For Katikati to survive and prosper it needs a unique theme that gets it on the map, says resident Peter Nicholas.
"A couple of towns are mentioned (Advertiser, Feb 27), but for example if you think of oysters you immediately associate them with Bluff, likewise carrots - Ohakune," he says.
"These are towns that have something unique and have sold that concept to New Zealand and you may say the world, it is not something that can be simply replicated by other towns.
"Katikati is the heart of New Zealand's avocado production - when people think of avocados they should think Katikati, Bay of Plenty - as Te Puke is thought of as the kiwifruit capital. The Avocado Food and Wine Festival should become an event that a Prime Minister wants to be seen at (Bluff again).
"There is a now a rich avocado history in Katikati - we have something truly unique here, with a little effort, perhaps a well established orchard open to the public. We could even have cruise ship visits to the town - looking to spend their money in more than $2 shops!"
Long time Katikati businesswoman Val Baker was amazed last week when asking another business person what they thought of the $2 shops in town. The reply,
"It's not a good look for the town, Indians and all," which Val found hard to comprehend.
"Are we becoming a prejudiced township too? I think they are bright and colourful. Any new group to town is all part of the community."
Val says Katikati has four to five opportunity shops in town.
"Is that a good look? There are no complaints about them and we have five different types of bulk or food supermarket-type stores, heaps of different food vendors; are there too many of those?
"We did have two chemists plus the plan for the pharmacy at the medical centre at one stage. One in town couldn't make a go of it and closed down.
"Me personally, as long as people are paying taxes and imputting in to the community as a whole by various means, employment, rentals, to name a couple of things, then leave them alone. Time is a great benefit to a community, most shop owners will sort themselves out given time. People really need to live and let live.
"Instead of looking for negatives think of the positives, find even one and build on that, before you become too set in your ways and just plain grumpy with life in general.
"What's the old saying - don't point the finger as there are three pointing back at you."
Business owner of Red Poppy in Jocelyn Street, Maureen McCarthy, says it is true that Katikati needs more good shops, "but I think we need to realise it's a struggle to keep us (retailers) here as we are not supported enough".
"I have some wonderful regular customers luckily, but trade is definitely dropping off. I've been told by customers that live at Omokoroa that they don't come through very often as there's not enough good shops, and especially would like more clothes shops."
Maureen has been in business in Katikati for four years and says she can see why businesses end up closing.
"Not enough regular support. We all have so much we have to pay to just keep doors open."
Peter also suggested there should be more youth input into the future of the town - maybe an elected student from Katikati College.