Latest news with #KaitāiaBusinessAssociation
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Uber Eats eyes Kaitāia launch, exciting local businesses and residents
The posts have caused a stir in the community. Kaitāia Business Association chairman Josh Kirby said they would be seeking feedback over the next few months to gauge the uptake and impact. Kaitāia Business Association chairman Josh Kirby. 'I imagine there would be a big uptake initially as they test it out.' He said Kaitāia was not on Uber's regional expansion list released in late 2024. 'Timing is not confirmed, but it sounds like it might be a go. 'One possible positive impact is for those locals or visitors staying out of town ,in say Ahipara or Awanui, even as far as Doubtless Bay, may order from Kaitāia eateries they wouldn't otherwise visit, potentially broadening reach.' He added it may help on cold or wet nights when people were reluctant to venture out. 'Commissions and service fees can be high, however, creating pressure on margins, so those eateries wanting to jump on board will have to take that into consideration. 'We'd love to see those food delivery services partner with small local restaurants and eateries.' While it might mean convenience for customers, the move could be a big opportunity for local businesses, one restaurant owner said. Alex Park, owner of Korean restaurant Happy Bowl, said the delivery platform could help increase sales and make it easier for people to discover the restaurant, even if they have never visited the establishment. 'It also gives small businesses a way to compete with bigger chains by reaching more customers without needing to spend a lot on marketing or opening new locations. 'Overall, it's a great way for them to grow and get more recognition in the community.' He said he has already signed his business up with Uber Eats and is excited to see how it will help grow the business. 'With strategic management, the benefits of increased exposure and sales can outweigh the costs, ultimately supporting Happy Bowl's growth.' Haley Cooper, previous owner of Captain Donut, said once locals know it's available 'there is the possibility that it will take off quite well'. 'At times having pizza delivered can be a 'wait your turn' kind of yarn. And the only other place that delivers is Mani's Butter Chicken. 'Of course there will be logistics that affect deliveries but we are used to that, living here, so I can't see it being a issue really. 'Once people know the areas covered and distances etc they be fine.'
NZ Herald
27-04-2025
- NZ Herald
Mangamuka Gorge slip shuts SH1, NZTA unsure of reopening
The spokesperson said a team would be out first thing today to assess the trees under better light conditions. NZTA expects to provide an update on the closure later this morning. Far North Roading Group managing director Manu Burkhardt-Macrae said the latest closure was 'disappointing'. The Kaitāia-based civil construction company has 'a lot of work in Kaikohe' which means taking the SH10 detour, he said. 'When the gorge is closed, we have to go round SH10 or through Herekino and Broadwood which takes an extra 45 minutes to an hour each way. 'It's disappointing, but some of those things you can't avoid. 'Over-slips, they can clear quicker than under-slips, so hopefully it'll be a short-term closure. 'It does make the trip to Kaikohe longer and costs us time and money.' The Mangamukas reopened in December after a two-year closure because of damage from severe weather. It cost $204 million to repair the road due to 30 major slips. Many Kaitāia businesses struggled while SH1 was closed as visitors stayed away, and motorists had to use the longer SH10 detour. Kaitāia Business Association chairman Josh Kirby said the recent closure was a disruption for the business district. 'Freight movements in and out of Kaitāia are already impacted, putting immediate pressure on local businesses and supply chains. Advertise with NZME. 'We are still trying to understand the full extent of the disruption and are awaiting an urgent update from NZTA.' Kirby said the Far North had just experienced two weeks of heavy rain and large weather fronts, including former tropical Cyclone Tam. 'There was some expectation of teething issues after the reopening in December,' he said. 'However, repeated closures seriously undermine confidence, not only for visitors considering travel to the Far North, but also for businesses trying to plan ahead.' Northland MP Grant McCallum said the road closure was 'very disappointing'. 'But given the geology of Northland and the amount of rain we've had ... slips are a fact of life,' he said. Advertise with NZME. NZTA was working at pace to clear the slip, McCallum said. 'Geotech workers and arborists are on site this morning to sort it out.' McCallum said future-proofing the gorge was difficult. 'We've just spent $200m fixing up the previous slips, which were devastating. 'We will always look to make the road as stable and safe as possible, but you can't guarantee everything. 'NZTA has to make sure systems are in place so they can clear slips as fast as possible.' NZTA said previous recovery work, including slip repairs and drainage improvements, have held up well. MetService meteorologist Dom Barry said eastern areas of Northland, such as Kerikeri and Whangārei, can expect showers from mid-morning today into Tuesday morning.
