Mandy Mayhem dressed in her signature Pirate Queen attire at Brewers Festival Photo: Janet Rhodes
Mandy Mayhem is a resident of Waitati just north of Ōtepoti. A celebrant, Dunedin City Councillor and community pirate, her quirky and colourful attire makes her something of a poster girl for the bustling seaside village of around 400 residents.
The village is home to Mushroom Magazine, the Values Party, a free food pantry and the Waitati militia. There's even a community market on the first Sunday of the month, where children trade toys and produce is sold.
The house of Mayhem Waitati Photo: supplied
"We have a wealth of musicians, creative artists, and a beautiful ceramics studio at the school... we are very culturally enriched".
Mayhem has a passion for her community - a cultural ambassador for Waitati. Naturally then Maggie Tweedie caught up with her for Culture 101’s Regional Wrap. It’s an insight into the unique cultural happenings north of Dunedin: from their annual beer brewers competition to Mayhem’s house parties.
Waitati Photo: Shane Flavell: Sky Eye photography
