Autumn has arrived

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.

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 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

Visit: www.devonport.co.nz