Newspaper Article 1999 – Pride of Place

PRATLEY PROPERTIES. . .

Pride of Place
Recognising human achievement

“Havelock North Village has never looked better,” says Michael Poppelwell who gets this week’s “Pride of Place” award for his efforts in co-ordinating the Havelock North Business Association.

Insisting that he’s supported by a loyal bunch of business people, Michael says he wishes he could “rev everyone up” to the excitement level that he has for the Village as a retail destination.

“The future possibilities for Havelock North are huge and exciting and I would like to think that business people here appreciate those possibilities,” says Michael.

“The Village has a really good feeling about it at the moment – the gardens and the hanging baskets look great and people seem to enjoy shopping here. Next year, the Association hopes to fund itself through a levy system via commercial rates along the lines of Mainstreets in central Hastings. Havelock North has to hold its own among other retail destinations and without regular funding, that is difficult,” explains Michael, who adds that retailers today need to look “outside the square” when it comes to traditional ideas about retailing.

“Retailing is not what it was even three years ago – things that didn’t work then could work now and whilst I appreciate that it is difficult for some retailers to look at extending their opening hours, they will benefit in the long run if they take a more flexible approach,” says Michael.

So a big pat on the back for Michael for the work he has put in for the Business Association and “happy retailing” to all business people in the Village in the lead-up to Christmas …

PRATLEY PROPERTIES
… developing the future with pride.