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The Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) committee is celebrating its mighty army of volunteers this month, honouring the time, energy and mahi of many helping hands with the planting of a special tree.
A Liquidambar styraciflua was planted in August to add a vibrant splash of autumn colour to the park’s native greenery, along with a bronze plaque commemorating the tree’s significance.
MAZ committee member Ken Rayward says the tribute is dedicated to both past and present volunteers, now numbering over 60, who have helped shape ‘MAZ, Our PARK’ into the beloved community gem it is today.
“Since its inception, the park has been blessed with people who turned a dream into reality to make MAZ the backyard playground for every Mangawhai kid,” he says. “Whether it is individuals, families or local businesses offering sponsorships, these people are the lifeblood of the park.”
Ironically, the tree was originally intended to honour Rayward himself, in recognition of his tireless commitment to the park.
MAZ chair Kate Arbuckle says the committee wanted to acknowledge Ken as the person who launched the volunteer scheme and has kept it running every weekend for nine years.
“But Ken, being Ken, refused to take the spotlight and rewrote the plaque to include all volunteers instead. That’s just who he is.”
Humbled by the gesture, Rayward says Mangawhai is rich with volunteers who bring passion, skills and vision to every corner of the community.
“These are people who see a need, say ‘I can make that happen’ and then actually do!”
One shining example, he says, is the recent kids’ fishing competition hosted by Fish and Dive Mangawhai owners Dave and Myf Gurr. The event raised $8000, all of which was donated to MAZ (see story page 22).
“Dave’s vision and ongoing commitment to run this unique, fun-filled comp every year has turned it into one of Mangawhai’s biggest competitive events, with over 400 entrants!” Rayward says the best part is Mangawhai is full of ‘Daves’ – “people who keep the Mangawhai Magic alive and thriving.”
