Springing into that festival atmosphere

Buoyed by the sight of new season cherry blossoms, Cherrywood business owners are set to create a spring festival atmosphere at the shopping village.
Cherrywood dress shop owner Grant Roberts is leading a promotional group formed after a recent social function to welcome new business owners to the retail strip.
After a street-front spruce-up by Tauranga City Council in 2007, patronage of the village has remained strong, making it one of the few shopping precincts not scarred by empty stores.
"We have been largely left to our own devices since the upgrade but we feel it is now time to promote the wider appeal of the village," Mr Grant said.
"We have several recent arrivals among us who will benefit from being part of a unified promotional group."
Mr Grant says the strength of Cherrywood Village is it caters for all aspects of daily living.
Professionals at nearby doctors, dentists and veterinary clinics are also eager to join in promotional activities.
The group intends to keep the festive spirit at Cherrywood alive through to at least the Christmas season, raising its profile as an attractive shopping destination based on its community appeal.
Sharon Hitchcock, who co-owns the Lotto outlet, is throwing her support into the planning, keen to share the merits of Cherrywood Village with all of Tauranga.
"We have decided to lift our game and let the wider Tauranga area know we are well worth a visit," she said.