Devonport News

By Shaulyn van Baaren Devonport Business Improvement District Manager

Autumn has arrived

Shaulyn van Baaren.

Autumn is well and truly upon us. I’ve happily pulled out my fluffy sweaters and toques (what I call a beanie) to stay comfy and cozy as the nights and mornings get cooler. With sunrise just a little later, I bundle up my family to watch stunning, fiery sunrises over the Waitemata Harbour from Cheltenham Beach along with the runners, the dog walkers, and those who are still brave enough to swim. Signal Hill.

This March we were again reminded that we are not immune to Covid-19 and its effects. Ten days of Level 3 lockdown were hard on people this time around and devastating to many of our small businesses. With just hours notice of level changes, many struggled with staffing challenges, inventory issues, obvious loss of revenue and some not eligible to recuperate with government subsidies. We’ve sadly said goodbye to a number of our 11:11 Make a Wish Café. businesses on Victoria Road these past months and coming into winter, I am afraid we will see more. Now more than ever our retailers and hospitality need our support if they are going to weather what seems like an endless storm.

Still, we have much to celebrate. Among the closures, we are seeing new businesses open in our town centre. Please help us welcome the new Devonport Public House (5 Victoria Road), 11:11 Make a Wish Café (41 Victoria Road), Vapey’s Vape Store (1/18 Clarence Street), Danryu Japanese Restaurant (10 Victoria Road) and locally owned Signal Hill (24 Victoria Road). And though I’m not yet at liberty to share, I hear whisperings of new businesses moving into other empty shops. Please head out, introduce yourself and support these new businesses in their early days!

Emirates Team New Zealand proved that America’s Cup is still New Zealand’s Cup. And though we did not experience or reap the economic benefits from an influx of tourists, Kiwis cheered loudly and proudly and supported local hospitality in an effort to narrow the gap just a bit.

Our own Race Days by the Sea delivered five days of amazing community fun on Windsor Reserve! We “walked 500 miles” with White Chapel Jak, got our samba on with the Brazilian Divas, “partied like it was 1999” with 80s X Band, indulged in fabulous local kai and so much more!

Autumn is a time to slow down, to reflect and to be grateful. I appreciate that we are far from easy times; with lack of tourism winter will be hard on our community and our businesses in particular. Our little village may look a lot different in the coming months. But ever the optimist, I know Kiwis will rise to the challenge. We have it in us to push ourselves, watch over our neighbours and pull those along who need that extra little support.

And so I’ll say it once more, kia kaha and support local my friends. — Shaulyn van Baaren

Devonport Community News for this month with Maria Teape, Devonport Community Coordinator, Devonport Peninsula Trust

Discover Devonport

Maria Teape.

Make it a day out in Devonport and visit Devonport Easter Market at Windsor Reserve, on Saturday 3rd April from 9am to 2pm. A great day out for all the family with arts and crafts, family fun, shopping, food and music. Take home something special and unique and explore the historic town centre of Devonport.

Make sure you see Good Habits in concert at The Bunker on Takarunga/Mt Victoria on Monday5th April at 8pm. Singer-cellist and songwriter, Bonnie Schwarz, and international Klezmer accordionist, Pete Shaw, studied together in Manchester, UK, but the call of seeing family in New Zealand was strong, and they came to tour in January 2020. Then Covid hit and they have been here ever since! They are young, vibrant and excellent musicians playing a mix of folk, original and classical music. Tickets $20 cash. Please book early by phoning Hilary 09-445-2227

Devonport Primary School’s biggest annual fundraiser, Fair on the Hill, is coming up on Saturday 10th April from 10am-5pm, with free entertainment for the whole family, including a game zone, bric-a-brac, food and bake stalls, toys and clothing sale, live auction and more! Make sure you mark your calendar and join in on this fun event!

Devonport Community House will once again hold their fun-filled school holiday programme starting on Monday 19th April 2021. Book one day or every day; it's up to you. Bookings can be made via the Devonport Community House website at www.devonportcomhouse. com. Costs: 1 child $52.50, 2+ children $50 each per day.

The tenth annual Intergenerational Dialogue event takes place at Takapuna Library on Thursday 13th May from 10am-2.30pm. The event brings 25 young people from local high schools and 25 older adults together to discuss a range of topical issues. The dialogue is all about enhancing connection and understanding. We’re looking for older adult participants and topic suggestions from the community to discuss at the moment. If you’d like to be involved or have an idea for a local issue to discuss, please get in touch with Sarah Thorne on 094862098 or email office@takapunatrust.org.nz.

This event is proudly brought to you by Takapuna North Community Trust, Devonport Peninsula Trust and Takapuna Library, with thanks to Devonport Takapuna Local Board for supporting the event.

Calliope Sea Scouts turn 100 years old in June. They are looking for information and memorabilia that locals may have to help them put together their centenary celebrations booklet and slideshow. Past leaders, past COVID-19 Recovery Sea Scouts and past photos, all welcome! Contact Bernie Ranford: bmranford@hotmail.com.

Ka kite āno,

Maria For our businesses and our community