The boundary between business and residential

The nature of Onehunga means that our business and residential community are tucked up quite closely to one another. This boundary is getting a lot less transparent with residential development in light industrial areas and the town centre.

This mixture of properties can be great for both but also has knock on effects such as noise, traffic, and disruption. If the business association is successful with the current expansion of our business improvement district, then we will be keeping a watchful eye on this boundary. It is better for business to keep them as clear as possible otherwise compliance and noise will slowly push trade out of Onehunga – who are a great employer and asset.

Recently, the business community of Onehunga has experienced a couple of large incidents that impacted both the businesses involved and their surrounding neighbours.

It has been unfortunate to have two fires, so physically close to one another but also two fires in two weeks are very unwelcome. Both fires were of quite a different nature but together had great impact on commercial premises, plus the second fire on Galway Street, had much greater impact on the residential community as well. Luckily, this was contained quickly.

Due to the built-up nature of Onehunga town centre buildings, I understand that Fire and Emergency of New Zealand (FENZ) urgently direct a lot of appliances and resource at a fire in our community to reduce the chance of it impacting further properties. This model was successful in Galway Street with few impacted buildings considering what could have happened.

I was contacted by media for comment on the fires and talked to some industrial neighbours about how they needed advocacy support to continue to operate their businesses. In these instances, I could not help them as I do not represent their area, but I could if the boundary is extended.

These examples are demonstrating how the business association can bring value to the business community. When we work together, we can advocate for what is best for the majority.

The Business Improvement District (BID) expansion ballot is open until 12pm 26 March for all commercially rated properties between Beachcroft, Trafalgar and the odd side of Captain Springs Road

Every vote counts so please take the opportunity to have your say!