Mangere Bridge Community News
December 2004
:: Merry Christmas! (20 December 2004)
The Adecron WebDesign team wishes all Mangere Bridge Community web site visitors a Merry Christmas and a great 2005!
A big Thank You to those who provided us during the year with "Happenings in the Bridge", and their stories. A special Thank You to those who have taken out extended listings or web pages, or will be sponsoring web pages for other organisations. Your financial support makes it possible to keep the Community web site going.
Keep a look out early in the New Year for some exciting interviews (our own beekeeper in Mangere Bridge, and other stories), and new event listings. We look forward to having you visit us again at MangereBridge.co.nz!
:: Interested in mountain biking? (14 December 2004)
If the answer to the above question is yes, check out what the Auckland Mountain Bike Club calls the "Manukau Harbour Hop". This ride takes in some nice views of the Manukau Harbour, and the off-road parts include the 4km Pikes Point rideway along the back of Onehunga, the old Mangere Bridge, ARC managed Ambury Park and a hill-climb up Mangere Mountain.
The ride starts at the waterfront on Kiwi Esplanade, Mangere Bridge (with plenty of parking available). It takes in Ambury Park, Ambury Road, Mangere Mountain (from Taylor Road), and continues through Mangere Bridge Township and over the old Mangere Bridge. At the other end of the old bridge, it turns onto the boardwalk onto the Pikes Point Rideway. Having completed the rideaway, turn back to Mangere Bridge to complete the "Hop".
For further information, and a map of the Manukau Harbour Hop (in pdf format), click [here].
:: Win a fabulous Gift basket (13 December 2004)
Take some "time out" this summer and read! The Mangere Bridge Library is providing you with a challenge: Borrow any 5 books from the library at one time, and you will be entered into the draw to win a fabulous gift basket.
The gift basket is generously donated by the following companies (in no particular order):
Mangere Bridge Mini Mart; Mangere Bridge Stationers; The Floral Studio; Village Pharmacy;
United Video; Mangere Bridge Hammer Hardware; Top dairy; Mangere Bridge Supervalue; Hair Zone; Village Butchery.
So go visit the Mangere Bridge Library between 13 December 2004 and 15 January 2005, and start reading!
:: SDS Design Ltd extended listing, welcome to the Mangere Bridge Community web site! (2 December 2004)
SDS Design Ltd are an Architectural and Structural Design practice based in Mangere Bridge, a suburb in Auckland, New Zealand. SDS have designed homes in both the North and South Island of New Zealand, and in Australia. SDS Design Consultants was opened in 1994 by Scott Simôn;, an Architectural Designer with 22 years experience in the Architectural, Mechanical and Structural disciplines. Today, SDS Design Consultants specialise in Lifestyle Residential Homes, Sub-division, Alterations for Residential and Commercial purposes, Structural Design and detailing.
Scott says: "Architectural Design, always considered a pleasurable experience for the designer, is usually a very emotional experience for the client, testing patience and causing stress and tension. This is understandable as it is probably the largest investment people will ever make in their lifetime. Our first priority is to alleviate any stresses associated with building, ensuring a consultative design process and carefully guiding your project through the processes of gaining Building and Resource Consents, deciding on a Budget, and Managing projects".
SDS Design Consultants can assist you with design; architectural design consultation; draughting services; land development; project marketing; project management. For more information about their services, please click [here], or contact [SDS Design Consultants].
November 2004
:: Consumer Rights seminar (16 October 2004)
The Mangere Citizens Advice Bureau is hosting a public seminar on "Consumer Rights". This is a rare opportunity for members of the public to speak with staff members of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The seminar will include information on the Motor Vehicle Sales Act, Hire purchases, loans and contracts relating to the motor vehicle purchases and other common problems clients may face when purchasing a motor vehicle. There will be information available for people to take home and read and plenty of opportunity to ask questions. There will be a Tongan, Samoan and Cook Island interpreters available also.
The seminar will be held on Friday 12 November from 10.00am - 2.00pm at the St Mary's Anglican Church, 35 Cape Road, Mangere. For more information, please contact Helen Brierley (Information Officer), Mangere Citizens Advice Bureau. Phone: (09) 275-6885; Fax: (09) 275-6760; Email: cab.mangere@xtra.co.nz.
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October 2004
:: Waterlea School 50th Jubilee (12 October 2004)
Waterlea School will celebrate its 50th Jubilee on 28 October 2005. The Jubilee Committee would like to see as many "Waterleans" as possible attend this fantastic event, starting on Friday 28 October 2005 with a "Meet and Greet" at the school. The weekend will be full of fun and memories for everyone, so please register your interest, and details will be forwarded to you. Registration forms are available from the School office (Ph: 636 4233) or sallycollings@xtra.co.nz. For further information, visit the School's web site: www.waterlea.school.nz/.
:: Mangere Budgeting Services Trust (12 October 2004)
The Mangere Budgeting Services Trust (not-for-profit, charitable trust) is situated next to the CAB and behind the Library on Orly Avenue in the Mangere Town Centre. They are an affiliated member of the New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services (Inc.).
The Trust provides Free, Confidential Budget Advice and Support to people/families/individuals experiencing financial hardship, or people wanting to learn how to better manage their money. They educate the community on how to prioritise debt/commitments, how to renegotiate with creditors and also advocate for members of the community with both government and non government agencies. In addition, they assist families in need with Food Parcels etc.
The Mangere Budgeting Services Trust is open between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday. Please note, they operate by appointment only.
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July 2004
:: Mangere Bridge Residents & Ratepayers Association (25 July 2004)
At their recent AGM, the Mangere Bridge Residents & Ratepayers Association re-elected Roger Baldwin (chair) and Ken Taylor (secretary). Messrs Baldwin and Taylor are supported by several committee members. In addition to business normally associated with an AGM, the meeting also discussed election of candidates for Local Body Elections. Additional business included discussion of mangroves in the Manukau Harbour; a second bridge crossing; waste water treatment plant upgrade; and other general business.
:: Draft dog policy stirs emotions (24 July 2004)
The draft policy on dog control in Manukau City is stirring up emotions. This is not only obvious from the letters to the editor in local newspapers, but also from the recent protest on Kiwi Esplanade on Sunday 18 July by many dog owners. The proposed policy allows dogs under control off-leash only in specific areas, including Mangere Mountain (excluding sports fields, playground and Interpretation Centre); Waterlea Reserve; Hastie Avenue Reserve; Waterfront Road Reserve.
Prohibited areas in Mangere Bridge include Ambury Farm and adjacent foreshore (except the loop road which is on-leash); and Kiwi Esplanade and adjacent beach. A dog ban is proposed for Kiwi Esplanade because of the wildlife, especially birds. Val Payne was present at the protest and her story can be read [here].
:: Mangere Bridge Community Police Station seeking volunteers (7 July 2004)
The Mangere Bridge Community Police Station is looking for volunteers to take phone calls and deal with public inquiries. Assistance consists of a weekly 3-hour shift. Anyone interested, please contact Constable Phil Patterson at 34 Coronation Road, Mangere Bridge (ph 634-2208) (information courtesy Onehunga Community News, July).
:: Memories of Mangere Stories (7 July 2004)
"Memories of Mangere" is a series of stories written by the Mangere Historical Society members about growing up in their particular part of Mangere. The Society has more copies available and this 88 page booklet can be purchased for $15 each. Please contact Val Payne (09 636-0261), or call at 58 Church Road, Mangere Bridge.
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June 2004
:: Naomi and Bill Kirk Park (12 June 2004; updated 7 July 2004)
The Manukau City Council will rename the Coronation Road Reserve the "Naomi and Bill Kirk" Park. The naming of the park acknowledges the major contribution Naomi and Bill Kirk have made to the Mangere Bridge Community.
Val Payne was at the opening and shares her impressions:
The naming of the Naomi and Bill Kirk Park recognises the huge input that this family has put into the Bridge Village over many decades. It was blowing a howling gale on 2 July but the Parks department had erected a couple of canvas tent-top structures to keep any rain off. The Kirk family, local people who had helped to plant out the gardens, and friends who had supported the Kirk family in various ventures through the years, were invited. Sir Barry Curtis spoke in glowing terms of the huge contribution this couple had made in so many ways to the betterment of all who live in Mangere Bridge. The Mangere Bridge Library hosted a cup of tea after the ceremony so that people could mingle and chat, and thaw out.
:: Mangere CAB here to assist you (9 June 2004)
The Mangere Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, confidential and impartial advice to all people, covering a range of topics. The Bureau runs free legal, counseling, tax and immigration clinics, all by appointment only. Mangere CAB can be found at 15 Orly Ave, Mangere Town Centre (behind the library). Please contact them by phone on 275-6885, or email (cab.mangere@xtra.co.nz). For further information visit their web site (www.cab.org.nz).
:: Know history behind your street name? (6 June 2004)
Do you know why your street has that name? The Mangere Historical Society has found out information about several of them, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Does anyone have any information about the following: Abiru, Alderman, Alderson, Banbury, Bede, Betula, Bingara, Blake, Cameo, Carver, Chippingdale, Claresholm, Dunstall, Freda, Fuiamanu, Harriette, Hocken, Kambalda, Koremako, Leeson, Macky, Mona, Morewood, Nadine, Nicola, Norana, Quennell, Regalwood, Windrush, Wood and Yorkton. Please phone Val Payne (636-9261) if you can help.
MYMBC members become film stars for a day (5 June 2004)
The Manukau Yacht &Motor Boat Club (MYMBC) was recently transformed for one day into a 1950s RSA for the filming of a food advert. Senior Club Committee members, supported by RSA members, traveled back in time to provide an authentic atmosphere. Not difficult considering the fact that the MYMBC dates back to 1891!
For more information about the MYMBC, and their very 21st century approach to racing, and teaching juniors to sail, click [here].
:: New Wedding Gown Boutique (4 June 2004)
Judith Whyman Wedding Gowns, 32 Coronation Road, opened two weeks ago. This boutique is an attractive addition to the Mangere Bridge Shopping Centre, and will no doubt draw in customers from other areas. For bridalwear, formal, dress-making, and alterations please contact Judith Whyman (636-4456).
:: Council adopts Alcohol Ban Bylaw (2 June 2004)
The Manukau City Council has adopted a new bylaw to ban drinking in public places from 1 July 2004. This ban affects areas such as playgrounds, car parks, skateparks, some town centres, parks and beaches.
The alcohol ban will be used to target drunkenness and disorder but is not intended to target people who responsibly consume alcohol in a public place. So you can still enjoy a picnic with a quiet drink in Kiwi Esplanade reserve, without fear of being arrested.
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May 2004
:: Community Group Sponsoring (27 May 2004)
We are looking for companies or individuals to sponsor web pages on the Mangere Bridge Community web site for charitable or non-profit organisations who would like to have a web presence but can't afford it. We are focusing on organisations based in Mangere Bridge, or servicing the area. A web presence will allow these organisations to provide information about their role in the Mangere Bridge community, share their vision, and further promote their cause. For more information, click [here].
:: Spiritual Growth Programme (25 May 2004)
Commencing 6 June at 9:00 am, St James Church is running "40 Days of Purpose". The programme consists of video presentations of the subject matter: What on earth am I here for? The Programme consists of a series of 6 weekly study group sessions on Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry and Evangelism; 7 special Sunday services at St James Church; and daily individual studies from the Purpose Driven manual. A special celebration day on the St James Patronal Festival (25 July) wraps it up.
This programme is being run by 150 plus churches, of all denominations in NZ. For further information, click [here]. Information on St James Church can be found on their [web site].
:: Mangere Bridge Community web site getting noticed
(22 May 2004)
Barely a month "out of the starting blocks", The Mangere bridge Community web site is already attracting attention. Since its launch on 13 April 2004, the site has received more than 8,500 hits, been seen by [230 visitors], and even received a mention in the [Aucklander (South Edition)]. While the home page got most visitors, our readers were particularly interested in local activities (To do), Photos of Mangere Bridge, News, and What's on. Click [here] for a breakdown of pages visited.
:: Big plans for Mangere Mountain Education Centre
(20 May 2004)
The Mangere Mountain Education Centre (Te Whare Akorangao Te Pane o Mataoho) has big plans for the future, which include a bus bay for visitors, an on-site Maori carver, a heritage garden to grow traditional Maori crops such as kumara and hue (gourd), and possibly even a Whare (Maori house), for on-site education. For more information, and an in-depth interview with Wayne Knox, visit this [page].
:: The art of weaving for beginners (18 May 2004)
Dawn Matata continues her flax weaving classes for beginners ('Toi Raranga mo nga akonga hou') on Tuesdays from 9:30am-12:30pm (till September 2004) at the Mangere Mountain Education Centre. Classes are open to people from any culture or background, but you must be 18 years old or over. You are required to provide your own material and tools, and a list will be provided. Classes will be limited to 20 people.
Examples of flax weaving include children's toys, small baskets (kete timata), food baskets (kono), and flowers (putiputi).
Dawn, a local resident from the Te Wai-o-Hua Iwi, has retired from education but still enjoys weaving and passing on her skills.
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April 2004
:: Traffic Flow Trial Cause Delays (20 April 2004)
The traffic flow trial on the northbound on-ramp to SH20 (Southwestern Motorway) is causing Mangere Bridge residents major delays. Transit New Zealand acknowledged long delays as traffic backs up through the Village, and suggests that those from other suburbs join the motorway further south to reduce congestion (NZ Herald; 15/04/04).
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March 2004
:: Vineyard park nears completion (23 March 2004)
Villa Maria, the country's third biggest wine business, is developing a vineyard park at Montgomerie Road, Ihumatao, near Auckland International Airport. The 40 hectare property has the potential to grow excellent Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Merlot grapes. The grounds are landscaped to create the attractive shape of a natural amphitheatre, which will surround the winery and vineyard. Villa Maria aims to create a unique wine experience, combining the traditional elements of viticulture and winemaking with this special New Zealand setting.
The site is expected to attract large numbers of tourists and visitors each year. It complements
the renowned Kelliher House on nearby Puketutu Island (one of Auckland‚s most exclusive function venues) (Source: Villa Maria; The Aucklander/South Edition).
:: Easy Merge Ramp Signals (21 March 2004)
Transit New Zealand is trialling "Easy Merge" ramp signals on the Mahunga Drive/Rimu Road northbound on-ramp to SH20 (Southwestern Motorway), to smooth traffic flow through the merge area, reducing traffic congestion. For further information, phone Transit Auckland (ph 368-2000) or check road information at www.transit.govt.nz.
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