One Warkworth – Love local

Sir Edmund Hillary’s famous words, “We knocked the bastard off” certainly resonate in today’s world as we hope and pray that we’ve beaten Covid-19 while we look to regain some sense of day-to-day normality. As I walk around Warkworth, it has been pleasing to see so many people on the streets and in the shops.

The feedback I’m getting from a number of retailers is that business has been brisk and a lot of customers are commenting that they are doing their best to support local. I have heard a few stories of customers getting annoyed at the contact tracing requirements and getting quite agitated with shop staff. It is at times like these that we need to remind ourselves to be patient, be kind and remember that the rules are there for a reason – to keep everyone safe; it’s not the staff members’ fault.

Buy Local, Support Local, Visit Local, Employ Local, Love Local has been One Warkworth’s mantra for a long time now, and as we head into winter and a seasonally quiet time for our area, this is more relevant than ever. Many businesses in our region have supported local schools, sports clubs and not-for-profit organisations over the years, and now is the time to give some of that support back. Please think twice before you buy online or head off to Auckland to the malls – they are not the ones who have donated products and services to you. Local businesses have and, to the best of their ability, I’m sure they will continue to do so.

We have over lockdown fielded a lot of calls and emails around Covid-19 and have answered those with the support of local experts like Tanya Gray, from Consulting HQ, who has eagerly helped us assist those in need. When we look back on these days, I think seeing younger people volunteering to help those in need will be a really positive aspect of lockdown, as well as that renewed sense of community spirit and locals helping locals.
One Warkworth is looking at additional ways we can promote our local businesses over the next few months, and we welcome any ideas, feedback and input. Please feel free to stop me in the street or email me. Together, we can really knock the bastard off! Email: murray@onewarkworth.co.nz   

Murray Chapman, One Warkworth, Manager
www.onewarkworth.co.nz