Grey Lynn Business Association is throwing a street party to celebrate its vibrant and progressive community.
The Totally Locally Day in the Grey Lynn shopping village on Saturday, 29 April, from noon to 4pm, will encourage people to dine, shop and play locally. ”It’s about creating a strong local economy and strengthening community ties,” says GLBA chairperson Jennifer Northover.
“Totally Locally celebrates Grey Lynn’s entrepreneurial spirit and recognises the critical contribution that independent businesses make to our community life,” she says.
“Totally Locally celebrates Grey Lynn’s entrepreneurial spirit and recognises the critical contribution that independent businesses make to our community life,” she says. Grey Lynn’s business community has welcomed the campaign by collaborating enthusiastically to ensure the event is packed with creative activities and family-friendly fun. “The Grey Lynn shops are blossoming and we want to build on that,” says Jennifer.
The event will radiate from the intersection of Williamson Ave and Great North Rd, the location of three hip eateries that are attracting crowds from all over Auckland.
“Kokako café, Tiger Burger and Pocket Bar & Kitchen have formed a golden triangle of sorts that’s proving to be a drawcard to the area,” says Jennifer. “They all build on the unique character that Grey Lynn is known for,” she says.
“Where else in Auckland can you pick up a bag of taro, enjoy a Papua New Guinean speciality coffee, indulge in Korean inspired kimchi fires and down a local craft beer in a glass house?” Grey Lynn’s reputation as a historic hood with innovative ideas will be celebrated at the event, she says.
”We want everyone to know that spending a little bit of their money “Totally Locally” can have a huge impact on local jobs, businesses and life,” she says.
“We’d like to see it become a mindset that people adopt all-year-round,” she adds. “We are encouraging people to just switch $5 of their weekly shopping from chainstores, supermarkets or online to an independent business in Grey Lynn. Buy your lunch and coffee locally and shop with the independent butcher, it is that simple.”
The GLBA believes the Totally Locally campaign will also encourage Grey Lynn’s independent businesses to use local suppliers. “Consumers can help create a sustainable business community by supporting a business that supports lots of other local businesses,” Jennifer says.
The street party has been timed to coincide with the World Masters Games, which are taking place in Auckland from 21-30 April.
“Grey Lynn expects to be hosting a lot of visitors for the World Games because we have so many Airbnbs in the area,” she says. “The street party will be another fun event the visitors can be involved in.”
Totally Locally campaigns all around the world have helped people to rediscover and fall in love with their local shops. “Independent businesses and shops are the mainstay of Grey Lynn and when they thrive it has a flow-on effect for the entire community,” says Jennifer.
Parking for the street party will be available in the Countdown carpark (entrance in Coleridge Street).
www.glba.co.nz