Kia ora koutou. Christmas and New Year is a time that many of us will be looking forward to taking a break and to spending time with whānau, friends and loved ones.
It is also a time when people help others – for example, our local foodbank and other amazing organisations, many are run by the goodness of volunteers; Raglan Surf Life Saving, Raglan Coastguard, Raglan Volunteer Fire Brigade, Raglan Lions, Raglan Community Patrol, Surfside Church, Whāingaroa Hauora Hub, Ambulance, our local police and Raglan Naturally to name some. In doing this mahi, each organisation will be helping to provide support to our community, this is the kind-heartedness and generosity that makes this place so special.
I would like to acknowledge our hardworking hospitality providers, our cafes, our accommodation providers and also our retailers who do a fabulous job of taking care of locals and visitors alike. When visiting, be aware that many of our cafes/businesses are facing staffing shortages which means shortened operating times/days and longer waiting times for service, please be patient and remember a smile goes a long way when people are under pressure.
Personally, this is my most favourite time of year, the fresh tang of salted air, the warmth of the sunshine, watching the kids jetty jumping, my young people hanging at home with friends, but most of all, the friendly, laid back, welcoming feel that our community has. It’s also a time to look forward to enjoying some of what Whāingaroa has to offer:
The much anticipated return of the world famous Raglan Lions New Year’s Parade – it’s time to get creative and enter a float.
Friday evenings local ‘Growers Market’, the perfect place to buy fresh produce, 5pm – 7pm, Stewart Street.
Sunset walks along the beach.
Wainui Reserve Bush Park, a great spot to enjoy walks, have a picnic and time with the kids .
A few days’ getaway to Ruapuke Motor Camp.
Watching the sunrise from the top of Karioi maunga.
If you are visiting us, bring a little extra patience as you make your way around the community, relax and chill out. Hang out at any one of our coffee shops, where you’ll see people with young kids, both visitors and locals alike spending time sipping coffee, talking, laughing and connecting.
Take time to let traffic cross the one lane car bridge, from both sides! When you see cars backing up toward town or Raglan west, let them through, a couple of minutes waiting to let others go, won’t end the world. Check out our new parking map for information on best spots to park around the CBD. If you are freedom camping, check out www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/recreation/camping for all you need to know.
Take care to love our backyard like we do, take your rubbish with you, where you can, use your reusables, if you have heard the saying ‘leave only footprints?’… think of that when you are here in our community.
Enjoy your time in our place.
Merry Christmas everyone, best wishes for a safe, joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Ngaa mihi,
Lisa Thomson
Raglan Ward Councillor
