A Timeline History of the Avondale Shopping Centre and the Avondale Business Association: 1840 - 1997. Researched and compiled by Lisa Truttman, Avondale-Waterview Historical Society. More information in Heart of the Whau (originally published 2003)

"In 1960 most Avondale shops were being operated by people who had over a number of years become well-known in the district. Many were local residents. Their relationships with others in the community were reinforced through their shared interests in church, sports clubs or other social groups." [Challenge of the Whau, p. 125]

"After 1960 passenger trains became much less frequent. Trolley buses, which had replaced trams, were in turn replaced by diesel powered vehicles. No longer were routes limited by the availability of special overhead power lines. New bus stops were established along the Great North Road, and from time to time the location of these changed. There were effects on adjoining businesses. The greatest impact, however, came from the rapid increase in ownership and use of private cars. More and more Avondale residents were able to travel to Lynnmall, Kelston and other shopping complexes where prices were lower and parking easier. This affected not only the Avondale business area but also the community life of the district. Residents less often met each other at the bus stop, the railway station or the local store." [Challenge of the Whau, p. 125]

During the 1960s, traffic lights were introduced into Avondale at the Rosebank/Gt North Rd intersection. Roundabout replaces traffic islands at Gt North Rd/St Judes/St Georges/Wingate intersection.

Before the mid-1960s, bus-stops in Avondale (for diesel powered buses) were directly beside the main shop awnings in Great North Road. These were shifted to current positions.

Mr J E Horide, president of ABA.

Backlash over shopping malls: The establishment of the Lynnmall Regional Shopping Centre in an already developed area, which was over-shopped to start with, and talk of further big centres to come was an example of town planning "gone haywire", Mr H W Smith, a Blockhouse Bay businessman, told a meeting of Auckland retailers last week.

"Lynnmall is a shopping centre which has been put in an area where there are adequate shopping facilities already. There is no way of expanding New Lynn, so Lynnmall has to rely on outside areas for support, such as Roskill, Avondale, Blockhouse Bay and Henderson.

"Now they are talking of establishing another big shopping centre slap bang in the Middle of Mount Albert, which in turn will take business from Lynnmall. As far as I'm concerned, it is town planning gone haywire."

Mr Smith considered that a proposed federation of suburban businessmen's associations could act as a watchdog on town planning matters - a field in which local business people had been far too apathetic in the past. The meeting, called by the Mount Albert Businessmen's Association and attended by representatives of over 60 similar organizations in Auckland suburbs appointed a steering committee to examine the possibility of forming a federation to lodge objections to the establishment of new regional centres at Mt Albert and Remuera.

Among the speakers, Mr R H Pow, town planning consultant, who said he had studied some shopping developments overseas, was asked by Avondale businessman Mr C Funnell if he could shed any light on the effect of new centres on the already established shops nearby. Mr Pow said there was no true comparison with Lynnmall, because all the overseas centres he had seen had been established in areas not then serviced by shops. [Western Leader, 11 March 1964]

"The bogey of the New Lynn Regional Shopping Centre, which is now with us, has proved something of a paper tiger," said the president of the ABA, Mr J E Horide, at the annual meeting on Monday. The centre had affected some businesses slightly and most others not at all, he said. The new threat was that more such centres would follow and, Mr Horide said, the committee had given approval in principle to the proposals put forward by the new Federation of Businessmen's Associations.

Outside opposition to the proposed free bus service had forced the association to abandon the scheme but, said Mr Horide, he would like to point out that the rumoured free buses to Lynnmall had not materialized either. [Western Leader, 6 May 1964]

Stuart North president of the ABA.

"In unity lies strength, and if our plans to promote the area to the full are to succeed, close unity among all shopkeepers in the area is essential," said the newly-elected president of ABA, Mr Stuart North. "In the past I have been extremely disappointed at the apathetic approach to the association's scheme by many of my fellow shopkeepers," he said. "If we pull together we can, I know, offer the public as much as any other shopping centre in the Western Suburbs. If we do not get the support of the businessmen, both members and non-members of the association, our strength will be weakened and we might as well retire ingloriously." [Western Leader, 13 May 1964]

Although the Federation of Businessmen's Associations could not prevent large centres from being built it could endeavour to get them built in the existing centres and so centralize shopping. [Western Leader, 13 May 1964]

ABA will soon call for support for the Avondale Queen Carnival from sporting bodies, churches, firms and other organisations in the area. The association last week agreered to pursue its plan to hold the carnival. It hoped the carnival would be well received in the district and that support would be forthcoming. The carnival will be sponsored by the association in an effort to promote Avondale., told the Leader the carnival would enable the district to work together for a common cause and it would also bring to the notice of the public the valuable work done by the various organisations taking part in it. Prizes will be donated by the association. These will be awarded in a number of sections, including a prize for the girl chosen Queen, for the best float, for the most imaginative costume. The date for the carnival had not yet been decided because this would depend on the amount of support received by the association, said Mr North. [Western Leader, 3 June 1964]

ABA proud to be associated with Rosebank Industrial Centre and its phenomenal growth, says Mr S North. Mr North said while Rosebank Road had shot ahead, Avondale had made progress at a steadier rate over the years. This was marked by the specialized shops and the brighter look in the centre. He said newcomers to the association had brought new ideas. These had mixed well with the original aims of the older established businesses.

The proposed queen carnival was an ambitious venture for the association, Mr North said, but it would prove its worth by bringing the shopping centre to the fore, and by helping the organisations to increase their funds. Members of the association were working enthusiastically towards the promotion of both the business and residential areas. This outlook was a reflection of the new spirit of unity among the members, said Mr North. [Western Leader, 24 June 1964]

The ABA has been asked by the Auckland City Council to provide relevant information to add weight to the council's objection against the Mt Albert and Market Road shopping centres. Because of the close proximity of two similar types of shopping areas to Avondale [Lynnmall and Kelston, which opened 1964] the area was chosen as an example. Members of the association have been asked to supply turnover figures for the years ended March 1963 and 1964. The association fully supports the Council's objection to the proposed shopping centres and committee members expressed willingness to co-operate. [Western Leader, 15 July 1964]

Is Avondale getting recognition from the Auckland City Council and fair allocation of money for improvements/ The Businessmen's Association thinks not. In this years estimates 34,000 pounds allocated to Blockhouse Bay, only 6,000 pounds to Avondale. The committee feels that like Blockhouse Bay Avondale must form an advisory committee to the council so that the needs can be made better known. The committee has agreed that requests to the council for general requirements have received attention, but the association could not be a watchdog for Avondale as a whole and the only way to get close liaison with the council for residents and representatives of industrial firms was to join with the association and form an advisory committee which, as a body, could then approach the council. The association is prepared to make an all-out effort to improve the area but it cannot \do this fully without the solid support of the ratepayers. [Western Leader, 22 July 1964]

About 12 new gay blue & white signs pointing out free parking areas to shoppers have been erected in Avondale. They have been designed by the ABA, who feel that a number of would-be customers are passing through Avondale because they do not realize at the moment there is free parking space in Racecourse Parade, Rosebank Road & Geddes Tce. [Western Leader, 26 August 1964]

Smash & Grab at Avondale - Thieves made another smash and grab raid on a Western Suburbs shop, on Monday morning. This time the target was Avondale Furnishings Ltd, Great North Rd, Avondale. When a footpath newspaper box was heaved through the plate glass window, appliances in the shop were damaged, and a television set valued at 114 pounds was taken. Nearby residents who were aroused by the noise, saw a car leaving at high speed. [Western Leader, 9 September 1964]

"Avondale businessman, Mr C Funnell, should concentrate on generating enthusiasm in his centre's businessmen's association before he directed attacks at the Auckland City Council, said Avondale's representative on the council, Mr A Bailey, this week.

Replying to Mr Funnell's complaint that Avondale had suffered a "do-it-tomorrow" attitude for years, Cr Bailey said the City Council was "well aware of its commitments in Avondale and its problems," but there were many other districts under its control, too. It was incorrect to say nothing of a permanent nature had been done in Avondale, he said. Following requests to the City Council by the ABA, engineers plan to inspect kerbs in Geddes Tce, on the corner of Crayford St, and in other roads near the racecourse. The association recommended that part of the verge be removed to provide angle parking, and to relieve parking problems. [Western Leader, 23 September 1964]

Mr J E Horide president of ABA. "Avondale Businessmen are pleased that once again the Mayor of Auckland, Mr Robinson, has occasion to visit the district," said the president of the ABA, Mr J Horide. [Western Leader, 7 April 1965] (Actually, the occasion was the opening of the new head office and administration building at Steeles Factory in upper Rosebank Road.)

In an extra effort to keep the streets of Avondale clean, Auckland City Council has increased the number of litter baskets in the area to 17. President of the ABA, Mr J E Horide, said people had often remarked on the untidiness and litter on the streets of New Zealand cities. Avondale businessmen had always been anxious that the shopping centre should be kept clean, he said. They had applied to council for more frequent and thorough sweeping of the streets. [Western Leader, 12 May 1965]

ABA may go into recess: Out of a membership of 56, only 13 people attended ABA AGM last week. Motion put by Horide for ABA to go into recess narrowly defeated 6-5. Avondale's businesses to be canvassed for support of another meeting May 31. Mr Horide said the brevity of the annual report could only be attributed to the lack of interest and desire for the progress and development of Avondale as shown by the members of the association. When the committee tried to organize a business promotion week last year the absence of support was such that it became simply a matter of individual efforts. This so disgusted some of the more active members that they resigned from the association to devote their energies to their own interests. These resignations led to a reorganization of the executive officers and Mr Horide returned to the chair to prevent a total cessation and collapse of the association, at least until the general meeting.

"As the only organization representing business and property interests in Avondale, the association should have much influence in progress and development," said the report. "That it does not is because of the lack of action of its members." If more interest was not shown at the AGM, Mr Horide said, he could only recommend that the association be discontinued. Such a course was abhorrent to him and to several others, he said, but to continue as in the past was too thankless a task for those who were left to conduct the association's affairs. [Western Leader, 19 May 1965]

Mr R B Niven president of ABA.

A lively discussion took place between 20 members of the ABA at the AGM held recently. (Regarding bus stops, parking, tree planting, community lighting, and welfare projects.) [Western Leader, 16 June 1965]

21 June 1965 - New BNZ building opens, cnr Racecourse Parade and Great North Road. "It is my hope that the Avondale business area will continue to gain popularity with shoppers during the next 12 months," said the newly elected president of the ABA Mr R B Niven. [Western Leader, 16 June 1965]

Letter to Town Clerk, from ABA, 9 July 1965: "The Association conducts a community lighting scheme throughout the Avondale shopping area. For some years the Grosvenor theatre has been a member of this scheme, and 2 lights were installed outside the theatre premises." The tenants, S Haywood's Auckland Cinemas Ltd, couldn't pay for the lighting, due to a slump in business (television's effect on the cinema worldwide). The council agreed to continue to pay 8 pound sterling.

Beautification of Avondale was discussed last week by the ABA, Auckland City director of Parks & Reserves Mr G Dean, and Mr Lake of the Auckland Traffic Department. Members of the association, Mr Dean and Mr Lake inspected the outer boundary of the Avondale [Primary] School on the Great North Road, and discussed the possibility of cutting back the ground to provide space for a bus stop. The scheme, which was proposed by the association was said to be practical. Following investigations Mr Dean and Mr Lake will report back to the association.

To support the businessmen's plans to beautify the area, Mr Dean agreed to organize a tree-planting project in the area. The association has applied to the Auckland City Council for permission to erect welcome signs on access and egress roads. It has also asked council to upgrade Great North Rd from Avondale Post Office to St Georges Rd. A power pole, which was recently installed in the middle of the traffic island, was considered to be a traffic hazard as well as an eyesore. The association has asked the Waitemata Electricity Board to remove the pole. (Actually, WEB stated later it was only a temporary fixture, and removed same.) [Western Leader, 14 July 1965]

Avoncourt put on the market for sale. "So many of our old buildings are pulled down that I hope a landmark like Avoncourt without a trace of borer in its solid heart kauri beams is preserved, even if at some future date it may be modernized." ["Jay", Avondale Angles, Western Leader, 18 August 1965] Avoncourt demolished September 1967.

Painting the centre: "A prominent Avondale businessman said that two years ago he had a colour scheme worked out for the shops in the main centre. "Some of the shops have been repainted, but on looking around recently, I did see a number which are in a very shabby state.] "With all the new buildings erected, and in the process of being erected, it would be gratifying to see the other shops smartened up. It's a thought I leave with you to smarten up by Christmas with a pot or two of paint." ["Jay", Avondale Angles, Western Leader, 25 August 1965]

Welcome sign: ABA have erected "Welcome to Avondale" signs which can be seen as travellers come from town along the intersection of Gt North Road and Blockhouse Bay Rd, another by St Ninians church, and the other at the corner of New North Road. [Western Leader, 22 September 1965]

Avondale loses City Council representation: (Bailey loses his seat on the council.) "Voters in the western suburbs' area of the Auckland City Council region showed complete lack of interest of the polls, says Blockhouse Bay Businessmen's Association president Mr Ian McGregor. They are now faced with no direct representation on the Auckland City Council. Lack of representation is causing concern among business communities and Residents and Ratepayers Associations." [Western Leader, 20 October 1965] (There would not be another Avondale local on Council until the mid-1970s)

ABA recruiting drive: ABA stages social and recruiting drive on 27 October 1965 at new Rosedale Reception Lounge on upper Rosebank Road. At present, the association is holding an "all out" campaign to give better service and let the public know that services equal to those anywhere else are available in the area. (Rosedale is new dance studio of ballroom dancers Maurice and Lionel Taylor, the biggest private ballroom in Auckland). [Western Leader, 20 October 1965]

Shoppers crèche idea: ABA hope for crèche for shoppers and that Salvation Army Hall could serve this purpose (no record of this happening). [Western Leader, 27 October 1965]

Metropolitan Films take over Haywoods, including tenancy of Grosvenor [letter to Council, 21 February 1966]

Frequently heard from visitors to Avondale Motors Ltd is, "Gosh, I didn't realize you had such a large selection." Not surprising, really, because you just can't see all the cars and light commercial vehicles from the road. [Great North Road, near Crayford St, site of once 3-Guys Supermarket]. Actually, there are scores of vehicles on the two acre site, amply substantiating the company's claim to be one of the biggest second-hand car dealers in the country. Novel twist to the firm's growth took place about a year ago when Avondale's name took wing to take root in Suva, Fiji. Proprietor Eric Schultz established its second branch of the firm, which has become widely known for friendliness, and above all a fair deal. ["Shopping With Anne", Western Leader, 23 August 1966]

Negotiations with Auckland City over part payment of Clark Street-Wolverton Rd extension has been "favourable", according to a New Lynn Borough Council spokesman today (6 December 1966), [Previously, only connection between Wolverton St and Clark St was a narrow footbridge. This was to be replaced by a four lane road. Traffic from Blockhouse Bay could now bypass Avondale Centre via St Judes. - Western Leader]

Avondale future predicted bright During the year, Avondale businesses had offered topline service and competitive prices, said the president of the ABA, Mr R Niven. "We have a motto, 'Avondale has Everything', and with more than 65 shops in the area it has been proved," he said. "With the growth in Rosebank Rd, Avondale Centre faces a bright future. "There is ample off-street parking and the centre is well served by public transport. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who shop in the area and wish all Avondale customers a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year." [Western Leader, 13 December 1966]

Greenlees Jewellers: "Beau, Mr Greenlees' snowy Maltese terrier looks more like a bundle of fluff than ever as he naps happily on the green carpet in Mr Greenlees newly decorated shop. [Next to National Bank, near southwest cnr of Rosebank/Great North Rd intersection]. The shop has been expanded to double its size, the wonderful selection of gifts and jewellery has correspondingly increased." [Western Leader, 20 December 1966]

September: Avoncourt Hotel (formerly Avondale Hotel) demolished. Avondale's first supermarket, Coopers, built on the site.

The Avoncourt Hotel at Avondale is rapidly disappearing and as it falls brick by brick and beam by beam, many old stories are sharply revived. Demolition gang foreman, Harry ('Harbour Bridge') Hujbregts said that since work on tearing down the hotel began several weeks ago, many people had come in and asked to be shown through the rooms once more before they disappear. And with the 'old timers' have come a host of long-forgotten tales - some amusing, some macabre.

"It's rumoured," said Harry, "that there are 500 gold sovereigns hidden here somewhere, and one old man told me that if we looked carefully we'd probably find traces of gold dust, brought in by the Coromandel gold prospectors many years ago. In the past two weeks Harry has heard stories of men taking their first date to the hotel; of the licensee who hanged himself in the cellar after the hotel lost its licence; and of a pioneer woman's diary hidden somewhere in the hotel. There's also the story that the stable behind Avoncourt was once the overnight resting place for corpses brought out of the bush by the gumdiggers and bushmen.

"I was told that in those days the hotel was overrun by rats," said Harry. "One night, a dead Maori was left in the stables. In the morning, they found nothing but his bones." [Western Leader, 5 September 1967]

Burnt-out and Burgled Amos' Quit Avondale --"Two burglaries and a fire in one year. It's time to quit and I'm quitting." These were the words of Avondale grocer, Mr Vic Amos after surveying his fire-gutted shop last week. "I never thought I'd walk out like this. My father owned the business before me and I've been here all my life. We're the second oldest grocery firm in Auckland." [Western Leader, 5 December 1967]

"Avondale is on the move. A large supermarket is at present under construction on the site of the old Avoncourt Hotel and is expected to be opened next year, and this week one of New Zealand's most rapidly-growing wine producing companies Montana Wines Ltd will open a spacious new shop in the commercial centre. "A new dairy will also open on Friday." [Western Leader, 12 December 1967]

The new supermarket expected to be complete by January 1968. Cost $220,000, 14.000 sq ft, designed by J D Davison Construction Coy Ltd, for Mr M.H.G Cooper. It will be divided into individual departments selling meat, fruit, and vegetables and groceries. An additional feature will be a coffee lounge. At the centre of the supermarket will be a type of mall. "What we have endeavoured to do is divorce each department from the actual market operation and at the same time, keep it all under one roof, " Mr Cooper told the Western Leader last week. "This type of development will possibly be the first of its kind in New Zealand." Off-street parking will be provided for 78 cars and an additional 28 spaces will be provided under the building. [Western Leader, 12 December 1967]

Avondale is on the move and is attracting many more enterprising businessmen to the area. Had the credit squeeze not curtailed the Auckland City Council's finances, An improvement scheme for the shopping area would have been put into effect this year. This would have welded the two ends of the commercial centre, at present separated by the Avondale Primary School on one side of the Great North Rd and residential properties on the other. This situation will not be altered as far as these properties are concerned, but the footpaths will be cut back, allowing buses to pull out into the main traffic stream, making for a smoother flow at all times.

"[Bus] shelters must be compatible with the new look which will incorporate suitable trees and shrubs, promised by Mr George Dean of the City Council's parks department. [Western Leader, 12 December 1967]

"Avondale businessmen are not pulling their weight" - Avondale businessmen who were not members of the ABA, were not pulling their weight, but were enjoying the benefits of advertising and promotions, the secretary of the ABA, Mr A. Bailey, said last week. He said response from businessmen had been poor for about two years.

"They're all out for trade and are doing good work, but they're leaving it to just a few to carry on with the work of the association." The Avondale association was one of the oldest groups to have held its place in one of Auckland's oldest suburbs, he said. The area dated back to the gumdiggers and in those days there was only a "pub" - the Avoncourt - which Mr Bailey owned for many years, and a store.

Today the ABA is still doing its best to keep a watchful eye on the business community and to advance good trading, to keep shoppers happy. At this time of year it arranges Christmas festivities for all ages, gay lighting effects and various promotions. [Western Leader, 12 December 1967]

20 May 1969 Stuart North retires as President of ABA. "We are convinced that street stalls and raffles are not desirable ways to raise funds", he wrote in his last annual report. The ABA would like to see a monster gala day where all sports clubs, service organisations, and churches could raise funds at once.

North was president 5 times, spent 14 years on committee. During his time many shops increased floor space, bus shelters were erected in Avondale, and light industrial buildings went up in St Judes St. Ran Avondale Paints and Papers on Great North Rd.

In his last term (1968/69) an Avondale advisory committee was set up to keep the Auckland City Council informed on Avondale's needs. This consisted of 3 retailers, a draughtsman, and the manager of a Rosebank Rd industrial firm - Messrs North, Funnell, Tomlinson, J Goodwin and B Potten) [Western Leader, 13 May 1969]

St Lukes Shopping Centre opens.

Wises Directory of 1971 lists 187 Avondale businesses in shopping centre. Population of Rosebank, Avondale North, Avondale South and New Windsor is 21,163. Approximately 16,200 people were contained within Avondale's primary trade area.[Avondale Shopping Centre Report, Auckland City Council, March 1975]

Jan Grefstad president of ABA. "Looking forward to 1972, I would like to see for Avondale a better liaison between the business community and the Auckland City Council and a completely united shopping centre. The removal of Avondale Primary School would make a far better shopping complex as at present the two ends are separated by it." Concerns also expressed by Grefstad: problems with Avondale teenagers.

"Teenagers have nothing else to do, but hang around about the streets of Avondale - there are not enough recreational facilities here. There is not enough supervision of the shopping community at night either." [Western Leader, 6 January 1972]

"I well remember being invited to an ABA meeting in early 1972 where it was reported that serious complaints from many businessmen in Avondale over street cleanliness had resulted in a letter being sent to the mayor's office. This in turn was referred to another department and nothing happened. In support of the businessmen's claims, I recall that five years ago a company, in which I am involved, purchased the original Avondale store which though nearly 100 years old has been progressively improved according to a professionally set scheme. A few days after purchase (five years ago) a public telephone call box outside the building was removed. The footpath damage has never been reinstated. Rubbish near the roundabout … lies there for months. St Jude St and side streets as businessmen see them are not cleaned at all." [ Ian S. Clews, letter to Western Leader, 23 March 1973]

ABA president Grefstad and Charles Funnell comment to media: "The council looks on Avondale as the ugly duckling of its domain and its treatment is like that of the forgotten child," says Mr Funnell.

Mr Grefstad said he felt there was an urgent need for a Residents and Ratepayers Association in Avondale. "The people need an official voice," he said. [Western Leader, 13 March 1973]

Funnell received many phone calls supporting the need for such an association. [Western Leader, 22 March 1973].

Beautification: Council response was to plant a number of potted trees in the shopping centre, and reseal parts of Gt North Rd. "The parks department also hopes to erect a tree in the roundabout so Avondale can generally look forward to a new image." [Western Leader, 5 April 1973]

Council: Auckland Mayor Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson felt that the "people of Avondale … had been misled by a group of troublemakers about the Auckland City Council's intentions for the area. These troublemakers have led people to believe that we have forgotten about them …" He would address an ABA meeting on July 31 and make a full statement about Council's plans for Avondale. [Western Leader, 12 July 1973]

3 Guys supermarket: At the largest ever meeting (to that date) of ABA, Mr Albert Gubay advised of his plans for a supermarket in Avondale. [Western Leader, 22 May 1973]

Around this time Shoprite built their store on Racecourse Parade. Find 3 Guys right next door later, they stayed for only a few more years before closing down. Was then Levenes, MacDonalds Appliances, Fresh & Fresh and short-lived Mini-Supermarket (this closed March 2001)

Real estate agent John Stackpole learns that his property at 1990 Great North Rd is to be taken under Public Works Act for the new Post Office.

"The land owned by Mr Stackpole is 41 perches with two street entrances - from Great North Road and Geddes Tce. It is one of the largest commercial sites in Avondale and Mr Stackpole has had architects draw up plans at considerable cost to develop the site.

"'These plans are for a building to include a trading bank and medical centre,' said Mr Stackpole. 'It is not just myself who is affected by this decision, but five other major concerns.' "His property is a valuable commercial site and the compensation figure offered is 'ridiculous'." [Western Leader, 17 December 1974]

ABA in recess for more than 15 months.

"We have a ratepayer's association and a community committee (and the promise of a businessmen's association). Are we interested in their work and ready to support them with their regular dealings with the council and its departments?" [Dorothy Coup, Western Leader, 13 May 1975]

The Gt North Rd façade of 3Guys supermarket attracts negative comments [Western Leader¸14 January 1975 & 11 March 1975]. It further adds to the split in two halves of the shopping centre.

"The Auckland City Council approached the [Community] committee and asked of members thought the toilets [behind the Hollywood] should be renovated or replaced. After inspecting the present ones, the committee strongly recommended new toilets on a more central site. Members hope that new toilets will be built on the site next to the Bank of New South Wales [afterwards, Penny Lanes, then Pinky's - 2001]. They also recommended that this building include a shopper's crèche, a room for mothers to breastfeed and change their babies and facilities for people in wheelchairs. Here's hoping the City Council will approve the suggestions. [Dorothy Coup, Western Leader, 3 June 1975] No. only the toilet block was built.

"Last Tuesday night" a special meeting of the ABA was held to reform the association. Charles Funnell elected president. More than 40 businessmen and retailers present. "They agreed the association should be both progressive and active. We have another special meeting planned for next month and, meantime, three sub-committees will be at work." [Western Leader, 9 September 1975]

Avondale Market Day held, 26 September 1975, in conjunction with Spring Festival, organised by ABA.

Avondale Shopping Centre has 152 businesses. [Shopping Centre Promotion, Western Leader, 23 September 1975]

Coopers demolished. Inner Circle Tavern built on site.

Avondale desperately short of off-street parking, according to the ABA. Suggested alternatives to Council, but these rejected. [Western Leader, 6 July 1976]

John Evans president of ABA.

"The basic aim of the ABA is that shopping in Avondale should be fun, convenient and inexpensive. To make Avondale a fun place to shop is one of the hardest goals to achieve. The committee is constantly arranging and helping to organize events in which customers can participate, such as competitions, market days, and the festival which we are all part of at the moment." [Western Leader, 30 September 1976]

Charles Funnel re-elected as president of ABA. He opposes moving Post Office to site opposite Inner Circle tavern. "The Avondale business community is disgusted that it cannot get the Auckland City Council to do anything unless a fuss is kicked up." [Western Leader, 22 March 1977]

"A major study of the Avondale Centre (by Council) was conducted in 1977 and the main problems appeared to be at that time (a) traffic flow, (b) lack of a decent supermarket, (c) lack of public toilets and (d) the split in the middle of the shopping centre." [ABA Committee minutes, 15 April 1985]

Funnell re-elected for third term. [Western Leader, 23 May 1978]

Ash Street by-pass opened. I recall seeing Charles Funnell standing counting the traffic along Great North Road when the by-pass opened. It was supposed to stop the need for heavy trucks coming through the centre. It didn't. In 2000 I found this was because the new Whau Bridge at Ash St/Rata St had a load limit that many of the trucks surpassed.

"The benefits are most noticeable in Avondale where the narrow main street was once continually choked with cars. The traffic jams have disappeared and it is actually possible to get curb-side parking - once only a shopper's dream. The hoped for increase in trade hasn't eventuated but businessmen are optimistic and waiting for traffic patterns to settle. Others have already noticed a downturn in trade and those affected are businesses relying on passing trade and impulse buyers." [Western Leader, 10 October 1978]

New Post Office at 1990 Great North Rd.

New buildings for Social Welfare at north-east end of the shopping centre (formerly site of derelict building). In time, it would become just Employment Services, then the government departments moved out completely, came back, and now have moved into the first floor of the Steeles building in Rosebank Road. Currently, it is the base for the Deaf Association.

Trevor Callaghan president of ABA. Meeting 11 March 1985 at Inner Circle Tavern Lounge Bar to re-form ABA.

Secretary Dianne Wilson dubs the ABA "The A Team". 11 members. "We have the obvious aims of any association to brighten up and generally promote the area as a place to shop." [Western Leader, 1 April 1985]

Callaghan advises Auckland Mayor Cath Tizard of goals of ABA - "coordinating and uniting the members of our business community" [1 April 1985]

Council approve budget of $250,000 to be spent on street improvements only: $100,000 of which in current financial year. [ABA Committee minutes, 7 April 1985]

N Rose now president of ABA [ABA Committee minutes, 15 April 1985]

Promotion: Proposal by Dianne Wilson of Down to Earth for "Saturday market day" in Avondale [5 February 1985] "Best Mum in Avondale" promotion, 10 May 1985. Window spotting competition, August. Christmas market days - street promotions.[ABA Committee minutes, 18 November 1985]

Moved taxi rank: The ABA is upset because it feels that taxis making u-turns in the street are potentially dangerous, and that the new rank takes up valuable parking space. The incident caused a communication breakdown (between ABA and Community Committee) and Callaghan terms it "unfortunate". [Western Leader, 9 September 1985]

Funding: ABA running raffles (meat packs) each Wednesday and Friday at Inner Circle Tavern, Avondale. Objectives (as detailed in letter to Avondale Police) - "to improve the amenities of the Avondale Community" [Letter, 24 July 1985] These raffles form the bulk of funding for ABA [ABA Committee minutes, 1 July 1985].

ABA in partial-recess. During this period, Auckland City amalgamations and Local Government regulation bring Avondale Community Board into being.

Avondale Residents and Ratepayers fades out, as does Avondale Community Committee (by mid 1990s.)

Clothing market at Jockey Club: "We as the ABA objected strongly to a huge clothing sale in May (March?) at the Avondale Jockey Club. Our president attended and we hope to hear results soon. The person who is running this outfit has 2 clothing shops in Henderson and we feel he should stay in his own backyard to sell. Our clothing Retailers in Avondale pay Rates, Rental etc., and adequately provide similar garments to the people of our area." [ABA Committee minutes, 23 March 1987]

Discussion in committee about entrance sign to Avondale at Ash St- Gt North Rd end. Dianne Magill & Don Hawke combining to prepare design. [ABA Committee minutes, 22 June 1987] Council later agreed to bear the cost [Letter, 15 October 1987].

From Newsletter, 22 August 1988: "At the beginning of the year it was decided that we would not be acting as a promotional body for the area, but would remain purely as a negotiating group with the various organisations that would improve the general services and appearance of the shopping area" - T Callaghan.

Around this time, Variety Gifts store demolished by owners of Avondale Spiders (the landlords). A smaller shop opened by Clive Bray, and named Starway Stationers after the Starways Corporation he is involved with (named, in turn, after the racehorse Starway - according to Liz Claude-Goldie's memories). During its time, Variety Gifts was the only shop in Auckland stocking Catholic rosaries, icons etc.