Auckland’s hospitality sector: Rebuilding the buzz requires community support - Parnell Business Association

Chef Javier Quinteros at Cibo restaurant in Parnell. Photo / Michael Craig

THREE KEY FACTS

• Auckland hospitality has faced a tough 2024 amid a cost of living crisis.
• High-profile restaurant casualties have included SPQR, Pilkington and Homeland.
• A Restaurant Association survey from July indicated 78% of Auckland businesses and 76% nationwide said revenue was down from a year ago.

For Aucklanders, this summer might feel like a balancing act worthy of a circus.

Between hopping from one Christmas party to the next and trying to sneak away to the beach, the stress of juggling everything can make enjoying the moment feel almost indulgent.

For those in hospitality and retail, this summer brings an extra layer of pressure, not just from the usual holiday rush, but from the need to recover from an exceptionally challenging year.

This year has been a slow-motion car crash for the hospitality sector, marked by widespread liquidations, beloved venues such as SPQR and Conch closing their doors, and consumers tightening their wallets.

Keeping the lights on has become the priority for many, trumping the desire to unwind and enjoy the festive period.

Yet, amidst these challenges, signs of resilience and connection are emerging.

Aucklanders have shown they’re willing to come out and connect with each other, whether it’s getting behind Auckland FC, watching Coldplay at Eden Park or performing a world record haka.

In pockets around Auckland, the sense of community is growing fast, with the rebuilding phase taking place in our local pubs, cafes and community hubs.

Community events such as Parnell’s recent Twofoldapalooza have shown there is a strong desire to connect with neighbours, enjoy the small moments, and rebuild what was lost during the pandemic.

We’re also fortunate for the opening of 269 Parnell Road at the weekend, providing a much-needed space for the community to dine and socialise together heading into 2025.

269 Parnell, a new food and drink complex in the Auckland suburb, opened at the weekend. Photo / Johnny Crawford

As we start to embrace these lively parts of Auckland and create a new sense of connection, it is also crucial that we strike a balance between the big and small.

For a buzz to exist, our bars, restaurants and cafes need to be flourishing. Everyday rituals like coffee runs and local shopping are key to fostering a sense of belonging.

These local spaces are more than just places to grab a coffee or a meal, they’re where memories are made and where Auckland comes to life. From the local pub to family-run stores that greet regulars by name, these businesses are the heartbeat of our neighbourhoods.

However, the fight for survival isn’t over.

For local businesses to succeed, they need consistent support throughout the year alongside the inevitable seasonal spikes.

And as more and more of us embrace online shopping, it’s easy to forget the experiences that come from wandering through a local market, chatting with a shop owner, or catching up with friends over a drink.

These moments remind us why it’s important to be a part of a community in the first place.

When we talk about the local economy, it’s easy to forget that there is one simple goal: To create happy, thriving communities.

Often we don’t give it a second thought, yet supporting local businesses helps create a sense of local identity and strong sense of belonging.

We all have a cafe or restaurant we would be devastated to see close.

While eCommerce has changed how we shop, there’s an increasing need to reflect on how small actions - such as supporting what’s right on our doorstep - add up to a stronger, more connected city.

As we head into 2025, I encourage Aucklanders to take a more conscious approach. Local businesses are here for a reason: To serve and uplift the communities around them.

By showing support, even in small ways, we can help foster the vibrant, welcoming city we are proud to call home.