http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz en-us Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:05:25 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/159598/hopper-living-brings-its-award-winning-lifestyle-to-aucklands-clarks-beach/ Exciting news is on the horizon for the Clarks Beach and Waiau Pa communities, with Hopper Living confirming plans for a brand-new retirement village on the shores of the Manukau Harbour. Recently recognised as New Zealand’s Best Multi-Village Group at the NZ Seniors Awards 2025, Hopper Living is bringing its proven, people-first approach to one of South Auckland’s most scenic coastal locations.This thoughtfully planned development will become Hopper Living’s fifth retirement village, cont... Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:39:54 +1300 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post159598 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/158345/breathing-new-life-into-the-waiau-pa-tennis-courts-for-our-local-community/ If you’ve driven past the Waiau Pa tennis courts recently, you may have noticed something exciting happening. A quiet transformation is underway, thanks to a dedicated group of local volunteers who have generously given their time, skills, and energy to revitalise this much-loved community space.Over recent weeks, a small but mighty team has come together to begin repairing and restoring the courts and surrounding area. Work has included repairing and replacing nets and posts, securing the clu... Tue, 23 Dec 2025 07:20:55 +1300 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post158345 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/156512/huntly-house-clarks-beach-legacy-all-of-her-own/ Though often mistaken for being an original Clarks Beach homestead, Huntly House has created a legacy all of her own in just eight short years.  Primarily a much loved family home, she has also opened her doors to an extraordinary array of visitors.  Film crews, weary travellers, excited bridal parties, charities, neighbours, and countless community gatherings. ... Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:10:04 +1300 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post156512 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/155314/restoring-real-childhoods-nature-connection-confident-learners/ For more than three decades, our locally owned and operated centres have focused on something simple and powerful: preserving authentic childhoods. We champion outdoor play, hands-on exploration, rich conversations, and real-world problem-solving—exactly the experiences children need to grow resilient, creative, and confident in an increasingly sedentary, digital world.In this post, we’ll share how our approach nurtures whole-child development, why mixed-age learning matters, and what makes ... Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:23:07 +1300 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post155314 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/153308/womens-suffrage-day-honouring-our-past-powering-the-future/ On Friday, 19 September, our wonderful host Hansa Naran gathered a room of passionate women to mark Women’s Suffrage Day—a turning point in New Zealand’s history and a reminder of how far we’ve come. The evening opened with Hansa’s beautifully prepared vegetarian meal, the lighting of a candle, and a quiet moment of remembrance for the courageous suffragettes whose determination changed our nation.... Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:17:25 +1300 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post153308 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/150124/waiau-pa-school-calf-club-a-day-of-fun-farming-and-fundraising/ Saturday 11th October 2025.One of our favourite local traditions is back – the Waiau Pa School Calf Club! This year, the Waiau Pa school’s hard-working PTA has made an exciting change, moving the event to a Saturday so that more of our working community members can come along and join the fun.Mark your calendars for Saturday 11th October 2025 and get ready for a day that celebrates rural life, community spirit, and the creativity of our local children.... Sun, 10 Aug 2025 15:40:07 +1200 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post150124 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/148193/ratahi-leaves-waiuku-for-last-time/ On Wednesday 28 May 2025, the little ship Ratahi which moored alongside the Jane Gifford Wharf left Waiuku for the last time.  She made her way with her new owner Sarah Ensor and her brother Rusty Ensor and former owner Trevor Pennington at the helm.The Ratahi departed Waiuku shortly after 10am on the high tide bound for Te Toro where she would stay for two days before starting her lengthy journey out through the Manukau Harbour entrance, around North Cape and down the east coast to Taurang... Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post148193 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/147876/boosting-our-rural-businesses/ As I write this, I’ve just returned from Fieldays where the mood amongst the farming community is upbeat. There is a sense that we have turned a corner and better times are ahead.Our Government is working super-hard to grow our economy. This is how we will raise living standards, create higher-paying jobs, and fund public services that Kiwis depend on.... Sun, 29 Jun 2025 13:40:31 +1200 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post147876 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/147863/whats-changing-with-rates-and-rubbish-in-franklin/ Auckland Council has published its latest rating valuations, revealing notable shifts across property categories. These valuations, certified by the Valuer-General, provide a snapshot of property values as of 1 May 2024, impacting rates calculations for the 2025/2026 financial year.... Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post147863 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/post/145849/manukau-harbour-matters/ This was well attended – perhaps 120 people from right round the harbour, generally very enthusiastic – but one has to wonder whether it achieved anything. The Manukau Harbour Forum Chair, Jon Turner, gave a good introduction about the slow pace of progress on Manukau Harbour improvement; but unfortunately few subsequent speakers addressed the challenges he raised.... Mon, 26 May 2025 19:07:35 +1200 http://www.clarksbeachwaiaupa.co.nz/blog/#post145849