Something New is Growing!

Aug 13

4 min read

August 2026

From magnificent magnolias and community events to planting days, composting fundraisers and exciting plans for a new community gathering space — there’s plenty happening around Maungatapere this month!

Welcome to the August edition of the Maungatapere Village Newsletter. Winter may be here, but our community certainly isn’t slowing down!

We’ve gathered events and activities happening around the area, so make sure you have a look and see what’s coming up.

There’s lots to be proud of in Maungatapere, and even more to look forward to. Keep reading, get involved, have your say and help us continue to grow a connected, vibrant and welcoming community.

Wondering what’s happening down at the village?

Something Exciting Is Happening at Inspire Church!

You may have noticed some activity at Inspire Church — formerly Maungatapere Community Church — where earthworks have officially begun this week!

This is the start of an exciting new community hub for Maungatapere, designed to create a welcoming and safe space where local families and the wider community can come together. The project will include a new play area, secure fencing, patio and BBQ area, providing somewhere for children to play and for families and community members to meet, connect and enjoy time together.

The space will be open and accessible to the wider Maungatapere community, creating another valuable place for connection, recreation and community events.

It’s fantastic to see this project moving from an idea into reality!

Want to find out more or support the project?To learn more about the plans or make a donation, click here

Nine Days of Magnificent Magnolias – Don’t Miss It!

Winter has never looked so beautiful! This August, visitors will have an extra-special opportunity to experience the stunning Magnolia gardens, with nine full days to wander, enjoy the winter colour and support a wonderful cause.

🌿 Magnolia Open Days 2026

This year, the Magnolia Open Days are trying something a little different. Instead of opening for just a weekend, the gardens will be open daily from Saturday 8 August through to Sunday 16 August, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to come along.

📅 Saturday 8 August – Sunday 16 August

🕙 10am – 3pm daily

🎟️ $10 entry – EFTPOS available

Come and enjoy the fabulous winter colour, bring along family and friends, and take your time exploring the gardens.

There will also be tea and coffee available for purchase, as well as raffles.

And, as always, there is an important reason to visit beyond the beautiful gardens. All proceeds from the Magnolia Open Days will once again go to I Have A Dream Charitable Trust NZ, supporting young people to overcome barriers, achieve their goals and reach their potential.

🌸 Come for the magnolias, stay for the cause!

Make a date in your calendar and help spread the word about this wonderful community event.

MAUNGATAPERE — HAVE YOUR SAY!

At our recent Maungatapere community meeting, we asked those who came along:

“What would you love to see in Maungatapere?”

We had some great conversations and people placed their red dots on the areas they'd most like to see our community focus on in future community-led projects.

But we know that not everyone could make it along — so now we want to hear from the wider Maungatapere community!

Whangārei District Council provides funding for community-led initiatives in our area, and your feedback helps us understand where our community would like that funding and effort directed.

Please share your feedback and vote here.

Get Planting in Maungatapere! Community Planting Day at Puna Komaru

Northpower is inviting the Maungatapere community to a Community Planting Day at the Puna Komaru solar farm. Bring your spade and help us get some new plants in the ground — Northpower will provide the plants!

📅 Saturday 5 September🕙 10am–12 noon📍 Puna Komaru, 55 Pukeatua Road, Maungatapere

Please bring your spade, good shoes, gardening gloves and a drink bottle.

And, as a thank you for getting stuck in, join us for a BBQ from 11am! 🌭

To help make sure there are enough plants for everyone and plenty of food for the BBQ, please complete the Community Planting Day form if you’re planning to attend.

Come along, lend a hand and help make Puna Komaru even greener! 🌱

[Join our Community Planting Day at Puna Komaru solar farm

Compost Fundraiser – Support Mangakahia U13s Rugby Team

Get your garden Spring ‑ready and help our U13s get to the NZ Junior Rugby Festival in Taupo this year! $30 for a trailer load of compost Pick‑up: Sunday 30 August, 9am–12pm Location: 510 Jordan Valley RoadPRE‑ORDER ONLYPlease place your order on or before Wednesday 26 August by emailing: youngallblacks@gmail.comThank you for supporting our team – every trailer load gets them one step closer!