Mairangi Notes #2 — 2026.05.15

MHJ

my mairangi

Issue

2026.05.15

Yussi's Note

Stay warm, stay kind

The children left their uniforms behind today, each in their brightest pink. Is your day pink too? On this day for kindness and standing together, a happy Friday to you all.
We're in mid-autumn, and the sun feels newly warm. There's a quiet joy in standing where a sliver of light slips through the window — just enough to hold the midday warmth. Maples turning red, fruits ripening golden and sweet. Our autumn unfolds in every colour. Take it in fully. So much waits to be found, if only we turn around to look.

Main Story

Little 15 Mins · 2026.05.13.

The first play date

A first playdate between a Year 1 Korean girl and her classmate — and how two immigrant families found each other through their daughters.

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Lunch Box

MON

Stir-fried rice & Choco Roll

Warm rice with sliced cocktail sausages, packed in a thermal pot so it's still cosy by lunchtime. On the side—Mamee Monster Snek Mi, a Malaysian noodle snack the kids love to crush in the bag before eating. Mandarins peeled and ready, and a homemade choco roll.

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Campus Notes

TUE

Stuck on the Thesis

Stuck on My Thesis

This is meant to be the month for recruitment and interviews, but I'm still stuck. Somehow the days fill up with nothing in particular, and my timeline keeps slipping. I've got a meeting with my supervisor early June, so there's no more putting it off.
The group chat is full of classmates juggling placements, jobs, family, and study. We're all walking the same tightrope. Let the pressure and the tiredness go — but don't pause, don't quit. Slow and steady wins the race — no, finishes this journey.

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English with Jin

This Week's Expression

“I need my space.”

Jin told me she didn't want to sit next to her close friend on the mat anymore. She liked her, but the friend was sitting too close and it felt uncomfortable. This happens at home too — the girls cling to me as we move around the kitchen, and eventually I go, "Kids, I need my space." Sometimes, even with the people you love most, it's the kindest thing you can say.

StoryPress →

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Local Guide

🖋️

Festival

Auckland Writers Festival: Pukapuka Adventures

A free family programme at Aotea Centre, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May. Interactive storytelling, crafts, bird hide and everything — all for tamariki and their grown-ups, all free. Pack a lunchbox — there are family tables on Level 5.
📍50 Mayoral Drive, Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD

🚲

Community

Kids Learn to Ride: Upper Harbour

A free drop-in bike lesson run by Auckland Transport, this Saturday 10am–12pm at Ōteha Valley School. For ages 2–13, balance bike or pedals. Qualified instructors on site. Bring your own bike, or try one of theirs. Weather-dependent.
📍2 Medallion Drive, Oteha

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From the Archive

Travelers

A Day at Ruakākā Beach

A summer fishing day at Ruakākā Beach with two families—undersized catches, a protected octopus, sashimi on the sand, and kids who were the real reason to be there.

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

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