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Faster than a Jaffa down a theatre aisle, the ball has started rolling literally and figuratively at Kumeu

Kumeu’s two-week Jafa and Jandal Festival kicked off in fine style when more than 150 locals and visitors gathered at BeesOnLine in Kumeu for the festival’s official opening.

Rodney mayor John Law, who was given the honour of performing the official opening, praised the Kumeu community for what he described as “a truly innovative and fun approach to promoting the township and surrounding attractions.”

He said he hoped the festival would become an annual event that would attract visitors from throughout New Zealand and even overseas. “Wearable Art did it for Nelson, why not Jafas and Jandals for Kumeu?” he asked.

The mayor can certainly point to plenty of attractions at this year’s festival. Included in the offering over the next fortnight are an art exhibition, a golf tournament, fancy dress, and beach and street parties—all with a Jafa and Jandal theme.

One of the organisers, Maureen Maxwell, says she and a group of other local business people were looking for a fun way to put Kumeu and surrounding country on the festive map.

Ms Maxwell says the group wanted something that epitomised the timeless values of the “real” New Zealand. “When we thought of icons all of us could identify with, Jaffas and Jandals immediately came to mind. Then of course we have Jafa—Just Another friendly Aucklander—and we wanted to celebrate that, as well.”

Community groups, schools and local businesses have all got behind the concept, says Ms Maxwell.

“This community is going to have fun over the next two weeks, and we want to share that with the rest of Rodney and everybody we can coax to Kumeu from Auckland.”

The Kumeu Jafa and Jandal Festival runs through to Sunday 30th April, For a schedule of events, visit the festival’s website www.kumeuinfo.co.nz or phone the Kumeu Information Centre 412 9886.

ENDS

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