Free summer bus returns

The popular free Mangawhai bus service is back for summer. Starting on December 27, the bus loops from the Mangawhai Domain in the village to the surf beach between 10am and 5.30pm.

Daily services run until January 15, then on weekends until February 6 with an extra weekend added on for Easter (April 7-10).

The bus stops at 12 locations along the route, including the Mangawhai Artist Gallery, Mangawhai Central, the Mangawhai Museum, MAZ and the Wood Street shops.

The service is funded by Kaipara District Council, which is encouraging locals to leave the car at home.