Ponsonby has a lot going for it. Our heritage and culture makes us a very attractive destination, not only for our own residents, but for local and international visitors.
I talked with Ponsonby Business Association Chief Executive, Viv Rosenberg, about future developments. They are excited about an Auckland Transport initiative called ‘tactical urbanism’. I wrote a little about this in an October Ponsonby News article. I think it might be difficult to promote activities for kids and families without disrupting traffic too much on Ponsonby Road, but small innovative activities and hardware, temporary or permanent if very successful, could be good for Three Lamps and around Western Park. Ponsonby has a great slogan... ‘Love your hood and they’ll love you back.’
In blunter terms, as I used to say when I first started the Ponsonby Community Newsletter in 1989, “Stay local, shop local, support your local businesses.” Current editor, Martin Leach echoes those sentiments.
I was telling Viv Rosenberg a little story to illustrate this support. She suggested I tell it here. When my son was about 12 he ordered the next Harry Potter book from Novel, up the road from home on Jervois Road. The day before the release, Novel owner Andrew Maben phoned us to say he could not match the ‘loss leader’ price being offered by the chain bookstores, and he would understand if we cancelled. We said no, we want to support our small local shops and Finn’s order would stand. Andrew is still there at Novel, 15 years later. It’s an old story, but it’s still relevant today.
If we look out for each other, our community will survive, thrive and grow.
Let’s do this. (John Elliott)
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