Devonport News

Stay safe, stay local, support local Devonport is a community rich in history and one with a tradition of coming together. Our village and shores offer serenity and a landscape for rest and release from stress.

As I write this our world is in a state of unrest. The future is unknown and with uncertainty can come fear. As we manoeuvre the coming days and months Kiwis, Aucklanders and Devonport residents will need support and assurance that their health and safety will not be compromised. Our businesses, who are also looking for assurance and community support, are locking arms to be part of the solution to keeping our people safe, healthy and happy.

Whether you have chosen to self-isolate, been mandated to do so or have not yet been impacted by it, the key is not to panic but to stay positive, keep busy, support your fellow neighbour (individuals and businesses alike) and guard your health both physically and mentally. Here are 5 ideas to help… 1. Stay Local: If you’re able, head out for a stroll on one of Devonport’ amazing beaches. Alone, with your your family or your four-legged friend, Narrow Neck, Cheltenham and Devonport Village offer breathtaking views that will help clear your mind. Grab your rod and reel for some quiet fishing at Devonport Wharf or take in the sunrise/set from the North Shore’s highest volcano, Mt. Victoria/Takarunga and allow the beauty of the world to invigorate your soul. 2. Shop Local: If you can venture out, it’s always time well spent in Devonport Village. Victoria Road with it Victorian and Edwardian buildings have a way of instantly slowing the pace of life and putting people at ease.

If you live in the area you know that many businesses already offer or are developing online sites where you can order daily necessities, takeaways, coffee and treats and even your home DIY, project and crafting supplies. 3. Support Local: Devonport is a community of small businesses. Owners and managers are often one in the same as well as the smiling face you see when you walk in. These are people just like you and me, they are being affected, just like you and me, and they need our support just as much as we need theirs.

So continue to make that fitness membership payment, keep paying for the weekly treatments you receive, celebrate birthday’s, anniversaries and milestones with gift cards, flowers or chocolates. Don’t cancel that layby purchase if you don’t have to and maybe pop in (or deliver) to your favourite retailer with a treat or a card to show you’re thinking of them. 4. Stay Connected: We are quickly realising the dichotomy that humans are social beings but for the greater good, isolation has become necessary for many. But there are many creative ways to stay connected. • You can order coffee and dessert or tea and scones from one of

Devonport’s fabulous cafés – get one for yourself, have one delivered to a friend (or two)…THEN pick up the phone, chat and enjoy together! • Put the kids to bed, have your friends order takeaways and host a watch-party of your favourite prime time or online shows. • Order yourself beautiful stationary, find a park bench along Queen’s

Parade and write letters to old friends and family.

Connection is just as much in the mind as it is in body and there’s no more beautiful a place to draw inspiration than Devonport’s landscapes. 5. Have Fun: Harness your inner creativity and child! There are plenty of ways to keep you and your family entertained within your own four walls. • Pull out an old puzzle, board game, card game OR shop online for a new one. • Grab yourself a few e-books or audio books from Auckland Libraries online and dive into fantastic stories. Want the real thing? Reach out to one of Devonport’s book shops…most are willing to deliver books for your reading pleasure! • Use the time to declutter or finish that DIY project. Need materials?

Many locals and businesses are coming together to deliver goods to residents! • Decorate your house for your favourite holiday, put yourself in the

Holiday Spirit and celebrate as you would.

While it may not be life and business as usual there are positives and great new opportunities arising. Devonport locals and businesses are Shaulyn van Baaren By Shaulyn van Baaren Devonport Business Improvement District Manager Devonport Community News for this month Maria Teape, Devonport Community Coordinator, Devonport Peninsula Trust Maria Teape Devonport looking after its community

Usually I’d be writing about all the upcoming community happenings in Devonport in April but in these unprecedented times, many community activities are cancelled.

Things are changing daily, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news. As at 20th March, Auckland Council has announced a two-week closure of libraries, pools and recreational centres, the Maritime Museum and Auckland Art Gallery. ANZAC Day commemorations and related activities, which are usually a highlight of April, are also cancelled.

The loss of usual activities and happenings can be a bit bewildering and as people are going into self-isolation, it is important to find other ways of keeping our spirits up and staying connected. Getting outside in nature is hugely beneficial to well-being. We are very fortunate on the Devonport peninsula with beaches and reserves to visit while still being able to keep a physical distance from others.

There are also several groups in Devonport offering support for people in self-isolation. Facebook users can join ‘Devonport Self Isolation Support’ group to link into a broad support network of people willing to help deliver grocery items, mind pets and with ideas to brighten your day.

There are also several groups in Devonport offering support for people in self-isolation.

We here at Devonport Peninsula Trust are happy to be a central point of contact to connect people needing support with others offering it. Phone us on 445 9533 or 027 924 3494 or email us at devonportcommunity@gmail.com

Devonport Holy Trinity Church is also offering support to the wider community and can bring meals, help with deliveries and more. Phone Holy Trinity on 445 0378 or 445 0328 or email vicar@holytrinity.gen.nz

Many Devonport businesses are offering local deliveries as well, so please continue to support them where possible. Businesses include: Hammer Hardware, Lolas, Whites Dairy (will deliver after 5pm), Glengarry’s, Paradox Books, Devonport 7 Day Pharmacy, Fresh Market (Clarence St Fruit & Veg Shop), The Living Room Café, Village Kitchen and Cougars Kitchen (free delivery with 4+ meals).

To conclude with some advice from our government: be kind – look out for others and look out for yourself. Wash your hands regularly with soap for 20 seconds and dry them thoroughly afterwards. Please stay home if you are sick. The government has also set up a multi-agency email address to connect you to Health, Immigration and Police services as required: nhccselfisolation@health.govt.nz

Hei konā rā, Maria

coming together to make lemonade out of these lemons and there is a place for everyone to partake and enjoy.

Stay strong, stay healthy, remain kind and look out for one another! Reach out to your retail favourites, don’t be afraid to try new ones and together we will emerge with stronger and more connected communities.

Until next time, Shaulyn van Baaren.