Takapuna Beach Business Association’s latest event was an Asian Food Festival, scheduled for early March – generally still the middle of summer. But on the day, the rain bucketed down (forecasts for showers only to the contrary), dampening spirits and the site, which included the newly cleared town centre space opposite Hurstmere Green as well as the Hurstmere Road street frontage. Local crowds proved rain-shy, and our hardy photographer discovered her camera bag was no longer waterproof. Despite the rain, we teased smiles from some of the intrepid stall holders and performers…