This section aims to save you a bit of leg work and let you know about the everyday stuff that you will need if you are new to the area – especially for us JAFAs. Like what do I do with my rubbish? or what about broadband?

If you are an existing resident and have some handy tips please contact Tony  and let him know and we can get it on here.

Broadband

I’m sorry to say it’s mostly bad news. Telecom no longer control the infrastructure that is done by Chorus. The Kaiwaka exchange is full and there are no plans to expand it any time soon. Vodafone will say the same thing as neither company has control of that.

There is poor cell phone coverage for most of Takahoa so cell phone is not an option for most. Getting a new cell site is harder than winning the lottery – literally. You need support from community, local MP, IWI and then you go into what is essentially a lucky dip where 2 sites are built a year one, in the North Island and one in the South Island.

Vodafone sell a booster for about $90 that will give you cell service.

The Rural Broadband Initiative added broadband to the next peninsula along from use closer to Kaiwaka in 2012 and we are scheduled for (I think) 2014. They got theirs 6 months ahead of schedule so hopefully we will get it in the next year but there are no guarantees or promises and it could be as long as 5 years.

The good news is that most sites can install with Uber Group http://ubergroup.co.nz/ . It’s like super wifi and uses a line of sight connection to a tower down the Kaipara. Most people are happy with this.

Rubbish

Rubbish must be placed in pre-purchased bags. You can get these at the Info centre in Kaiwaka but we find it quicker to but them at the Four Square . The Four Square is like the Tardis (Dr Who) and whilst it looks small by Auckland standards its huge inside. There are bags for general waste and for recycling.

You can also buy these bags at the Countdown in Warkworth.

Rubbish MUST be placed inside the wheelie bins by the gate. Only rubbish in Council bags will be taken. Please make sure any visitors you have are aware of this or we will get charged for separating rubbish and rebagging it.

Rubbish collection is Wednesday morning

Transfer Station

There is a transfer station on the Mangawhai road, on the right about 6 Km from Kaiwaka. Its actually cheaper to take your rubbish there on the way home to Auckland than to buy KDC rubbish bags. They are open daily except for Tuesdays.

Shopping

Obviously the Four Square in Kaiwaka has most groceries but have you tried the following

• La Nonna Italian Bakery – great bread and the Steak, Cheese and Bacon pies are the reason my diet failed.
• Kaiwaka Cheese Shop is actually not just cheese but a full deli – go in and try their cheese though
• Suggestions?
• Places to eat out in Mangawhai – http://magicalmangawhai.co.nz/d_Dining_Out.cfm

Mangawhi is a short drive and has some great shops try this link for some ideas http://www.mangawhai.co.nz/MANGAWHAI/Mangawhai+Shops.html

• Managwhai Meat Shop – http://www.mangawhaimeats.co.nz/index.htm

Tool Hire

Mangawhai Hire Hire Centre 196 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai Ph: 09 431 5424 Fax: 09 431 5427 email mangawhaihire@xtra.co.nz

Landscaping , trenching etc

See Dave Hyndman. He lives at Takahoa bay and has a digger and trenching and does all sorts of landscaping work. If it needs a bigger digger his brother Grant lives on Oneriri Road. Dave’s number is 021 431 238

Septic Tank

David Wright @Cleartech Installations 021 628 847 or david@septictankmaintenance.co.nz . David can service the multi chamber septic systems and has a bunch of clients at Takahoa so he can offer a great rate and service your tank with others and cut down on travel costs.

Mowing

Speak to Kraig Steiner – he looks after Takahoa Bay, he mows the common areas and offers great rates.