Although Orewa has minimal storm damage early this year, the retail side was hit quite significantly.

Hellen Wilkins, operations manager at Destination Orewa, says retail spending was hit hard when the storms and Cyclone Gabrielle hit in January and February. 

There are several open-air retail centres in Silverdale, so the adverse weather conditions impacted the foot traffic and therefore, the money spent.

“Spending increased slightly after the Cyclone, but March was a 'typical March’,” she says.

Hellen says she is concerned about the 32 percent spike in retail crime in the Auckland area.  

“The Hibiscus Coast is not void of the increase,” she says. 

“There has been a marked increase in theft, intimidation and antisocial behaviour in our local town centres over the past year. 

Orewa businesses have a Whatsapp group and they share photos of people who steal, or intimidate retail staff. 

The movements of these offenders are being tracked to enable businesses to ensure their floors are properly manned and their diligence is stepped up.”

Although this is far from solving the crime issue, it has resulted in criminal behaviour being foiled, as offenders have realised they are being watched. 

“Opportunists are everywhere and this ongoing petty theft and behaviour have to stop.  

We have all the businesses working together for everyone,” says Hellen.