Businesses in Auckland precinct call for better consultation

Business owners are criticising a lack of consultation on the rebranding of a central Auckland precinct.

The Uptown Business Association established the ‘Uptown’ precinct, encompassing Eden Terrace, Grafton and Newton, in 2012, with the mission of improving the area.

Valentin Ozich, creative director of clothing company I Love Ugly, said he was not made aware of the rebranding of the area, despite having a store in Eden Terrace for four years.

“It’s confusing if you’re a business owner and you don’t really know what’s going on. We couldn’t even have an opinion . . . that’s not a job well done.”

The store, which was I Love Ugly's first stand-alone venture, recently closed.

“Our lease was coming up . . . and the whole area was becoming a bit sad, so it was a good opportunity to move on . . . and drive traffic to our Newmarket store and online,” said Mr Ozich.

The owner of neighbouring cafe, Goodness Gracious, Greg Cornes believes the association has been ineffective due to its lack of consultation.

“As with many of the association’s initiatives, it’s only once they are implemented that I notice.”

Mr Cornes said an example was when the gateway signage for Uptown was revealed in late 2015, which he had no prior warning of.

“If they were doing an effective job then most business owners or residents in the area would have been aware well before the unveiling happened.”

Uptown is one of 48 Business Improvement Districts (BID) in Auckland, a programme where Auckland Council collaborates with the business sector to support economical growth in precincts across the city.

Uptown Business Association general manager Gary Holmes said all the business and property owners in the area were consulted, when they were sent voting papers to become a BID in 2012.

“Everyone had the opportunity to vote . . . we know a lot did not return the papers, but they would have received a voting paper.

“Out of those who did vote, the majority said yes.”

Property and business owners in the BID incur an annual targeted rate, collected by the council, which contributes to the funding of the association.

Mr Cornes said he believed the money could be better spent on services such as the upkeep of the area.

“I’m sure these ideas would have been raised, had there been better consultation with the business owners.”

Mr Holmes said the association has recognised the need to engage more with residents in Uptown and has a plan to do so this year.