Summer on the Shore is pretty special. We asked some local summer lovers what they enjoy most about the North Shore this season.
Matthew Fong, Honda Cars
Matthew is the busy branch manager at Honda Cars in Wairau Road, keeping a big team humming all year. He is looking forward to some relaxation over the summer.
What do North Shore summers mean to you?
The beach and barbecues! Being out and about with family and friends making the most of the long summer evenings.
What’s your favourite event / venue that you never miss?
I can’t remember what it’s called, but every year at Brown’s Bay there are great family activities set up beachside. Music, buskers, and outdoor equipment like hula-hoops, stilts etc for kids to engage with. (Editor’s note: Summer Fun Friday afternoons, monthly Twilight Markets).
Do you have a ‘hidden gem’ that other North Shore residents might not know about?
At the risk of sounding selfish, it is a “hidden gem” for the factor that others do not know about it.
What would you recommend visitors do on the North Shore this summer?
For those like me with young children, keeping up to speed with the local Christmas parades. Although not on the same scale as the Farmer’s parade held in the city, the local parades are a lot of fun and an opportunity to get out and meet your neighbours.
What else would you like to see for future North Shore generations to do in summers to come?
Nothing different really. But probably to be more mindful of the footprints we leave. Using public spaces as great as ours is a real privilege, so to make sure we tidy up after ourselves.
What do you hope to achieve in 2020?
More of the same from 2019 – family time and moments with loved ones. More gratitude and reflection on what and who I have in my life.
Brady Campbell, Mairangi Bay Surf Club
Brady is powercraft officer at the club and is currently on the lifeguarding committee. Having qualified as a lifeguard at age 14, he is responsible for everything involving a rescue boat such as driver and crew instruction, maintenance, resourcing and simulated rescue competition, as well as patrolling and competing for the surf club.
What do North Shore summers mean to you?
New Zealand summer is unrivalled and the Shore makes work, beach, and socialising accessible. I would have left Auckland a long time ago if I couldn’t live on the Shore; I might as well live on the water! I tell people I’m from ‘north of Auckland’ all the time.
What’s your favourite event / venue that you never miss?
Mairangi Bay Food and Wine Festival in February is one of my favourites, and they support the Surf Club, so that’s a bonus. I’m a bit of a foodie.
Do you have a ‘hidden gem’ that other North Shore residents might not know about?
The easy answer is Mairangi Bay at sunrise; it’s quiet and on a clear day you can see Coromandel and Great Barrier Island. Rangitoto has a perfect reflection in the glassy water and you know it’s going to be a good day.
What would you recommend visitors do on the North Shore this summer?
Go for a sunrise walk at Long Bay Regional Park or along the beach and seawalls from Murrays Bay to Campbells Bay. For the more adventurous, head to the Okura bushwalks (where I grew up). Then finish your day with friends and evening fish and chips at the beach.
What else would you like to see for future North Shore generations to do in summers to come?
I’d love to see more activities for young people at the beach. Get them outside doing things like playing beach cricket and volleyball, use water equipment that may be for hire. Give them a place to be other than in front of their phones.
What do you hope to achieve in 2020?
I’ll be looking to continue my role within the surf club as instructor, coach and powercraft officer, as well as competing myself. We are hoping for big things at nationals this year and I’d love to see the team in contention for the national title. We are also in training to send a team to world champs in Italy to represent the club, and that same team will be trialling for a spot in the national team. So hopefully we can make that happen!
Adam Mather, Manager at Franc's Bar and Diner, Takapuna
Adam balances running the thriving Franc's establishment and is lucky that he can look at Takapuna Beach anytime while he's working.
What do North Shore summers mean to you?
Sharing sunny days, great food and drinks in our local paradise. Running Francs Bar & Diner, I meet so many great people. When the sun's out, it’s hard to do better than the Shore.
What’s your favourite event / venue that you never miss?
The Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival is always a great day. January is such a fantastic time with holidays in full swing and families enjoying the beach, our restaurants and shopping areas.
Do you have a ‘hidden gem’ that other North Shore residents might not know about?
I love grabbing a coffee at Holy Shot on Hurstmere Road. It is one of my favourite little spots.
What would you recommend visitors do on the North Shore this summer?
Try bubble soccer: free every Saturday on the Takapuna Beach foreshore. People encased in human sized blow up balls attempting to kick a ball is very amusing! This is an initiative from Kia Kaha Studios and Franc's to encourage outdoor activity near our beautiful beach.
What else would you like to see for future North Shore generations to do in summers to come?
I’d love to see future generations enjoy clean, safe swimming beaches. There is plenty of work to be done to make that a reality and we can all help.
What do you hope to achieve in 2020?
Soak up the goodness. Enjoy the journey.
Adam Bennett, Highlife Entertainment
Adam is in the business of entertainment, creating innovative events where the focus is on people having fun, particularly during summer months.
What do North Shore summers mean to you?
Spending the days down at Cheltenham or Takapuna beaches, lots of BBQs or visits to the local restaurants. House parties, fishing, swimming and heaps of family and friends time in the sun.
What’s your favourite event / venue that you never miss?
We never miss the Devonport Santa Parade. It’s a family tradition and we always catch up with a lot of people we grew up with from around the area. The kids love it!
Do you have a ‘hidden gem’ that other North Shore residents might not know about?
Mount Cambria Reserve. It’s always so peaceful there and not many people know it even exists apart from Devo locals.
What would you recommend visitors do on the North Shore this summer?
Come to the Sunsetter Food, Wine & Music Festival on Saturday 15th February at Smales Farm! (Haha - had to get a plug in here somewhere for it).
What else would you like to see for future North Shore generations to do in summers to come?
More vibrant music events and activities for people to enjoy around the place. It’s time the Shore had more of a pulse. We don’t have enough happening over this side of the bridge and in comparison to other international cities and beachside suburbs we are falling behind.
What do you hope to achieve in 2020?
To help more people in need where possible, spend more time with my family and take our events business to a whole new level.
