The Times talked to people who visit or work at Pakuranga Plaza for their thoughts on the state of the shopping centre, following our coverage on September 13: https://www.times.co.nz/news/pain-down-at-pakuranga-plaza/
Wendy Smith, business operator: “People have stopped coming. They can’t get in. Fingers crossed by 2027 it will improve. I’m hoping. I came in, setup my business and I’m going to stick it through. I really love it.”
Allan Vester, retired, ex-Edgewater College principal: “I’ve been coming here for 30 years and it’s sad to see it like this. It’s tragic. This used to be a destination. There used to be a lot of shops but increasingly there’s almost none.”
Sheyda Mohammadi, shop worker: “Nowadays it’s very quiet. It started to happen after the Covid time. I think things will improve once they have finished building the bridge [Reeves Road Flyover].”
Pearce O’Byrne, of Bucklands Beach: “It’s very quiet. I used to come here after school all the time. It was very popular back in the day. The mall definitely needs some attention now.”
Dilrukshni Wannarachchi, business operator: “I have been here six years and it’s gone dead. It’s harder for my customers to get in. There’s lots of complaining about not much parking. Hopefully it will improve. We’d like to stay here.”
Nasser Zenkic, former Pakuranga resident: “It used to be nice around here. It’s a little bit sad now. Looking around at the empty shops and food outlets, I don’t know if they’ll open again. Hopefully they’ll do something good with this place. It’s a shame.”
- Compiled by PJ (Phil) Taylor and Bianca Day, AUT Journalism Student
