Waipu’s first Ride-on Mower Race
Story and Photos by Sandra K. Bogart 040210©
Waipu farmers Nigel Bradley and Steve McClure were chewing the cud one day over our dry summer when they might have been mowing – if there had been any grass.
Missing the fun of their ride-on mowers, they cut up a plan to gather other locals together for a ride-on mower race, hoping that the idea might grow into a summer season of ride on racing.
After three heats of five laps, – and no clear winners – the women had a go after the main event (along with cross dresser Paul Sheehan) and the afternoon finished off with a children’s bike race.
If you are interested in participating in a summer series of ride on mower racing now or please contact Nigel Bradley on (09) 432-0466 or Steve McClure on (09) 432-0843.
Waipu Pipe Band on You Tube
The band paraded on Auckland Anniversary weekend as part of the Saturday street market:
New Easter Carnival at Waipu
Waipu Primary PTA are organising the first Easter Carnival and it is guaranteed to be a fantastic, colourful, community event that will offer a fun and entertaining day out for all.
All proceeds will go to the primary school as it will raise valuable funds to purchase resources while bringing together our community, parents, pupils, local businesses and visitors to support and celebrate what the wonderful Waipu and Bream Bay area have to offer!
If you are a community group looking for new members or further exposure please contact us so we can see how we can help you through the waipu carnival!
Why not join in the fun! Contact them to see how you or your group can be involved, and lets make this another great annual Waipu event.
Tara Lodge hosts the Kaipara Music Festival
9 January was brilliant weather, so Liz and I headed to Mangawhai for the Kaipara Music Festival at Tara Lodge. What a fabulous venue – picnic rugs spread out, all ages, Lochiel wines on sale – it iss based on a winning formula – a musical feast of performers to entertain, while you relax with a picnic feast of goodies.
Musicians included: (photos below!) Read more
Waipu Christmas Parade 2009
What a great village Waipu is!! 30 community groups and local businesses work the week before Christmas – our busiest time of the year to create floats for the Annual Christmas Parade on Christmas Eve. Its all about a good time, but the treasurers of various groups have their eye on the potential $500 first prize, or the 5 $100 runner up prizes. Competition is fierce with the Waipu Surf Club always odds on to win – again!!! Read more
Waipu Christmas Carols 2009
The Sunday before Christmas Waipu was once again the venue for what must be the most enthusiastic carol service in New Zealand. Lauchie McLean has conducted the choir and band for many years and people come from Dargaville, Whangarei, Rodney – 80 in the choir and a band to match.¬ Joan Kennaway and others said it was the best ever. Read more
New Year at Marsden Canals
Marsden Cove Marina and Canals and Hopper developments present:
FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE Jazz & Blues Festival – CONCERT ON THE CANAL
Thursday, 31 December 2009 5:00 p.m. – Friday, 1 January 2010 12:00 a.m.
There will be music and a great fireworks display. Read more
Waipu Music Hall Photos
The Waipu Music Hall was a sold out success that had the local community engaged in an all out effort to put on a great night out.  Here are some of the photos by Peter Grant.  CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO SEE A LARGER VERSION. Full size photos also available from Sandra Bogart Read more
Waipu Cove Surf Carnival – 3 January 2010
The Programme for the annual Waipu Cove Surf Club Carnival held on the first Sunday in January is out Рand what a great programme it is Рsomething for everyone, not to be missed.  There will be lots of prizes, sausage sizzles and heaps of fun.
Calling all fiddlers….
The Waipu Highland Games as a host of activities for people during the day on January 1 РEverything from Tartan fashion in the park, heavy weight competition with caber tossing and all the rest, Highland Flings and pipers galore, athletics competitions Рthere is fun for all the family.  You can avoid the crowds and buy your tickets before you come - tickets here
Scottish Fiddle Competition
This year the Waipu Caledonian Society is proud to announce the reintroduction of a fiddling competition that has not been held since early years of the 20th Century. We are confident this will become a vibrant part of the events at the Waipu Games for many years to come.  Read more about this here
The last Scottish Fiddling Competition was just before the First World War according to the old minutes, the latest is being sponsored by the Clan Donald Society on behalf of the Caledonian Society.
