Be our Guest - Try Tawa A massive thank you to everyone who took part in our Be our Guest - Try Tawa Survey this spring. Your input helps us, the Tawa Business Group, understand how people experience Tawa’s town centre - what you love, what you use most often, and where the opportunities are to make our business community even stronger. We received 80 responses between 1 September and 31 October, gathered through social media promotion, posters, community newsletters and handing out flyers at Spring into Tawa. Your support helped us paint a clearer picture of local shopping habits and favourite spots around town. What You Told Us One of the strongest messages from your feedback is that Tawa locals are loyal. Over half of you visit Tawa businesses multiple times a week , and 80% of respondents live right here in Tawa. From everyday essentials to your favourite café treats, it’s clear our community supports local. When it comes to the types of businesses you use most, it’s no surprise that food and drink  topped the list - with 95% of respondents visiting a café, restaurant, or supermarket in the past month. Retail  and auto services  (including filling up at the petrol station) also featured strongly. You also shared your favourite places around town, with New World Tawa , Tawa Books & Post , and the Sprig & Fern  leading the way. Across the full survey, you mentioned around 40% of all the businesses in our Business Improvement District (BID) - a great sign that you know and value the variety Tawa has to offer. Your comments also highlighted opportunities. Some business areas, like home improvement services and the Takapū Rise Business Park, didn’t come up in your responses, which shows us where we can lift visibility and promote more of what is available locally. Where People Shop - And Why Reasons why you do business outside Tawa While Tawa is the go-to for day-to-day essentials, many of you also shop in Porirua for larger stores, a broader range of products, and the convenience of having everything in one place. Porirua was the most popular destination (82%), while Wellington CBD and other Wellington suburbs were mentioned by 28% of respondents. 14% said you visited Lower Hutt, including Petone. Understanding these patterns helps us think about how Tawa businesses can stand out and better meet local needs. Be our Guest Bernadette, BID Manager (left), presents Kimberley with her $100 voucher for Kinnari Thai restaurant We were delighted to draw a winner from all survey entries. Congratulations to our prize recipient, Kimberley, who chose a $100 voucher to spend at Kinnari Thai restaurant. Kimberley and her partner had a delightful evening tucking into various beautifully presented and tasty dishes (see Kimberley's photos of the evening below). Kinnari Thai is a relatively new restaurant in Tawa, and was the top business mentioned as somewhere you had heard good things about but had not visited. What’s Next? Try Tawa - The Summer Survey We will be running a summer version of the Try Tawa survey , with new and updated questions. It will only take about 5 minutes to complete and runs from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026. You can complete it here . Whether you participated this time or are considering joining in the next round, we would love your input. Every response helps shape how we support local businesses, promote Tawa, and plan for the future. Thank you again for sharing your experiences, and for continuing to support the wonderful businesses that make Tawa a great place to live, shop, and connect.

Artist's impression of the Anchor Project - Tawa's Proposed Community Hub Tawa is once again showing how strong community leadership and partnership with Wellington City Council (WCC) can shape a better future for everyone. The Tawa Anchor Project is a new community-led initiative and aims to redevelop two of Tawa’s key community assets: the Mervyn Kemp Library  and the Tawa Community Centre . The Tawa Community Board, the Tawa Business Group, and the Tawa Residents’ Association are teaming up with WCC and propose that both facilities be combined under one roof into a brand-new, purpose-built community hub . The proposed facility would be built on the current community centre site at 5 Cambridge Street, a location well placed in the heart of Tawa. “We really appreciate the work Council staff are doing alongside local residents to look at options for a new facility that will meet Tawa’s needs both now and into the future,” said Tawa Community Board Chair, Jill Day. “Our current library and community centre are always buzzing with activity, and this project is a chance to create something that brings long-term benefits and makes Tawa an even better place to live and raise a family.” Why Now? Outside the Tawa Community Centre Tawa’s current community facilities have been well-used for many years, but they are showing their age. The community centre, first built in 1984 to house the former Tawa Borough Council and updated in 1991, now has serious weather-tightness problems and faces significant refurbishment and renovation. The space still retains its original Council-era configuration and struggles to meet the diverse and growing needs of today's users. Outside the front of the Tawa Mervyn Kemp Library Meanwhile, the Mervyn Kemp library, which opened in 1974, is also too small to keep up with growing demand, especially as more people work from home and use the space during the day. When the library first opened, Tawa’s population was around 10,300 and has grown by more than 50% to over 15,800 in 2024, and it is expected to keep growing in the years ahead. However, the current community buildings cannot keep up with the demand for spaces that are modern, welcoming, and easy for everyone to use. Community Spaces Under Pressure   The Tawa Community Centre currently supports a wide range of community and Council activities, including: Tawa Craft Group School holiday programmes , including Lego days and movie afternoons. Support services, from Poverty Free Aotearoa, JP services and Soup Tuesday.  Receiving weekly food donations from Kiwi Community Assistance, Salvation Army and Kai Ika. Cultural and hobby groups , including crafts, music, and table tennis. Jigsaw puzzle library, with the largest selection of puzzles in the Wellington region. Community meetings  hosted by the Tawa Community Board and local organisations. Civil Defence support functions , including selling 200L emergency water tanks. Recycling and e-waste collection point Soup Tuesday at the Community Centre The centre hosts nearly 80,000 people a year (that’s over 300 per day) and would happily accommodate more if there were a more flexible layout and more up-to-date amenities. Tawa Library celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2024 The library is equally stretched. With the rise in remote and hybrid working (up to 20% in 2025 compared to 7% in 2018), residents increasingly rely on it not just for books, but for: Free Wi-Fi and workspaces After-school activities and literacy, and STEM programmes Access to printers, computers, and digital support In the six months to April 2025, the library received nearly 34,000 visitors  (around 270 per day), issued over 57,000 items and ran regular programmes for pre-schoolers, school children and adults. Staff frequently field requests for meeting rooms, study spaces, and digital learning support - services that are limited by space. The Vision for the Future The Tawa Anchor Project seeks to deliver a purpose-built facility that meets these diverse and growing demands - one that reflects the community’s values and is adaptable for generations to come. The Tawa Anchor Project is being led by the Tawa Business Group, Tawa Community Board and Tawa Residents Association, who are working together to plan for the future. This is a chance to create a shared space, like a living room of the community, that reflects Tawa’s identity, brings people together, and makes it easier for everyone to access community and recreation services in one place. Like any great living room, it's a space for learning, sharing stories, and building relationships. It's where generations meet, cultures mix, ideas spark, and neighbours become friends. Thoughtfully designed with cozy reading nooks, flexible gathering spaces, and vibrant areas for creativity and play, it would allow for: Co-located services to reduce duplication and improve access. Flexible rooms for community hire, events, and classes. Improved accessibility and safety for all users, especially people with disabilities and older adults. Integrated, energy-efficient technology for digital learning, meetings, and work. Local Economic and Civic Benefits The benefits extend beyond the building itself. “Investing in a modern, integrated community facility is also an investment in Tawa’s economic future,” said Gary Denton, chair of the Tawa Business Group. “A well-designed hub will bring people into the town centre, support local businesses, and help create the kind of vibrant, attractive environment that encourages long-term economic growth.” Bringing services under one roof will also reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs for WCC, making the new facility more efficient to run. Additionally, the redevelopment will also enable the Council to repurpose the current library site, unlocking further opportunities for local benefit and potentially offsetting some of the development costs for the new centre. Strong Political and Community Support for the Tawa Anchor Project The Tawa community is pleased to see strong political support for the project, including from mayoral candidate Andrew Little and Northern Ward Councillors Ben McNulty, Tony Randle, and John Apanowicz. Their endorsement reflects a shared recognition of the urgent need to invest in locally driven, future-focused infrastructure and ensure genuine partnership with local voices. Working with our Northern Ward Councillors, the Community Board, Residents’ Association, and Business Group are actively exploring next steps and seeking initial investment to maintain project momentum. We know that affordability and timing are important to the community. This project is still in the early planning and consultation phase - no final decisions have been made. Community facilities are a core council service, and the goal is to ensure any investment is future-proof, community-driven, and cost-effective. Partnership opportunities, including collaboration with local groups and developers, are being explored as part of this process. Anchoring the Future From left to right: Gary Denton, chair of the Tawa Business Group; Jill Day, chair of the Tawa Community Board and Tony Hassed, chair of the Anchor Project The Tawa Anchor Project aims to create a modern, multi-use community hub that brings together the Mervyn Kemp Library and the Tawa Community Centre under one roof. This purpose-built facility would respond to Tawa’s growing and diverse needs by offering flexible, accessible, and digitally enabled spaces for learning, community activities, and essential services. “As its name suggests, the Tawa Anchor Project is about creating a central, connected space that anchors the community — socially, culturally, and physically — for generations to come,” says Tony Hassed, local Tawa Resident. Stay connected, stay involved. You can learn more about the project or share your thoughts by contacting: Jill Day, Chair of the Tawa Community Board, at jill.day@wcc.govt.nz  or Bernadette Pallister, BID manager of the Tawa Business Group at info@tawabusiness.co.nz . *Edit correction: Tawa Community Centre was built in 1984, not 1953 as originally stated.

As Christmas lights begin to twinkle and our local businesses transform their spaces into a Christmas wonderland, it can only mean one thing: it’s time for one of Tawa’s most enchanting holiday traditions—The Christmas Window Display Competition! This celebration of creativity, community, and holiday spirit brings our suburb to life, illuminating shop windows with dazzling displays that capture the joy and warmth of the season. But what goes into creating this beloved tradition year after year? Let’s take a peek behind the scenes to uncover what makes Tawa’s Christmas Window Display Competition truly magical. In the heart of Tawa lies a community bursting with life and history. Here, our cherished long-time residents, especially our beloved senior citizens, stand as pillars of wisdom and witness to the ever-evolving landscape of our suburb. And when the festive season arrives, our Christmas Window Display competition ignites a spark of joy that lights up the streets, drawing grandparents and their grandchildren together. Hand in hand, they wander the charming lanes of Tawa, exploring shops, savoring treats, and making unforgettable moments of their lives. It’s a magical sight – young couples sharing their first holiday date, families creating cherished traditions, and partners celebrating decades of love. All are united by the twinkling lights, radiant smiles, and hearts brimming with warmth and affection. The Christmas Window Display Competition is more than just an event; it’s the heartbeat of our community during the holiday season. It fills our streets with wonder and excitement, bringing people together in a shared celebration of creativity and joy. Local businesses pour their hearts into crafting displays that dazzle the eyes and tell meaningful stories. Take Nada Bakery, for example. Their team, led by a daughter and her daughter-in-law, worked together to bake an enchanting cookie display – a carriage, reindeers, and a Christmas tree adorned with green frosting. Their window didn’t just look magical; it practically invited you to taste the holiday cheer. (I’ll admit, I could almost smell the freshly baked cookies through the glass. Haha!) This is the magic of Tawa’s Christmas Window Display Competition – a celebration of creativity, connection, and the true spirit of the season. A Community-Driven Christmas Celebration For the third festive season, Tawa’s local businesses have collaborated to create enchanting window displays, each uniquely capturing the magic of Christmas. The competition's brief is simple: use your products or a theme that aligns with your trade. This simplicity fosters creativity, allowing business owners to create festive, personal displays. It's more than a competition—it's an expression of their community connection and Christmas spirit. Every snowflake, twinkling light, and centerpiece tells a story of dedication and love. From late-night crafting to brainstorming with family and staff, these displays are a labor of love. Every window reflects shared joy, community connections, and the power of coming together to celebrate the season of giving. The manager of the Tawa Business Group, Bernadette Pallister, says, " this is an opportunity to showcase the amazing businesses we have here in Tawa, which extends much further than our retailers and includes, amongst others, gyms, hairdressers, engineering and building companies." How to win? The Christmas Window Display Competition adds a festive twist to this event. As you follow the trail through Tawa, you’re invited to search for hidden letters in the 19 participating windows, which combine to spell out a special Christmas message. And there’s more—by voting for your favourite window display, you could be in with a chance to win a $500 voucher from New World Tawa or one of many $100 vouchers from some of our best-loved Tawa-based businesses! Brochure for Christmas Window Display 2024 Brochure for Christmas Window Display 2024 These flyers are available in over 30 different outlets in Tawa, including all participating businesses. It can even be downloaded from our Event Page , where you can also read up on the Terms and Conditions. The main one being one person, one vote so please don't try submitting extra votes. Completed entry forms can be posted in one of our special Santa post boxes situated at the Tawa Community Centre, Tawa Mervyn Kemp Library, or at the Tawa Business Group offices at 220B Main Road, Tawa. Entries dropped off with the Tawa Business Group will be offered a bonus chocolate. Voting booth for Christmas Window Display 2024 If you can't get to one of our post boxes, you can fill in the form online here or take a photo of it and email it to info@tawabusiness.co.nz The Friendly (and Festive) Competition! While the holiday spirit takes center stage in the Christmas Window Display Competition, a touch of friendly rivalry brings an extra layer of excitement. Each business brings its A-game, blending creativity with a sprinkle of festive magic to stand out. But in true Christmas fashion, the competition isn’t just about the displays—it’s also about delighting visitors with unexpected surprises. Take Lowe & Co, for example. Alongside their beautifully adorned tree, they’ve added a playful twist: a festively decorated lolly bin for visitors to enjoy. It’s small gestures like these that make exploring Tawa during the holidays so special, offering moments of joy and surprise to everyone who stops by. This friendly competition isn’t just about winning; it’s about celebrating the spirit of giving and togetherness. Each business, in its own way, contributes to the magic that lights up Tawa, making every corner of our town a place to explore, connect, and celebrate the season. Tawa’s Community Spirit Shines Through Beyond the dazzling displays and festive cheer, the Christmas Window Display Competition serves a greater purpose: uplifting our local economy and strengthening community bonds. As shoppers and visitors wander through the vibrant streets of Tawa, they’re not just enjoying the beauty of the season—they’re rediscovering the heart of our suburb. Each purchase, every smile exchanged, and all the moments shared contribute to making Tawa a hub of connection and celebration. Over the years, this competition has grown to become more than just an event; it’s now a cornerstone of Tawa’s identity. Drawing visitors from across Wellington and beyond, it shines a light on our community’s creativity, hospitality, and charm, showcasing Tawa as a place where tradition and innovation beautifully intertwine. Spreading Holiday Cheer, One Window at a Time As the countdown to Christmas begins, there’s no better way to soak in the holiday spirit than by exploring Tawa’s magical displays. Picture this: a lunchtime stroll with workmates, a fun-filled family outing with the kids, or an evening adventure with friends, discovering hidden gems and feeling the warmth of the season. While admiring the creative displays, you’ll also find plenty of reasons to linger in Tawa’s shops. Many local businesses are spreading the holiday cheer with great discounts and special deals, making it the perfect time to tick off your Christmas shopping list. From unique gifts to festive treats, there’s something for everyone—and every purchase supports the small businesses that bring so much vibrancy to our community. The Christmas Window Display Competition isn’t just about lights and decorations—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Tawa special. It’s a reminder that the spirit of Christmas lives in every smile, every shared laugh, and every act of kindness that fills our little suburb. So, grab your map, follow the trail, and let the festive magic of Tawa’s Christmas Window Display Competition guide you through a holiday experience that will leave your heart full and your spirits high. And don’t forget to drop off your completed voting form to have your say in this joyful celebration of creativity and community—and maybe snag some amazing deals while you’re at it! Just remember to drop off your completed form before midnight on Sunday 15 December to be in with a chance to win. Winners of 2024 The Christmas Window Display Competition 2024 brought a festive glow to Tawa, and we’re thrilled to celebrate our winners: 1st Place: Cutting Galore A stunning mannequin Christmas tree that dazzled us all with its elegance and festive flair. JUST WOW!! Many, many CONGRATULATIONS to the amazing team at Cutting Galore. Team's photo of Cutting Galore receiving their winner's certificate from our BID Manager 2nd Place: Gorgeous Goose Cakes Winning hearts again this year, their charming window was a perfect mix of sweetness and holiday magic, and their freshly made cupcakes are to die for. Gorgeous Goose Cakes and family 3rd Place: Gift Shack Decor & Giftware Another third-time win, showcasing their consistent creativity and love for the season! New location but the same amazing service and products. Gift Shack A huge thank you to all the businesses that participated and to everyone who voted. Your support brings our community together and makes Tawa shine even brighter! Some Glimpses from Previous Year's Winners The winners of 2022 and 2023 showcased the vibrant talent and community spirit of Tawa. In 2022, Gorgeous Goose Cakes , Salvation Army Tawa , Gift Shack , and KD One with Kareen earned accolades for their exceptional contributions. The following year, Embrace Design, Gift Shack, and Gorgeous Goose Cakes continued the tradition of excellence, with Gift Shack and Gorgeous Goose Cakes securing wins two years in a row, highlighting their enduring impact and popularity within the community.

Auto Super Shoppe Tawa < All Job Vacancies Automotive Technician Auto Super Shoppe Tawa Full Time $70,000 – $85,000 per year CLOSING DATE BELOW IF SPECIFIED Job security and regular performance bonuses Opportunities for career progression Supportive, team-focused work environment Ongoing training and upskilling Employee discounts on parts and servicing Free WOFs for your personal vehicle Apply today with your CV and cover letter, or drop by and meet the team! Added 9 December 2025 0275530035 Autosstawa@gmail.com APPLY HERE

Find a job or place a job advert for your Tawa business or organisation. JOB VACANCIES Sign up to receive periodic new job vacancy emails SUBSCRIBE You're on the list! If you have a job vacancy to list, please email info@tawabusiness.co.nz to request a listing form. Automotive Technician Full Time $70,000 – $85,000 per year Auto Super Shoppe Tawa View Job Store Manager Full Time Bendon - Outlet City View Job Executive Assistant Full Time - Contract/Temp Salary $81,001.63 - $91,343.23 + KiwiSaver Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa View Job Community Centre Coordinator Full Time, fixed term to 30 April 2026 $76,778 and $80,190 per annum, Wellington City Council View Job Home Based Facilitator Full Time Pay Equity Rates - $25.67 - $30.52 Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa View Job Office Administrator Full Time $70,000 + performance bonus MRG Civil Ltd View Job Musical Director Part-Time Volunteer Role Tawa Learners’ Band View Job Sales Assistant Part Time Under Armour - Outlet City View Job Chef de Partie Full Time Sprig + Fern Tawa View Job Delivery Manager - Lead, Grow and Deliver Quality Full Time $100K - $130K annually Smartway Builders View Job Beauty Professional (Beautician, Nail Technician, Lash Technician etc). Comfort Zone Massage View Job Automotive Workshop Manager Full Time $95,000 – $115,000 per year Auto Super Shoppe Tawa View Job Van Drivers 10 am – 1.30 pm each Tuesday Volunteer Role Orange Sky Aotearoa View Job General Team Member (Tawa) 10.30 am – 1.00 pm each Tuesday Volunteer Role Orange Sky Aotearoa View Job Personal Trainer Part Time BFT Wellington North View Job General Factory Hand Full Time Price Holyoake (NZ) Ltd View Job Unit Leader at Tawa Girl Guides Part Time Term Time on Thursdays - 5:30 to 7 pm, plus extra time for programme planning and attending camps Volunteer Role Girl Guiding New Zealand View Job Massage Therapist Part-time or Full-time (negotiable) Minimum guaranteed hours: 30 hours per week $23.50–$30.00 per hour (depending on experience and skill) Neoni Massage – Tawa View Job LBP and Qualified Builders Full Time Smartway Builders View Job Associate Dentist Full Time or Part Time Days/Hours are negotiable Centre of Dental Excellence View Job Beauty/Wellness Professional Self-Employed Emerge Your Beauty View Job Secretary (Volunteer) Part Time Volunteer Role Tawa Historical Society View Job Volunteer Community Patrollers Volunteer Role Tawa Community Patrol View Job

Auto Super Shoppe Tawa < All Job Vacancies Automotive Workshop Manager Auto Super Shoppe Tawa Full Time $95,000 – $115,000 per year CLOSING DATE BELOW IF SPECIFIED Workshop Manager: Are you an experienced leader in the automotive industry who thrives on driving performance, efficiency, and team satisfaction? Auto Super Shoppe Tawa is looking for a Workshop manager to lead our great team of technicians, ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the workshop, and deliver an exceptional experience for our customers. About the Role: As Workshop Manager, you’ll oversee our team of technicians, ensuring productivity, quality, and safety standards are consistently met. You’ll work closely with the business owner, always thinking one step ahead to anticipate needs and opportunities. Your leadership will directly contribute to customer satisfaction, team culture, and the ongoing growth of Auto Super Shoppe Tawa. Key Responsibilities: Lead, mentor, and support the workshop team to achieve peak performance. Ensure a minimum of 80% technician utilisation against weekly wages. Proactively anticipate workshop and business needs, providing solutions before issues arise. Drive customer satisfaction by delivering at least one 5-star Google review per week . Maintain a monthly margin through efficient operations and smart resource management. Achieve a 100% team satisfaction rate , fostering a positive, supportive, and professional workplace culture. Minimise rework, ensuring a less than 2% rework rate Keep all staff up to date with mandatory health and safety training while promoting continuous upskilling and professional development. What We’re Looking For: New Zealand Citizen/Resident (must have the right to work in NZ). Full New Zealand Driver Licence. New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (or equivalent qualification). Proven experience in an automotive leadership or senior technician role. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills – you’re always two steps ahead. Excellent communication and leadership qualities to motivate and support your team. Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining workshop standards. A safety-first mindset with a drive for continuous improvement. Why Join the Auto Super Shoppe Tawa Team? Be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team that values excellence and growth. Enjoy a role where your leadership directly shapes business success. Access ongoing training and development opportunities, to keep you ahead in your career. Competitive salary package, with performance recognised and rewarded. Employee discount on parts & servicing Free WoF’s on personal vehicles Company vehicle If you’re ready to lead from the front, inspire a high-performing team, and take Auto Super Shoppe Tawa to the next level, we want to hear from you. What we offer: Good pay, based on your experience and qualifications Company vehicle with fuel card A well-equipped, clean, and professional workshop Work phone or sim card Support from a local team that cares Training and upskilling opportunities through the Auto Super Shoppes network Apply today with your CV and cover letter, or drop by and meet the team! Updated 9 December 2025 0275530035 Autosstawa@gmail.com APPLY HERE