May 2014: Over the coming months, vacation homes will soon gather dust, but for the locals, who live in the township full-time, these months are filled with cups of tea, kōrero around the fire and a variety of community events.

There have been some exciting initiatives happening on the ground including a Raranga Wānanga for beginners (which grew out of a Whānau Ora plan) and most recently a Youth in Emergency Services programme has been launched to much community excitement.

Leanne Karauna, Mangakino-based paeārahi says “being able to help guide whānau is what I love. When families begin their Whānau Ora plan it helps them see the bigger picture and create steps they can take to make their dreams happen.”

There is a much anticipated Matariki Celebration coming up which is school led with the kind and generous support of the Marae and local community and just in time for winter, a new healthy homes project which is focused on home insulation is on the cards.

Over the coming months, we’ll provide updates and photos of the exciting events and projects that have been embraced this small close knit community.