Local Stories

Local Voices & Local Places

Te Hiku Local Stories

Inspiring stories from our community.

Three people smiling in front of a food truck. Man gives peace sign. Other two wear matching t-shirts.

Five on the Fly - Josh Tatu

By Anna Sutton • November 16, 2025
Meet Josh Tatu, the proud owner and operator of the Legit Burger Company food trailer here in the Far North. Selling a range of burgers with low-carb options, also salads and desserts—all of which he preps at the beginning of each day before service.
Woman holding produce: a car with vegetables, zucchini, and carrots with a smiling expression in an outdoor setting.

Five on the Fly - Ashleigh Manukau-McEwan

By Anna Sutton • October 3, 2025
Kia ora and welcome to Five on the Fly, where we sit down with local business people to hear their stories, challenges and hopes for Te Hiku. In five quick questions, we get to know the person behind the business, what drives them and what they hope for the future of our region. Interviewee - Ashleigh Manukau-McEwan 1. Tell us about yourself Hey, my name is Ashleigh Manukau-McEwan and I am spoilt in my life. I have my dogs, who are like my best friends. I have a great soon-to-be husband, who is just as spontaneous as I am and I love travelling. My career in broadcasting has taken me all over the world, but nothing quite beats the paradise of living in the Far North. I am more landlocked nowadays with gardens, chickens and dogs and in my spare time I really enjoy making websites for other small businesses. That, and hanging out with my family. Although I grew up in Mangonui, I’ve lived away from home for the last 15 years, so it’s incredible to be able to drive up the road to make a sandwich using my parents $15 spreadable butter.
Gravel driveway leading to buildings. Cars and vans parked outside a shop with a sign. Fence in foreground.

Threads of the Yard

By Tyrone Biddle | P&P Flooring • September 18, 2025
This story comes from guest writer Tyrone Biddle of P&P Flooring Ltd.
People in a room watching a presentation. Some are seated, and two stand near a screen.

Locals Supporting Locals

By Sylvia Nugent • May 28, 2025
In Te Hiku, support doesn’t always come with a big announcement or a media release. It is given unconditionally. Often, it looks like a box of sausages for a fundraiser, donated goods for a school event, time volunteered at a local kura, or a quiet donation to help a sports team buy new jerseys. It’s practical, thoughtful, and deeply local.
A group of men are sitting at a table at chilli comp in front of a sign that says iron zion

The 2025 F U Chilli Eating Competition Heats Up Waipapakauri

By Sylvia Nugent • April 11, 2025
There’s something about watching grown adults cry into baby wipes that really brings a community together. I arrived just after 5pm at the Waipapakauri Hotel garden bar, and the place was buzzing. The sun was out, the energy was high, and the kids' sour lolly competition was already underway. Dozens of tamariki, faces set with determination, hands planted firmly on the table, powering through round after round of lip-puckering lollies. It felt like watching a mini army of sugar warriors. I swear, some of these kids had trained for this moment. As I stood there, surrounded by whānau cheering and laughing, I had a feeling: we were witnessing the next generation of chilli comp legends in the making.
Three people at a counter under a tent. Two men examine food on a scale. Another man stands behind the counter.

Snapper Bonanza 2025

By Sylvia Nugent • March 13, 2025
Every year, the Snapper Bonanza transforms Ninety Mile Beach into more than just a fishing competition, it’s a annual event that strengthens local businesses, supports local initiatives, and brings whānau and friends together. While the Snapper Bonanza is the biggest surfcasting competition in the world, those who take part know it’s about far more than the prizes. It’s about tradition, connection, the thrill of the chase, and the shared passion for fishing, all made possible by the strong sense of community that surrounds the event.

Proudly Local | Proudly Te Hiku

These short kōrero shine a light on the voices of Te Hiku

Foliga

What do you love most about Te Hiku:
It's a very relaxed and quiet lifestyle, beautiful beaches and stunning environment, and I love hiking and exploring unique natural habitats and fishing too . Living in the far north is so peaceful and laid-back pace of life, and I love it, compared to the city.

Favourite place to eat/drink:
North Drift Cafe in Ahipara, Manaaki on 25 Kaitaia and Peekaboo Backyard Eatery.
(Sorry, I'm not a coffee drinker )

In her spare time:
I love gardening, going for a walk in different places, hiking once a month with 2 friends from Whangarei and spending quality time with my small family .

A local gem more people should know about:
There are many but if I had to choose one, I would say Matthews Vintage Collection, just before Taipa, an absolutely amazing collection.

Josh

What’s your name, and where are you from?
I’m Josh. I live in Kaitaia. I’m really into Waka Ama, going to the gym, and trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I love keeping active, it helps keep my head clear and gives me something positive to focus on.

What do you love most about living in Te Hiku?
What I love most about living in Te Hiku is the slower pace of life and how connected everyone is. People look out for each other here. You can head to the beach or the lake within minutes, and it’s just a really grounding place to live.

Where’s your favourite place to eat/drink around here?
Happy Bowl is my go-to spot after training, their food is always good, especially after a long training session. For coffee, I like Kaitaia Bakehouse Cafe and Roast.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m into Waka Ama, I love being out on the water, training with the team, and just that feeling of working together in sync. When I’m not paddling, I’m usually at the gym or hanging out with my family. Sometimes it’s nice to just relax, watch a bit of YouTube, and unwind after a busy day.

What’s one local gem more people should know about?
Kaitaia Strength & Fitness is definitely a local gem. It’s an awesome gym with a really supportive vibe. The owner, Tarri, is amazing; she’s always there to help, teach, and guide you through your workouts. She makes everyone feel welcome, no matter what level you’re at, and that kind of support makes a huge difference.

Edwina

What’s your name, and where are you from?

My name is Edwina, I am from Awanui.


What do you love most about living in Te Hiku?

Te Hiku is home. I spent 14 years away in Australia, and now I'm back home.


Favourite place to grab a coffee:

BP Awanui. It's the bomb and it makes the best chai latte.


What do you like to do in your spare time?

I look after my grandchildren as often as I can. I do a lot of school mahi out of school hours, and I love craft.


A local gem more people should know about:

The first one is Paparore School. Amazing place to work at. And the second one is Te Ahu. So when you come to the Far North, go to Te Ahu, and you'll learn all about this beautiful area up north.

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