by Helen Marin
People who say “there’s nothing to do” in our corner of the world can’t be looking very hard. Having recovered from a successful Arts in the Ville, held for the three days of Labour Weekend, and with COVID lying low, we’re now full on into social activity mode. Over the weekend of November 20, 21 and 22, for example, there was much on offer.
On Friday 20th, summer turned on a perfect sunny evening for a River Valley Meats-organised event at Liberty Brewing’s Tap Room in Mill Rd. Along with the opportunity to stock up at River Valley’s pop-up meat market, there was the chance to drink Liberty’s excellent craft beer, eat fabulous food (including a delicious River Valley Meats venison and blue cheese burger) from the Double Parked food truck, run by Boyd and Cam Steel and recently voted the most sustainable food truck in Auckland, and listen to live music from local singer/songwriter Bronson Prior.
On Saturday 23rd, a free outdoor movie night was held at Kaipatiki ki Kaipara Reserve. The outdoor screening of Sonic the Hedgehog was hosted by Nga Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Development Trust, the organisation mandated to protect and grow the assets returned in the Ngati Whatua o Kaipara Claims Settlement, and Te Poari o Kaipatiki ki Kaipara, the Board established to administer the domain grounds post-settlement. A picnic on the grass and free sausage sizzle, popcorn, lolly-bags, and coffee, with food vendors and kai stalls made this family friendly, Zero Waste event a real treat.
On Sunday 24th, over 200 motor bikes entered the annual fund-raising 5 Station Poker Run, which this year was hosted by Kaukapakapa Fire Station. The ride is so-named because at the five participating stations - Kumeu, Muriwai, Shelly Beach, Helensville and
The end of the Poker Run (Stellanova Photography)
Kaukapakapa - participants are given a card and, dependant on how their hand compares to a poker hand, may win a prize. Funds are raised by each entrant paying $30, with all funds raised going to the host station. Taking part were Harleys, Triumphs, Nortons, Ducatis and some Japanese bikes. Food donated by local businesses was served at the end of the run.
Also on the Sunday, there was a lively crowd was at Whititera O Rewiti Marae for the last market of the year. A carnival atmosphere was generated by Ed’s music, Levia’s MC-ing, people in fancy dress, performances by Elvis and Levia’s line dancers, stalls selling wood and tile art, pot plants, second hand clothing, bric a brac and more, and enough food to feed several armies for a long time.
Keep an eye on the local Facebook pages for more local entertainment coming up. There’s
Dress-ups at Rewiti Marae market
plenty on.
