- By Gerald Patterson
Chairperson – Howick Village Association
Hopefully everyone enjoyed the extra 24 hours February gave us.
I know the Howick Village Association (HVA) office was happy to have an additional day to prepare for the Cultural Food Festival held on Saturday.
Howick Rotary has again been a generous benefactor and donated two further picnic tables to be used in the market square.
Please support their upcoming activities being the Fun Run & Walk on March 24, Blanket 4 Winter campaign in May and Bookarama for Kids in early July.
Unfortunately, events over the past four-six weeks have shown the negative side of social media and how taking online comments as gospel can adversely affect a viable business in the village.
Fortunately, this was corrected in a recent Times article and things are now looking up.
Sadly, this is not the only example and, on behalf of the HVA and Village businesses, I would ask that people be mindful of how any social media comments and shares [of posts on social media] may adversely impact others.
It is easy to be a ‘keyboard warrior’ but it is important to ensure that what is being said is factually correct and not endorsing or magnifying a previously incorrect opinion or commentary.
Congratulations to those village businesses that have been selected as finalists for the East Auckland Business Awards, the winners of which will be announced on March 20.
Reaching this level are Daisy Chang Restaurant, The Prospect of Howick, Poppies Books, The Flower Bar and Resonate Health. Well done on reaching this stage and all the best when the winners are announced.
Lastly, for those of us who have Irish heritage (and those who just participate anyway), happy St Patrick’s Day for March 17.
