In the loop

Artwork of lights: If you didn’t make it up to the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights this year you will be pleased to hear that a new permanent public Artwork of Lights has been installed in the Warkworth Wharf area, with a number of different pre-programmed shows to be displayed throughout the year. The current artwork is a collaboration between the Council arts department and local Ngati Mahuhiri artist Hokimai-anahera Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi, and Te Aupōuri). The artwork sits in native bush opposite the town wharf and uses programmable led lights speakers to express the genesis story of Mahurangi and the enduring presence of Ngāti Manuhiri, mana whenua of Mahurangi. Installed by Davco Electrical and funded from Auckland Council Public Art Regional budget, the trees will light up each night at sunset, with 20 minute shows playing over winter at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. With Warkworth now a quicker and easier trip up the new motorway, this is sure to become a popular evening out for Coasties.

Maddren are coming to town: The team at Maddren Homes are responsible for building a number of houses within our community, particularly in the Millwater and Milldale developments. In the past a trip to Maddren Home’s headquarters from the Coast has meant travelling the Coatesville/Riverhead Highway to Kumeu. But no more! From 18 August Maddren HQ is relocating to the Vantage Point complex at 2181 East Coast Road in Silverdale, much more convenient for all their Coastie clients.

Have your say: Auckland’s Local Board plans consultation process is currently underway. The 21 local boards in Auckland have released their threeyear plans and the public now have a chance to read these plans and give feedback, which must be submitted by 14 August 2023. Comments are often posted on local social media pages about how public funding is used and the development and use of local spaces such as Orewa Beach, dog parks, playgrounds, pump tracks and undeveloped spaces such as Butler Stoney Park in Millwater. If you would like to read the Hibiscus and Bays three-year plan and give feedback on what you feel should be prioritised within our area, go to http://www.akhaveyoursay. co.nz/localboardplans.