Kumeu really knows how to handle the jandal

Kumeu is about to be surrounded by giant jandals.
The humble, iconic Kiwi footwear inspired the Jafa & Jandal Fest.
In its second year, the March 15-April 1 festival aims to lure Aucklanders westward to see what Kumeu has to offer.
For two weeks, 2m-high, brightly decorated timber and metal jandals will adorn the town.
The festival will also feature a jandal art show, the Jandalight Ball, for which even the fashion savvy can don jandals with formal attire.
Other events include a beach dig at Muriwai and a hop harvest - in your jandals, of course.
Jandal police will award on-the-spot prizes to those caught wearing jandals, and a jandal wall, featuring the ``sole'' mates of what were pairs of jandals, will be created.
The Kumeu Coast and Country chairwoman, Maureen Maxwell, says the aim of the festival is to showcase the area's beaches, wineries, eateries, businesses and community spirit.
``We wanted to get the business community working together on something that everyone from children through to adults can participate in,'' she says.
``Jandals are like red socks - everyone has a pair.''
Maureen says Jafa stands for Just Another Friendly Aucklander and conveys the fun and down-to-earth character of the community.
Money raised from the festival will be put towards a new information centre for the town. - by Kylie Munro
For a list of events see www.kumeuinfo.co.nz or visit your local information centre.