We all have friends with ‘Long Covid’ which has symptoms similar to chronic fatigue. Economically, it is similar.
We are in a ‘recession’ that has followed on from the pandemic, floods and council’s ‘fiscal hole’.
I believe what we are actually seeing is the ‘Long Tail of Lockdown’ that is accompanied by a few projects, like the narrowing of Queen Street and laws hidden from public consultation. Our stores and restaurants are dropping like flies, in part because their owners weren’t prepared to publicly ask for help until it was too late to save them.
That is why I take my hat off to the bravery of Martin and Jay for announcing a Give-a-Little page to keep this informative, popular, free magazine going. It is vital for our community.
The goal of $30,000 is nearly half way to being achieved. By Sunday 21 July, 69 generous donors had given $13,725 in four weeks. Imagine how easily target could be met if the 22k followers all donated $1.
Last month the issue was a little light on advertising as editor Martin Leach had a fall and ended up in hospital for a week at the time that he’s usually getting advertising copy sorted.
This is a vital aspect of the magazine for us to be able to read this glossy for no charge. I particularly liked the incredibly sophisticated July edition with the classy front cover and black pages, amazingly produced straight after Martin’s hospitalisation. I’m wishing him a speedy recovery.
During hard times it is important to advertise and remind people to shop local so we don’t lose more of our long-term business that we may have taken for granted. I’m hoping some of the advertisers who dropped off over lockdown and those who are new to our neighbourhood make the wise decision to help keep the Ponsonby News going for another 35 years.
The Ponsonby News is a lifeline of real information about what is going on in Central Auckland. It is like no other. It is the voice of locals with uncensored letters to the editor representing a freedom of speech that has been shut down elsewhere. Ponsonby News readers are everywhere, even inside the halls of power, as it is seen by most Auckland councillors each month.
Thanks to all the staff at Ponsonby News for keeping up the standard of this fabulous magazine that is sought after far beyond our area and read by thousands because it is an integral service to the community.
Gael Baldock, long time PN fan.
www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/ponsonbynews
30 July 2024
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