Fruitloop
The annual fun run through orchards and vineyards in the Point Wells, Omaha and Matakana area is back and this year it will be held in conjunction with a two-day wine and food festival, on March 5 and 6. Events will be based at the Matakana Country Park, on Leigh Road, and money raised will boost the coffers of community projects such as the Matakana pathway. There will even be a Kids Loop.
When: Fruitloop fun run, Saturday, March 5
Info: cmnzl.co.nz/mwff
Introduction to permaculture
Permaculture has developed into something that can be applied to every aspect of our lives from housing and energy efficiency to agriculture … so what’s it all about? This taster course is run over a weekend and covers permaculture ethics and principles, and field trips. The course is run by the Kaipatiki Project and the tutor is Trish Allen.
When: March 12 & 13
Info: kaipatiki.org.nz
Pickleball
There’s a new sport in town called Pickleball, which encompasses badminton, ping pong and tennis. It is played at the Matakana Hall on Mondays from 6.30pm-8.30pm; and Wednesdays, 9am-11am. All equipment is provided, just wear appropriate footwear and take a water bottle. All welcome.
When: Mon & Wed • Where: Matakana Hall
Info: 021 980 852 or pickleball.org.nz
Vege swap
The Matakana Vege Swap meets at the Matakana Wharf every Friday at 9am. This is an opportunity to shop and swap – a great place to pass on your excess greens, fruit and flowers, in return for other things you might use. All welcome.
Community Garden
Gardeners or wannabe gardeners are invited to join the working bees at the Community Garden, next to the Matakana Hall, every Monday, from 9am to 10am. The time is spent weeding, planting and harvesting, and it’s a great way to share gardening knowledge. All welcome.
Matakana Community Group meetings
The Matakana Community Group meets on the first Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm in the Matakana Hall backroom.
Info: matakanacommunitygroup.org.nz
Urban farming workshop
Leading Canadian urban farmers Jean-Martin Fortier and Curtis Stone are holding a workshop at Whangateau Hall as part of a Six Figure Farming NZ Tour, sponsored by Ooooby. Mr Fortier is known for earning a six-figure income from under one hectare of organic vegetables, farmed by hand in Quebec. Tickets $220.
When: Monday, February 22, 9am to 5pm • Where: Whangateau Hall
Info: sixfigurefarmingnztour.com
Sunday Sessions Vintage Market
Foot-stomping folk duo The Bollands will be performing at the Sunday Vintage Market.
When: Sunday, February 28, 10am to 2pm • Where: Matakana Village Market Square
Info: thebollands.com or matakanasundays.co.nz/
