AROUND the towns

FEBRUARY-MARCH IN PAPAKURA

From events to shopping and so much more, Papakura is the place to be as we head into late summer and early autumn.

WELCOME: New businesses setting up shop in Papakura recently include: Vets at 77 and Uniform Hub (both on Great South Rd), Papakura Op’ Shop (inside the Papakura Anglican Church) and BFT (Body Fit Training) on Railway Street.

ROT STOP? BORING WORK!

Politics may bore some, but Clevedon Parish Vicar, The Reverend Sarah Park, is most interested in recent Auckland Council e orts. With the future of the historic St James Church (near Ardmore) in the balance due to borer and rot, a $11,250 grant from Auckland Council could be just what the vicar ordered.

“It is a great start towards our fundraising for a conservation report,” Rev Park confirms. “We are grateful, and we are in the process of applying to other heritage funding bodies. Our success with the council will likely help our case.”

Closed since 2020 due to major structural issues, the church may require extensive work. However, the grant will enable a full assessment, giving restoration ‘a fighting chance’, Franklin Local Board Chair, Angela Fulljames, adds.

“It’s great to see council funding for a conservation report,” she says. “Without one, no one can know what might be involved, let alone the costs.”

HEY, JUDE!

Unsurprisingly, a surprise announcement by (now, former) Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, dominated the headlines recently. Somewhat lost in the (re)shu e was the news that one of our region’s local MPs, Judith Collins, was elevated nine places on the National Party list. Dare we say this proves one can return to favour despite… ‘burning Bridges’?

SENIOR EFFORTS: FLAT IN?

An innovative charity, The Abbeyfield Society is seeking to call Pukekohe home. Providing shared living (essentially, flatting for seniors with a little extra support) across the country, the society is attempting to secure a house or land in our area and establish a local committee. To help bring Abbeyfield to Pukekohe, or for more details, contact the organisation via www.abbeyfield.co.nz.

MOVIES IN THE PARK:

On Saturday, February 25 (from 6.30pm) DC League of Super – Pets will be showing on the big screen in Central Park. So, grab a picnic and blanket and head along for a free, fun family evening out presented in association with Auckland Council. For details visit www.papakura.co.nz/events.

PAPAKURA STREETFEST IS BACK!

Looking further ahead, plans are in full swing for this popular local festival. Scheduled for Saturday, May 6 (10am-2pm, Great South Rd and Broadway), the StreetFEST will feature market stalls with family fun (including face painting), food, entertainment and more on the menu. And, local shops will be open too. See www.papakura.co.nz/events for additional information.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

Don’t forget that we have some key public holidays and other notable dates coming up: ANZAC Day (Tuesday, April 25), Easter (Friday, April 7-10) and Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 7).

Papakura Business Association

PO Box 272 1783

Papakura 2244, Auckland

Phone 09 298 8996 www.papakura.co.nz