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Anyone struggling to afford Christmas or just looking for some festive fun and camaraderie should head to Snells Beach on December 25, when the annual Mahurangi Community Christmas Lunch will again be held.
The event began nine years ago when Moana Hehepoto decided to organise a free festive dinner with her daughters in Warkworth, after they had faced tough times in the past.
That was followed the next year by a Christmas breakfast at the Mahurangi East Community Centre, then a lunch, which moved down to the reserve by Sunrise Boulevard during covid and has stayed there ever since.
“So many of the families love it down at the beach, they say ‘it’s relaxing, the kids enjoy it, we can eat, sleep and get up have another feed’ – it blesses my heart,” Moana says.
She says the lunch isn’t just for struggling families, it’s for anyone seeking connection and a sense of belonging during Christmas and the holiday season.
“Our vision is to ensure no one feels alone and to support those who may be struggling to provide gifts or kai during the festive season,” she says.
“Over the past two to three years, we’ve seen our numbers grow to between 130 and 160 people – families, widows, elders, singles, grandparents and newcomers to our community. Many of these guests don’t have loved ones nearby and might otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.”
She says some families have made the Christmas lunch an annual tradition, sometimes returning even after they’ve moved away, with people coming from the surrounding area as well.
Moana is quick to point out that while she is the lynchpin, it takes support from many local individuals, businesses and community groups to make the event happen.
As well as the lunch itself, there are donated gifts for children and adults, plus a range of activities including live music from Manfred, a bouncy castle, children’s games and a lolly scramble.
Moana says people should bring picnic chairs or rugs, sunscreen, togs “and a big smile”. They are also welcome to bring a plate or drinks to share if they want to, but it certainly isn’t necessary.
“We have amazing people who support this event and who actually make this Christmas lunch successful,” she says.
“Please thank all the people in our community who donate, cook, help with pick-ups, set-up and pack-down, and our generous sponsors – Warkworth Butchery; Snells and Warkworth branches of Liquorland, Pakn’Save, Woolworths and Four Square; Elite Motors; True South Seafoods; Mahurangi Vision; Mahurangi Matters; Mahu Hope Foodbank; Big Fun Events; Snells Beach Market; Horizon School; Mahurangi East and Warkworth Libraries; Kingsway Trust; Springboard Community Works; Don & Carol Crane; Lisa Webster; Theresa for her cheesecakes; and the Catalytic Foundation Christmas Shoebox Project.
The Mahurangi Community Christmas Lunch is at noon on December 25 at the Sunrise Boulevard reserve. If wet, in Mahurangi East Community Centre. Lifts available from Warkworth, Matakana and Point Wells – contact Moana to book.
Info and donations: Moana on 021 0246 1732
Can you help?
Moana is still looking for the following items:
• hams and other meat joints to roast
• fish and seafood, smoked or fresh
• wrapped gifts for all ages, including adults, marked for appropriate age/gender
• printed billboard signs x2
• gifts can be dropped off at Snells Beach Four Square, Mahurangi East Library and Warkworth Library
For food donations, contact Moana on 021 0246 1732 to arrange pick-up or drop-off.
