8 INTERCLUB • VOLUME 29, ISSUE 2 - 2023 REACHING CLUBS SINCE 1995 CLUB LIFE: MOUNT MANAIA CLUB Situated at the base of Mt Manaia, the Manaia Club is an important part of the local community for social gatherings on a weekly basis. Sue Russell Stunning views at the base of Mt Manaia 1379 Whangarei Head Rd, Parua Bay 0174 | 09 436 2740 PROUDLY SUPPORTING MT MANAIA CLUB Open Hours: Mon - Fri: 7.00am - 7.00pm Sat: 7.00am - 7.00pm | Sun: 8.00am - 7.00pm order online 24/7 F irst for foodservice A cut above for fresh meat 09 430 4925 | 26 Te Waiiti Place, Whangarei One-stop supply solution delivering quality fresh fruits & vegetables Dry Foods • Frozen Food • Fresh Meat - NZ’s Largest Foodservice Distributor Proud to supply Mt Manaia Club .co.nz The Manaia Club is situated at the base of Mt Manaia with a stunning view looking out over McLeods Bay in the Whangarei Heads area. It can take anything from 20 minutes to over half an hour to drive into town from the Whangarei Heads, hence the Manaia Club is an important part of the local community for social gatherings on a weekly basis. Club President Richard Parker says the club - “like so many clubs throughout the country” - has been struggling with attendance since the Covid outbreak, with last year being “particularly hard”. “People have become used to staying at home and have been afraid to venture out again.” Earlier this year, when it was supposed to be summer, Cyclone Gabrielle arrived bringing slips and ooding. “No one wanted to go out in the rain, however we have got through winter and with longer days and warmer weather and asking members for their support the club is going to survive,” says Richard. There are new faces on the committee joining existing committee members ready to serve the club with plenty of new ideas. “Our attendance at our Pool and Darts evenings is showing promise with increased attendance. Nothing like a friendly in house competition each week.” Richard says he expects a strong revival of the Fishing section with the club so close to the waters of Whangarei Harbour, with its many bays and the Poor Knights Islands off the coast. On Friday nights members and guests often enjoy a wind down from the week that was, enjoying a drink and a meal, culminating in the popular members draw. “We also have a craft club that meets once a week and our local Surf Life Savers have used our premises for their AGM and occasional parties.” He says that the club has enjoyed some great parties with bands playing complemented by fabulous food offerings from Dawn in the kitchen. “We’ve had JT, Koltrain and the Jazz Man, The Turangi Road Band, international jazz starts perform as well as our favourite jazz singer June Hayes. We always like to support the local musicians in the area.” With the deck area now able to be closed in guests can enjoy a private dining function area. The same space can be opened up to add extra room to the main club. “We’re starting to call it the room with a view. You can sit at a table while watching the amazing sun set. “The club’s licence allows it to have up to 140 people on the premises and if needed, a special licence for speci c events can be obtained.” The Manaia Club is open every day from 4pm except Tuesday and two Thursdays of each month. “The second Thursday of every month is Quiz night, run by our Quiz Master, Anni. On the last Thursday of every month is our ever popular BINGO run by our long term life member Stu.” The Kitchen is open for meals on Fridays and Saturdays. Dawn does a grand job and Richard says you can’t beat the sh ‘n’ chips or the steak offering. “There is a good range of options on the menu and Dawn puts out a special every week.” The club offers seasonal membership and visitors are always welcome. “We live in paradise here in Whangarei Heads. “It is an awesome community to be in and the Manaia Club is very much a part of the life style you can enjoy here.”
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