Mairangi Notes #17 — 2026.07.31

MHJ

my mairangi

Issue

#17

2026.07.31

Yussi's Note

See what's coming next.

Frankly, I'm a little tired of starting new things, of making small steps forward all the time. It feels like a new settler's destiny, I suppose. But every so often, a simple question catches me off guard: how long do I get to stay a new settler? Though there isn't much I can do about it. Try harder, keep calm and carry on, focus on the very next step. That's really all there is. And I know this isn't only my question. Anyone reading this probably carries the same one somewhere inside. There doesn't seem to be much of an answer. Quietly, steadily changing what we can, within a world we can't, might be the only thing left to try. So, let's try. See what's coming next.

Main Story

Life in Aotearoa · 2026.07.30.

Honestly, I got lost

For every immigrant mum who used to know exactly what to read her kids — until moving countries meant starting from zero, one confusing library trip at a time.

Read Story →

Lunch Box

MON

Stir-fried Udon

Thin-sliced pork, bean sprouts, and udon noodles stir-fried together, seasoned with teriyaki sauce and a dash of sesame oil — this one's a firm favourite with the kids. You can swap the bean sprouts for mung bean sprouts, or throw in onion, spring onion, spinach, or cabbage instead. Pork works just as well replaced with beef, chicken, or squid. Since it's stir-fried in oil, it holds up well in the lunchbox without going soggy.

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Campus Notes

TUE

New Ground

Placement is confirmed at last. This year I'll be working alongside an organisation running community-based work around child welfare. Last year's placement was with a large organisation, and the learning was all about structured, hands-on casework — sitting closely with a social worker's day-to-day. This year's placement is smaller, and the focus shifts: less individual casework, more community campaigns and workshops aimed at raising awareness.
Social work covers such a wide, interconnected range of fields that seeing it from this different angle — after last year's — feels like a real gift. I'm looking forward to learning broadly rather than deeply this time round, and hoping simply to do my part well, without a hitch.

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English with Jin

This Week's Expression

“How about this one?”

Ahead of her first ballet class, Jin was deep in the business of choosing an outfit. Tights on, she was picking through tops when I mentioned anything too thick might be uncomfortable to move in. "How about this one? What about that?" She flicked through the hangers, one after another, weighing up each option herself.
She set off for the studio practically skipping the whole way there. The first class was hard to keep up with, but she says she wants to keep learning. A child who doesn't give up will get there slowly, one step at a time, much like her English, growing word by word.

StoryPress →

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Local Guide

🛍️

LOCAL MARKET

The Bays Kids Market

Sat 8 Aug 10am - 12pm
Kids run their own market stalls, over 40 of them, selling handmade goods, upcycled finds, and small business ideas. All ages, free entry, and the focus is on creativity and unplugged fun rather than screens.
📍 St Heliers Community Centre, Crossfield Reserve, Glendowie, Auckland 1071

✏️

WRITING WORKSHOP

Teen Writing Workshop: Boggle Your Brain!

Sat 8 Aug 1pm - 2.30pm (arrive 12.30pm)
A hands on session with author Sally Sutton. Quick fire exercises to spark story ideas, plus tips on structure, character, and dialogue. Free, ages 12 to 18.
📍 Orewa Library, 12 Moana Avenue, Orewa, Auckland 0931

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From the Archive

Life in Aotearoa

A Quiet Week Before the Break Ends

The last week of school holidays — a thesis chapter, a mall day with friends, and the quiet meals that held it together.

Read Story →

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www.mhj.nz · Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand

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