On Saturday, 21 February, Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society (MHRS) and guests gathered at Mangawhai Museum for an emotional celebration marking 35 years since the historic 1991 &"Big Dig". The event was a tribute to the "Big Dig Rebels" - the 100+ volunteers and their 40+ machines who, on 11 February 1991, staged a historic intervention to reopen the harbour. Several of the original Rebels, along with many others who worked tirelessly to save the harbour over the decades that followed, were present to receive a long round of applause from the community.
 

Society Chair Peter Wethey spoke of the deep connection between the town and its waterway. "We are gathered here surrounded by history, but the most important story of Mangawhai isn’t found in a display case; it’s written in the tides just outside that door," said Wethey. "To the original Rebels and those who laboured through that first decade - you secured a future for all of us". Distinguished guests in attendance included Northland Regional Council Chair Pita Tipene and Kaipara District Council Mayor Jonathan Larsen, both of whom addressed the gathering to acknowledge the community's extraordinary legacy of stewardship.

The night featured a poignant address from Richard Bull, a lifelong guardian of the harbour who recently received a New Year’s Honour for his service. Mr Bull, whose family farm once included Mangawhai Sandspit, spoke to guests about the grit and long-term dedication required to maintain the waterway's pulse. A special tribute was also paid to the late Gary Berghan, one of the three original Big Dig Rebel leaders, who passed away on 6 February this year.