Devonport News

News from Devonport's Business Improvement District Manager, Toni van Tonder

The great thing about writing a monthly column is that it makes winter race by… three magazines later and we’re out the other end and launching wildly into Spring.

The nights are already getting just that little bit longer, the mornings a little brighter and it makes the dog walks down Cheltenham beach or along King Edward Parade, that little bit more appealing.
There’s always plenty happening in Devonport and you can check out a full list of upcoming events by visit www.devonport.co.nz. This month you’ll definitely need to put Friday 20th into your diaries…
On the third Friday of September Devonport’s businesses and community groups are once again banding together (we do it pretty well over here) to participate in International PARK(ing) Day.  If you find your way into Devonport Village you’ll discover carparks commandeered and redesigned for public use rather than a single-occupancy motor-vehicle. The event, which is a part of Auckland’s Festival of Architecture, is a playful and engaging way to start a conversation around urban design, transport and community.
Currently the village is getting a nice little spruce-up with Auckland Council’s maintenance team replanting the flower beds for spring in bright floral design, and the subterranean toilets in Windsor Reserve are getting a full make-over inside.
We expect the old blue playground to soon be removed and construction will begin on a fantastic new playground modelled on the Bean Rock lighthouse. Around it will be a range of nautical-inspired play opportunities that are designed to blend well with the existing trees. It’s going to be a real destination playground and will mean more people can enjoy long balmy evenings eating fish and chips by the sea, while the kids can just go wild.
This month I’d like to welcome a new busineses to our association, NZ Sidecar Tours (www.nzsidecartours.com). This new tourism venture offers boutique experiences designed to sweep up to three guests off their feet in order to discover some of our best kept secrets. Could be just the ticket for Father’s Day…
- Until next time, Toni. 


Issue 102 September 2019