LIFESTYLER
October 2 2012
Kaipara
KAIPARA’S ONLY REGIONAL NEWSPAPER — Kaipara Owned and Operated
10,000 Copies DELIVERED FREE throughout the Kaipara
P12
Community to decide future by Paul Campbell
The development of Mangawhai Park, a 37 hectare complex of walking tracks, cycleways, playground, recreation area, and museum is expected to be clarified within weeks, after being the focus of community consultation last weekend
Laughter is the best medicine
While Kaiwaka resident, Jude Bishop, is not a ‘real’ doctor …
P7
Concept plans are still evolving for the Mangawhai Park project
that a complex be added, centred on the new museum, involving a group of historic buildings. Concept displays were set up at the Mangawhai Club and feedback and community suggestions are now being assessed by the steering group and representatives of the Kaipara District Council. This will take place over the next couple of weeks with a decision expected by December. The steering group is chaired by Mangawhai identity, Jim Wintle and includes architect David Wingate and KDC representatives, Jill McPherson and John Burt.
r e P a P l l a W & fosters t n i Pa sale on noW oFF
35% Premium paint 4ltr and under
oFF
35% Wallpaper
Discounts off the normal retail price — until 31 October 2012
This committee says it’s vital park development does not occur on an ad hoc basis. Council will not allocate any land for further development until the community plan is formulated. However, its understood that St Johns are seeking a speedy answer on the future direction taken, as part of a funding issue. Concern has also been expressed that with the district council now controlled by commissioners, if the local community did not communicate a strong interest in the area, part could possibly be sold to commercial interests.
25%
blinds
P4
paint & wallpaper
What in fact is a good eating fish, and should the big ones be landed at all? …
manchester
Letting the big one go
beds
P2
giftware
For Cynthia Shirtcliffe’s 80th birthday her daughters bought her something ‘very special’ …
The extended community approach replaces a former Kaipara District Council policy of employing outside consultants to determine policy, according to stakeholders in the project. A steering group involving the Mangawhai Club, the new museum and the golf club, among others concerned, was formed to determine a vision for the area which encompasses the Mangawhai Activity Zone. “I’d like to mention the level of cooperation we’ve had from the district council. In the past (getting any progress) has been quite hard work, with the council emphasis seeming to concentrate on letting outside consultants do the work. This has now changed,” said steering committee member, Warren Stott. “We needed to get public feedback on whether the emphasis should be on a more structured development which would include more buildings — for St John’s, the fire brigade, a medical centre, library — or on a more pristine state — and it was essential the community had a big input.” Other groups with an interest in the park include the local arts association and Mangawhai Tracks Trust, which is associated with the Mangawhai Walking Weekend organisation. “The Mangawhai Residents and Ratepayers Association is also very supportive of the community consultations,” Mr Stott added. There has also been a suggestion
furniture
Milestone Flight
oFF
Premium paint 10ltr
Excludes Crown, Decorator and Industrial products. Not available in conjunction with promotional vouchers/coupons or other offers
37 Normanby Street St, Dargaville • P. 09 439 8266 • E. fostershd@xtra.co.nz Check out our website www.fostershd.co.nz