In view of all this it is nice to be able to report some good news. It is clear from lots of anecdotal evidence that at least in some sections of the local economy, the anticipated recession has yet to take hold. Quite the opposite in fact. Warkworth Visitor Information Centre is reporting a big jump in visitor numbers this summer over last. This seems to be a pattern amongst businesses servicing the needs of visitors to the area and also the needs of locals who like to get out and about. The common experience has been a good season of trading to date, with some reporting a considerably better summer than previous years.
How can this be? Great summer weather? Partly, but while January was excellent, February has not been all that good, and yet the buoyant trading continues. The new motorway extension bringing more people in to the area? Partly, but business for many was going well long before it opened.
These effects are playing a part, but something else may be happening as well. Perhaps people are tightening their belts on big-ticket spending, especially overseas travel, and channelling more time and money into local recreational activities. The money not spent on bigger items allows this, but also it gives good times in the face of endless bad economic news. People are enjoying themselves without spending a fortune.
Even a relatively small proportion of Aucklanders making these sorts of changes means that we in beautiful Matakana and Mahurangi become the recipients of their recreational spending. In addition it seems that many local people – possibly more than usual, are also out and about and having a great summer with family and friends. That is all good for the local business community, and with more money coming into the area, it must be good for the wider community as well.
Robin Ransom
Originally published in Mahurangi Matters March, 2009)
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