Be our Guest - Try Tawa This summer, we asked our community to once again “Try Tawa” - and you delivered. From 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, 57 people completed our Be our Guest – Try Tawa survey, helping us better understand how, why and where people are shopping locally.   Promotion included Facebook advertising, posts shared in community Facebook groups, and a mention in the Tawa Residents’ Association newsletter. Congratulations to our Be our Guest Winner! Try Tawa winner Louise Owen (right) receiving a $100 voucher from BID manager, Bernadette After each survey is complete, we draw a winner from all the entries. Our summer Be our Guest winner is Louise Owen , who has won a $100 voucher to spend at The Borough  - one of our community’s favourite hospitality spots. Louise enjoyed a delicious duck salad, while her five children tucked into tasty pizzas and amazing ice cream sundaes. Congratulations to Louise! What We Learned This Summer Strong Local Loyalty The summer survey results reinforce what we often hear in conversation - Tawa residents are deeply connected to their local businesses. An impressive 95% of respondents had used a Town Centre business within the past three months, and nearly two-thirds are shopping locally multiple times each week. Even more striking, 35% reported visiting Tawa businesses most days , a noticeable increase from our Spring findings.   This level of frequency reflects more than habit; it signals trust, convenience and genuine loyalty. The majority of respondents (77%) live in Tawa itself, with particularly strong participation from family households and those aged 30-44. This suggests that working-age residents and young families are highly engaged with the local economy and see Tawa as their primary destination for everyday needs.   What People Are Using Hospitality continues to be the heartbeat of local foot traffic. Food and drink businesses were used by 91% of respondents over the past three months, while 73% enjoyed eating out locally. Retail shops also remain a core part of the mix, with 61% reporting recent visits.   Beyond hospitality and retail, there was steady engagement with auto services, health and fitness providers, beauty therapy, and child-related services. These categories reflect the broad ecosystem of businesses that support daily life in Tawa.   One notable finding, however, is that Building and Home Improvement businesses once again recorded no direct usage in the survey responses. This likely reflects the infrequent nature of renovation or building projects and presents a clear opportunity to strengthen awareness and visibility in this sector.   Takapū Rise businesses were used by 33% of respondents, although most references appear to relate primarily to supermarket visits. This suggests measurable engagement with the area, but also potential to highlight the wider range of businesses located there.   Why People Shop Local Key Reasons for Shopping Locally: Convenience and Supporting Local Convenience remains Tawa’s strongest competitive advantage. An overwhelming 86% of respondents cited convenience as a key reason for shopping locally. Good service and supporting local businesses were equally important motivators, each selected by 65% of participants. Parking, quality and atmosphere also rated highly. Together, these responses paint a clear picture: Tawa works because it is easy, welcoming and dependable. The strong emphasis on service reinforces the importance of friendly, personalised customer experiences as a defining feature of the local business community.   How People Find Out About Promotions Facebook continues to be the dominant communication channel, with 75% of respondents identifying it as their primary way of learning about local promotions and new businesses. Word of mouth and simply passing by businesses also remain influential.   It is worth noting that most summer responses were driven directly through Facebook promotion. This suggests that the platform is not only effective for visibility, but also for motivating action and engagement with local initiatives.   Exceptional Service Standouts The clear standout this Summer was Tawa Books & Post , which received repeated praise for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent children’s book selection, same-day delivery service, helpful postal support, and warm community atmosphere.   Other highly regarded businesses included Sprig & Fern - Tawa , Golden Rose Nails , Salon Savoy , and New World Tawa .   Across all comments, common themes emerged: staff going above and beyond, genuinely welcoming environments, personalised service, and spaces that feel inclusive and family friendly. These qualities continue to define the Tawa business experience and remain one of the community’s greatest strengths. Good Service Quotes from the Try Tawa Summer Survey   Where to Next? Try Tawa – The Autumn Survey We are now running an autumn version of the Try Tawa survey , with new and updated questions, with an emphasis on better understanding renovation spending and awareness of specialist services. It will only take about 5 minutes to complete and runs from 1 March to 30 April 2026. Please click here to complete it.   Thank you to everyone who took part in our summer survey. Your feedback directly shapes how we promote, support and strengthen Tawa’s business community, and your continued support of our wonderful businesses makes Tawa a great place to live, shop, and connect.   Everything you need is right here in Tawa - and this Summer, you proved it.

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.

Tawa is your destination for outlet stores and op shops, as well as gift shops, craft stores and clothing boutiques. < Go to Full Business Directory SHOP IN TAWA Cellar Daisy 40/20 William Earp Place, Tawa, Wellington 5028, New Zealand Business Details Embrace Design 204B Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Gift Shack Decor & Giftware Outlet City 24 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Good As Gold 37 Oxford Street, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Gorgeous Goose Cakes & Lotto Shop unit 1/182 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details John Bertrand 215 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Just a Shop 184 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington 5028, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Mary Potter Hospice 197 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Meat Direct 6/98 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details New World Tawa 35 Oxford Street, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Nicola Ann Harwood Goldsmith unit 5/210 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Orizen Tyres Tawa unit 26/20 William Earp Place, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Outlet City 24 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Paisley Gift Store unit b/188 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Skye Candle and Body Care 190 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Sunshine Studios 3/210 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Tawa Books and Post 181 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Triple Threat Tawa - Outlet City 24 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Woolworths Tawa 5 William Earp Place, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details

Fun for the whole famliy in Tawa. From playgrounds, to pools, creative arts, and more. < Go to Full Business Directory VISIT & PLAY IN TAWA Best Start Tawa 3 Redwood Avenue, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Big Air Gym unit 1b/10 Surrey Street, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Cellar Daisy 40/20 William Earp Place, Tawa, Wellington 5028, New Zealand Business Details Chipmunks Playland & Cafe Outlet City 24 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Easyswim Swim School 4 Oxford Street, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Embrace Design 204B Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Gift Shack Decor & Giftware Outlet City 24 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Good As Gold 37 Oxford Street, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Gorgeous Goose Cakes & Lotto Shop unit 1/182 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Hayley Johnson Academy of Dancing 205 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Just a Shop 184 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington 5028, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details KinderCare Tawa 25 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Little Annie Pop-in Portrait 3/210 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Millie's House Oxford Street Kindy 57 Oxford Street, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Nicola Ann Harwood Goldsmith unit 5/210 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Outlet City 24 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Paisley Gift Store unit b/188 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Reggio Bambini Outlet City 24 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Skye Candle and Body Care 190 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Sunshine Studios 3/210 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details Tawa Books and Post 181 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand Business Details

Spring into Tawa businesses < Back to Event page SPRING INTO TAWA Not all businesses in the festival area will be open on Saturday 19 October 2024. Those listed below have indicated that they will be.