Milford News

Your monthly update from Murray Hill, Manager of the Milford Business Association.

Murray Hill.

Full house in MILFORD!

We are so happy to say we have the Main Street in MILFORD full of stores - the last empty premise has been leased! Over the next few weeks/months you will see every one of our MilfordShops open for business - a remarkable feat in these difficult economic times, but a testament to our customers who keep coming back week after week, making MILFORD such a wonderful place to be. Thank you!

There have been a spate of new openings since my last column. Mi Piasci and The Merchant have now opened in the Milford Centre Mall, and a specialty cheese shop called Amsterdam Cheese is currently being fitted out opposite the Well Hung Butchery. A new dress shop will open soon in the old Platina Jewellery store and a candle store will pop up next to Coundown. The Heirloom. Christmas Tree Company has opened next to Elle & Eli.

In the Main Street, FaceTime have opened next to Tangos, a new sports shop is opening next to Challenge, and Blake’s Providore is undergoing a change in their business model. A new cafe is to open on the corner of Dodson Ave and the Westpac has finally been leased to a bedding retailer. Vegeland sadly closed recently. Last spot left in MILFORD - phone owner 027-448-7524 for this prime location plus he has a completely remodelled office space above Shore Travel available.

Upcoming events

Over the next couple of months we will be running a competition to win 2 nights staying at the luxury Huka Lodge, complete with a premium brand new electric vehicle for the trip. We will also be doing a new one day event on a Saturday in November, called ‘Christmas in MILFORD’. Watch out for information on both these events on fb, Instagram & our website - Milfordshops.

Milford Centre 30 Year Plan 2015 - 2045

I refer to this plan because there are so many people in the area who are unaware of it and as a consequence ask things that are already covered by the document. All this does is divert attention away from the plan. To get hold of a copy of it, go to

Milfordshops website, click on ‘Future

Plans’, then click on ‘Milford Town

Centre Plan’ for the full document.

I would love everyone in Milford to be knowledgeable on the plan, as it would certainly help its implementation. I attended a meeting run by WEEPS about the water quality in the Wairau Estuary and the beach. At it I mentioned that both items had already been in the investigation stage with the relevant council entities and some things were in the pipeline for addressing the issue, as they were part of this plan. I was surprised when a senior member of our community stood up and said - “Well maybe it’s my own fault for not knowing what is going on, as I wasn’t aware of the Milford Centre 30 Year Plan."

So please read the Milford Centre 30 Year Plan soon…

Milford App

About a year ago we launched the MILFORD App as a way of keeping you up to date with things in and around MILFORD. As with all Apps, they need constant updating and the developer is working on an update now, to make it a MUST for the community. Technology is such that it is easy to pull lots of information into one place and that’s what we want to do with this App. Enhance it so everyone in MILFORD has it as the ‘Go To’ place for everything that’s taking place in MILFORD.

One simple change, has been to link the ‘events’ page from local community fb sites to the App so it has a continuously updated list of events. We want to have all community groups listed. Currently, there is a list of community groups on the Milford Residents Association website (you can link through to it from our Milfordshops page). If your details are wrong or you are not listed there, please contact me at manager@milfordshops.co.nz.

Also send me any ideas of things that you think should be on the page so our Milford community is the best informed community - bar none!

Lastly, down load the App to your phone now. You can download it by scanning the QR code on the next page.

I would love everyone in Milford to be knowledgeable on the plan, as it would certainly help its implementation…

Murray Hill, Manager – Milford Business Association, manager@milfordshops.co.nz, 021 950 463, www.milfordshops.co.nz facebook milfordshops instagram milfordnz youtube MilfordshopsTV

TITANIUM GOLD

Arche - Carmel.

Ara - Agalia.

Hispanitas - Sullivan. Pons Quintana - Minnie. Wonders - Wincenty.

Mikko Shoes - sublime summer style

We're in an exciting month of adjustment: longer days, higher temperatures, fewer layers and finally, summer footwear! Channel's Liz Cannon asked Mikko Shoes' founder, Michaela Longstaff, to share her insight about the new season trends for some wardrobe inspiration.

Channel Mag: Can you sum up the summer style for us?

Michaela Longstaff: There’s undoubtedly a uniquely carefree, feminine light-heartedness to this year’s spring/summer season. We have thoughtfully curated the trend collections; they all work beautifully with each other and offer so much versatility to summer dressing.

CM: Can you share details about the beautiful trends you speak of?

ML: The new spring colours are a breath of fresh air with soft neutrals and subtle stylish shades. Hues of pale blue and cool pastels from our ‘Glacial Skies’ collection brings a calm touch to your wardrobe. You will see splashes of orchid, lavender and fuchsia in the ‘Floral Fantasy’ collection. Pair these with the ‘Spanish Garden’ trend – sublime hues of sage, pistachio, olive and aloe, evocative of a slow, Spanish summer lifestyle. The ‘Not-Quite-Whites’ edit has ivory, nougat and vanilla to heighten the sophistication, while ‘Golden Sands’ features in everything from sneakers and sandals, to loafers and heels. The key is in their ultrawearable neutral colourways – think camel, nutmeg, nougat and tan.

On trend this season are natural tactile materials, woven finishes and cross-over strap detailing. Platforms and wedges provide the ultimate in stylish all-day comfort, while interwoven finishes and luminous metallics add the essential Mikko touch of luxe. With the addition of a platform sole, sneakers continue to remain forever in style, featuring retro details and unique panelling to lift your look.

CM: Do you have a must-have from the new season range?

ML: We are in love with the new Pons Quintana range from Spain. Given the fast popularity of their collection last summer, we have extended our range to showcase more stunning handwoven styles and gorgeous new seasonal colours. A must-have in your wardrobe!

CM: Finally, tell us about Mikko.

ML: We are a family-owned business that started in 2013, right here in Milford! We offer an extensive range of high-quality European footwear, where style and comfort are synonymous, delivering the perfect fit for every woman. Our lovely in store team are well trained in fitting and styling. We have five stores and an online shop too. We would love to see Channel readers in store and share with them our exciting new season collections!

Pop in to see the experienced Mikko Shoes team at 121 Kitchener Road, Milford for a personalised fitting. Discover their range of quality European shoes that always deliver on comfort.

www.mikkoshoes.nz 121 Kitchener Road, Milford 09 972 2354