And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
The changes in the CBD
Last week I attended a meeting where TCC spoke of all the developments currently underway in the CBD. This changed my negative opinion of the city centre. Perhaps they could do some marketing around this to tell us about the incredible transformations that are underway.
There's the new Civic Centre, Museum, Devonport Business Block; the massive move of businesses into the CBD such as HOBEC Law; all 400 Council Employees into the one building; new vibrant recreational spaces; the Farmers Building Apartments and Shops....
BUT, gone are the days of parking right in front of the store we want. We need to adjust to walking - imagine Auckland, Wellington or Hamilton City Centres and then it helps to get our heads around this one I reckon.
The plans we saw convinced me that by this coming Xmas we will begin to see the positive results of these projects. And, the majority of the projects can not be reversed by the new incoming Council.
I admit my grumbling mind is changed and I'm so grateful that my friends in Business in the City Centre will have a strong chance of thriving again.
Share your most delicious (but affordable!) go-to meal...
Winter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.
Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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