Mangawhai Museum Photo: Supplied
Angela Cook Photo: Supplied
Known for its surf and beaches, Mangawhai may not strike you as a hub for arts and culture. But locals are extremely proud of the modern museum which celebrates the town’s rich history, life around the harbour and the fight to save the endangered fairy tern.
Local artists banded together in 2002 to form The Mangawhai Artists Association along with staging an annual art trail, held for two days over Easter Weekend. It also coincides with the Mangawhai Walking Weekend. The association has now established its own gallery where members’ works are exhibited and teaching workshops are held. The Mangawhai Artists Association along with the Dargaville Arts Association host the annual Kaipara Art Awards.
Each weekend there’s a local market giving artists and creators an opportunity to showcase their artisanal products.
With the closure and now, a further delay of the opening of the Brynderwyns and State Highway 1, drivers are being diverted towards Mangawhai, giving travellers another reason to stop and discover the regional town.
Museum manager Angela Cook speaks to Culture 101 for the Regional Wrap.
