VIEWS FROM THE BEACH with Peter White

Historic election unites Auckland

An overview of what is happening in Takapuna Beach from Business Association General Manager – Peter White

Last month’s article “A Vision for Takapuna” certainly attracted a great deal of feedback. Comments ranged from “What are you waiting for – get on and do it” to “I hope that I see it during my lifetime” to “Peter White, dream on” – which I am more than happy to do! By articulating a vision, gaining support and encouraging change for the better, I am positive that Takapuna will eventually be a place where – Residents feel proud, workers feel lucky and visitors are astounded. Thank you to those who took the time to read the article and provide feedback.

Takapuna continues to attract new and quality businesses to the town centre. Welcome to La Tropezienne French Bakery and Cafe and Next Page Please who have both opened in Lake Rd, Top Man who have opened in The Department Store in Northcroft St, and Bian Sushi (alongside Jam in Hurstmere Green) and Penny Lane who have opened in the southern end of Hurstmere Rd.

This month’s Channel Magazine highlights events on Takapuna Beach the events capital of the North Shore. Residents and visitors are fortunate at being able to view an array of community, national and International, sporting, arts, civic, musical and recreational events.

I hope that you enjoy your read.
Cheers - Pete

Historic election unites Auckland

Last month’s Local Body election sees, for the first time, Auckland controlled by one governance body, the Auckland Council. Congratulations to Mayor Len Brown on his landslide victory. The TBBA looks forward to working with Len and his Council to realise the huge amount of potential that this region has, and in particular the role that Takapuna can play.
We are most fortunate to have two former Mayors in Ann Hartley and George Wood representing the North Shore as Councillors. These were two mayors who achieved a great deal for the city during their terms. Ann was responsible for the procurement of a large amount of beachfront lane within the city, and especially in Takapuna. It was also her vision that led to the formation of North Harbour Stadium which is a marvelous asset to both this community and the region. George brought stability to the North Shore political scene, being the only Mayor to serve greater than one term. During his nine years as Mayor, George, amongst many other achievements, provided the North Shore with the Northern Busway and instigated the wastewater treatment system that was responsible for cleaning up our beaches.
We are also very fortunate to have elected to our Local Board an experienced and well balanced team. Former NSCC Deputy Mayor Dianne Hale is joined by ex North Shore City Councillors Chris Darby, Kevin Schwass and Jan O’Connor and longtime Devonport Community Board chair Mike Cohen. The newcomer to the board is Joseph Bergin an exciting addition who will provide a youth perspective.
The TBBA is most excited about the opportunities that will arise out of the amalgamation. Regardless of whether or not residents of the Auckland region supported the Super City model, we all need to support this council to ensure that they can deliver the outcomes desired. Congratulations to all those elected, we wish you all the best.

Free major events transport proves popular
Last month’s All Whites versus Honduras football match once again showed the benefits of the Park and Ride facility to the Takapuna hospitality sector with 11 buses taking patrons from Takapuna to the match then returning them to spend time in our town centre after the game.
For the first time in North Harbour Stadiums major sporting events history 20% of the crowd used non private car travelling to the game. With services from the North South West and CBD, the public transport uptake was a massive step forward in planning for the future. 
On Saturday November 6th , Eden Park will host its first major event since the completion of the upgrade – a rugby league double header where the Kiwis will play the Kangaroos in the main match and Great Britain playing Papua New Guinea in the curtain raiser.
Many Takapuna bars and restaurants are promoting the match with some providing hospitality packages around it. All ticket holders will receive free travel to Eden Park on production of their match ticket, with buses leaving from Hurstmere Rd outside of Goode Brothers.
On November 25th and 26th U2 are playing at Mt Smart Stadium with ARTA once again providing free transport.
It is vital that these events attract good patronage to ensure ATRA’s continued support of Park and Ride from Takapuna.

Christmas Comes to Takapuna
The Takapuna Beach Christmas Carnival will be held in Hurstmere Rd on Saturday December 4th from 9.30am until 1.30pm. Now in its third year the Carnival has gained a reputation as being a community event for the whole family. Hurstmere Road will be closed for the day, providing a pedestrian mall with performances on the community stage, busking (culminating in an on stage busking competition), market stalls, face painter and balloonist, kids rides, nativity displays and of course Santa and friends.
For further information contact Amy on 4891003 or events@takapunabeach.co.nz

Sip and Shop experience for VIP customers
Retailers in the Halls Corner precinct (those in The Strand and the southern end of Hurstmere Road from Hurstmere Green through to the lights) will be cracking the champagne bottles and providing wine and nibbles for VIP customers from 5-8pm on Thursday 9th December when they host their inaugural Sip and Shop. With three weeks left before Christmas, retailers want to provide customers with a leisurely and enjoyable shopping occasion in which to purchase their Christmas presents. Street entertainment will help provide a festive ambience.
For further information contact Amy on 4891003 or events@takapunabeach.co.nz

Takapuna Beach – The Events Capital of the North Shore
Takapuna is the events capital of the North Shore and there is always something happening to suit everyone. From various sporting events, to events for the kids, community and culture, arts, dance
and drama.
October saw the Bruce Mason Centre host two high profile events, the NZ Body Arts Awards and the North Harbour Club AIMES Awards along with a host of other shows (the BM Centre hosts over 155,000 people each year attending events and conferencing).
Takapuna is fortunate in having a second performing arts centre in the historic Pumphouse on Lake Pupuke.
November sees the start of the State Beach Series which runs weekly through until March next year and also kicks off a busy summer season for Takapuna Beach including international Triathlon, Sailing, Outrigger, and Thundercat racing, as well as Beach Soccer and the Coastal Challenge. The North Shore Grand Prix, held in December, provides exhilarating and action packed criterion cycling short course racing allowing the public to get close to the action whilst enjoying the hospitality that Hurstmere Road offers.

Why should you shop in Takapuna?
The Takapuna Beach Business Association recently received the latest Marketview report which showed that less than 6% of our catchment area (Shoppers living between Campbells Bay and Devonport, east of the motorway) spend was in Takapuna. That is people residing in or close to Takapuna were spending 94% of their money in places rather than Takapuna.
The Takapuna Beach Business Association are working hard to attract quality retailers to Takapuna and each month we will highlight a Takapuna Business which we believe deserves the support of you our reader. This month we bring to you First Glass Wines & Spirits which is rated amongst the best wine retailers in New Zealand and carries the widest range of products available on the North Shore.