Easter on Kawau

Easter on Kawau Island, like many other places, marks the end of Summer and the onset of Winter. It tends to be the last long break of the year and most Kawau property owners come up for the holiday break.
One of the tradtitional island Easter events is the Mahurangi Cruising Club Easter Regatta which is based in North Cove.
While not as big as the Anniversary weekend regatta, there are a good number of classic yachts and launches that come to the island each year for the event, swelling our population for that period.
Traditionally starting on the Friday evening with a barbeque ashore, the main events take place on the Saturday. The morning sees dinghy and radio controlled yacht racing with a casual barbeque lunch, then, in the afternoon the main regatta for the larger boats takes place.
This usually comprises a race starting in North Cove and following a course out around a number of the islands in Kawau Bay, returning to finish off North Cove.
The start is a "Mark Foy" (Start times are staggered according to the size and race history of the entrants) and if the handicapper has done a good job, most entrants finish around the same time. The winner is the first boat over the finish line.
Following the race, there is another barbeque and prize giving ashore with lots of tall tales being told about the day.
Most of the visiting boats enjoy the island surrounds for the rest of the easter break, returning home on the Monday.
One of the great things about this regatta is that entry is open to all and everyone always seems to have a great time.
So, if you have nothing better to do at Easter, come over and participate in the event, either in your own boat, or as crew on another boat.

The Kawau Island Advisory Committee

One of the unique things about Kawau Island is the Kawau Island Advisory Committee (KIAC)
KIAC was first set up in the 1980's as a body that could liase between the Rodney District Council and the residents and property owners of Kawau Island. At the time there were only two such organisations in the country (the other was in the South Island). The latter no longer exists so KIAC is the one and only in New Zealand. KIAC is made up of 2-3 elected island representatives plus one Council representative. The island representatives are elected every three years
Over the last few years, KIAC has been involved in a number of very important issues including: fighting massive rate increases proposed by Rodney District Council, helping to set up and implement the Kawau Island Vision, Examining the method and practise of mooring allocations on the island and a number of other issues. It works very closely with the Kawau Island Residents and ratepayers Association (KIRRA) and communicates with virtually all Kawau property owners on a regular basis.
Of more recent concern has been the contiunuence of KIAC under the new super city structure.
After strong lobbying of the select committee overseeing the new city, we were fortunate to have the value of KIAC recognised by the comittee and an undertaking from them that it will continue.
The present members of KIAC are: Michael Marris (Chairman), Lyn Hume, myself and Councillor Dave Parker representing Rodney District Council.

Kawau Island and Yachting

I was thinking recently about the things that bought me to Kawau Island to live and came to the conclusion that one of the most important was yachts and yachting.
Having been a keen recreational sailor for many years, like many other boat owners, I had visited and enjoyed Kawau as both a destination and a place to stop over and visit.
No matter what direction the wind is from, you can always find a sheltered bay or cove to anchor in thus enjoy a peaceful night or two. If you needed water, fuel, a shower or to wash your clothes, the Kawau Island Yacht Club provided all these as well as a drink or meal if you wanted them. It was always fun and interesting to go ashore at Mansion House and explore house and grounds and in the old days Pah Farm provided an entertainmaint all of its own.
Now that I live here, I can enjoy all of the foregoing (apart from Pah Farm) whenever I want. Nearly as important, I can keep my yacht(s) here on a mooring for far less than it would cost me to have it on a marina berth on the mainland.
Most of my sailing these days involves classic yacht regattas and events with my 1939 Arch Logan design Gypsy.

When I want to go cruising, I generally take Mahutonga, a 1966 38 ft cutter which is easy to singlehand and will go just about anywhere with very little fuss.
So, for me Kawau is the perfect place to live because I can indulge in my hobby and passion at very little cost