
The Destination Or The Journey?
The Orton/Bagnall family’s journey from the Bahamas to Panama, came with challenges and sleepless nights, but also the excitement of discovery. They reflect on the rewards of their adventure, culminating in a perfect moment on a tropical beach - reminding us that the true paradise often lies in the journey itself.

Electric Go-Karts Built For Champions
The Matakana Country Park is now home to an electrifying new attraction - E-Volt Racing Matakana, an electric go-kart experience designed for thrill-seekers and racing enthusiasts alike.

From Maungaturoto To The Main Stage - Erny Belle
Erny Belle returns to her roots, with a fresh sound and highly anticipated second album, ‘Not Your Cupid’, performing live at Leigh Sawmill Café on Saturday 8 March.

Life Lessons From Our Children
As they journey through the stunning Exuma islands in the Bahamas, the Orton/Bagnall family shares a heartfelt glimpse into life at sea, highlighting the bonds forged, fears overcome, and lessons learned along the way.

Where Community, Surf, Skate and Golf Unite
No Limits Surf, Skate & Golf has firmly planted itself as a go-to spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Mangawhai Heads. What started as a passion project has grown into a thriving business that captures the essence of this vibrant coastal town.

Empowering Teens Through Style
Setting out with a simple yet powerful mission, Vicki Fricker’s passion for empowering teen girls to express themselves through fashion has culminated in the launch of &Wild Clothing.

Modern Boards For Every Break
Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity, Surf by Blank has carved a niche in New Zealand's surf scene, offering high-performance boards and gear with a fresh twist.

Sunscreen With a Purpose
Jules Bright, the passionate founder of Earth’s Kitchen Sunscreen, is on a mission to revolutionise sunscreen with a solution that’s as good for people, as it is for the planet.

Life Beneath The Surface
Frances Dickinson is an underwater filmmaker, photographer, and video editor based on the Big Omaha coastline; so it comes as no surprise that Goat Island is one of her favourite spots.

Casting Lines, Building Connections
Established in 1986, the Warkworth Gamefish Club forms the Sportfishing Division of the Sandspit Yacht Club, bringing together fishing enthusiasts in this coastal locale.

Sun Protection Made Fun
For Waipu parents Marnie and Steve Hillier, a day at the beach with four young boys meant endless sunscreen struggles and concerns about UV protection. So they created Cucumber Cool - a range of full-coverage, UPF50+ swimsuits and hats designed to keep kids safe, visible, and stylish in the sun. We caught up with Marnie to learn more.

Sandsational 2025
Building up to be another sensational event, create a sand sculpture masterpiece at this year’s Sansational event. A day billed as a fun-filled family day out by the organisers, The REAL Team at Barfoot & Thompson Mangawhai in conjunction with Mangawhai Lions Club, has something for everyone.

Dodging Hurricanes, Finding Treasures
We check back in with the Orton/Bagnall family as they dream of white sand beaches, crystal clear warm water, abundant marine life and bonfires on coconut palm-laden islands on the next leg of their adventure.

Plan Trips Like a Pro
After a career spent exploring the world and working with major international airlines, Cindy Bakewell now shares her wealth of travel knowledge as a trusted advisor - guiding clients to unforgettable experiences and expertly planned journeys.
Waipu’s River Walk -Shaped by the Community
The Waipu River Walk stands as a community-driven project that has turned a stretch of riverside into an easy loop trail with scenic views.

Custom Creations with Aitken Surfboards
A passionate surfer and craftswoman, Lou Aitken has been building boards for nearly 10 years, culminating in the opening of her own Matakana-based factory.

Wild Swimming and Yoga
Ready to gain the confidence, stamina and courage to explore uncharted territory? Leigh local, Kaye Mueller, invites sea enthusiasts of all levels to join adventures that are worth diving into.

Te Kohuroa Rewilding
Locally-led marine conservation project, Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative (TKRI), creates hands-on restoration activities to support the regeneration of the coastline at Matheson Bay, Leigh.

Riding The Wave
Making history with three talented young surfers from Mahurangi College on the team for the first time, Auckland has claimed victory at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Surf Nationals.
Small Batch, Big Dreams -Shaggy Surfwear
What began as a few hand-drawn designs and an Instagram page has since evolved into a flourishing business that proudly represents local surf culture.