Whakatane WOW - Steady As She Goes

Whakatane WOW have no major changes in tack coming up under the guidance of their new chairman, Tony Hall.

He says the previous chairs, Alison Renshaw and Ross Osborne have left a legacy that he wants to continue for the betterment of the community at large.

"Whakatane WOW has always had a two pronged strategy - firstly promotional and event-based activities that encourage people to support local business. Things like Mid Winter Madness and the up-coming 'Day at The Races' market day in Kopeopeo provide good opportunities for retailers", said Mr Hall.

"Secondly, we lobby and act as advocates for long-term planning of the district. While our primary focus is on wise long-term retail development, we do not believe retail can be looked at in isolation from other activities in Whakatane - industrial, recreational, educational and residential. We have a pressing need for more residential land, and if it can be found, it will help retail to grow."

"I have no intention to change the course and aspirations of the group. We need to keep going in the same direction and grow our strengths. To do that we will continue to work with and for our members and cornerstone partner, Bay of Plenty Energy," he says.

In their lobbying to Council, Whakatane, WOW have long held the view that there is sufficient land in and on the peripheries of the CBD and Kopeopeo to cater to new retail developments.

Mr Hall says the changing face of Commerce Street is an example of market forces driving where retail expansion should happen.

Apart from the new Countdown supermarket, Whakatane WOW believe there are several other developments for Commerce Street waiting in the wings. They say there are rumours of a new furniture outlet along with other retail oriented stores opening within the near future.

Mr Hall says all of this interest in Commerce Street is extremely healthy and the natural place for retail growth to take place.

"While Countdown will be missed in Kopeopeo, we understand there is already a lot of interest in the building. Kopeopeo can also look forward to new retail space being built soon. Developers are seeing the traditional centers as being a better investment than greenfield options."

"Whakatane WOW encourages this type of thinking and development. We are pro-growth, as long as it is for the long term good of the community. Greenfield developments tend to destroy towns, taking spend away from local traders and out of the community", said Mr Hall. "But new retail outlets within the confines or adjacent to existing centres grow the local economy and provide a sense of community."

Whakatane WOW's principal partner, Bay of Plenty Energy, sees regional development initiatives as an important part of the economy.

General Manager, David Bulley, advised that this is why they have developed relationships with groups like Whakatane WOW and the Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce.

"As a locally based company, we want what is best for the community. Sustainable business growth - whether that be retail, professional, industrial or other - has to be good for the local economy. It cuts unemployment numbers and puts more money into people's pockets. "The interest being shown in our town by national traders bodes well for Whakatane. We are a positive town and the prospects for the future look bright," Mr Bulley said.

As part of their thrust, Whakatane WOW are working on summer promotions, with the aim of encouraging stores to open seven days a week over December and January. As a holiday destination they see it as important to provide locals and visitors with the ability to shop any day of the week.

Tony Hall advised that people had come to expect to shop when they want and Whakatane has to compete against malls who are open all hours.

WOW are also preparing a case against the proposed Gateway development, saying that recent developments within the confines of the CBD show a greenfield option isn't required.