On Saturday I had the privilege of attending the 35th anniversary of the Big Dig.
A gathering of about 100 joined together to remember and thank the brave community members who had the courage to band together and reopen the Mangawhai Harbour mouth usning over forty heavy machines.
I remember the stagnating northern end of the estuary well. The Big Dig initiative was the turning point that secured Mangawhai's future. The subsequent tireless ongoing work of the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society is of enormous benefit to the future of Mangawhai.
At the event I announced my intention to form a Mangawhai Harbour Working Group. If approved by Council at this week's meeting, this initiative will bring together key stakeholders relating to the harbour and its tributaries to ensure the health and functionality of the harbour for future generations.
Photo: L to R Community champion Richard Bull, NRC Chair Pita Tipene, Rachael Williams - KDC Councillor Kaiwaka - Mangawhai Ward, MHRS Chair Peter Wethey, Mayor Jonathan Larsen, Kaipara Councillor Craig Jepson
Photo: Original members and families of the Big Dig team.
