The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

any matters that did arise, that were

particular to the area, could be
handled by a Body representing the
On to Avondale area.
“Mainstreet” …
“A meeting was held … on 28 March
1990 – 2001 and this proved a most beneficial
meeting.”

“In 1990 there was a greater variety of

businesses in Avondale than there
had been thirty years before, but
1990 probably fewer people shopping
regularly in the district.” [Challenge of
Trevor J Callaghan resigned as the Whau, p. 125]
president of the ABA. From his letter,
dated 30/3/90: Avondale Community Centre is
“The Association had, over the completed and opened at 99
previous 4 years worked mainly to Rosebank Road on 15 September
have the general area upgraded and 1990. The facility accommodated the
hopefully turned into a shopping area Avondale Community Pre-School,
that, while not matching the Lyn(n)mall Avondale Citizens Advice Bureau,
Centre, would take on a character that Barnardos, Avondale Plunket and
would encourage the general public to (later) the Avondale Community
use this pleasant street. Board. Regular service and
community groups such as Senior
“Negotiations were begun with the Citizens, Rotary, and church groups
Auckland City Council and eventually use the Main Hall for their meetings
plans were presented by them, and gatherings.
showing the extent of major works that
they would be doing over a nominated In 1990, Des Ferry sold his
year as funds became available. panelbeating business to Michael
Eventually $250,000 was budgeted to Cook.
cover the upgrading of footpaths,
resurface the road, remove the
antiquated poles that lined the street
and generally improve the whole area.
1991
“Your committee were delighted with Population of Avondale: 29,322 [Brief
the results and once this was done we History of Avondale, City Planning, 2001]
tried to enthuse the local retailers to
follow up with promotional activity to On July 26 1991, the Social Welfare
improve the flow of people. This Office in Avondale closed its doors.
proved to be more difficult and The closure was part of a nation-wide
eventually the Association went into cost-cutting exercise for the
recess. department. By the late 1990s, they
had returned to the Great North Road
“At no time was the Association site, under the name Income Support.
disbanded. This was done to ensure a
continuity of the Association so that
89
 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

December 1991 – the ASB relocates are part of the scheme, planned to
its Avondale branch to the corner of start next August.
Great North Road and Wingate Street,
after being on Rosebank Road for Developers hope the new retail area
nearly 30 years. may gain back patronage from
residents who now shop at nearby
LynnMall City. Current rezoning of
Avondale racecourse land to
1990-91 residential will also boost the project.”
[Western Leader, 17/12/90]
Lin Howell now president of ABA.
(In the 1980s, Avondale Jockey Club
Resigns 15/10/1991
took on a night-racing project,
From draft newsletter by Howell, including the installation of a multi-
million dollar lighting system around
1/6/90:
the track. This failed disastrously,
“For a number of years our nearly leading to the closure of the
association has stumbled along with racecourse, and prompted the sale of
the odd successful promotion and very surplus land owned by the Jockey
little else. A number of businesses Club for residential purposes. The
have supported the association during debacle is also one of the reasons
this period but the support potential why the Jockey Club agreed to host a
has a long way to go to reach it(s) regular Sunday Market on the course
optimum. grounds, continuing to this day,
sometimes to the chagrin of retailers
“It is my intention to make the up on Avondale Mainstreet.)
association a live useful facility
engaged in the promotion of the “Fixing cracked footpaths will be
Avondale Business Community. We Avondale Community Board’s top
are not going to become involved in priority this financial year. Both
Avondale and Blockhouse Bay
the local political scene unless our
livelihood is threatened.” shopping centres are a disgrace, says
board chairwoman Dawn Persson.
Despite complaints from residents,
little has been done about the
1991-92 problem. The board will use money
allocated for local improvements to
upgrade the walkways.” [Western
ABA once again in recess. Leader, 9/7/91]

“Avondale residents can look forward

to an up-market new shopping centre
next year. The Inner Circle 1992
Development will be located around
the existing tavern on Great North
“A rejuvenation of the Avondale and
Road.
New Lynn business districts has
begun. Newly formed Business
“An Auckland Savings Bank, a
Associations for both areas will
takeaway restaurant and other shops
announce a number of initiatives in
coming months. A lack of interest from
90
 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

business people has seen past A Carpark at 59 and 63A Rosebank

business associations fold.“ [Western Road was scheduled for construction
Leader, 17/9/92] by Auckland City, who had purchased
them by 1988, but had to await the
A main instigator, Avondale expiration of lease on no. 63A. [Report
businesswoman Alison Turner says by Clinton Savage, Community Advisor, to
the response has been encouraging. Acting Community Development Officer,
“We have a lot of people interested. Auckland City, 21/9/88]
Now it’s a matter of consolidating and
planning the next move,” she says.
[Western Leader, 11/8/92]
1993
Precious Flores Dayril now president
of ABA “Barnes-Dance” type of signal
crossing at Rosebank/Gt North Rd
Promotion: ABA adopts theme of intersection replaced by pedestrians
“Revival of Avondale Shopping crossing parallel to traffic, abolishing
Centre”. diagonal crossing. [Western Leader,
20/1/93]
“Avondale shopkeepers are planning
to re-direct traffic on one of this Bill Powell now ABA President.
country’s busiest roads to save their He urged Avondale “to get off its tail
business district from collapse. Brent and do something to revitalise the
Lincoln is heading a growing retail area before it’s too late.”
movement to restrict a kilometre of Avondale business people had to
Great North Road, between St Jude have a long hard look at themselves
and Ash Streets, to north bound traffic and decide whether they want to take
only. The shopkeepers say the plan is positive action to improve the retail
a last ditch effort to keep the area sector or to remain dormant with a
alive. couldn’t care less attitude to attracting
business.
“‘This shopping area will be dead in “We will be approaching shop-keepers
four to five years unless we can do in the main business area to clean up
something. This could revive the their act and make some of the stores
centre,’ says Mr Lincoln. more presentable and more
professional.” [Western Leader 8/9/93]
“However council … initial response is
less than favourable.” [Western Leader, In a letter to the Western Leader,
19/11/92] Dawn Persson wrote:
“I shop in Avondale because retailers
This led to a split of opinion between are helpful and friendly. If I go to any
the two halves of the shopping centre. big impersonal shopping centre like
The New Lynn side preferred the plan, Lynnmall no one cares who I am or
the Walsall side opposed it. Ron what I want.
Magill of Watson’s pharmacy arranged
a petition of more than 100 signatures “The council does a good job of
opposing the proposal. [Western Leader, rubbish collection and retailers try to
17/12/92] keep their shopfronts attractive.

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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

“At present we are trying to get some a Sunday fleamaket, but the Council
beautifying done in the way of cannot be blamed for the offensive
planting. If your reporter cares to join smell from the bins on the pavement
me on a perambulation around the each rubbish day.
village he can show me what he thinks
are the grotty bits and I will show him “Retailers are constantly complaining
all the good things about Avondale.“I about the drop in business, but they
think Avondale is an A1 place to be.” are not helping to attract customers to
[Western Leader, 20/10/1993] the centre.
On 29 October 1993, Te Ruruhau O
Te Whau, a Maori community group ”Whether the initiative is taken by the
part of Te Whanau O Waipareira retailers of the council is asked to do
Trust, opens an office at the Avondale its job, something has to be done
Community Centre. Within three urgently or Avondale will be a dead
years, however, it vanishes. area.” [Dennis K Scoles letter to Western
Leader, 18/1/96]

John Fairbairn now president of ABA

1994 1996-1998. The latest phase of
Avondale Central’s history begins.
ABA tries to develop more
community involvement in the local Security Lighting. Meeting of
retail community. [Waitakere Week, Avondale businesses called by
27/4/94] Avondale Community Board
unanimously decided to accept offer
New retail complex around The by the Board of supply and installation
Warehouse store in Rata St opens in of security lighting at a cost of $40,000
New Lynn. Additional pressure is for the shopping area, with proviso
therefore put on the Avondale retailers that the shopkeepers pay for extra
to compete. power and maintenance. [3/4/1996]

“Avondale councillor Brian Maude

says the community board, local
1995 police and business association are
working towards holding a “Switching
By now, Lynnmall had become fully On” festival and street parade when
revitalised to become LynnMall City. the lighting project is completed in
August.

“With a new graffiti co-ordinator

appointed and the planned shopping
1996 centre improvements, the three
organisations are hoping to make
further positive progress for the people
“The shopping centre is a disgrace of Avondale.” [City Scene, 22/6/96]
and Auckland City Council must take
most of the blame. Avondale Beautification. At same
meeting, Council advised that funding
“The amount of rubbish lying around had been budgetedfor sealing, plants
the streets is worse than Ash St after

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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

etc., as recommended to them by 29 August – Hostage drama at

ABA. Jackson’s Superette, Great North
Road.
New Police Station on corner of
Walsall St and Great North Road. I remember coming home from work,
[Western Leader, 21/6/96]. The original to get off the bus at Avondale
building become vacant, then finds because, as I recall, I wanted to pick
new use as a boarding house up until up some groceries before heading up
early 2003, when raids by the local the hill to home. It was a dark night,
police closed the business. and raining heavily. Great North Road
was sealed off from the Rosebank
Anti-Graffiti. An Anti-Graffiti meeting Road intersection by the police. The
held in Avondale Community Board bus was diverted down Rosebank
room at Bond St. A requested van was Road, towards Ash Street. The driver
to be called an “Anti-Graffiti van”. let some of the surprised passengers
Auckland City Council providing off, like myself, in Rosebank Road,
$45,000 from central Council for this just before heading along to New
pilot scheme. [1/5/96] Lynn, and we walked back to Great
North Road, hoping to see what was
Anti-Graffiti pilot scheme announced wrong.
to ABA by Sgt Warren Strand. [ABA
Committee minutes, 9/5/96] I don’t think I’d seen so many police
cars in one spot as they were in the
block between Crayford Street and the
Promotion roundabout. I remember the urge to
Bryce Pilkington outlined Avondale get home to my waiting mother as
Business Pride Programme soon as I possibly could. Thankfully,
[ABA Committee minutes, 9/5/96] the dairy owner held hostage wasn’t
hurt.

Mainstreet : “In 1996 the Avondale

Community Board, along with the
remaining Avondale Business
Association (ABA) members, started a
recruitment campaign which saw the
Association's membership increase
ten-fold.

First Santa Parade on 7 December in Later that year Community Board

conjunction with Avondale Jockey members brought to the attention of
Club’s Gold Cup day the ABA that the Mainstreet concept
existed, and the Mainstreet Co-
Funding: Separate rating system ordinator from Otahuhu visited
Separate rating system funding for Avondale to inform the ABA about
ABA projects: “A majority of how the programme worked.” [Kevin
ratepayers [poss. Up to 75%] is Healy, ABA Mainstreet history, from internet
required to bring in a separate rating site www.avondale.net.nz April 2001]
system.” {ABA Committee minutes,
18/6/96]

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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

of the process, and a vote was taken

to establish support for the proposal.
1997
“Avondale’s business community may
Mainstreet Note: (Note: following pay higher rates to finance
information on Mainsteet Project and ABA improvements to its main street. The
taken largely from information provided on ABA votes on plans to implement a
www.avondale.net.nz) Mainstreet programme funded by a
“By the mid 1990s, the Avondale rate levy on local shopkeepers. If the
Town Centre was run-down and plan is endorsed Avondale
depressed. Many businesses had shopkeepers pay an extra seven per
already shut and when the 3Guys cent. The annual increase of $27,500
Supermarket announced it was to goes to a Mainstreet project.” [Western
close its doors in June 1997, it looked Leader, 27/3/97]
like Avondale was doomed.
This was later imposed. [Western
In July 1997, Avondale joined 12 other Leader, 25/6/97]
areas in Auckland City by adopting a
Mainstreet Programme to improve its April
strip shopping area and bring back Avondale Mainstreet Programme
customers.” [Kevin Healy, ABA Mainstreet proposal included in Auckland City
history, from internet site Annual Plan 1997/98.
www.avondale.net.nz, April 2001]
30 April 1997
The 3 Guys supermarket closed on ABA representatives attended
June 27, 1997. Since then, and in all Regional Mainstreet conference.
the years following, the public have
demanded another supermarket in Avondale Community Centre
Avondale. Unfortunately, Progressive suggests that Santa Parade be held
Foods who owned 3 Guys in November, to tie in with Centre’s
supermarkets, along with Foodtown, Fun Day. Afterwards, this is not seen
reportedly placed a caveat on the title as a benefit to Avondale businesses,
of the land so that it could not be used however.
for retail purposes such as that of a
supermarket. LynnAvon shopping complex opens
on corner of Henry St and Great North
February – ABA requested that road. [Western Leader, 25/6/97] The TAB
Auckland City establish a separate moves there.
rating area in Avondale, in order to
fund the Mainstreet Programme. 27 June 1997 – 3 Guys supermarket
Letter was sent to all Avondale closes. Avondale Laundromat moves
retailers from ABA, asking for “yes” from beside the supermarket to 54
vote for Mainstreet programme. Rosebank Road. Is still there in 2001.

March – Mainstreet voting papers August

distributed to businesses. Mainstreet Management Committee
formed.
20 March 1997 “To ensure that Separate Ratepayers'
Mainstreet meeting held on 20/3/97 so funds are used wisely, Auckland City
that the ratepayers could be informed must retain some control in the way
94
 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

separate rate money is spent. This is January

done by establishing a Mainstreet Urban Design redevelopment tender:
Management Committee to oversee "Interested parties are invited to
the direction of the Mainstreet submit their qualifications in Main
programme, and to approve quarterly Street planning and development.
budgets. Please include a list of past projects
and experience in urban design
“The committee is made up of two capability.
members of the ABA, a City Councillor
and a Community Board member from "The brief is not limited to one
the Avondale ward, the ABA professional group, as the association
Mainstreet Co-ordinator and a Council do not want to limit the scope or input
officer responsible for Mainstreet of other groups. We invite all
programmes. [Kevin Healy, Mainstreet interested groups to submit detailed
History Timeline, www.avondale.net.nz,, April applications. Please include wherever
2001] possible rates and costings of
services." [NZ Herald classified, 31/1/98]
October
Mainstreet Co-ordinator Kevin Healy February.
appointed. First issue of Avondale Mainstreet
News.
November
Portage Licensing Trust grant: $4,000
donation to ABA for Christmas
Parade promotion and new Cross-
street Banner.

Christmas Parade & Fun Day: ABA

organises Christmas Parade to
coincide with Avondale Community
Centre's Fun Day market and
entertainment, Saturday 22 Logo: “Avondale has a striking
November. colourful new logo to help promote the
town in a distinctly positive way. The
December logo was the brainchild of ABA
Avondale Business Directory: First Secretary and Avondale Police Senior
Avondale Town Centre directory Sergeant, Warren strand. The colours
published by ABA. suggest the red roofs of local homes
with the green of the Waitakere
Security lighting: Funding application ranges rising to the blue of the sky.
made to Community Board Small The tick is for all the things that are
Local Improvement Projects (SLIPs) positive about Avondale … of course!
fund, for completion of the Mainstreet “Already, local businesses are using
security lighting project. the logo on signs to promote Avondale
and the Mainstreet programme. The
first to go up is at MacDonald’s Home
Appliance Centre on the corner of
1998 Great North Road and Racecourse
Parade.” [Avondale Mainstreet News,
February 1998]

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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

Banner: “Auckland City Council month to discuss Avondale’s good and

contractors are preparing to engineer bad points.
and install a cross-street banner in
Avondale. “People at the forum were also asked
“The 10 metre X 1.2 metre banner will for a vision of the future, The most
be mounted across Great North Road common response was to create “a
just south of the intersection with place with a strong sense of
Rosebank Road. Business and community where there is a safe and
community groups will be able to hire happening shopping centre.” [Western
the banner to advertise upcoming Leader 7/4/1998]
promotions and events.” [Avondale
Mainstreet News, February 1998] April
Mainstreet Plans: Funding
March application made to Community Board
Urban Design redevelopment SLIPs fund to develop a 'Strategic
consultants: ABA select de Beer Marketing Plan' and an 'Urban Design
Marketing & Communications to Concept Plan' (Mainstreet Plans) for
produce a 'Strategic Marketing Plan' Avondale.
and Isthmus Group to produce an
'Urban Design Concept Plan' for May
Avondale. Avondale Community Board SLIPs
grant: For Mainstreet plans, approved
Urban Design redevelopment at Community Board meeting, 20/5/98.
consultation process started: “A development plan for Avondale is
Waitakere City Council officers help to be drawn up with the help of a
design 'open forum' meetings where $27,000 grant from the Avondale
Avondale business people and Community Board.
community members can have their
say on the future of the town. “Mainstreet coordinator Kevin Healy
Information gathering tools include a says the plan will find “the essence of
written survey, SWOT analysis, Avondale” for future upgrading of the
'favourite/most hated place' map, town.
'vision for the future' statements, and
informal discussion. “Hopefully at the end of three months
we will have a plan we can take to
Public Forum meetings: Two open council.” [Western Leader, 17/6/98]
days held at Avondale Community
Centre 26 & 27 March, to gather “The ABA is looking at installing a
feedback about the town from the replica antique light standard at the
community. intersection of Great North Road and
St Georges Rd. It may be the start of a
“Avondale residents say their heritage theme for Avondale, Mr Healy
community’s diverse cultural mix, its says.” [Western Leader, 17/6/98]
central location and quality schools
make the area special. But it’s June
dragged down by its shabby "The ABA is looking at installing a
appearance, lack of a supermarket, replica antique light standard at the
traffic and parking problems and low intersection of Great North Road and
community spirit. These views St Georges Rd. It may be the start of a
emerged at a Mainstreet forum last
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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

heritage theme for Avondale, Mr Healy November

says." [Western Leader, 17/6/98] Strategic Marketing Plan: completed
and distributed to stakeholders for
The lamp standard is a replica of the comment.
original, presented by businessman
Arthur W Page in 1904. Avondale Christmas Parade & Fun Day:
Community Board approve funding for Avondale Community Centre
the project, and the lamp was installed organises Christmas Parade & Fun
in the middle of the roundabout early Day, Saturday 21 November. ABA
July. contributes by paying for advertising,
lollies, sausages etc.
July
3Guys site: Old supermarket building December
demolished. New property owners, Urban Design Concept Plan: Project
Challenge Petroleum, wish to build a Control Group (PCG) formed to work
Challenge petrol station and terraced with Isthmus Group to produce
houses on the site. concept plan for the redevelopment of
Avondale' streetscape.
ABA resolves to request that Council
purchase the remaining carpark area
for the use of sports groups and
shoppers. 1999
Portage Licensing Trust grant: $5,000
February
donation to ABA for Mainstreet
Urban Design Concept Plan:
security lighting power and
Fortnightly PCG meetings started, 3
maintenance.
February.
August:
New ABA Chairman: Duncan
Avondale Community Centre is
Macdonald elected, following
advised that ABA will not run the
resignation of John Fairbairn.
Santa Parade that year. Community
Centre goes ahead anyway, at own
March
cost.
Avondale News: The Newsletter
Company works with the ABA to
Strategic Marketing Plan focus
launch a newsletter dedicated to
group: First workshop of ABA,
Avondale. Initial distribution is to 5,500
community representatives and local
homes and businesses in Avondale,
politicians held at Avondale Primary
Rosebank and Waterview.
School, 1 August, facilitated by Jillian
de Beer. This was followed by another
on 15 September.

October
Rocky Horror Picture Party:
ABA work with Hollywood Cinema on
'Rocky Horror' promotion where the
film is played every night for the week
leading up to Halloween.

97
 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

lighting, and provision of 'generic

signage' - tells what the business
does - butcher, baker, chemist etc.

"These large, easy-to-read signs,

brainchild of Chairman Macdonald,
make life easier for shoppers, and
have attracted new custom to these
businesses, with reports of turnover
increasing by over 50%." [West Weekly,
June 2000] The Avondale Community
Board approved $2,250 seed funding
3Guys site: Purchased by Auckland for the project.
City for carpark at rear section. Front
section to be sold to a developer with June
provisions to fit in with Mainstreet Urban Design Concept Plan:
programme. endorsed by Community Board.

April Avondale Spider Icon: "The

Urban Design Concept Plan: Initial Avondale Spider is a unique icon of
concept plan on public display 8, 9 & the area - even gaining world-wide
10 April in the National Bank building recognition as the star of the Spielberg
(now Ray White's) to gather written film 'Arachnophobia'. In 1999, the
and verbal feedback from the giant fibreglass and steel spider atop
community. Mobil Avondale was removed due to a
change in policy by Mobil Australia.
NZ Deaf Association move into ex-
WINZ offices on Great North Road. "The Business Association paid for the
removal of the spider, and for
May preliminary refurbishment and storage
Urban Design Concept Plan: until a suitable site was located." [ABA
application to Portage Licensing Trust,
completed.
February 2000] The Spider is partly
Town Centre Refurbishment Project:
Starts with pilot project - Pilkington restored then stored, appropriately,
building above veranda painted in beneath Spider's Bar. In 2002, it was
ABA chosen colours and matching restored further, and installed at the
fascia signs for the buildings' tenants: Town Centre.
Macdonalds Home Appliance Centre
(later Avondale Appliance Centre Ltd) July
and Westforce Credit Union. Refurbishment Project Stage 1 -
1999/2000: "The Avondale
"Currently the Business Association, Community Board endorsed the Urban
led by Chairman Duncan Macdonald Design Concept Plan in June 1999
and assisted by Avondale's Mainstreet and capital works funding for a major
Co-ordinator Kevin Healy, is engaged redevelopment of the Avondale Town
in a refurbishment of the town. Centre streetscape will be sought for
Improvements include redecorating the 2000/2001 financial year.
tops of heritage buildings, repainting
under-verandas, installing more "Outside the scope of the streetscape
redevelopment, the Strategic
98
 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

Marketing Plan identified improved and suggestions from each

signage and visual upgrading of the community.
commercial centre as being high
priorities. "The main purpose of the plans will be
to secure the advantages and benefits
"To date, the Avondale Business of growth, while also building strong
Association has funded 26 new fascia communities and protecting their
signs and the painting / decorative values." [Avondale Liveable Communities
painting of three buildings, supported Project Newsletter, November 1999]
by contributions from building owners,
retailers and an Avondale Community Avondale Mini-Market opens at 1907
Board Discretionary Fund grant." [ABA Great North Road (former site of
application to Community Board SLIPs, July MacDonald’s Appliances, Levenes,
1999] Shoprite). By early 2001, as Fresh &
Fresh, the business is closed for two
Avondale Community Board grant months, before reopening again in
$45,000 SLIPs funding for the project. May 2001 as King’s Supermarket.

August October
Lion Foundation grant: $6,000
donation to ABA for Mainstreet “On October 31 1999 the Hollywood
security lighting power and celebrated 75 years of existence and
maintenance. is still running movies just like the old
days. In fact Television One
Pole banners: Distinctive 'Welcome celebrated the Millennium of Movies
to Avondale Mainstreet' pole banners by showing the results of a poll taken
purchased and installed. The baners over 1000 people to compile a list of
hang these days from the wall of the the 10 best movies of the century and
ABA office. ALL of the film titles were screened at
the Hollywood during its long
September existence. Top film was "TITANIC"
Liveable Communities Plan: followed by GONE WITH THE WIND.
Auckland City commences pilot There would not be too many cinemas
Liveable Communities Plan still in existence today that can lay
programme in Avondale, with the claim to having screened all those
support of the ABA. movies.” [Jan Grefstad, Picture Theatres of
Auckland]
"In the Liveable Communities 2050
growth strategy Avondale is in one of November
ten Strategic Growth Management Street Legal:
Areas (SGMAs) where Auckland City Avondale becomes a 'set' for a TV
expects much of the city's future action series, including a shot-gun
development to be concentrated. 'shoot-out' in the course of a mock
bank robbery outside the old Post
"Avondale and Panmure have been Office (cnr Rosebank & Great North
chosen as pilot centres where draft Rds). ABA helps locate premises for
Liveable Community Plans are being studio and 'on location' sets.
prepared. The plans are an integral
part of the Liveable Communities 2050 "Screen Works Ltd., the producer's of
Strategy and will be based on issues "Street Legal", have begun pre-
99
 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

production on a follow up series. We

are due to start filming in mid
November and continue through till 2000
mid May 2000.
January
"Street Legal" is a bold, action- Millennium Project:
oriented legal drama series that deals Avondale Community Board grant
with the lives and struggles of the $6,000 towards the Avondale Spider
lawyers at Wyeth and Associates. Icon project. These funds are used to
Leading the pack is maverick criminal produce the detailed engineering
lawyer David Silesi, played by New drawings needed to mount a 200kg, 5
Zealand actor Jay Lagaa'ia, best metre wide Spider 8 metres off the
known for his work on the Australian ground.
Series Water Rats.
February
"We are currently in the process of Spider Icon made famous: ABA
finding locations that we can use on a makes known its plans to restore the
day by day basis throughout the Spider to its former glory, generating a
filming of the series. We like the look blaze of publicity with articles and
of your property and think that it may photos appearing in the Western
work well." [Screen Works letter] Leader, N Z Herald, Avondale News,
and overseas in the New Zealand
Christmas Parade & Fun Day: News UK.
Duncan MacDonald suggests moving
Fun Day to Avondale Primary School Avondale residents are over-
green, as the Community Centre has whelmingly in favour of the Spider as
limited space (earlier in the year, at an icon for the town.
Fun Day Committee meeting at the
Community Centre). Avondale State Highway 20: Interest groups
Community Centre organises approach the ABA to see if it will get
Christmas Parade & Fun Day, involved in the State Highway 20
Saturday 20 November. ABA debate. ABA Chairman Duncan
contributes by paying for advertising in Macdonald produces plans that are
Avondale News, Western Leader, then published in the Western Leader.
West Weekly, flyers, banner etc.
March
December Mt Eden Mainstreet: Avondale
3 Guys site: Mainstreet Co-ordinator Kevin Healy
ABA develops own plans for the site speaks at Mt Eden Business
based on a mix of retail premises with Association AGM outlining how
apartments above, town houses successful the Avondale Mainstreet
behind the shops, and public parking Programme has been. Mt Eden
at rear. Following ABA presentation to retailers subsequently vote for
Auckland City Property Transactions separate rating to become the 14th
Committee, a 'minimum of 1,600 Mainstreet in Auckland City.
square metres of retail space'
becomes an essential requirement for Sunday Market: ABA receives
development of the site. complaints from retailers about some
hawkers at the markets who have no

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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

licenses and are operating in of 'clean and light' where they have
unhygienic conditions. ABA contacts been tidied and painted.
Auckland City and subsequently
hygiene conditions improve. "Lighting under verandas: Again,
dilapidated under verandas have been
Waitakere City take-over repelled: an issue. By the end of June nearly
Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey is 70% of this work will be complete,
quoted in the media as suggesting making a huge difference to the look
that Avondale and Rosebank should and level of security of Avondale Town
split from Auckland City and become Centre at night." [ABA application to
part of Waitakere City. Mayor Harvey Community Board SLIPs, April 2000]
concedes after ABA Chairman
Duncan Macdonald hints at the May
possibility of a counter-take-over of Annual Plan submissions
Waitakere City by an army of 2000/2001:
Avondale Spiders. "Avondale Business Association
submission to Auckland City's
April 2000/2001 Draft Annual Plan. The
Refurbishment Project Stage 2 - purpose of this submission is to
2000/2001: "The ABA is very pleased support:
with progress to date:
"Generic signs: Over half of the "1. Allocation of Capital Works
businesses in town now have generic expenditure by Auckland City for
signs. Demand for the signs is Stage 1 of Avondale's Mainstreet
increasing as companies that streetscape redevelopment in
originally refused to budge from their 2000/2001, and for further allocations
own corporate signage are to be made in the subsequent financial
reconsidering. Kodak has switched years until the project is complete.
already. Westpac has agreed to
generic signage, and NZ Post and the "2. Encouragement of TranzRail to
BNZ have approached the association move the Avondale rail station to the
to discuss the issue. Feedback from top of Crayford Street."
the public has been overwhelmingly in
favour of the signs. Hearings are held in June at the
Community Centre where a display of
"Painting above verandas: By the ABA plans etc. is viewed by
end of June around 70% of the Councillors and Duncan and Kevin
buildings (above veranda) in town will speak to the submissions.
have a new coat of paint or a
decorative paint-up to highlight National Mainstreet Trust Regional
character features. Most of the Conference: Avondale Mainstreet Co-
building owners have contributed, and ordinator Kevin Healy leads workshop
have used the colour palette designed on 'Funding opportunities' and
by the ABA. promotes Avondale at Mainstreet
seminar in Onehunga.
Very poor state of many of the under
verandas has hampered progress and Footpaths: ABA co-ordinate repairs to
incurred substantial extra costs here. Avondale footpaths, undertaken by
However, there is a significant sense contractors to Auckland City Traffic &
Roading Services.
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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

Macdonald, Gary Ball (Avondale

June Community Constable).
Graffiti Paint-out:
KAWBS and Community Board National Mainstreet Trust Annual
members approach ABA to take over Conference: Avondale Mainstreet Co-
the graffiti paint-out operations, at ordinator Kevin Healy leads workshop
least temporarily until Auckland City's on 'Funding opportunities' and
programme is established. The ABA is promotes Avondale at Mainstreet
prepared to do this only as long as it is conference in Wanganui.
100% funded by Community Board
and WINZ subsidies (because there is Annual Plan 2000/2001: Auckland
no Mainstreet budget for graffiti). ABA City agree with all submissions made
apply for, and receive, Community by ABA, and include them in the
Board grant of $2,250 to continue 2000/2001 Annual Plan.
graffiti paint-out operation. WINZ grant
ABA subsidies for graffiti paint-out September
wages. Generic Sign for Westpac: "In what
is believed to be a unique break with
Mainstreet Stage 1: Auckland City tradition, a Westpac Trust branch has
approves capital expenditure funding joined a programme of generic signs
of $330,000 in 2000/2001 financial in the heart of Avondale's retail centre.
year for the development of a 'Town "Avondale Mainstreet programme co-
Square' in the centre of Avondale. ordinator Kevin Healy says: "To our
knowledge, this is the first time a bank
July has agreed to sacrifice corporate
Spider Icon named: Following a colours in some of its signage for a
competition in the Avondale News to project like this. Now we're hoping
name the Spider, the people's choice others will do the same."
is 'Dale'.
"The Avondale Business Association's
Community Board SLIPs grant: For generic signage programme will see
Refurbishment Project Stage 2 - more than half the shops represented
$45,000. by uniform signs. Westpac Trust's
fascia sign reads 'Banking and
Community Board SLIPs grant: ABA Financial Services'." [City Scene,
apply for, and receive, $1,900 for September 2000]
continued graffiti paint-out operation.
The Mural: ABA oversees and
August supplies materials for local arts group
ABA AGM 2000: Held at the 'Wai Kauri' to paint a mural depicting
Avondale Peninsula Hotel, 15 August. the history of the Avondale area on
Speaker: Councillor Vern Walsh. the fence at the rear of the 3Guys site.
Elected Committee: Duncan
Macdonald (Chairman), Alison Turner October
(Treasurer), Kevin Healy (Secretary),
Dave Fielding, Bikal Tahal, Simon
Cox, Councillor Vern Walsh, Lorraine
Wilson (Avondale Community Board),
Hinewhare Harawira, Glenys

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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

Western Leader, West Weekly, flyers,

banner etc.

December
Playground trees cleared: ABA
arranges for Auckland City contractors
to remove vegetation hiding the
playground (beside 3 Guys site) from
the street. This has an immediate
Avondale.net.nz Website launch: benefit the area looks tidier, vandals
"Avondale is online. The Avondale and taggers are discouraged from
Business Association and Roadworks hiding there, and people start actually
Online are developing a web site to using the playground again.
showcase Avondale to the whole
world.

“Association Chairman Duncan

2001
MacDonald is delighted with progress
to date. Visit www.avondale.net.nz to January
view images of our town and make Street Numbering project: ABA
use of the free services. "This is really purchases and installs 'gold-on-black'
about promoting Avondale and at the street numbers in the Town Centre.
same time putting something back into "Every green generic sign on the
the community - the future." [Avondale verandah has had the shops street
News, October 2000] number installed, which has made
locating a particular address much
November easier and adds to the town's
character." [Avondale News, February
Mainstreet Programme Satisfaction 2001]
Survey: Auckland City commission
AC Neilsen to conduct survey to Street numbering of the shops before
assess awareness of, and satisfaction this had been achieved only by the
with, Auckland's Mainstreet individual property owners and/or
Programmes. Avondale results in all shopkeepers. It was often difficult in
areas measured (awareness of the past navigating one’s way through
programme, increased customers, the shopping centre, when just a
increased turnover, programme number was given. Usually, landmarks
satisfaction) are significantly higher such as known shops or corners were
than the average for Auckland City. used.

Over 90% of those surveyed are Avondale Primary joins Mainstreet:

willing to continue separate rate "The school board has decided to
funding of the Avondale Mainstreet repaint the school buildings to match
Programme. our Avondale colour scheme. They
have asked if they could have a
Christmas Parade & Fun Day: Local generic sign. The committee agreed
volunteers organise Christmas Parade that even though they are not a
& Fun Day, Saturday 18 November. separate ratepayer, we could supply a
ABA contributes by paying $5,000 for sign in recognition of their contribution
advertising in Avondale News,
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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

to the town." [ABA minutes, December "The Board resolved: That the Board
2000]. endorses the Avondale Mainstreet
Upgrade Stage One landscape
New Year's Honour: Avondale concept plan and fully supports the
Business Association & Mainstreet initiative." [Letter from Avondale Community
Management Committee member Board, February 2001]
Lorraine Wilson, and ex-member
Warren Strand, both receive Queen's March
Service Medals for services to the Generic Signs: "Avondale Primary
community. School sign, 'Welcome to Avondale'
sign (at intersection of Great North
February Road & Ash St), Taxi shelter signs
Mainstreet Stage 1 - Town Square: and the three shop signs in Crayford
In consultation with ABA, Isthmus Street have all been completed." [ABA
Group draw concept plans for the minutes, March 2001].
development of the Council-owned
property in the area between the ABA Timeline History: "Lisa
playground and the public toilets. Truttman has produced a history
document that could be posted to our
"Business association chairman website with acknowledgment of her
Duncan Macdonald says Avondale efforts." [ABA minutes, March 2001].
lacks a public meeting place "where
the people can congregate and natter, Mainstreet Policy: Auckland
watch their kids at the playground Mainstreets Network successfully
after doing some shopping". negotiate policy with Auckland City
that allows Avondale Mainstreet to
"The $330,000 town square is the first continue operating under its current
of four stages and will feature successful operation and
footpaths, lighting, seating, a public management structures.
gathering area and new children's
playground. The plans for the square, “Plans for Avondale’s town square
unveiled last week, include the could be changed after a protest by a
Avondale spider project. The town's group of businessmen. The owners of
symbol will be mounted on a giant firms trading next to the site say
stainless steel web near Great North they’ve not been properly consulted
Rd. about the bid to transform land beside
the south end of the former 3 Guys
"Councillor Vern Walsh says... "This site.
plan is probably the most exciting
thing that's happened in Avondale for “Mr MacDonald says the plans have
many years." [Western Leader, February been on show at the Avondale
2001] Community Centre and on footpath
displays over the last two years and
Avondale Community Board endorses business association members have
Stage 1 Plans: "Thank you for the been kept informed.” [Western Leader,
presentation by yourself and Duncan 6/3/01]
Macdonald to the Avondale
Community Board at its 21 February May
2001 meeting. On the 4th of May 2001, I visited
Jennifer Battersby at the home of

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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

herself and Mark Battersby, the The large 240-litre green bins were
current proprietors of Battersby’s Ltd replaced by 120-litre bins, with the old
in Avondale. 240s only to be used for “green waste”
or that from gardens. However, aside
At present, they have 1 staff member from uproar heard across Auckland
other than themselves, so the firm is from large residential families, and
still truly a family-owned business. 4 unit-dwellers who had to share a
cars are in use, of which 2 are single bin in some cases, the business
hearses, and 1 a “removal vehicle” – district of Avondale was affected.
which, I was told, was one used for
discreet removals of the deceased. “In Avondale's main street, rows of
The offices inside the business full-to-overflowing 240-litre wheelie
premises were modified in 1989, with bins clutter the footpath because the
recladding outside in 1999. Around council has refused to take them
250 funerals a year are organised and away.
carried out by Battersby’s; this Avondale Business Association
compared with around 500 in the past, president Duncan Macdonald said the
but, as Jennifer pointed out, this was shopkeepers put the larger bins out for
before the rise of firms such as one last collection because the
Morrison’s, Fletcher Brown, etc. stickers on the new, red-topped ones
Battersby’s take pride in that they can said they were to be used after July 2.
assist with all aspects of care for the When Mr Macdonald rang the council
deceased. he was advised to put the rubbish in
small plastic bags, which would be
In May, Tahals Service Station (next picked up.
to Battersby’s) changed ownership
when the owners sold the business He also resented the way he and four
and moved overseas. They had other businesses had to share one
owned the business for 14 years. It 120-litre wheelie bin because their
now becomes known as Caltex. block of shops was on one title. "I pay
$3000 a year in rates, of which 6 per
In June, after the cease of publication cent or $180 is for rubbish. If I want
of the Avondale News, the ABA my own wheelie bin it is going to cost
commenced The Spider’s Web, the me an extra $185 a year to council or
ABA’s official newsletter. $199 if I get a 240-litre bin from a
private contractor." [NZ Herald, 4/7/2001]
In the first issue, Duncan Macdonald
stated that “one of my future pet “The Avondale Business Association
projects I would like to see is the old paid a private contractor $500 to clear
Library next door to the Hollywood 41 large wheelie bins put out because
Picture Theatre [Avondale Public of confusion over the last collection
Hall building] turned into an Avondale date for the bins. The association has
History museum, spider terrarium billed the council for the work.” [NZ
and café.” [Spider’s Web, June 2001, p. 3] Herald, 10/7/2001].

“Association chairman Duncan

July: Late in June, the City Council
Macdonald says the private
introduced a new policy regarding
contractors emptied 41 240-litre bins
their wheelie-bin rubbish
from the Avondale shopping centre
collections, in response to a need to
and surrounding streets. He labels the
reduce rubbish in municipal dumps.
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 The Story of Avondale Central – part 6– On to “Mainstreet” 1990 to 2001

rubbish a "health hazard" after it was and the building’s tenants combine to
left uncollected outside food outlets, repaint the old building in the
"stinking to high heaven". One bin Mainstreet colour scheme, highlighting
contained maggots, he says. the architectural features – now visible
"We have received dozens of for the first time in decades. Once
complaints about the smell and the more, the Page’s Building has become
bins blocking the footpaths."” [Central a landmark.
Leader, 11 July 2001]
Also, Avondale dentist David Crum
At the July meeting of the ABA was elected as President of the New
Executive Committee, it was decided Zealand Dental Association. [Spider’s
that the author be encouraged and Web, November 2001]
assisted with the setting up of a
Historical Society for Avondale. (A
daunting task, to me, at the time!)

August:
On August 10 2001, the first Internet
website devoted solely to the
publication of the history of
Avondale was created by the author.

I felt, at the time, that the flow of

information was coming in so swiftly
from interviews and research I was
undertaking that the stories compiled
needed to be published. The site,
called Rimtark, was followed soon
after by one for Auckland History in
general, The Archive Room, and
another for Avondale’s stories, called
Earthsettler (by early 2002).

Recognising that not everyone has

access to the Internet as I do, I started
The Avondale Historical Journal in
September 2001 – initially to a mailing
list of approximately 50. The public
reaction to both the website network,
which I later called an “on-line
museum” for Avondale, and the
Journal has, at times, been
overwhelming. Suddenly, for the first
time since 1994 when Challenge of
the Whau was published – our local
history became the talk of the town.

October:
The Page’s Building receives a
welcome redecoration, as the ABA
106