Top 5 for Friday - Kowhai Kapers

It's major festival day in Warkworth tomorrow with the annual Kowhai Festival Huge Day Out. So in honour of Warkworth and the Kowhai Festival (and because I am from this part of the district and am biased) here is this week's Top 5 celebrating all things Kowhai.

1. The Little Kowhai Tree by Witi Ihimaera A delightful little picture book which is extremely popular. A lonely little kowhai tree longs for a brother to keep her company. When her wish is granted, she is left to protect him in a forest crowded with fairy tale creatures, nosy weka, inconsiderate pigs and chainsaw-wielding woodcutters. Will he survive? Suggested level: junior.

2. Kowhai Gold chosen and edited by Quentin Poper. A classic anthology of New Zealand verse published in 1930. This is a real gem of colonial and early 20th Century poetry, with names such as Duggan, Fairburn and Mansfield.

3. Souvenir programme from Warkworth's First Kowhai Festival in September 1970. This is a Library Use only item but is a fascinating look at the area at the beginning of the seventies.

4. Kowhai and orchid : life on two islands by Robert Paterson. A little more obscure on the Kowhai theme but this 2009 book about "The life of a Kiwi Presbyterian minister in New Zealand and Indonesia" looks like an interesting read.

5. Find out how to grow your own Kowhai tree with The know, sow & grow kids' book of plants / Diana Noonan & Keith Olsen ; illustrated by Keith Olsen

If you want to visit Warkworth this weekend for the Kowhai Festival check out the official website here for what's happening and when.

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

Come to Town. Don't go to the woods on Saturday.

Come into the Warkworth Library for a Special Kowhai Festival Teddy Bears Storytime. Bring your big people with you and enjoy songs, stories, games and special Teddy treats.

It's all happening after the Dog Show and Old Time Games which are happening in the morning along at Lucy Moore Park. Head along to the Library on Baxter Street for a 12.30pm start with Anne, Charlie (our monkey mascot) and our giant Teddy Bear who is visiting for the occasion.

Teddies, and special toys of all shapes and sizes, for young and old, are all invited to kick the Kowhai Festival off in style.

Rodney Live final

Rodney Live 2010 has been a series of twelve live performance evenings throughout the Rodney district, featuring our incredible local talent. All Rodney residents have been invited to take part in these great local events, which have enlivened the community halls of the district - from Kaukapakapa to Whangateau. Performances have included contemporary dance, singer songwriters, drama, folk music, comedy, rock, cultural dance and performance.

The finals are on this Saturday 12 June at the Orewa Community Centre. Come and see the best talent from across Rodney take to the stage. Show begins at 7pm and entry is free of charge.
For more information tune into Times FM or email realmusictrust@gmail.com

Book lovers events

If there is one thing other than curling up with a good book, that bookworms love, it is getting together with other booklovers, storytellers and authors. Here are some upcoming events that may interest you all.

The sixth 'Once Upon An Island Festival of Story' will be held on Waiheke Island over Queen's Birthday weekend, a magical experience for people of all ages. Check the Eventfinder website to find out more.

Rhythm & Verse is on at Lopdell House in Titirangi Thursday 3rd June. Again Eventfinder has the details.

Te Radar (star of television, print and resourcefulness) is playing Ascension Vineyard, Matakana on Saturday 5th June. Get details and tickets here.

For lovers of the classics The Last Night of the Proms is on at Takapuna Pumphouse Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June.

If it is a fine weekend (crossed fingers) you could go Literary Sightseeing. There are two walks on the North Shore which may be worth a look.

Allyson Gofton is promoting her latest book SLOW just in time for winter. The next date nearest Rodney will be Thursday 24 June @ 7.30pm at the Northcote College Hall, North Shore. She will be speaking and signing books. Tickets are $20.00. For further information or tickets contact Maria Tyrrell, Birkenhead Playcentre, cupcakecookoff@gmail.com, 021-392 800
or Paper Plus Birkenhead 480-3058 or birkenhead@paperplus.co.nz

Josef Trethowen - on tonight at Whangaparaoa Library

Remember - Josef Trethowen is performing at the Whangaparaoa Library tonight at 6.30pm. He'll be playing a couple of songs off his EP, "Inside the Wendy House" then will stay around for a short jam session post-performance. Bring in your instruments and join in.

Ride of silence

The Ride of Silence will be held on Thursday 20 May. Rodney cyclists can show their support by participating in the free event which will start outside the council offices on 50 Centreway Road at 5:20pm. The ride will follow a 4.5km loop around Centreway Road, Loop Road, the Hibiscus Coast Highway and West Hoe Road.
Helmets & shoes and bright clothing must be worn and bikes must be fitted with lights as per the new Road Code for Cyclists.
You can register for the Ride of Silence 2010 here.

On Thursday 20 May, cyclists from 300 cities around the world will join together to demonstrate their concern and raise awareness about cycling fatalities through the Ride of Silence. The ride started in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus on an empty road. Since that time, the ride has developed into a global event and is now held in 18 countries.
Rodney has experienced two cycling fatalities in the last seven years – and the loss of those two lives has been felt by families, friends, work colleagues, and throughout their communities.
There have also been many more serious injuries and close calls reported – and it is suspected that thousands more cycle incidents a year go unreported.

ANZAC day services

Silverdale

The Silverdale and Districts RSA extends a cordial invitation to all kindred clubs, associations and public, i.e. Silverdale and Manly Fire Brigade,Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Women’s Division, Girl Guides, Brownies, Scouts, Sea Scouts and Cubs, Youth and Service organisations and local schools and colleges, to join them in their Anzac Day parade and church service.
A special invitation is extended to dependents of deceased veterans to march wearing the medals of their late family members.The parade and march past the Cenotaph is scheduled to commence at 11.00am at our Vipond Road property. The church service is to be held inside if the weather is inclement. Representatives of organisations wishing to take part in the parade, as well as persons wishing to lay wreaths, should contact the Secretary/Manager on telephone 09 424 9026. The Parade Commander will be Sqn. Ldr. G White, Retd. Food and refreshments will be provided for the veterans and their caregivers, Silverdale RSA members, parade participants and children.
NOTE: The RSA Clubrooms will remain closed from 10.15am until after the parade and church service are finished.

Silverdale War Memorial Park
Wreath-laying Service: 12.15pm

Remembrance Reserve, Orewa
Remembrance Service: 12.40pm

Upper Waiwera Cenotaph Service
This service will again be held at Upper Waiwera at 2.30pm. The Silverdale and Districts Returned Services Association extends awarm welcome to anyone wishing to attend. Poppy Collection day is Friday, 23 April 2010; please support us on this day.

Helensville
A cordial invitation is extended to all residents to attend a Citizens’Commemorative Service to be held in the War Memorial Hall, Commercial Road, Helensville at 11.00am on Sunday, 25 April 2010.The parade will assemble at 10.45am outside the former Rodney District Council office on the corner of Commercial Road and Rata Street. Wreaths will be laid at the War Memorial Hall prior to the service.

Parakai
Dawn Parade at 6.00am at the Cenotaph in Parakai Domain followed by a short service at the Servicemans’ Cemetary in Helensville.

Riverhead
A memorial parade will take place at the Riverhead War Memorial Park gates at 9.00am Sunday, 25 April 2010. Any person or group wishing to lay a wreath is welcome to do so.

Waimauku
Waimauku RSA will hold a service at the Memorial Hall, Waimauku at 11.00am, Sunday, 25 April 2010. A march back to the RSA will be at 11.30am for a wreath laying ceremony. Any person or group wishing to lay a wreath is welcome to do so.

Warkworth
Members of local organisations and residents of the Warkworth area are invited to attend the Memorial Services on Anzac Day,Sunday, 25 April 2010.
Dawn Parade:A service will take place at 6.00am at the War Memorial Church Hill, Warkworth. Any person or organisation wishing to lay a wreath is invited to do so.
A Civic Service and Parade:At 10.30am the Parade officials will meet the Officer in Charge of parade at Anglican Church.
Church Hill, Warkworth: At 10.35am Parade fall in – Anglican Church. At 10.40am Parade will march to War Memorial, Church Hill. At 10.45am Service at War Memorial. In the event of inclement weather, these events will be held in the arkworth Fire Station.

Wellsford
The ratepayers and residents of Wellsford and Districts are invited to attend the Anzac Day parade on Sunday, 25 April 2010 at 5.45am at the Wellsford Memorial Domain gates. Any person or group wishing to lay a wreath is welcome to do so.

Leigh
The ratepayers and residents of Leigh and Districts are invited toattend the Anzac Day Ceremony at the Leigh Cemetery on Sunday, 25 April 2010 at 11.00am.

Kawau Island
Kawau Island Yacht Club 12pm

The Bledisloe Cup

Cricket is still going (but we won't talk about the results). Most summer sports are winding up and some winter ones have already started (sweltering in the continuing summer heat).

Mahurangi Rugby Club are starting their season off with a bang this weekend with an Open Day tomorrow Saturday 13th March. The highlight of the day is not, as some probably think, The Battle of the Dome with both Mahurangi Senior Firsts and Premier teams playing Wellsford in the afternoon. It is the coup managed by McMahon Builders who are bringing the Bledisloe Cup to Warkworth for the day.

The Bledisloe Cup is named after Lord Bledisloe, a former Governor General of New Zealand. He donated the cup in 1931 to be played for by New Zealand and Australia. The trophy was designed in New Zealand by Nelson Isaac, and crafted by Walker and Hall in London. It has the distinction of being the largest trophy in world rugby.

You can find out more about the Governor General and the match history of the Bledisloe Cup matches by looking at the books on this Rodney Libraries link. If you want to see the Cup up close and have your photo taken with it, head along to the Mahurangi Rugby Club between 12noon and 5pm. The day starts with Junior registration at 10am and continues right through to the evening when you can watch the Crusaders play the Highlanders on the big screen at 7.30pm. There is entertainment all day as well.

Players are still being sought in all grades (from 5 years to 55+ says Sam). That probably means that coaches are required too. You can get help with that at Rodney Libraries as well by looking at the resources we have on this catalogue link. First stops would be the coaching and training books, but there is a wide range to keep you entertained.

Check out your local sports club if you are interested in playing any winter sports, or helping to manage or coach. They will welcome you with open arms.

Rodney Mayoral Cycle Challenge Rescheduled

The Rodney Mayoral Cycle Challenge is still on for 2010 and has been rescheduled for Saturday 6 March 2010. The Challenge will start at 10am, with registration from 9am at Centreway Reserve.

The challenge was originally intended to be held on Sunday 28 February but was not held because a tsunami warning was in effect for Rodney beaches.

The cycle challenge will now follow a new route from previous years, beginning at 10am at Centreway Road reserve and travel along the Millennium walkway and cycleway to reach Western Reserve.

Saturday 6 March is also National children's day and this is being marked across the country with a range of special events during March. As part of the celebrations the Mayor will lead people on their cycles to the Children's Day activities at Western Reserve which will be celebrated at Coast Day Out.

Coast Day Out is being organised by Rodney Women's Refuge, the Rodney District Council and Te Rito Rodney Family Violence Prevention.

This free event runs from 10am - 2pm and will feature games such as sack races, sports, a bouncy castle and bouncy bungee, skate display, food, and many other attractions. The day will also present ideas from local young people about how their area could be made safer to the community, which will then be workshopped by a range of organisations after the day.

Mayoral Challenge Registration
Registration for the ride is free. You can register on the day from 9am (the challenge starts at 10 am). Download a registration form here and bring it to the registration tent on the day.

There will be free goody bags and spot prizes for the first 1,000 people who register and vouchers awarded to the Rodney schools with the highest levels of participation.

Participants who registered for the challenge when it was to be held on Sunday 28 February will not be required to register again to participate in the event. You will need to bring your registration form to get your goody bag.
A helmet and shoes are required to participate.

Children's Day this weekend

It's Children's day on Sunday 7 March. Organisers say "...whilst children are celebrated, treasured and nurtured in many ways every day, Children's Day is a lovely way to focus families and communities on the children of Aotearoa New Zealand for one day." This year's theme is "Praise and Encouragement".

As part of celebrations community organisations around Rodney have pitched in to create a family fun day events all over the district. Wellsford, Orewa, Silverdale and Helensville are all hosting events. (Rumour has it that there'll be a SpongeBob bouncy castle in Orewa...)

Low Flying Cars Sculpture Symposium

The international sculpture symposium Low Flying Cars is about to kick off in Rodney. The Low Flying Cars symposium will host 14 colourful and talented artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The symposium is open to the public on the following days:
27 and 28 February
6 and 7 March
13 and 14 March

The exhibition is open from 12pm - 7:30pm on 27 February and 10am - 6pm on the other days at the Rusty Dog Sculpture Studio, 258 Blackbridge Road, Diary Flat.

On the opening day the exhibition will be followed by a celebration of the arts, poetry, storytelling and live music, culminating in a live concert at 4.30pm - 7.30pm with Evan Silva and band. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner.

The featured artists include: Leandro Seixas (Spain), Patrick Walls (England), Joycelyn Pratt (Putararu), Joe Kemp (Rotorua), Matthew Williams (West Auckland), Christian Nicolson (Torbay), Sally Lush (Warkworth), Birgit Lulek (Devonport), Steve Reid (Auckland), Margo Symes (Albany), Dermot Kelly (Mahurangi), Terry Haines (Silverdale), John Ferguson (Dairy Flat), Frances Ferguson (Dairy Flat).

This event is being supported by Rodney District Council and funded from the Auckland Regional Services Trust Fund.

Mayoral Cycle Challenge

The Mayoral Challenge is a national competition that is run as part of Bikewise Month - an initiative of the New Zealand Transport Agency. It consists of a short cycle course (in our case, 2km along the glorious Orewa beach front) led by our Mayor Penny Webster, and local VIPs. We hold a free carnival and prize giving afterwards with entertainment and food and beverage stalls. It's a great day out for families and for anyone who loves to hang out at our beaches! This year Waiwera Thermal Resort are offering a free pass to their pools for the day for all kids who enter the challenge!

The competition has been running for about 4 years and has become well known in the Rodney District. In 2008 we won the competition for the whole of New Zealand and last year, despite coming second to New Plymouth, we had our highest number of participants and supporters ever - we estimate 5000 people attended the event! So come along for some free fun and help us win back the title of NZ's most cycle mad city!

Registration is from 9am on the day - 28th of Feb or you can pre register by filling out this form (PDF) and emailing or posting to Claire Flattery or Private Bag 500, Orewa.

Mayoral Cycle Challenge, Sun 28 Feb 2010
Venue: Orewa Beach, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Waitangi Day

Rodney Libraries will be closed this Saturday for Waitangi Day. There's been a bit of discussion in the papers over the fact that Monday-Friday workers don't get a day off (for Waitangi Day OR Anzac day this year) but I'm pretty sure our Saturday teams appreciate the extra day to spend with their families. There's also controversy over the choice of the "flag commonly referred to as the ‘tino rangatiratanga' flag" that has been chosen to fly over significant sites. But then, the media reports that Waitangi day has often been filled with debates and disagreements.

Whatever you think, there are events on around Rodney to give you something to mark this special day in New Zealand's history.

Waitangi Day Family Festival 10am to 4pm
A FREE family fun filled day. Food and variety stalls, music and entertainment, art exhibitions, family activities. At Te Herenga Waka o Orewa (Old Silverdale Primary School) 30 Foundry Rd, Silverdale. For stall enquiries/info: ph Virginia 021 182 3782 or email v.warriner@yahoo.com.

Te Hana Waitangi Day Celebration
Southern Reserve, Te Hana, 9:30 am to 4pm
Organised by Te Hana Community Development Trust in partnership with Rodney District Council and other community groups we will be celebrating the last official Rodney Council Waitangi Day Celebration before the Rodney District Council becomes part of the super city.
Everyone is welcome attend, there will be live entertainment, stalls and children's activities.

Waitangi Day and Festival at Waitangi - unrivalled for family fun and stirring spectacle

The Checks + The Artisan Guns, Sawmill Cafe, Leigh. 8pm.
The Checks are playing their first ever show at the fabulous Leigh Sawmill Cafe. Fun in the sun on Waitangi Day! Joining them on the bill are hot new up and comers, Artisan Guns. Tickets available now. R18, $20.

Puhoi MTB Marathon
70k/40k Mountain Bike race Saturday Feb 6th 2010: Puhoi Village. Hibiscus Coast, Auckland, New Zealand Start: 9.30am This is a fun and challenging event open to anyone with a mountain bike. Beginners, novices, veterans and elite riders are all invited to come out and enjoy a great day of riding/racing. If you're planning to ride the Colville Connection/Karapoti or any other endurance MTB event this is the perfect pre-event training.
70km Marathon: $85 (includes after race lunch/drink and goodies)
40km Marathon: $65 (includes after race lunch/drink and goodies)
Late entries accepted on race day between 7am - 9am

MORE FM Winery Tour
Tim Finn, Bic Runga and Dave Dobbyn: Together in Concert plus Boh Runga Feat. Che Fu
Children under the ages of 12 are still given free entrance when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
NB. Saturday 6 February has now sold out. Tickets (& bus/ticket packages) are still available for the first show on Friday 5 February with gates opening at 5pm and the show commencing at 6pm

Waitangi Day Events - Silverdale

Waitangi Day workshops and a Waitangi Day Family Festival will be held next week in Silverdale.

Treaty of Waitangi Workshops
Where: Te Herenga Waka o Orewa (Old Silverdale Primary School) 30 Foundry Rd, Silverdale.
When: 3rd, 4th & 6th February.

Wednesday 3rd February 2010
10-1pm for Youth
6–9.30 pm All Welcome

Thursday 4th February 2010
6 - 9.30pm All Welcome

To Register: ph Virginia 021 182 3782 or email. v.warriner@yahoo.com

Waitangi Day Family Festival
Saturday 6th February 2010 from 10am to 4pm
A FREE family fun filled day. Food and variety stalls, music and entertainment, art exhibitions, family activities. At Te Herenga Waka o Orewa (Old Silverdale Primary School) 30 Foundry Rd, Silverdale. For stall enquiries/info: ph Virginia 021 182 3782 or email v.warriner@yahoo.com.

Library on Location

The 143rd Warkworth A & P Show is held this weekend. Cross your fingers for fine weather on Saturday 16th January because the Library will be there.

We took the Library to the Show for the first time last year and got a fantastic response from the community. This year we are back, bigger and brighter than ever.

One of the highlights will be the 15 minute storytimes we will be having. I will be encouraging you all (big and small) to join me in songs, rhymes and if you are good, will read you some stories as well. We have some fantastic new picture books just in, plus some classics, which I know you will enjoy.

Storytimes will be held:

• 10 am
• 11 am
• 12 noon
• 1 pm

There will also be books for sale, if you have your library card with you there are books that can be taken out and if you don't have a library card at all, we can sign you up. We also have photos and information about all our Library Programmes.

Look out for the big white van with the big red van painted on the side of it. We are right next to the Rodney District Council tent and look forward to seeing you there.

Summer Sounds

There are heaps of summer concerts and sounds around in Rodney this festive season.

Sun Fest 2009 is the alcohol free New Years Eve party at Parakai

Music Mountain is just one of the New Year's Eve events in North Rodney

Eventfinder has listings for events in Matakana, Orewa, Huapai or throughout Auckland if you want to leave Rodney

Or you could just check out the music at your local Rodney Libraries and relax at home. To find all the music we have (and there are plenty of new ones) look at our Catalogue here. There is something for everyone, from inspirational and classical, to country, pop and rock. Whether you want party music or something in the background, have a look at our selection.

Montana Poetry Day Aloud at Rodney Libraries

Poetry will come alive at Rodney libraries as part of Montana Poetry Day on Friday 24 July.
Montana Poetry Day has been celebrated since 1998 and is a chance to bring poetry to the people at events all across New Zealand. Poetry Day is part of the Montana Book Awards which is generously supported by Montana Wines.
Locally, Rodney libraries are delighted to once again mark Poetry Day with a series of special events.
Wellsford and Mahurangi East libraries will be celebrating the day with live poetry readings. The Wellsford session will be held from 5.15pm on 24 July and the Mahurangi East library will hold the readings on the same day at 2pm. Both sessions will be followed by refreshments and members of the public are welcome to come along and listen.
Whangaparaoa library is also holding a session between 12 and 2pm on Friday 24 July for people to share their favourite poetry with others or read out an original poem. Anyone can take part in the session.

Jane Gifford is Returning Home

Come along to Warkworth on Saturday 16 May and watch the Jane Gifford and a flotilla of classic and historic craft travel the Mahurangi River to her new berth at Warkworth Wharf.

The Jane Gifford, a 101 year-old sailing scow, has been meticulously and magically restored. She is one of the few remaining seaworthy scows in New Zealand waters. Built in Whangateau in the early 1900s she spent most of her working life moving building materials from Thames up to Mahurangi. Part of her story is told in "Logan Campbell's Auckland : tales from the early years" by R. C. J. Stone.

Lovingly restored, her future purpose will be "... as a passenger-carrying sailing vessel for tourism, youth training, weddings, special events, a flag ship for future Mahurangi Regattas, trips down the Mahurangi River and on the Hauraki Gulf. " The Jane Gifford Society has a nice website with information about her story and the restoration project.

There will be music, entertainment, wine and food, children’s activities, a Warkworth Business Association Nautical Market Day and lots more. It will be quite a sight and an enduring gift for Rodney. This is an incredible project - congratulations to all the people who've supported it.

Details:
Saturday 16 May 2009 from 10.45 a.m at the Warkworth Town Wharf
For more information contact Dave Parker, 0-9 452 5006 or eventswarkworth@xtra.co.nz

Anzac Day Services

Rodney Libraries will be closed tomorrow in honour of ANZAC Day.

There are a number of services around the district. More details available via the Rodney District Council website.

AUCKLAND CENTRAL

Dawn service at the Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial Museum (Auckland Domain) at 6am. Assemble at the Cenotaph at 5.30am for veterans' parade's 5.45am departure. Citizens' service at Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial Museum, at 11am. Assemble at 10.30am for veterans' parade for 10.45am departure.

HELENSVILLE

Dawn service at 6am (5.20am muster) at the Cenotaph in Parakai Domain, followed directly by a service at the Servicemen's Cemetery. Parade at 11am on Commercial Rd, Helensville, followed by service at RSA.

LEIGH

Service at 11am at the Leigh Cemetery.

RIVERHEAD

Memorial parade at 9am at the Riverhead War Memorial Park gates.

SILVERDALE / OREWA

Citizens' services: Silverdale RSA (11am), Silverdale Memorial Park (12.15pm), Remembrance Reserve Orewa (12.40pm) and Upper Waiwera Cenotaph (2.30pm).

WAIMAUKU

Citizens' service Waimauku War Memorial Hall, Station Rd (10.30am); parade back to Waimauku RSA (11.30am).

WARKWORTH

Dawn parade, fall-in 6.30am, Civic parade, fall-in 10am. Both next to the Band Rotunda, Church St.

WELLSFORD

Dawn service at Memorial Gates, Port Albert Rd, Wellsford (6am). Fall-in outside Wrightsons at Port Albert Rd, 5.45am.

What's on this weekend?

After my dismal effort at predicting the weather last weekend I'll only say that I hope it doesn't stop you from doing what you want to over the next couple of days. I will be relaxing with a couple of the New Zealand Post Children's book awards Teen finalists. (I've already read The tomorrow code by Brian Falkner which I recommend. It's filled with local landmarks which brings a sense of immediacy to the story.)

So, what's on?

The highlight surely has to be the Youth Day Out on Saturday at the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway as blogged on Wednesday. Skate comps, music and dance workshops, DJs with a BBQ and movie to finish.

The Auckland Festival New Zealand Post Family Weekend is on at the Aotea Square in Auckland this weekend. A fun-filled two days of events for kids and their adults, many of which will be free. Wolves, puppets, a giant unfolding truck and tall tales...

Of course the Kumeu Show is on too. It's apparently the largest show in the Southern hemisphere with all the fun of a traditional A&P show. It's chock full of things to see and do, from animals to wood chopping to vegetables to trade stands. (My personal favourite is the sentence that cheerily reads "Food Galore!!") Look out for Tina from Kumeu Library on the scarecrow stand.

On Sunday Dairy Flat hosts the fifth annual Hibiscus Coast Hospice Country Home & Garden Tour. Ten magnificant homes plus one beautiful garden are on the agenda.

Have a lovely weekend.