Kiwi Release in Brynderwyns
Wendy Sporle of the Kiwis for Kiwi trust encourages little John Robinson of Mangawhai to pat a kiwi
before it was releaseed into the Marunui conservation block on the south eastern edge of the Brynderwyn
ranges
For the first time in something like 50 years there are kiwi in the Brynderwyn ranges. Fourteen north island brown kiwi were released into the 400 hectare Maranui conservation block on the south eastern side of the Brynderwyns on Saturday 13 April 2013 (article from Bream Bay News)
Speaking to several hundred people gathered for the occasion at the King Rd. entrance to the Maranui block, Catherine Hawley, representing the Maranui community, said that the land was purchased 26 years ago by a group of families and was covenanted by the Queen Elizabeth 11 Trust, which gives it protection in perpetuity. Read more
The Last Ocean to show at Mangawhai
The Last Ocean film
A spectacular documentary about the Ross Sea, Antarctica
- the last and most pristine eco marine system left in the world.
Friday 26th April Mangawhai Museum Cheese, Wine & Film evening at 7 pm
Film showing at 7.30 pm. Admission: $10 each
Special guest:
Philippa Ross, Great, Great, Great Grandaughter of Sir James Clark Ross who discovered the Ross Sea.”
Kiwi to be Released in The Brynderwyns
The sound of the Northland Brown Kiwi may once again be heard in the Brynderwyn Hills – what a treat that will be. Although some of us who enjoy walking our dogs up there might have to get some kiwi aversion therapy sorted I guess.
Marunui Conservation own a fabulous block of native land on the Mangawhai side of the hills and applied to Doc for some kiwi to be translocated there.
Saturday 13 April 10am 300 King Road, Mangawhai
- All invited to come and share in this magic occasion(allow 15 minutes to park and walk) Bring a picnic but no dogs please
We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you (Directions below) Read more
Boaties, let nature have its tern
“When mooring access comes before world’s rarest shore bird our society is insane.” so begins an article in the NZ Herald this week by Mark Bellingham
Mangawhai Heads is home to half of the breeding pairs in the fairy tern population of 43 birds in total. Photo / APN
Mangawhai Harbour is promoted as a water-lovers’ paradise and the perfect launch pad for surfers, boaties and recreational fishers. But some locals are gunning for significant development of the natural landscape with little regard for the importance and fragility of the harbour’s wildlife.
Many people don’t realise Mangawhai Harbour is critical to the survival of New Zealand fairy terns.
Fairy terns are New Zealand’s rarest shore bird. There are just 43 left in the world. Each one is so vital to the species’ survival that the Department of Conservation (DoC) and volunteers take turns to watch over the birds in shifts, at nesting sites during the breeding season.
This critically endangered species once bred around the North Island and upper South Island, but is now confined to four nesting sites north of Auckland.
Read the rest of the story here
Waipu Wildlife Refuge also has Fairy Terns nesting. An active group regularly traps, and fences off the nesting sites. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE DOGS TO THE END OF WAIPU COVE BEACH
New walking track gives access to the Brynderwyn ridge
Pictured is the elegant little swing bridge on the Tanekaha Forest Track.
Taken from the Bream Bay News – get the news online as well as in your letterbox
A new track which has been named the Tanekaha Forest Track has been built to provide public access to the Brynderwyn ridge. A group of volunteers describing themselves as “a bunch of old broken down track builders”, gained funding from the New Zealand Walking Access Commission and the agreement of private land owners Marunui Conservation Trust and dairy farmer Mark Gash, to form the track which was formally opened on Labour Weekend. Read more
Waipu Coastal Walkway – Te Ara Roa – Mangawhai Cliff Walk
Coastal walks in Waipu and Mangawhai have been getting some great coverage lately in the NZ Herald, a great build up for the upcoming Mangawhai Walking Weekend 31 March – 3 April.
Here are the links to the two recent NZ Herald articles:
Jim Eagles writes about Catered Coastal Walks, run by locals Natalie and Jac Spyksma:
Jac Spyksma with some of the meals created by Catered Coast Walks:
We climbed the narrow track through the long, wet grass, up one last steep slope and, suddenly, there before us was the magnificent sight of the Hen and Chickens, Sail Rock and Little Barrier, framed by Whangarei Heads and the stone figures of Manaia to the left and Cape Rodney to the right, all floating in a glittering silver sea.
We had reached the start of one of the most spectacular sections of Te Araroa – the national walkway system – the Mangawhai Cliffs track.
The section of track we had walked that morning, starting from near Lang’s Beach, is known by locals as “the Missing Link”, because when it opened in 2009 it joined together the established Brynderwyn and Mangawhai Cliffs trails. Read More
Danielle Wright takes the road less travelled around the Waipu Coastal Trail:
Through a kind of secret passageway on Cove Rd, local Waipu resident Alan McKenzie, who we assume is in his sixties, is ushering us with large wooden walking sticks through the bush behind residential homes and on to the recently opened Waipu coastal trail.
He has a can of orange spray paint, and a fast gait, we’re having a hard time keeping up with him as he navigates scrub and launches himself over large tree stumps. Originally, this land would have been covered in kauri bush but today there are only four, very young, kauri here.
Nevertheless, the trail is exciting and our children can’t quite believe their luck being able to head off the beaten track like this, dodging spiders and stopping only to hear a quick shake of the spray can to re-mark the track – it’s as if we’re being led by the world’s oldest graffiti artist. Read more
Mangawhai Food – Wine – Walking
The Mangawhai Walking Weekend 31 March – 3 April 2012
Mangawhai Wine and Food Festival 31 March 3pm-7pm at the Olive Grove
Featuring James Ray
Mangawhai will once again be pumping with the best of walking and wine and food – just the combination of events which will tempt almost everyone. Hundreds of people join in on these popular events, and you are often offered an opportunity to experience private walks only accessible during this time. Check out the websites for more information.
White Ribbon Motorcycle Ride to Mangawhai
Support the White Ribbon Motorcycle Ride to raise awareness against domestic violence
In 2010 the White Ribbon Ride will visit over 40 communities throughout the North Island with more than 200 riders taking part. At each destination riders will be met with events, rallies, sausage sizzles, forums and hakas – all designed to promote the anti-violence message in their communities. Any bikers are welcome to join the ride for as long or as short a distance as they are able – the only stipulation is that they are licensed and there is no wearing of any patches or affiliated colours. Read more
Nairobi Trio plays Tara Lodge Mangawhai
Last weekend we spend a great afternoon at Tara Lodge in Mangawhai listening to the Nairobi Trio. What a great way to spend an afternoon – lazing on the grass in the sun with a picnic. Watch out for their programme of events next summer. Last one of this summer is the Great Gatsby Garden Party 21 March 2010. Read more
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
