July is going to be a busy time in Milford with lots happening for the whole family. School holiday fun and lots of chances to win – a $250 dinner out in Milford for Foodie Month, a track day and night away in Taupo with Mercedes-Benz North Shore, a custom garden design with City Botanics valued at just under $3000, and entry to Milford Centre’s Build-A-Bear colouring competition!

We’ve got a wonderful community here in Milford, it’s great to see the collaboration happening with the Milford Storm Recovery Project initiative I cover in this issue.

Win a $250 Dinner during Milford Foodie Month
This is really easy to enter. When you dine at one of our fabulous Milford eateries during July, simply post a photo of your delicious dish on Instagram, tag it #MILFORDFOODIEMONTH, and you are in the draw to win.
This tasty giveaway runs throughout July, and the winner will be announced on Instagram in early August.

Win a Track Day and Night Away in Taupo
We’ve teamed up with our good friends at Mercedes-Benz North Shore to give you the chance to win a luxury night away in Taupo for two, complete with dinner, breakfast and a track experience with the Mercedes-Benz range. More information on Instagram or Facebook, follow @milfordshopsnz for more information.

Have you say on Milford’s recovery – join the Storyboard Trail!
The storm of January 2023 hit Milford hard, damaging homes, disrupting lives and leaving many locals wondering – what’s next for our community? In response, a group of Milford locals have come together to launch the Milford Storm Recovery Project (MSRP), supported by the Auckland Council Recovery Office and the Milford Residents Association.
The Milford Storm Recovery Project is about more than repairing the damage. It’s about shaping a stronger, safer and more connected Milford for the future, and making sure everyone can have a say.
As part of this effort, the team has created the Milford Storyboard Trail. Colourful boards have popped up around Milford, featuring real stories and reflections from locals about the storm and their hopes for the future.
Each board includes a QR Code linking to a short survey where residents can share their own ideas – and go in the draw to win some great local goodies.
The ideas gathered will help shape a community-led recovery plan, and there’s funding available to help bring ideas to life.
Locals are also invited to a Community Recovery Planning Afternoon Tea on Sunday 27 July at the Milford Senior Citizens Club Hall. This event will be a chance to explore ideas, prioritise what matters most, and map out the next steps together. Prizes from the survey draw will be announced at the event, with spot prizes for tamariki who come along.
A special kids' treasure hunt is also running alongside the Storyboard Trail, with fun prizes up for grabs. Treasure maps and a full list of storyboard locations are available online.

Find out more at: milford.thinkport.nz

Build-A-Bear Pop-Up Workshop
Bring a furry friend to life with Build-A-Bear - from heart to home!
There will be four days of family fun at Milford Centre when they welcome the Build-A-Bear Pop-Up Workshop during the July school holidays – from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July. This is a very special event where kids can bring a furry friend to life and enjoy a range of fun activities.
Build-A-Bear will host four interactive one-hour sessions daily. Each child will take part in the signature Heart Ceremony, sign a personalised birth certificate, enjoy games, colouring-in sheets, and more, before taking their bear home. Each child receives a complete bear package: a pre-stuffed bear, shirt, and condo, for just $10.
Whether it’s their first bear or a new favourite, this fun-filled workshop is perfect for all ages and offers a holiday memory they’ll treasure. Spots are limited and bookings are essential. Secure your spot today – click below!

Be in to WIN three tickets to a Build-A-Bear Workshop!
Encourage your little ones to get creative with Milford Centre’s Build-A-Bear Colouring Competition! Enter for a chance to WIN 3 TICKETS to a Build-A-Bear Workshop session.

Build-A-Bear Pop-Up Workshop – Milford Shopping Centre from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July.

Discover City Botanics garden display in Milford Centre and WIN a custom garden design!
City Botanics Urban Pop-Up Garden is now in Milford Shopping Centre. This is an inspiring garden experience for city dwellers with big dreams and small outdoor spaces.
If you’re looking to bring some green into your life and a small space, City Botanics Landscape Design has transformed the freshly opened wing of Milford Centre into a lush retreat with a limited-time pop-up garden installation.
Step into a beautifully curated garden space designed specifically for compact backyards. It’s more than just a pretty display – it’s proof that style, functionality, and lush greenery can coexist in even the tiniest city footprint.
“We want people to see what’s possible in a small space,” says Martin Steel-Brown, founder of City Botanics. “You don’t need a big acreage to have an outdoor sanctuary – just good design.”
Here’s what you’ll find on display in Milford Centre: Lush greenery and smart, space-saving layout ideas; high quality finishes and real-world inspiration for your own outdoor space. City Botanics team members are on site every Tuesday and Saturday from 11am to 1pm to answer your design questions and talk about the installation.
You’ll also have the chance to win a custom garden design worth $2,995
Simply stop by the pop-up garden and scan the QR code to enter the draw for a custom garden design valued at up to $2,995 – tailored to your unique space. In addition, when you spend $30 or more at any participating Milford store, you’ll receive bonus entries into the draw. Refer to the terms and conditions of entry.
City Botanics Urban Pop-Up Garden – Open daily at Milford Shopping Centre until Friday 20 July.

OPSM now open at Milford Centre
OPSM has officially opened its doors in the new wing of Milford Centre, bringing expert eye care and premium eyewear to your neighbourhood. Whether you’re after a routine eye test, advanced optical technology, or stylish new frames, OPSM is here to help with all your eyewear needs. Pop in and visit the OPSM Milford Centre team, and see the difference!

Have a great July. You’re always a winner in Milford!

Murray Hill, Manager, Milford Business Association
manager@milfordshops.co.nz • 021 950 463 milfordshops.co.nz
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