The Paper Boat Closure - a trend or one off?
Sad to see that the Paper Boat in Berhampore has closed. The latest in a number of businesses that have occupied this location. There are probably a number of factors why they’ve closed but I wonder if there simply isn’t the foot traffic in the area any longer to make it an economic proposition. After the Post Office the longest tenure I can recall there was Mel’s Diner which was something of an institution.
Mel’s catering business for the burgeoning film industry at the time would also have helped.
Maybe the area can only handle businesses that rely on very low overheads, relatively light turnover, or specialist high quality products and services with few more accessible competitors in neighbouring suburbs.
So what for Berhampore? Will it continue to show the signs and symptoms of a depressed socio-economic area (lots of empty shops, a growing number of second hand shops, etc) or is there hope? I understand that there are going to be quite a lot of road works happening in the area, which as Kilbirnie can attest certainly didn’t help business.
As an ex-resident (I lived in Berhampore in the 70’s and again in the late 80’s) I’d be very sad to see this happen.
Do WCC have any plans to boost economic development in the area? Do WCC even have integrated economic development strategies at a suburban level or are they completely macro-focused and are taking a “let the devil take the hindmost” approach.
Maybe someone from the Berhampore Residents Association can comment. I know that in Island Bay attempts by resident and business organisations to engage with local authorities and officers have not been that successful or sometimes not even that well-received. Unless of course the approaches are completely aligned with what they already have decided is needed 🙄
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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43.4% I avoid spending money on coffee
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46.3% I still indulge at my local cafe
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10.3% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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