Mangawhai markets itself as Magical Mangawhai. It's a fast growing, popular beach holiday destination. The area has a permanent population of 1800 people but I swear there must be a holiday home for every permanent resident, with still more sub-divisions being developed.
The Smashed Pipi Cafe is a popular spot for my friends and I to meet occasionally for lunch followed by a stroll through the adjacent art gallery, then perhaps a walk along one of the nearby beaches. On Sunday Chris and I met Twink and Pete there for a celebratory birthday lunch for Twink. The weather meant a beach walk was off the agenda but we strolled around the corner to the new Bennett's Chocolate Factory. Their new premises are very impressive and would at home in any city.
But right next door sits a reminder of the old Mangawhai. I wonder how long before this prime real estate is sold and these buildings knocked down to make way for progress?
I was amused by the old brick tied to the water pipe to hold it in place:
