When you’re the “cheerleader” for Pakuranga as well as its town centre, the role is to accentuate the positives.
And while David Collings is looking ahead and seeing what the potential of a thriving economic future will bring, he’s also realistic that times are tough at Pakuranga Plaza now and will be for some time.
The Times asked Collings, a Howick Local Board member for the Pakuranga subdivision, for his thoughts about the Plaza following coverage on the issue in our September 13 edition.
“Retail everywhere has been hit hard since Covid and it has taken time to improve,” he says.
“For those in the Plaza it’s been even harder. There are experiences that keep this centre dear to locals and of course why it’s sad for many to see the effect the construction is having on a centre already under pressure.
“We have to continue to support those businesses hanging in there at our local before going online or elsewhere for the everyday things we need.
“Despite the amount of construction going on around the centre it’s never been easier to get in and out, particularly now it has a fully controlled intersection on Ti Rakau Drive.
“I’ve always been a cheerleader for Pakuranga Town Centre, during my time representing Pakuranga and will continue to be into the future.
“One thing for sure is that it’s going to get worse before it gets better, with further development onsite still to come outside of the transport projects underway.
“It will get better, much better, but it will take some time. In the meantime, we’ve got to support those that need us the most and keep our local centre firmly on the map.”
The now-closed Farmers store, a previous Plaza tenant and popular with shoppers, has been replaced by a retailer attracting attention.
“It’s great to see the void was not for long and Panda Mart, already bringing people from far and wide, is making up for the departure of our long-lost friend,” Collings says.
“Another drawcard continuing to bring people in is the night market.”
For this follow-up story, the Times again sent questions to the management of Pakuranga Plaza, seeking answers to frustrations expressed by tenant businesses.
It replied: “Thank you for your follow-up. At this time, we don’t have any updates to share regarding the future plans or redevelopment of Pakuranga Plaza.”
Collings believes the Plaza management could be more responsive to business tenants’ and patrons’ concerns.
“There possibly could be more communication put out to the public to help people understand we’re on a long journey and there is much to look forward to returning the Pakuranga Town Centre to an economically viable and thriving environment,” he says.
“I’m pleased the current owners [Sedar Properties] are Singapore-based and having met them when chair of the local board, I know their culture is one to deliver an innovative and outstanding development with an attitude of not to cut corners, doing so to deliver a really nice outcome.
“I’ve seen many development and concept plans over the years. All demonstrate the high level of consideration which has gone into the various designs and people will not be disappointed when progress on the site finally takes place.”
