- By Ken Scott, Chairperson, Howick Village Association
As most people will be aware, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
Canada has a similar celebration, however it is the American Thanksgiving that most New Zealanders will be familiar with.
It originated as a day of giving thanks and harvest festival with the theme of the day revolving around giving.
In New Zealand we do not have an equivalent, although many will argue that our Christian celebration of Christmas includes similar celebrations.
So, at this time of the year, it is only fitting that the Howick Village Association (HVA) takes the time to do some thanksgiving ourselves.
And first and foremost is the wonderful community of Howick and surrounding areas. It is through your ongoing support that we continue to have a vibrant and busy business community in Howick Village.
That support has helped maintain a near full occupancy of retail/business premises in the Village. You only have to travel around Auckland to see this situation is exceptional.
Takapuna, Newmarket, Parnell and Remuera, to name a few of the previously “iconic” retail centres, are littered with vacant buildings.
That great support was no better demonstrated than on Friday November 18, Christmas Fair day.
The forecast all week was threatening and even on the day we were faced with the prospect of calling off most of the entertainment due to the weather.
Despite a torrential downpour from 6pm-7pm, which soaked our staff and market stallholders, the crowd turned up.
Thousands of families arrived, wrapped in their waterproof gear to enjoy the Christmas spirit. Absolute unprecedented support!
On behalf of all the businesses in the Howick Village, I thank you all for your ongoing support throughout 2022.
You help make Howick Village what it is – the greatest little village in New Zealand.
We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a relaxing festive season where you too can thank those family and friends surrounding you.
