Where We Work

The valley on SH12 below the Waipoua Forest

Waimamaku sits on State Highway 12 where the Waipoua kauri forest gives way to the coast — a valley of farms, lifestyle blocks and long grass that thrives on all that shelter and rain. It is the southern edge of our patch, and we are through here regularly.

On the Hokianga Harbour shore — our home base

Ōmāpere is home for us — it is the Ōmāpere Volunteer Fire Brigade that The Lawn Brigade grew out of. Strung along the harbour edge on SH12 beneath the Arai-te-Uru heads, with the giant sand dunes glowing across the water, it is a village we know section by section.

Next door to Ōmāpere, famous for Opo the dolphin

Ōpononi runs right on from Ōmāpere along the harbour — the jetty, the shops and the beach where Opo the dolphin made the town famous back in the 1950s. With the dunes across the water and a steady stream of visitors, kerb appeal counts for a lot here.

At the foot of the harbour, near Pākanae Marae

Pākanae sits at the foot of the harbour just east of Ōpononi, wrapped around the marae and the flats where the river meets the sea — this is Kupe country, some of the most historic ground in the motu. Big sections, long grass and plenty of edges to keep on top of.

Out toward Koutu Point and the famous boulders

Koutu stretches out along the harbour toward Koutu Point, best known for the giant spherical boulders that surface along the shore. It is a quieter, spread-out settlement of baches and blocks where the grass and gorse do their best to take over.

On SH12 toward Rāwene, home of the Māngungu Mission

Whirinaki lies along SH12 between Ōpononi and Rāwene, looking out over the harbour — home to the historic Māngungu Mission house, where the largest signing of Te Tiriti took place. A scattering of rural homes and blocks with plenty of growth to manage.

On the Rāwene peninsula road

Ōue is a small rural settlement on the way out to Rāwene, all rolling blocks and harbour views. Sections here tend to be generous, with banks and edges that a ride-on alone will not tame.

New Zealand's third-oldest town, at the ferry

Rāwene perches on its own little peninsula in the Hokianga — the third-oldest European settlement in the country, where the car ferry crosses to Kohukohu and the boardwalk cafe hangs over the water. Historic villas, steep sections and heritage gardens give it real character to look after.

Up the valley inland from Rāwene

Ōmanaia sits inland up the valley from Rāwene, wrapped around the river and the marae — sheltered, green and quick to grow. It is the eastern edge of our patch and a community we are proud to serve.