Water safety advocate Teresa Stanley tells Rebecca Kamm why she enjoys living in the seaside suburb of Mairangi Bay.
A great thing about living in Mairangi Bay is leaving work behind at the end of the day by crossing the bridge. The North Shore has a relaxed atmosphere, and Mairangi Bay especially has a real holiday feel to it.
I've lived here for six years, but I've spent plenty of time living on the North Shore. I moved here from Albany, as it's a bit closer to the city for my work. It's also equidistant to all the pools and beaches where the children swim and train for water polo and surfing. It's close to Massey University, too, and some great schools: Campbells Bay Primary, Murrays Bay Intermediate and Rangitoto College. They have excellent facilities and caring teachers with high expectations. Murrays Bay Intermediate, especially, has led the way in using technology for developing well-rounded individuals.
My favourite shopping spots in the area are the farmers market on Saturdays, for fresh fruit and vegetables. Farro Fresh is great for meat and fruit and vegetables too, and there's a great sushi shop called Hiroba Sushi.
I go to Paper Moon for coffee; it's a treat to grab one on my way to work in the morning. It's good for evening drinks, too. Pattaya Thai has beautiful food - try the pad thai - and Zavitos has fantastic pizzas and salads, as well as a buzzy atmosphere. There are lots of takeaways in Mairangi Bay - Burger Wisconsin is always good, and the Mairangi Bay Fisheries has lovely fresh fish for fish and chips on the beach.
