An orca found stranded just north of the Mangawhai Heads Surf Life Saving Club has died.

Expat American working on a property development that just happens to include an exclusive golf course.

The Queen's Birthday holiday road toll stands at a minimum of three this evening, with potentially a further fatality, following a number of crashes over the weekend.

They call it Magical Mangawhai, and with its beautiful beach, great food and proximity to Auckland we can see why.

There's plenty to see and do - and eat - in nearby Mangawhai, discovers Graham Hepburn.

Sometimes you wonder just what could be achieved in the world if small-town enthusiasm was harnessed, writes Colin Moore.