the recommendations, including the appointment of independent treasury advisors.”

The Council has yet to formally receive the final report but according to Mayor Tiller it has found that Council’s finances are in a very manageable position. A slow down of growth at Mangawhai, because of the Global Financial Crises, means Council needs to carefully review its financial model for the community wastewater scheme. This is being done as part of the development of the 2012/22 Long Term Plan which will be widely consulted with the community in March/April 2012.

This has already been explained to Council as part of the financial review process and the review of the EcoCare project provided to Council earlier this year. As the financial reviewer commented to Council, “If it wasn’t for EcoCare there would be no issues for Council.”

Mayor Tiller’s comments follow the publication of an open letter to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor by Councillor Larsen on his private website and in the press. Mayor Tiller considered this type of communication between the Mayor and one of the Councillors was most unusual.

“It indicates to me a lack of engagement within the Council’s processes by Councillor Larsen. He has been given every opportunity to raise his concerns at Council, either directly with me or in the Council’s Workshop or Portfolio Holder meetings. He has not done so. He raises matters through notices of motion without discussing them and has now communicated through the press. This is not how a Council should work together.” commented Mayor Tiller.

He also noted that Council operates as a democracy and to have things happen there needs to be a majority of the Council agree. Councillor Larsen has not been able to gather the support at the Council table. Many of the items he says he has asked for have been before the Council in the past.

Cr Larsen also commented in the press that his notices of motion were being censored by a select group. The Council’s Standing Orders give strict criteria for the acceptance of notices of motion and these criteria can be exercised only by the Chair, this is generally the Mayor.

Mayor Tiller’s final comment was, “Councillor Larsen seems to want to go over old ground and re-litigate decisions made by Council in the past. To do that it needs to be supported by a majority of Council and to date Councillor Larsen has not been able to gather this level of support.”

Councillor Larsen was the only member of the Kaipara Can ticket to get elected at the last election in October. He is following the model of behaviour adopted by the Kaipara Can leader, Bill Guest, when he was a Councillor.

Spirit of Adventure Award Opportunity for Young Women

2011-07-19T18:23:00.000+12:00

The Zonta Club of Mangawhai is delighted to announce the establishment of an Annual Award for young women in the area in the form of a 10 day Youth Development Voyage on the Spirit of Adventure. Criteria for application are as follows:

The applicant:

is a young woman from 15 to 18 years of age
is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand
is a resident of the Mangawhai, Tomorata, Wellsford, Kaiwaka, Maungaturoto or Waipu area
has shown leadership potential or would like to develop leadership skills
must be able to swim 100 metres unaided
will report back to the Zonta Club of Mangawhai after the voyage

Application forms are available upon request by emailing mangawhai@zonta.org
or call Sue on 02175556636.
Deadline for applications for 2011 is September 10. Winner to be announced on September 26. Voyage dates to be arranged to suit the successful applicant.

The Zonta Club of Mangawhai hosts a number of fundraising events annually, the proceeds of which go towards this award, in addition to a variety of international, national and local initiatives that advance the health, education and safety of women and girls.

You are cordially invited to attend a

Zonta of Mangawhai TRIVIAL PURSUIT EVENING

to be held at The Club in Mangawhai on Thursday, August 11^th from 7 to 9 pm.

This will be a guaranteed fun night out with a nautical theme – there will be fabulous prizes including for the best dressed team, a light supper and cash bar are provided and you can bring nibbles for your table. To enter (teams of 6 at only $7 pp) phone Jude on (09) 431 2765.

ALL PROCEEDS to the ongoing funding of THE SPIRIT of ADVENTURE AWAR

Council Retains “Sinking Lid”

2011-06-15T10:46:00.000+12:00

The Kaipara District Council has just completed a review of its Class 4 Gambling Venue and Board Venue Policy 2011. Having received overwhelming support for its “sinking lid” approach Council has retained this. What this means is that as machines and venues are surrendered they will not be replaced. The effect of this since 2003 has been a gradual reduction of venues and machines within the Kaipara District.

Council received 144 submissions, of which around 10 submitters asked to be heard in support of their submissions. The Hearing of Submissions took place in Maungaturoto on 9 May 2011. As a result of listening to these submissions Council made a number of decisions.

One of the submitters Council heard from the New Zealand Racing Board, who was the only submitter out of the 144 submissions received to comment on TAB Venues. The Racing Board submitted on two points. It asked that Council separate its Class 4 Gambling Venue and Board Venue Policy into two documents, something a number of other Councils are electing to do. Class 4 Gambling and Board Venues are dealt with under different Acts. Committee Chair, Councillor Julie Geange said “it made sense to the Committee that this document be separated into two so Council can deal with each under its respective Act”.

It also asked Council to permit up to two Board Venues in the Kaipara. The Kaipara has no Board Venues. It does have five TAB facilities. The Racing Board has no plans to open a TAB Venue in the Kaipara but would like the option to do so in the future. Councillor Julie Geange said “Council consent is not required to open a TAB facility in a bar, hotel or club. We don’t believe that operating a TAB in these less supervised bar environments is the best place for a TAB to operate”.

The Dargaville Club made a personal plea. It lots its licence and therefore the ability to have gaming machines in 2007. This was due to a change in the policy operated by the Department of Internal Affairs. This change was successfully challenged in September 2010 however Council’s Policy did not permit the Club to regain its machines. The Club asked Council to permit it to hold up to 4 machines. Councillor Geange said “This was a unique situation that the Club found itself in through no fault of its own. Our records show that the Club was operating two machines at the time it lost its licence and Council is happy to offer the Club the opportunity to return to the same situation it was in before it lost its machines”. The Council resolved to permit the Dargaville Club to apply for a licence to hold up to two gaming machines and not the four it was seeking.

Maungaturoto Matters June 2011 Edition now online

2011-06-11T13:18:00.003+12:00

The June 2011 Edition of the Maungaturoto Matters is now on line. Click HERE to read

Maungaturoto Matters May 2011 Edition is now on line

2011-05-26T14:05:00.002+12:00

The May edition of the Maungaturoto Matters is now on line to read.

Click HERE to view

OTAMATEA HARBOUR CARE (O.H.C.)

2011-05-26T13:48:00.002+12:00

OTAMATEA HARBOUR CARE (O.H.C.)

O.H.C. is a group that plants trees and shrubs around the Kaipara Harbour and its streams and estuaries. The function of these plants is to filter run-off and ultimately improve water quality, ensuring security for all the little fishes habitats from predators etc. and for their food scource, and to allow enough legal snapper for our tables. Baby snapper, for example, live in marine meadows which cannot survive if run-off and silting is too bad.

Raglan Harbour has been almost completely planted plus 20% of the catchment area and the reduction in silting and improvement in marine life has been impressive. Raglan has inspired us.

We generally plant in the Otamatea district on farms, obviously with the Farmers agreement, and usually work for a couple of hours after which the farmer usually shouts us lunch. We're a friendly social bunch and are keen to have new blood in our ranks. We usually plant on Saturdays, but Sunday's could be a possibility.

If you're keen on supporting the cause please phone Dave Churcher on 4318 773 or email davik4@ubernet.co.nz

ORT-TV AT MAUNGIE!

2011-05-16T19:36:00.000+12:00

ORT-TV AT MAUNGIE!

Forget the recession worries, have a fun filled time and see this year’s ORT Variety Show!
Antiques Roadshow, Stars in your Eyes, It’s in the Bag!, and much much more.
Door Sales only! Adults $20; Children $10
Show Dates:
Friday, 20 May, 7.30pm (limited seats only)
Saturday, 21 May, 2pm

SEE YOU THERE!

Paparoa Badminton

2011-05-05T09:41:00.000+12:00

For those of you wanting an indoor evening sport badminton is starting again at the Paparoa Hall Thursday 5 May.
Kids years 5 and up 5.30pm - 7pm and adults from 7pm
$2 per session student
$3 session adult

Some racquets available. Table tennis available between games. Any queries please contact Pete 4316822 or Nathan 4317379

Hope to see you there.