EDITORIAL The narrative of New Zealand’s high streets is one of transformation, resilience, and inevitable change. Once bustling centres of commerce and community, these streets now face challenges reflecting broader global trends. From the small town of Balclutha to the urban expanse of Auckland’s Queen St, the story is consistent: a struggle against the tides of economic downturns, the rise of online shopping, and shifting consumer behaviours.
Yet, amid these challenges, there lies an opportunity for reinvention and revival. In Balclutha, the quiet streets and empty shops are stark reminders of the economic pressures faced by small-town retailers. The closure of long-standing businesses, such as the BNZ Bank in 2021, underscores the severity of the situation.
Retailers and service providers, like Annalise Mitchell of Face, Body and Beauty, emphasise the need for creativity and adaptability to survive in the new landscape. This sentiment is echoed by Tim Hunt of Powerzone Motorcycles, who notes a noticeable decline in foot traffic – a pattern replicated in towns and cities across the country. Once the epitome of urban retail glamour, Auckland’s Queen St has also been affected.
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