The Ministry of Christ Church
Profile for the Appointment of a Vicar to lead the
Anglican Parish of Whangarei
Christ Church - Whangarei City
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2b Kamo Road, Regent, Whangarei, 0112,
Northland, NEW ZEALAND
Tel: 09 437 6087
Fax: 09 437 6038
Email: waccc@callplus.net.nz
__________________________________________________ 2-18 Anglican Literacy Programme
2-19 Whangarei Anglican Care Trust 2-20 Anglican Twice Round Shop
2-21 Housekeeping
2-22 Vestry
2-23 Office
2-24 Weekly Pew Sheet and Data Projector Slides
2-25 Southern Rural Region
3. DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEW VICAR
3-1 Attributes
3-2 Skills and Abilities
4. PRIORITIES FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
4-2 Mission and Ministry
5. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
5-1 The Church
5-2 Vicarage
5-3 Parish Hall
5-4 Anglican Care Centre
5-5 New Community Centre
5-6 Maori Pastorate Offices and Vicarage
6. WHANGAREI CITY
6-1 The City and District
6-2 Shopping
6-3 Education
6-4 Employment
6-5 Tourism
6-6 Sport and Culture
6-7 Access
6-8 Services
6-9 Leisure
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1-4 With regard to Outreach and Proclamation:
In addition to maintaining Eucharist worship as witness and Gospel proclamation, we will seek to encourage people, especially young people and young families, by all possible means, to make Christ Church home, especially through our individual and corporate Christian witness, by our care and hospitality, by providing meaningful worship experiences, by providing for families vibrant and engaging children’s and youth ministries, and by actively involving new-comers in all aspects of parish life, spiritual and social.
We intend to renew efforts to promote the use of Christ Church for Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, and for concerts and similar events that dovetail with our mission and goals, and to continue and build on our support of the Anglican Care Centre, the Selwyn Foundation and the Hospital Chaplaincy ministry.
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1-5 With regard to Our Spiritual Growth and Community Development:
We wish to build on, encourage, resource and re-invigorate our home groups and study groups, creating new ones where needed, to be places where friendships can develop, where spiritual growth can occur, where Christian knowledge can be imparted and new leadership developed. We will expect the same of our many other groups and ministries.
---------------------------------------------------------- 1-6 With regard to relationships with our wider community:
We intend to strengthen and build on our present relationships and co-operations with The Tikanga Maori Pastorate, the local LSM ministries, the Catholic clergy and congregation of St Francis Xavier, the Selwyn Village and Selwyn Foundation, the Anglican Care Centre, and other like-minded Christian ministries and social action groups commended to us.
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2-9 Missions
The former Mission Action Team has recently been revitalised and is looking at ways of promoting mission ministry within the church, among the local community, throughout New Zealand, and overseas. Former members of the team meet regularly and offer invaluable prayer support to the ongoing work.
2-10 Pastoral Partners
Our programme has been running for three years now and is based on the Australian model by Sharonne Price. It is an effective, flexible way to provide inclusive, low key, caring support to every member of the congregation. The congregation is divided into clusters of approximately five family units with a trained Pastoral Partner who keeps a friendly eye out for the members of his or her cluster; maintains regular contact with them, prays for them and alerts the ministry team as needs emerge. The Pastoral Partners meet annually for ongoing training and nurturing.
2-11 Hospital and Home Communions
A team from Christ Church, St John’s Maunu, and St Paul’s Kamo is provided with oversight by the Hospital Chaplains. Working in pairs, they celebrate Communion with patients, at their bedsides, on Sunday mornings. Another team, again working in pairs, take Communion to local Rest Homes, and to parishioners in their own homes.
2-12 The Companions of St Francis
A small active group of 10 people meets monthly, using the Memorial Eucharist to bind them together. After the service they put on a breakfast to which all are invited, whether a Companion or not. They are very active in the various ministries in the church. They usually hold a “quiet time” once a year and are responsible for preparing Taize-style worship services as well as St Francis Day services. They have also been involved in preparing “Stations of the Cross” in Holy Week.
2-13 The Order of St Luke (Whangarei Chapter)
The Whangarei Chapter of the Order of St Luke the Physician is an ecumenical group of 22 members. Many are active Christ Church parishioners, devoted to whole-person wellbeing. They meet monthly for Bible study, personal development, ongoing learning, prayer, music, fellowship and lunch. Healing services are held quarterly. The present Chaplain is a Maori Pastorate priest whilst the Convener is a non-stipendiary priest.
2-13aThe Selwyn Fellowship
The Selwyn Centre is one of the Auckland Diocesan Selwyn Foundation, Parish Partnership Programmes for the older person. It operates from parish buildings throughout greater Auckland and Whangarei. They meet Mondays for Tai Chi and morning tea with a speaker, activity, demonstration or an outing followed by a two course meal. There is a small fee to pay weekly (between $5.00 per person up to $15 depending on the activity or visit). The Selwyn Centre provides the opportunity to meet new and old friends, good conversation, great company and stimulating interaction with people from all walks of life.
2-14 Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is a group that communicates systematically by telephone, praying for the Parish and responding to prayer requests.
2-15 The Women’s Twilight Fellowship
This is an ''early'' evening dinner meeting for Women of the Parish. Held the last Tuesday in February, June and November annually, it provides for companionship during a shared meal and usually a guest speaker. The aims are to unite in prayer; to participate in the Mission of the Church; to promote and safeguard Christian Family life; and to nurture all members in a loving environment.
2-16 “mainly music”
This is a programme for pre-schoolers and their caregivers which meets in the Hall on Thursday mornings during term-time. There are two sessions, with an average attendance, at each, of 35-40.
2-17 Education for Ministry
This small group, who meet fortnightly, commits, one year at a time, to a four-year programme of theological education. This Course emanates, by extension, from the University of the South, Sewannee, USA and is directed in NZ by the EFM Board in Wellington.
The studies cover “The Hebrew Scriptures”, “The Christian Testament”, “Christian Passages” (church history up to the 19th century) and “Theological Choices” (the emergence of modern religious thought), with an additional text; “Christianity in Aotearoa”. Members of the group are at different stages in the study, and all taking rather longer than four years to complete the programme. The emphasis at the seminar sessions is on theological reflection.
2-18 Anglican Literacy Programme
This programme was started in the Wellington Diocese some years ago and apparently did not take on so well in the Auckland Diocese. Nevertheless two dedicated persons visit Whangarei Primary School on Wednesday mornings in terms 2, 3 and 4 to assist with the reading programme. Five year-olds who are slightly behind their reading age are given one-on-one practice and encouragement. It was previously provided for the eight year olds.
2-19 Whangarei Anglican Care Trust
The Whangarei Anglican Care Trust was established in 1994 with a vision to ‘Take the love of God into the market place’. The core services offered are counselling, budget advice, a seniors community worker and information and advice. Incorporated into the service are short personal development courses and various budgeting courses. It is a professional and confidential service and is carried out in a Christian environment – whether in our purpose built facility in Whangarei or in other locations (Waipu, Dargaville, Ruakaka, Community Link offices and The Pulse). The nine counsellors, nine budget advisers, one community worker and three office staff are all Christians but represent many denominations. They work a variety of hours/days.
Governance is carried out by a Board of Trustees both elected and appointed under the Trust Deed; one of whom is the Vicar of Whangarei Parish. The Trust Deed is under review but will maintain its Anglican representation. It is an independent, self funding, registered Charity. The Trust has a respected and credible presence in the social services in Whangarei and beyond. Web site: www.whgcare.org.nz
2-20 The Anglican Twice Round Shop
Our Opportunity Shop has been operating (in different commercial establishments) for about 35 years, providing re-cycled clothing, bed linen and
other items at cheap prices, most of which is donated . The shop is open 9.30 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.30 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays. There is a stable team of volunteers and relievers (by no means all Anglicans), ably led by Dora Kennett. The shop provides a social ministry to workers and customers, both practically and emotionally. We endeavour to provide a social get-together for the Volunteers twice a year. After expenses the annual profit is in the area of $18,000.00.
2-21 Housekeeping
Although we have commercial cleaners for the floors and toilets, there is a roster of volunteers for tidying, dusting and brass polishing. And different groups look after the following, also on a roster basis…
· sanctuary linen and silver.
· church flowers
· the weekly counting of the offertory
· grass-cutting and grounds maintenance
2-22 The Vestry
The vestry comprises the Vicar, two Synod Reps., two Churchwardens and nine elected members, from a variety of age groups (20s to 70s). It is an energetic and harmonious body. Some have joined the Christ Church faith community only in the last five years or so.
2-23 The Office
The office is open each weekday from 9.00 am to noon, staffed by volunteers each of whom has his/her own day (though there is plenty of give and take amongst them). We have worked successfully for a year or so on a joint management basis. In addition to the daily volunteers there is one key person, a Vestry member, who “does the books” and keeps an eye on ordering supplies etc. She receives a small honorarium. One person prepares and produces the 7.30 worship roster quarterly: another produces the 9.30 roster for typing by the office volunteers.
2-24 The weekly pew sheet and data projector slides for the 9.30 service
Each of these documents is produced by a volunteer outside of the daily office staff. They tend to be done from home.
2-25 The Southern Rural Region With the de facto division of the Parish a couple of years ago into Christ Church/Harbour District/Western District, the Southern Rural region has struggled to maintain a sense of identity. When the formal division takes place in the near future Southern Rural will become a sub-district of Christ Church under the oversight of the Vicar, and will have representation on Ves
try. At present the following services are held –
· Maungakaramea – 2nd Sunday 9.30 am – 5th Sunday combined with Catholics
· Portland – 1st and 4th Sundays
· Mangapai – 1st and 3rd Sundays 11 am. Although the church building belongs to the Parish, the services are run by the local community. Their current leader is, we think, a Presbyterian.
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·Team player – willing to delegate
· Management/organizational skills
· Pastorally sensitive
· Mission oriented and inclusive
· Musical – prepared to continue the sung-Eucharist liturgical tradition (our current Contemporary setting, with piano and guitar accompaniment throughout the Prayer of Great Thanksgiving links the traditionally sung sections. It includes some simple ‘versicle and response’ sections).
Experience Some life experience – able to relate to wide cross-section of NZ society (in social justice issues) (rich/poor, men/women, Maori/ Pakeha) Firm but fair negotiator/reconciler in conflict situations
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· Non-stipendary clergy
· A pastoral care team
· Selwyn Centre for the over 65s
· “mainly music” for the under 5s
· Children’s Ministry worker
· Christian education and development
· Music team
· Twice Round shop and team
· Care Centre (budgeting, counselling and Seniors Worker)
· Vestry team with sub-groups Our people are looking for spiritual growth and for development of the skills needed to be effective in their endeavours. We envisage the building of various flexible teams with training, recognition and with Licenses for those lay leaders wishing to work under the Vicar in ministry.
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5-4 The Anglican Care Centre
Three years ago the parish rejoiced at the opening of a new, purpose built facility to house the increasingly important work of the Anglican Care Trust here in Whangarei. They offer budgeting advice, counselling, a Seniors Care Worker, help in times of need and more . See their website at:- http://www.whgcare.org.nz/
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Now that the new parish structure is nearly in place we can concentrate on a huge fund raising exercise to make up the difference between the diocese’s generous offer of $500,000 and the full cost of the project. This building will provide us with the practical means to be more effective in our mission to both the local community and the rest of Northland.
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6-5 Tourism
Whangarei is well served by cafes and restaurants. Motels, Backpackers and B&Bs provide a variety of accommodation for travelers. Whangarei is 60 minutes away from the Bay of Islands and 30 minutes away from the Tutukaka Coast where there is boat access to the marine reserve of the Poor Knight Islands, as well as fabulous sandy beaches not far from the CBD.
6-6 Sports and Culture
Hockey is an extremely popular sport for both men and women in Whangarei where there are two international standard astro-turf grounds. Cricket, rugby, soccer, basketball, netball, tennis, league, badminton, swimming, sky-diving and squash are also popular. Whangarei has a recently upgraded public swimming pool complex.
The city also boasts some fine outdoor bowls clubs and a readily accessible rifle range. Within the CBD are many gyms, while Kensington Park is available for most grass based sporting codes. There is also a new cricket ground and a newly upgraded stadium which will be hosting Rugby World Cup matches.
Youth music has gone from strength to strength with children able to learn most orchestral instruments while those wishing to learn the piano can expect a good standard of tuition. Children can learn ballet and other dance forms from teachers of good renown. Whangarei has a choral society, a theatre company that produces musicals and a drama society. Whangarei holds an annual Summer Festival.
6-7 Access
Auckland – two hours by road
Kaitaia – two hours by road
Air NZ link – daily flights to Auckland – 30 minutes
Northliner and Inter-City bus link
6-8 Services
Northland Base Hospital, as its name suggests, is the major hospital for the Northland region and is a teaching hospital. The newly opened Kensington Hospital offers surgery for private clientele. Whangarei is spoilt for choice as far as medical, dental and other professional services are concerned.
6-9 Leisure
Enjoying the great outdoors is a favorite pastime. Tramping, diving, fishing, boating, swimming and surfing are able to be pursued within 30 minutes of downtown Whangarei.
Whangarei also offers the following:
· The Town Basin, at the head of the Whangarei Harbor, which is an attractive marina and tourist centre.
· Many cafes and quality restaurants .
· A library, located in the centre of town which has a good range of books and DVDs.
· A five- screen cinema theatre complex.
· A Film Club which screens Foreign and Art movies weekly
· A ten-pin bowling facility
· Folk Music Club which meets monthly
· Numerous bars and a few nightclubs in the CBD.
· Numerous Service Clubs.
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THE SOUTHERN RURAL SUB-DISTRICT
All Saints - Maungakaramea
Christ Church - Mangapai
Holy Cross - Portland
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1. OUR MISSION, OBJECTIVES AND GOALS
1-1 Mission Statement of the wider Anglican Church
1-2 Worship
1-3 Maintenance and future proofing
1-4 Outreach and proclamation
1-5 Spiritual growth and community development
1-6 Relationships with the wider community
2. OUR MINISTRY
2-1 The Parish of Whangarei and Southern Districts
2-2 Regular Worship Services
2-3 Morning tea
2-4 Selwyn Park
2-5 Uniting with local Catholics
2-6 Christmas
2-7 Easter
2-8 Children’s Ministry
2-9 Missions
2-10 Pastoral Partners
2-11 Hospital and home communions
2-12 Companions of St Francis
2-13 Order of St Luke (Whangarei Chapter)
2-13a The Selwyn Fellowship 2-14 Prayer Chain
2-15 Women’s Twilight Fellowship
2-16 mainly music
2-17 Education for Ministry
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1-1 With regard to the mission statement of the wider Anglican Church:
The mission of the wider Anglican Church is defined by five particular tasks with which we wholeheartedly agree.
· Proclamation of the Good News
· Nurture of believers in their faith
· Responding to human need through acts of loving service
· Transformation of unjust structures of society
· Care for God’s creation
--------------------------------------- 1-2 With regard to Worship:
We strongly desire to keep Eucharistic worship as the central sign of, and witness to all we are, believe and proclaim as a people of God. We intend therefore to strengthen and build on the established 7:30 a.m. Sunday Eucharist, the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Eucharist and its associated Children’s liturgy, and the Wednesday and Friday Eucharists. We will encourage and enable the churches of the Southern District to see their Eucharistic worship in this light. We will work to encourage and resource those among us whose particular care and ministry it is to be involved with the many aspects of our regular Eucharistic worship. ---------------------------------------
1-3 With regard to Maintenance and Future- proofing:
We are working steadfastly toward addressing the many issues relating to maintenance of our church building and vicarage and toward the building of our __________________________________
2-1 The Parish of Whangarei and Southern Districts
The parish of Whangarei is currently finalising some significant changes to its structure. The Parish is comprised of Christ Church, (the urban centre) and three satellite districts, Western, Harbour and Southern. An amicable agreement was finally reached to reform the structure into three separate parishes. One parish is to be formed from the Western Districts, another from Harbour Districts and yet another from Christ Church with Southern Districts as its sub-district. The Southern Districts are comprised of three small churches; Holy Cross at Portland, All Saints at Maungakaramea and Christ Church at Mangapai.
The congregation at Christ Church in the city has a worshipping congregation totaling about 175 at the two Sunday Eucharists. Holy Cross and All Saints
often reach 25 or so in their Sunday services but as the congregation emigrates from one to the other it is difficult to settle on an accurate figure.
Reverend Ngaire Beehre, a non-stipendiary priest, is the Chaplain at Selwyn Park Rest home and is a Christ Church parishioner. There is one other non-stipendiary priest, two retired priests, and one retired deacon who are willing to assist when invited by the Vicar.
Of the nearly 75,000 people in the Whangarei District, 10,879 identified themselves as Anglican in the last census of whom 4,828 live in the Christ Church area. (These figures are taken from the (2006 NZ Statistical Survey).
Our people come from within the traditional Parish boundaries and beyond. The congregation of about is predominantly over 65 years old although there are growing numbers of younger people. Volunteer support is strong.
2-2 Regular Worship Services (foundational to our life as a faith community)
7.30 am Sunday – Eucharist (with music)
First Sunday of the month – Book of Common Prayer
9.30 am Sunday – Eucharist – family oriented – variety and quality of music – content of service conveyed by data projector
Fifth Sundays – bilingual Eucharist with the Maori Pastorate. i.e. a Tikanga Rua service
7.30 am Wednesday – Eucharist (30-40 minutes, no music)
10.15 am Friday – Litany, followed by BCP Eucharist at 10.30 (no music)
We rarely deviate from the lectionary (RCL continuous) and never from the Prayer Book. We celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the new Care Centre building at a 9.30 service in June (there have been 3).
8.00 am First Saturday of the month – Companions of St Francis host a Eucharistic service of remembrance led by their Chaplain (a non- stipendiary Priest)
We do not have a regular evening service, though “Messy Church” has begun, in the Hall, and more are planned for the immediate future.
2-3 Morning tea
A substantial morning tea follows each Sunday service – and is sometimes an attraction for some of the City’s less fortunate people
2-4 Selwyn Park
(Retirement Village and Rest Home) – a service every Sunday - has its own Chaplain, one of Christ Church’s non-stipendiary clergy. The Vicar takes an active interest.
2-5 Uniting with the local Catholics
There is a history going back many years of having an evening service jointly with the Catholics on Ash Wednesday (non- Eucharistic – our own Eucharist is at the usual 7.30 am service) and a Carol service early in Advent at which the Whangarei Brass dominates! Many members of the public (especially families of the Band members) attend the latter. These two services are held alternately at Christ Church and at St Francis Xavier.
2-6 Christmas
· Christmas Eve 5.00 pm “Crib” service – church packed to the door and beyond’.
· 11 pm – “Midnight” Mass
· Christmas Day - one service only (8.30 am) (experimental – has led to confusion)
· Christmas Sunday – again we aim for one service only. This year (2011) Christmas Day falls on Sunday, so it will probably be considered preferable to stick with the usual 7.30 and 9.30.
2-7 Easter
· Lent Study Groups – six or seven groups are formed to follow a given study. (There are at least two on-going study groups).
· Holy Week – 7.30 am (additional) Eucharists on Monday and Tuesday – evening service on Maundy Thursday
· Good Friday - in recent years there has been one service only – at 12 noon – attendance of children discouraged. Local churches have a witness march on Good Friday, in which we don’t take part largely because of a clash of times
· Easter Day - We have recently added a Service of Light at 5 am – followed by usual 7.30 and 9.30 services. Following each of these services we enjoy celebratory chicken and champagne. The emphasis at 9.30 is on celebration, with sparklers, party poppers, children with flags an so on.
2-8 Children’s Ministry
The children and young families’ ministry at Christ Church is growing. We employ a part time (7 hours a week) children and young families worker whose role it is to assist in the development and organization of programmes for these groups. During term time there are programmes running for children from age 3 years to teenagers, with the option of a crèche should that be required (which it currently isn’t). Currently our numbers average at about 15 children across the age span. This usually swells during term 4, when we stage our annual Christingle Crib Service. This service is planned, developed and delivered by the kids ministry team, and involves a nativity drama each year which is usually adapted or written by the children and young families’ worker.
In addition, the kids’ ministry team identified a need in the community for a different approach to church for families. We have recently started Messy Church, and currently offer a service once every two months. It is anticipated that this will become monthly in time. This service is also planned, developed and delivered by the kids’ ministry team.
It is hoped that the young people’s involvement in the Sunday 9-30 a.m liturgy can continue to develop. This is something that is being prayerfully considered currently and will be further discussed with the appointment of a new vicar.
It is also hoped that further developments in this exciting, growing area of ministry can continue. There remains the need to develop and nurture the kids’ ministry team, and to continue growth both spiritually and numerically.
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3-1 Attributes
· Cares for own spiritual growth
· Ability to relate to parishioners in a social setting
· Person of prayer, who will encourage and strengthen the congregation in their prayer life
· A “liberated traditionalist”
· Family oriented
· Appreciates Anglican tradition and willing to further its present expression
3-2 Skills
· Preaches and “breaks open” the scriptures
· Good communicator and listener
· Encourager who will empower people
· Team builder – ministry between Christ Church and Southern Rural region
· Abilities in developing Youth Ministries and involving young people in all aspects of parish life
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4-1 Christ Church, as the centre of the Whangarei Parish is currently undergoing separation from the Harbour and Western Districts. These are now able to be self supporting Local Shared Ministry Units. Thus Christ Church is in a transitional stage of growth into a co-operative relationship with the Southern Rural District and is positioned both to grow and initiate mission into the City and surrounding Northland.
Christ Church is the largest faith community in the Waimate Archdeaconry and one of very few with a stipended Vicar. It also has the largest church building and , consequently, is often the venue of choice for Archdeaconry services such as the annual “Renewal of Vows” and “ Blessing of Oils.” It is also used by the community for large funerals and weddings in the Anglican tradition. There are a number of areas of mission in place…
· Non-stipendary clergy
· A pastoral care team
· Selwyn Centre for the over 65s
· “mainly music” for the under 5s
· Children’s Ministry worker
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5-1 The Church.
The city Church, a large A-frame building, was opened in the early sixties and seats up to 350 people. It includes a fully functioning office, Children’s Liturgy room, a small lounge and kitchen, toilets and a side chapel. It is surrounded by large park like grounds with mature pohutukawa trees from which tui song is often heard from high in their branches.
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5-2 The Vicarage
The Vicarage is a large gracious home, on a quiet back section, only two minutes walk from the church. It contains one single and three double bedrooms, en suite, separate bathroom and toilet and a study. The house also includes a spacious living room, kitchen, and separate dining area. It is within easy reach of schools, medical and recreation centres, supermarkets and city shopping.
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5-3 Parish Hall
Facing the church is a large, functional parish hall with a comfortable lounge and a good sized kitchen.
--------------------------------------- 5-5 The New Community Centre
Planning has been underway for some time to build a new Community Centre to replace the Parish Hall which is already obsolete (though still being used!). In order to serve our community well we need a purpose built Centre which includes offices, a modern kitchen, toilets for the disabled and a large meeting space. We are currently unable to cater for large weddings and funerals because the current parish hall is cold, scruffy, uninviting and placed too far from the church. If we are to properly take our place as the largest Anglican presence in Northland and run conferences, clergy meetings, youth events or dinners for the hungry, we need to act now.
The building will be placed at the northern end of the church with a covered walkway between the two, as seen in the concept drawings on this page. Tar-sealed car parking spaces will also be provided, on the church grounds, around the Community Centre.
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5-6 The Maori Pastorate Offices and Vicarage
The Maori Pastorate Offices are to be found off the main entrance to the Parish Hall and their Vicarage is right next door.
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6-1 The City and District
Whangarei, a district of nearly 75,000 souls, is the commercial and industrial centre for Northland and is where the Northland Regional Council has its offices. The population is spread through urban and rural communities, on a land area of 270,000 hectares along the eastern seaboard of Northland, from Lang’s Beach in the south to Bland Bay in the north. With more than 100 beaches and numerous estuaries, everyone in the district lives less than 30 minutes from the reach of the tide.
Whangarei is situated in the sub-tropical province of Northland, the so-called “Winterless North” and falls in the Oceanic Climate Zone. It is the warmest and the northernmost city in New Zealand. Summer days occasionally exceed 30°C, the average low in July is 7°C and there is plentiful rainfall spread relatively evenly over the year. The district also enjoys over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
The City itself is beautifully placed at the head of a long inlet which forms its port and safe anchorage for the many private boats. The CBD is nestled between bush clad hills and the “Town Basin” marina, while Parihaka, a 241 metre extinct volcano, guards the north-eastern side.
6-2 Shopping
In the CBD, at Okara Park and Tarewa shopping centres, one will find most of the national chains as well as locally owned boutique style shops. There are several supermarkets in or near the CBD – New World, Countdown and Pak’n’Save. There is a weekly Grower’s Market held on Saturday mornings in the CBD. and an Artisan’s Market is held monthly during the summer.
6-3 Education
Whangarei has excellent primary and secondary schools, and the recently opened private Huanui College. Our Polytechnic, North Tec, offers both degree and trade courses. Their courses include Motor Mechanics, Hospitality, Applied Arts, Nursing and Social Services and are very well regarded in the business community. Our Roman Catholic friends run two very good schools here. They have a primary school next to their church and Pompallier College in the suburb of Maunu which caters for intermediate and secondary students.
6-4 Employment
The unemployment rate in the Whangarei area is about 6.1%. All the professional occupations are found in Whangarei and one only needs to go to Auckland for some specialist care.
Some of the trade occupations include:
· Boat building and heavy engineering
· Construction in concrete
· Forestry
· Dairy production at Kauri
· Oil refinery at Marsden Point
· Horticulture – flowers, kiwifruit and avocados dominate the landscape of the rural-urban fringe.
· Dairy farming is the predominant type of farming in the hinter land.
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