Heart of the Whau - Part 6 On to Mainstreet

The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

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On to “Mainstreet” … 1990 – 2001

1990

Trevor J Callaghan resigned as president of the ABA. From his letter, dated 30/3/90: “The Association had, over the previous 4 years worked mainly to have the general area upgraded and hopefully turned into a shopping area that, while not matching the Lyn(n)mall Centre, would take on a character that would encourage the general public to use this pleasant street. “Negotiations were begun with the Auckland City Council and eventually plans were presented by them, showing the extent of major works that they would be doing over a nominated year as funds became available. Eventually $250,000 was budgeted to cover the upgrading of footpaths, resurface the road, remove the antiquated poles that lined the street and generally improve the whole area. “Your committee were delighted with the results and once this was done we tried to enthuse the local retailers to follow up with promotional activity to improve the flow of people. This proved to be more difficult and eventually the Association went into recess. “At no time was the Association disbanded. This was done to ensure a continuity of the Association so that

any matters that did arise, that were particular to the area, could be handled by a Body representing the Avondale area. “A meeting was held … on 28 March and this proved a most beneficial meeting.” “In 1990 there was a greater variety of businesses in Avondale than there had been thirty years before, but probably fewer people shopping regularly in the district.” [Challenge of the Whau, p. 125] Avondale Community Centre is completed and opened at 99 Rosebank Road on 15 September 1990. The facility accommodated the Avondale Community Pre-School, Avondale Citizens Advice Bureau, Barnardos, Avondale Plunket and (later) the Avondale Community Board. Regular service and community groups such as Senior Citizens, Rotary, and church groups use the Main Hall for their meetings and gatherings. In 1990, Des Ferry sold his panelbeating business to Michael Cook.

1991

Population of Avondale: 29,322 [Brief History of Avondale, City Planning, 2001] On July 26 1991, the Social Welfare Office in Avondale closed its doors. The closure was part of a nation-wide cost-cutting exercise for the department. By the late 1990s, they had returned to the Great North Road site, under the name Income Support.


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December 1991 – the ASB relocates its Avondale branch to the corner of Great North Road and Wingate Street, after being on Rosebank Road for nearly 30 years.

1990-91

Lin Howell now president of ABA. Resigns 15/10/1991 From draft newsletter by Howell, 1/6/90: “For a number of years our association has stumbled along with the odd successful promotion and very little else. A number of businesses have supported the association during this period but the support potential has a long way to go to reach it(s) optimum. “It is my intention to make the association a live useful facility engaged in the promotion of the Avondale Business Community. We are not going to become involved in the local political scene unless our livelihood is threatened.”

1991-92

ABA once again in recess. “Avondale residents can look forward to an up-market new shopping centre next year. The Inner Circle Development will be located around the existing tavern on Great North Road. “An Auckland Savings Bank, a takeaway restaurant and other shops

are part of the scheme, planned to start next August. Developers hope the new retail area may gain back patronage from residents who now shop at nearby LynnMall City. Current rezoning of Avondale racecourse land to residential will also boost the project.” [Western Leader, 17/12/90] (In the 1980s, Avondale Jockey Club took on a night-racing project, including the installation of a multi-million dollar lighting system around the track. This failed disastrously, nearly leading to the closure of the racecourse, and prompted the sale of surplus land owned by the Jockey Club for residential purposes. The debacle is also one of the reasons why the Jockey Club agreed to host a regular Sunday Market on the course grounds, continuing to this day, sometimes to the chagrin of retailers up on Avondale Mainstreet.) “Fixing cracked footpaths will be Avondale Community Board’s top priority this financial year. Both Avondale and Blockhouse Bay shopping centres are a disgrace, says board chairwoman Dawn Persson. Despite complaints from residents, little has been done about the problem. The board will use money allocated for local improvements to upgrade the walkways.” [Western Leader, 9/7/91]

1992

“A rejuvenation of the Avondale and New Lynn business districts has begun. Newly formed Business Associations for both areas will announce a number of initiatives in coming months. A lack of interest from


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business people has seen past business associations fold.“ [Western Leader, 17/9/92]

A main instigator, Avondale businesswoman Alison Turner says the response has been encouraging. “We have a lot of people interested. Now it’s a matter of consolidating and planning the next move,” she says. [Western Leader, 11/8/92] Precious Flores Dayril now president of ABA Promotion: ABA adopts theme of “Revival of Avondale Shopping Centre”. “Avondale shopkeepers are planning to re-direct traffic on one of this country’s busiest roads to save their business district from collapse. Brent Lincoln is heading a growing movement to restrict a kilometre of Great North Road, between St Jude and Ash Streets, to north bound traffic only. The shopkeepers say the plan is a last ditch effort to keep the area alive. “‘This shopping area will be dead in four to five years unless we can do something. This could revive the centre,’ says Mr Lincoln. “However council … initial response is less than favourable.” [Western Leader, 19/11/92]

This led to a split of opinion between the two halves of the shopping centre. The New Lynn side preferred the plan, the Walsall side opposed it. Ron Magill of Watson’s pharmacy arranged a petition of more than 100 signatures opposing the proposal. [Western Leader, 17/12/92]

A Carpark at 59 and 63A Rosebank Road was scheduled for construction by Auckland City, who had purchased them by 1988, but had to await the expiration of lease on no. 63A. [Report by Clinton Savage, Community Advisor, to Acting Community Development Officer, Auckland City, 21/9/88]

1993

“Barnes-Dance” type of signal crossing at Rosebank/Gt North Rd intersection replaced by pedestrians crossing parallel to traffic, abolishing diagonal crossing. [Western Leader, 20/1/93]

Bill Powell now ABA President. He urged Avondale “to get off its tail and do something to revitalise the retail area before it’s too late.” Avondale business people had to have a long hard look at themselves and decide whether they want to take positive action to improve the retail sector or to remain dormant with a couldn’t care less attitude to attracting business. “We will be approaching shop-keepers in the main business area to clean up their act and make some of the stores more presentable and more professional.” [Western Leader 8/9/93]

In a letter to the Western Leader, Dawn Persson wrote: “I shop in Avondale because retailers are helpful and friendly. If I go to any big impersonal shopping centre like Lynnmall no one cares who I am or what I want. “The council does a good job of rubbish collection and retailers try to keep their shopfronts attractive.


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“At present we are trying to get some beautifying done in the way of planting. If your reporter cares to join me on a perambulation around the village he can show me what he thinks are the grotty bits and I will show him all the good things about Avondale.“I think Avondale is an A1 place to be.” [Western Leader, 20/10/1993]

On 29 October 1993, Te Ruruhau O Te Whau, a Maori community group part of Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust, opens an office at the Avondale Community Centre. Within three years, however, it vanishes.

1994

ABA tries to develop more community involvement in the local retail community. [Waitakere Week, 27/4/94]

New retail complex around The Warehouse store in Rata St opens in New Lynn. Additional pressure is therefore put on the Avondale retailers to compete.

1995

By now, Lynnmall had become fully revitalised to become LynnMall City.

1996

“The shopping centre is a disgrace and Auckland City Council must take most of the blame. “The amount of rubbish lying around the streets is worse than Ash St after

a Sunday fleamaket, but the Council cannot be blamed for the offensive smell from the bins on the pavement each rubbish day. “Retailers are constantly complaining about the drop in business, but they are not helping to attract customers to the centre. ”Whether the initiative is taken by the retailers of the council is asked to do its job, something has to be done urgently or Avondale will be a dead area.” [Dennis K Scoles letter to Western Leader, 18/1/96]

John Fairbairn now president of ABA 1996-1998. The latest phase of Avondale Central’s history begins. Security Lighting. Meeting of Avondale businesses called by Avondale Community Board unanimously decided to accept offer by the Board of supply and installation of security lighting at a cost of $40,000 for the shopping area, with proviso that the shopkeepers pay for extra power and maintenance. [3/4/1996]

“Avondale councillor Brian Maude says the community board, local police and business association are working towards holding a “Switching On” festival and street parade when the lighting project is completed in August. “With a new graffiti co-ordinator appointed and the planned shopping centre improvements, the three organisations are hoping to make further positive progress for the people of Avondale.” [City Scene, 22/6/96]

Avondale Beautification. At same meeting, Council advised that funding had been budgetedfor sealing, plants


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etc., as recommended to them by ABA. New Police Station on corner of Walsall St and Great North Road. [Western Leader, 21/6/96]. The original building become vacant, then finds new use as a boarding house up until early 2003, when raids by the local police closed the business. Anti-Graffiti. An Anti-Graffiti meeting held in Avondale Community Board room at Bond St. A requested van was to be called an “Anti-Graffiti van”. Auckland City Council providing $45,000 from central Council for this pilot scheme. [1/5/96]

Anti-Graffiti pilot scheme announced to ABA by Sgt Warren Strand. [ABA Committee minutes, 9/5/96]

Promotion Bryce Pilkington outlined Avondale Business Pride Programme [ABA Committee minutes, 9/5/96]

First Santa Parade on 7 December in conjunction with Avondale Jockey Club’s Gold Cup day Funding: Separate rating system Separate rating system funding for ABA projects: “A majority of ratepayers [poss. Up to 75%] is required to bring in a separate rating system.” {ABA Committee minutes, 18/6/96]

29 August – Hostage drama at Jackson’s Superette, Great North Road. I remember coming home from work, to get off the bus at Avondale because, as I recall, I wanted to pick up some groceries before heading up the hill to home. It was a dark night, and raining heavily. Great North Road was sealed off from the Rosebank Road intersection by the police. The bus was diverted down Rosebank Road, towards Ash Street. The driver let some of the surprised passengers off, like myself, in Rosebank Road, just before heading along to New Lynn, and we walked back to Great North Road, hoping to see what was wrong. I don’t think I’d seen so many police cars in one spot as they were in the block between Crayford Street and the roundabout. I remember the urge to get home to my waiting mother as soon as I possibly could. Thankfully, the dairy owner held hostage wasn’t hurt.

Mainstreet : “In 1996 the Avondale Community Board, along with the remaining Avondale Business Association (ABA) members, started a recruitment campaign which saw the Association's membership increase ten-fold. Later that year Community Board members brought to the attention of the ABA that the Mainstreet concept existed, and the Mainstreet Co-ordinator from Otahuhu visited Avondale to inform the ABA about how the programme worked.” [Kevin Healy, ABA Mainstreet history, from internet site www.avondale.net.nz April 2001]


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1997

Mainstreet Note: (Note: following information on Mainsteet Project and ABA taken largely from information provided on www.avondale.net.nz)

“By the mid 1990s, the Avondale Town Centre was run-down and depressed. Many businesses had already shut and when the 3Guys Supermarket announced it was to close its doors in June 1997, it looked like Avondale was doomed. In July 1997, Avondale joined 12 other areas in Auckland City by adopting a Mainstreet Programme to improve its strip shopping area and bring back customers.” [Kevin Healy, ABA Mainstreet history, from internet site www.avondale.net.nz, April 2001]

The 3 Guys supermarket closed on June 27, 1997. Since then, and in all the years following, the public have demanded another supermarket in Avondale. Unfortunately, Progressive Foods who owned 3 Guys supermarkets, along with Foodtown, reportedly placed a caveat on the title of the land so that it could not be used for retail purposes such as that of a supermarket. February – ABA requested that Auckland City establish a separate rating area in Avondale, in order to fund the Mainstreet Programme. Letter was sent to all Avondale retailers from ABA, asking for “yes” vote for Mainstreet programme. March – Mainstreet voting papers distributed to businesses. 20 March 1997 Mainstreet meeting held on 20/3/97 so that the ratepayers could be informed

of the process, and a vote was taken to establish support for the proposal. “Avondale’s business community may pay higher rates to finance improvements to its main street. The ABA votes on plans to implement a Mainstreet programme funded by a rate levy on local shopkeepers. If the plan is endorsed Avondale shopkeepers pay an extra seven per cent. The annual increase of $27,500 goes to a Mainstreet project.” [Western Leader, 27/3/97]

This was later imposed. [Western Leader, 25/6/97]

April Avondale Mainstreet Programme proposal included in Auckland City Annual Plan 1997/98. 30 April 1997 ABA representatives attended Regional Mainstreet conference. Avondale Community Centre suggests that Santa Parade be held in November, to tie in with Centre’s Fun Day. Afterwards, this is not seen as a benefit to Avondale businesses, however. LynnAvon shopping complex opens on corner of Henry St and Great North road. [Western Leader, 25/6/97] The TAB moves there. 27 June 1997 – 3 Guys supermarket closes. Avondale Laundromat moves from beside the supermarket to 54 Rosebank Road. Is still there in 2001. August Mainstreet Management Committee formed. “To ensure that Separate Ratepayers' funds are used wisely, Auckland City must retain some control in the way


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separate rate money is spent. This is done by establishing a Mainstreet Management Committee to oversee the direction of the Mainstreet programme, and to approve quarterly budgets. “The committee is made up of two members of the ABA, a City Councillor and a Community Board member from the Avondale ward, the ABA Mainstreet Co-ordinator and a Council officer responsible for Mainstreet programmes. [Kevin Healy, Mainstreet History Timeline, www.avondale.net.nz,, April 2001]

October Mainstreet Co-ordinator Kevin Healy appointed. November Portage Licensing Trust grant: $4,000 donation to ABA for Christmas Parade promotion and new Cross-street Banner. Christmas Parade & Fun Day: ABA organises Christmas Parade to coincide with Avondale Community Centre's Fun Day market and entertainment, Saturday 22 November. December Avondale Business Directory: First Avondale Town Centre directory published by ABA. Security lighting: Funding application made to Community Board Small Local Improvement Projects (SLIPs) fund, for completion of the Mainstreet security lighting project.

1998

January Urban Design redevelopment tender: "Interested parties are invited to submit their qualifications in Main Street planning and development. Please include a list of past projects and experience in urban design capability. "The brief is not limited to one professional group, as the association do not want to limit the scope or input of other groups. We invite all interested groups to submit detailed applications. Please include wherever possible rates and costings of services." [NZ Herald classified, 31/1/98]

February. First issue of Avondale Mainstreet News.

Logo: “Avondale has a striking colourful new logo to help promote the town in a distinctly positive way. The logo was the brainchild of ABA Secretary and Avondale Police Senior Sergeant, Warren strand. The colours suggest the red roofs of local homes with the green of the Waitakere ranges rising to the blue of the sky. The tick is for all the things that are positive about Avondale … of course! “Already, local businesses are using the logo on signs to promote Avondale and the Mainstreet programme. The first to go up is at MacDonald’s Home Appliance Centre on the corner of Great North Road and Racecourse Parade.” [Avondale Mainstreet News, February 1998]


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Banner: “Auckland City Council contractors are preparing to engineer and install a cross-street banner in Avondale. “The 10 metre X 1.2 metre banner will be mounted across Great North Road just south of the intersection with Rosebank Road. Business and community groups will be able to hire the banner to advertise upcoming promotions and events.” [Avondale Mainstreet News, February 1998]

March Urban Design redevelopment consultants: ABA select de Beer Marketing & Communications to produce a 'Strategic Marketing Plan' and Isthmus Group to produce an 'Urban Design Concept Plan' for Avondale.

Urban Design redevelopment consultation process started: Waitakere City Council officers help design 'open forum' meetings where Avondale business people and community members can have their say on the future of the town. Information gathering tools include a written survey, SWOT analysis, 'favourite/most hated place' map, 'vision for the future' statements, and informal discussion. Public Forum meetings: Two open days held at Avondale Community Centre 26 & 27 March, to gather feedback about the town from the community. “Avondale residents say their community’s diverse cultural mix, its central location and quality schools make the area special. But it’s dragged down by its shabby appearance, lack of a supermarket, traffic and parking problems and low community spirit. These views emerged at a Mainstreet forum last

month to discuss Avondale’s good and bad points. “People at the forum were also asked for a vision of the future, The most common response was to create “a place with a strong sense of community where there is a safe and happening shopping centre.” [Western Leader 7/4/1998]

April Mainstreet Plans: Funding application made to Community Board SLIPs fund to develop a 'Strategic Marketing Plan' and an 'Urban Design Concept Plan' (Mainstreet Plans) for Avondale. May Avondale Community Board SLIPs grant: For Mainstreet plans, approved at Community Board meeting, 20/5/98. “A development plan for Avondale is to be drawn up with the help of a $27,000 grant from the Avondale Community Board. “Mainstreet coordinator Kevin Healy says the plan will find “the essence of Avondale” for future upgrading of the town. “Hopefully at the end of three months we will have a plan we can take to council.” [Western Leader, 17/6/98]

“The ABA is looking at installing a replica antique light standard at the intersection of Great North Road and St Georges Rd. It may be the start of a heritage theme for Avondale, Mr Healy says.” [Western Leader, 17/6/98]

June "The ABA is looking at installing a replica antique light standard at the intersection of Great North Road and St Georges Rd. It may be the start of a


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heritage theme for Avondale, Mr Healy says." [Western Leader, 17/6/98]

The lamp standard is a replica of the original, presented by businessman Arthur W Page in 1904. Avondale Community Board approve funding for the project, and the lamp was installed in the middle of the roundabout early July. July 3Guys site: Old supermarket building demolished. New property owners, Challenge Petroleum, wish to build a Challenge petrol station and terraced houses on the site.

ABA resolves to request that Council purchase the remaining carpark area for the use of sports groups and shoppers.

Portage Licensing Trust grant: $5,000 donation to ABA for Mainstreet security lighting power and maintenance. August: Avondale Community Centre is advised that ABA will not run the Santa Parade that year. Community Centre goes ahead anyway, at own cost.

Strategic Marketing Plan focus group: First workshop of ABA, community representatives and local politicians held at Avondale Primary School, 1 August, facilitated by Jillian de Beer. This was followed by another on 15 September.

October Rocky Horror Picture Party: ABA work with Hollywood Cinema on 'Rocky Horror' promotion where the film is played every night for the week leading up to Halloween.

November Strategic Marketing Plan: completed and distributed to stakeholders for comment.

Christmas Parade & Fun Day: Avondale Community Centre organises Christmas Parade & Fun Day, Saturday 21 November. ABA contributes by paying for advertising, lollies, sausages etc. December Urban Design Concept Plan: Project Control Group (PCG) formed to work with Isthmus Group to produce concept plan for the redevelopment of Avondale' streetscape.

1999

February Urban Design Concept Plan: Fortnightly PCG meetings started, 3 February. New ABA Chairman: Duncan Macdonald elected, following resignation of John Fairbairn. March Avondale News: The Newsletter Company works with the ABA to launch a newsletter dedicated to Avondale. Initial distribution is to 5,500 homes and businesses in Avondale, Rosebank and Waterview.


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3Guys site: Purchased by Auckland City for carpark at rear section. Front section to be sold to a developer with provisions to fit in with Mainstreet programme. April Urban Design Concept Plan: Initial concept plan on public display 8, 9 & 10 April in the National Bank building (now Ray White's) to gather written and verbal feedback from the community. NZ Deaf Association move into ex-WINZ offices on Great North Road. May Urban Design Concept Plan: completed. Town Centre Refurbishment Project: Starts with pilot project - Pilkington building above veranda painted in ABA chosen colours and matching fascia signs for the buildings' tenants: Macdonalds Home Appliance Centre (later Avondale Appliance Centre Ltd) and Westforce Credit Union.

"Currently the Business Association, led by Chairman Duncan Macdonald and assisted by Avondale's Mainstreet Co-ordinator Kevin Healy, is engaged in a refurbishment of the town. Improvements include redecorating tops of heritage buildings, repainting under-verandas, installing more

lighting, and provision of 'generic signage' - tells what the business does - butcher, baker, chemist etc. "These large, easy-to-read signs, brainchild of Chairman Macdonald, make life easier for shoppers, and have attracted new custom to these businesses, with reports of turnover increasing by over 50%." [West Weekly,

June 2000] The Avondale Community Board approved $2,250 seed funding for the project. June Urban Design Concept Plan: endorsed by Community Board. Avondale Spider Icon: "The Avondale Spider is a unique icon of the area - even gaining world-wide recognition as the star of the Spielberg film 'Arachnophobia'. In 1999, the giant fibreglass and steel spider atop Mobil Avondale was removed due to a change in policy by Mobil Australia. "The Business Association paid for the removal of the spider, and for preliminary refurbishment and storage until a suitable site was located." [ABA application to Portage Licensing Trust,

February 2000] The Spider is partly restored then stored, appropriately, beneath Spider's Bar. In 2002, it was restored further, and installed at the Town Centre. July Refurbishment Project Stage 1 - 1999/2000: "The Avondale Community Board endorsed the Urban Design Concept Plan in June 1999 and capital works funding for a major redevelopment of the Avondale Town Centre streetscape will be sought for the 2000/2001 financial year. "Outside the scope of the streetscape redevelopment, the Strategic


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Marketing Plan identified improved signage and visual upgrading of the commercial centre as being high priorities. "To date, the Avondale Business Association has funded 26 new fascia signs and the painting / decorative painting of three buildings, supported by contributions from building owners, retailers and an Avondale Community Board Discretionary Fund grant." [ABA application to Community Board SLIPs, July 1999]

Avondale Community Board grant $45,000 SLIPs funding for the project. August Lion Foundation grant: $6,000 donation to ABA for Mainstreet security lighting power and maintenance. Pole banners: Distinctive 'Welcome to Avondale Mainstreet' pole banners purchased and installed. The baners hang these days from the wall of the ABA office.

September Liveable Communities Plan: Auckland City commences pilot Liveable Communities Plan programme in Avondale, with the support of the ABA. "In the Liveable Communities 2050 growth strategy Avondale is in one of ten Strategic Growth Management Areas (SGMAs) where Auckland City expects much of the city's future development to be concentrated. "Avondale and Panmure have been chosen as pilot centres where draft Liveable Community Plans are being prepared. The plans are an integral part of the Liveable Communities 2050 Strategy and will be based on issues

and suggestions from each community. "The main purpose of the plans will be to secure the advantages and benefits of growth, while also building strong communities and protecting their values." [Avondale Liveable Communities Project Newsletter, November 1999]

Avondale Mini-Market opens at 1907 Great North Road (former site of MacDonald’s Appliances, Levenes, Shoprite). By early 2001, as Fresh & Fresh, the business is closed for two months, before reopening again in May 2001 as King’s Supermarket. October “On October 31 1999 the Hollywood celebrated 75 years of existence and is still running movies just like the old days. In fact Television One celebrated the Millennium of Movies by showing the results of a poll taken over 1000 people to compile a list of the 10 best movies of the century and ALL of the film titles were screened at the Hollywood during its long existence. Top film was "TITANIC" followed by GONE WITH THE WIND. There would not be too many cinemas still in existence today that can lay claim to having screened all those movies.” [Jan Grefstad, Picture Theatres of Auckland]

November Street Legal: Avondale becomes a 'set' for a TV action series, including a shot-gun 'shoot-out' in the course of a mock bank robbery outside the old Post Office (cnr Rosebank & Great North Rds). ABA helps locate premises for studio and 'on location' sets. "Screen Works Ltd., the producer's of "Street Legal", have begun pre-


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production on a follow up series. We are due to start filming in mid November and continue through till mid May 2000. "Street Legal" is a bold, action-oriented legal drama series that deals with the lives and struggles of the lawyers at Wyeth and Associates. Leading the pack is maverick criminal lawyer David Silesi, played by New Zealand actor Jay Lagaa'ia, best known for his work on the Australian Series Water Rats. "We are currently in the process of finding locations that we can use on a day by day basis throughout the filming of the series. We like the look of your property and think that it may work well." [Screen Works letter]

Christmas Parade & Fun Day: Duncan MacDonald suggests moving Fun Day to Avondale Primary School green, as the Community Centre has limited space (earlier in the year, at Fun Day Committee meeting at the Community Centre). Avondale Community Centre organises Christmas Parade & Fun Day, Saturday 20 November. ABA contributes by paying for advertising in Avondale News, Western Leader, West Weekly, flyers, banner etc. December 3 Guys site: ABA develops own plans for the site based on a mix of retail premises with apartments above, town houses behind the shops, and public parking at rear. Following ABA presentation to Auckland City Property Transactions Committee, a 'minimum of 1,600 square metres of retail space' becomes an essential requirement for development of the site.

2000

January Millennium Project: Avondale Community Board grant $6,000 towards the Avondale Spider Icon project. These funds are used to produce the detailed engineering drawings needed to mount a 200kg, 5 metre wide Spider 8 metres off the ground. February Spider Icon made famous: ABA makes known its plans to restore the Spider to its former glory, generating a blaze of publicity with articles and photos appearing in the Western Leader, N Z Herald, Avondale News, and overseas in the New Zealand News UK. Avondale residents are over-whelmingly in favour of the Spider as an icon for the town. State Highway 20: Interest groups approach the ABA to see if it will get involved in the State Highway 20 debate. ABA Chairman Duncan Macdonald produces plans that are then published in the Western Leader. March Mt Eden Mainstreet: Avondale Mainstreet Co-ordinator Kevin Healy speaks at Mt Eden Business Association AGM outlining how successful the Avondale Mainstreet Programme has been. Mt Eden retailers subsequently vote for separate rating to become the 14th Mainstreet in Auckland City. Sunday Market: ABA receives complaints from retailers about some hawkers at the markets who have no


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licenses and are operating in unhygienic conditions. ABA contacts Auckland City and subsequently hygiene conditions improve. Waitakere City take-over repelled: Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey is quoted in the media as suggesting that Avondale and Rosebank should split from Auckland City and become part of Waitakere City. Mayor Harvey concedes after ABA Chairman Duncan Macdonald hints at the possibility of a counter-take-over of Waitakere City by an army of Avondale Spiders. April Refurbishment Project Stage 2 - 2000/2001: "The ABA is very pleased with progress to date: "Generic signs: Over half of the businesses in town now have generic signs. Demand for the signs is increasing as companies that originally refused to budge from their own corporate signage are reconsidering. Kodak has switched already. Westpac has agreed to generic signage, and NZ Post and the BNZ have approached the association to discuss the issue. Feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly in favour of the signs. "Painting above verandas: By the end of June around 70% of the buildings (above veranda) in town will have a new coat of paint or a decorative paint-up to highlight character features. Most of the building owners have contributed, and have used the colour palette designed by the ABA. Very poor state of many of the under verandas has hampered progress and incurred substantial extra costs here. However, there is a significant sense

of 'clean and light' where they have been tidied and painted. "Lighting under verandas: Again, dilapidated under verandas have been an issue. By the end of June nearly 70% of this work will be complete, making a huge difference to the look and level of security of Avondale Town Centre at night." [ABA application to Community Board SLIPs, April 2000]

May Annual Plan submissions 2000/2001: "Avondale Business Association submission to Auckland City's 2000/2001 Draft Annual Plan. The purpose of this submission is to support: "1. Allocation of Capital Works expenditure by Auckland City for Stage 1 of Avondale's Mainstreet streetscape redevelopment in 2000/2001, and for further allocations to be made in the subsequent financial years until the project is complete. "2. Encouragement of TranzRail to move the Avondale rail station to the top of Crayford Street." Hearings are held in June at the Community Centre where a display of ABA plans etc. is viewed by Councillors and Duncan and Kevin speak to the submissions. National Mainstreet Trust Regional Conference: Avondale Mainstreet Co-ordinator Kevin Healy leads workshop on 'Funding opportunities' and promotes Avondale at Mainstreet seminar in Onehunga. Footpaths: ABA co-ordinate repairs to Avondale footpaths, undertaken by contractors to Auckland City Traffic & Roading Services.


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June Graffiti Paint-out: KAWBS and Community Board members approach ABA to take over the graffiti paint-out operations, at least temporarily until Auckland City's programme is established. The ABA is prepared to do this only as long as it is 100% funded by Community Board and WINZ subsidies (because there is no Mainstreet budget for graffiti). ABA apply for, and receive, Community Board grant of $2,250 to continue graffiti paint-out operation. WINZ grant ABA subsidies for graffiti paint-out wages. Mainstreet Stage 1: Auckland City approves capital expenditure funding of $330,000 in 2000/2001 financial year for the development of a 'Town Square' in the centre of Avondale. July Spider Icon named: Following a competition in the Avondale News to name the Spider, the people's choice is 'Dale'.

Community Board SLIPs grant: For Refurbishment Project Stage 2 - $45,000.

Community Board SLIPs grant: ABA apply for, and receive, $1,900 for continued graffiti paint-out operation. August ABA AGM 2000: Held at the Avondale Peninsula Hotel, 15 August. Speaker: Councillor Vern Walsh. Elected Committee: Duncan Macdonald (Chairman), Alison Turner (Treasurer), Kevin Healy (Secretary), Dave Fielding, Bikal Tahal, Simon Cox, Councillor Vern Walsh, Lorraine Wilson (Avondale Community Board), Hinewhare Harawira, Glenys

Macdonald, Gary Ball (Avondale Community Constable). National Mainstreet Trust Annual Conference: Avondale Mainstreet Co-ordinator Kevin Healy leads workshop on 'Funding opportunities' and promotes Avondale at Mainstreet conference in Wanganui. Annual Plan 2000/2001: Auckland City agree with all submissions made by ABA, and include them in the 2000/2001 Annual Plan. September Generic Sign for Westpac: "In what is believed to be a unique break with tradition, a Westpac Trust branch has joined a programme of generic signs in the heart of Avondale's retail centre. "Avondale Mainstreet programme co-ordinator Kevin Healy says: "To our knowledge, this is the first time a bank has agreed to sacrifice corporate colours in some of its signage for a project like this. Now we're hoping others will do the same." "The Avondale Business Association's generic signage programme will see more than half the shops represented by uniform signs. Westpac Trust's fascia sign reads 'Banking and Financial Services'." [City Scene, September 2000]

The Mural: ABA oversees and supplies materials for local arts group 'Wai Kauri' to paint a mural depicting the history of the Avondale area on the fence at the rear of the 3Guys site. October


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Avondale.net.nz Website launch: "Avondale is online. The Avondale Business Association and Roadworks Online are developing a web site to showcase Avondale to the whole world. “Association Chairman Duncan MacDonald is delighted with progress to date. Visit www.avondale.net.nz to view images of our town and make use of the free services. "This is really about promoting Avondale and at the same time putting something back into the community - the future." [Avondale News, October 2000]

November Mainstreet Programme Satisfaction Survey: Auckland City commission AC Neilsen to conduct survey to assess awareness of, and satisfaction with, Auckland's Mainstreet Programmes. Avondale results in all areas measured (awareness of programme, increased customers, increased turnover, programme satisfaction) are significantly higher than the average for Auckland City. Over 90% of those surveyed are willing to continue separate rate funding of the Avondale Mainstreet Programme.

Christmas Parade & Fun Day: Local volunteers organise Christmas Parade & Fun Day, Saturday 18 November. ABA contributes by paying $5,000 for advertising in Avondale News,

Western Leader, West Weekly, flyers, banner etc. December Playground trees cleared: ABA arranges for Auckland City contractors to remove vegetation hiding the playground (beside 3 Guys site) from the street. This has an immediate benefit the area looks tidier, vandals and taggers are discouraged from hiding there, and people start actually using the playground again.

2001

January Street Numbering project: ABA purchases and installs 'gold-on-black' street numbers in the Town Centre. "Every green generic sign on the verandah has had the shops street number installed, which has made locating a particular address much easier and adds to the town's character." [Avondale News, February 2001]

Street numbering of the shops before this had been achieved only by the individual property owners and/or shopkeepers. It was often difficult in the past navigating one’s way through the shopping centre, when just a number was given. Usually, landmarks such as known shops or corners were used. Avondale Primary joins Mainstreet: "The school board has decided to repaint the school buildings to match our Avondale colour scheme. They have asked if they could have a generic sign. The committee agreed that even though they are not a separate ratepayer, we could supply a sign in recognition of their contribution


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to the town." [ABA minutes, December 2000].

New Year's Honour: Avondale Business Association & Mainstreet Management Committee member Lorraine Wilson, and ex-member Warren Strand, both receive Queen's Service Medals for services to the community. February Mainstreet Stage 1 - Town Square: In consultation with ABA, Isthmus Group draw concept plans for the development of the Council-owned property in the area between the playground and the public toilets. "Business association chairman Duncan Macdonald says Avondale lacks a public meeting place "where the people can congregate and natter, watch their kids at the playground after doing some shopping". "The $330,000 town square is the first of four stages and will feature footpaths, lighting, seating, a public gathering area and new children's playground. The plans for the square, unveiled last week, include the Avondale spider project. The town's symbol will be mounted on a giant stainless steel web near Great North Rd. "Councillor Vern Walsh says... "This plan is probably the most exciting thing that's happened in Avondale for many years." [Western Leader, February 2001]

Avondale Community Board endorses Stage 1 Plans: "Thank you for the presentation by yourself and Duncan Macdonald to the Avondale Community Board at its 21 February 2001 meeting.

"The Board resolved: That the Board endorses the Avondale Mainstreet Upgrade Stage One landscape concept plan and fully supports the initiative." [Letter from Avondale Community Board, February 2001]

March Generic Signs: "Avondale Primary School sign, 'Welcome to Avondale' sign (at intersection of Great North Road & Ash St), Taxi shelter signs and the three shop signs in Crayford Street have all been completed." [ABA minutes, March 2001].

ABA Timeline History: "Lisa Truttman has produced a history document that could be posted to our website with acknowledgment of her efforts." [ABA minutes, March 2001].

Mainstreet Policy: Auckland Mainstreets Network successfully negotiate policy with Auckland City that allows Avondale Mainstreet to continue operating under its current successful operation and management structures. “Plans for Avondale’s town square could be changed after a protest by a group of businessmen. The owners of firms trading next to the site say they’ve not been properly consulted about the bid to transform land beside the south end of the former 3 Guys site. “Mr MacDonald says the plans have been on show at the Avondale Community Centre and on footpath displays over the last two years and business association members have been kept informed.” [Western Leader, 6/3/01]

May On the 4th of May 2001, I visited Jennifer Battersby at the home of


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herself and Mark Battersby, the current proprietors of Battersby’s Ltd in Avondale. At present, they have 1 staff member other than themselves, so the firm is still truly a family-owned business. 4 cars are in use, of which 2 are hearses, and 1 a “removal vehicle” – which, I was told, was one used for discreet removals of the deceased. The offices inside the business premises were modified in 1989, with recladding outside in 1999. Around 250 funerals a year are organised and carried out by Battersby’s; this compared with around 500 in the past, but, as Jennifer pointed out, this was before the rise of firms such as Morrison’s, Fletcher Brown, etc. Battersby’s take pride in that they can assist with all aspects of care for the deceased. In May, Tahals Service Station (next to Battersby’s) changed ownership when the owners sold the business and moved overseas. They had owned the business for 14 years. It now becomes known as Caltex. In June, after the cease of publication of the Avondale News, the ABA commenced The Spider’s Web, the ABA’s official newsletter. In the first issue, Duncan Macdonald stated that “one of my future pet projects I would like to see is the old Library next door to the Hollywood Picture Theatre [Avondale Public Hall building] turned into an Avondale History museum, spider terrarium and café.” [Spider’s Web, June 2001, p. 3]

July: Late in June, the City Council introduced a new policy regarding their wheelie-bin rubbish collections, in response to a need to reduce rubbish in municipal dumps.

The large 240-litre green bins were replaced by 120-litre bins, with the old 240s only to be used for “green waste” or that from gardens. However, aside from uproar heard across Auckland from large residential families, and unit-dwellers who had to share a single bin in some cases, the business district of Avondale was affected. “In Avondale's main street, rows of full-to-overflowing 240-litre wheelie bins clutter the footpath because the council has refused to take them away. Avondale Business Association president Duncan Macdonald said the shopkeepers put the larger bins out for one last collection because the stickers on the new, red-topped ones said they were to be used after July 2. When Mr Macdonald rang the council he was advised to put the rubbish in small plastic bags, which would be picked up. He also resented the way he and four other businesses had to share one 120-litre wheelie bin because their block of shops was on one title. "I pay $3000 a year in rates, of which 6 per cent or $180 is for rubbish. If I want my own wheelie bin it is going to cost me an extra $185 a year to council or $199 if I get a 240-litre bin from a private contractor." [NZ Herald, 4/7/2001]

“The Avondale Business Association paid a private contractor $500 to clear 41 large wheelie bins put out because of confusion over the last collection date for the bins. The association has billed the council for the work.” [NZ Herald, 10/7/2001].

“Association chairman Duncan Macdonald says the private contractors emptied 41 240-litre bins from the Avondale shopping centre and surrounding streets. He labels the


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rubbish a "health hazard" after it was left uncollected outside food outlets, "stinking to high heaven". One bin contained maggots, he says. "We have received dozens of complaints about the smell and the bins blocking the footpaths."” [Central Leader, 11 July 2001]

At the July meeting of the ABA Executive Committee, it was decided that the author be encouraged and assisted with the setting up of a Historical Society for Avondale. (A daunting task, to me, at the time!) August: On August 10 2001, the first Internet website devoted solely to the publication of the history of Avondale was created by the author. I felt, at the time, that the flow of information was coming in so swiftly from interviews and research I was undertaking that the stories compiled needed to be published. The site, called Rimtark, was followed soon after by one for Auckland History in general, The Archive Room, and another for Avondale’s stories, called Earthsettler (by early 2002). Recognising that not everyone has access to the Internet as I do, I started The Avondale Historical Journal in September 2001 – initially to a mailing list of approximately 50. The public reaction to both the website network, which I later called an “on-line museum” for Avondale, and the Journal has, at times, been overwhelming. Suddenly, for the first time since 1994 when Challenge of the Whau was published – our local history became the talk of the town. October: The Page’s Building receives a welcome redecoration, as the ABA

and the building’s tenants combine to repaint the old building in the Mainstreet colour scheme, highlighting the architectural features – now visible for the first time in decades. Once more, the Page’s Building has become a landmark. Also, Avondale dentist David Crum was elected as President of the New Zealand Dental Association. [Spider’s Web, November 2001]

Heart of the Whau - Part 6 On to Mainstreet

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Transcript of Heart of the Whau - Part 6 On to Mainstreet