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)

T J Callaghan resigns as president. From his letter, 30 March 1990: "The Association had, over the previous 4 years worked mainly to have the general area upgraded and hopefully turned into a shopping area that, while not matching the Lyn(n)mall Centre, would take on a character that would encourage the general public to use this pleasant street.

"Negotiations were begun with the Auckland City Council and eventually plans were presented by them, showing the extent of major works that they would be doing over a nominated year as funds became available. Eventually $250,000 was budgeted to cover the upgrading of footpaths, resurface the road, remove the antiquated poles that lined the street and generally improve the whole area.

"Your committee were delighted with the results and once this was done we tried to enthuse the local retailers to follow up with promotional activity to improve the flow of people. This proved to be more difficult and eventually the Association went into recess.

"At no time was the Association disbanded. This was done to ensure a continuity of the Association so that any matters that did arise, that were particular to the area, could be handled by a Body representing the Avondale area. A meeting was held … on 28 March and this proved a most beneficial meeting."

"In 1990 there was a greater variety of businesses in Avondale than there had been thirty years before, but probably fewer people shopping regularly in the district." [Challenge of the Whau, p. 125]

"Avondale residents can look forward to an up-market new shopping centre next year. The Inner Circle Development will be located around the existing tavern on Great North Road. An Auckland Savings bank, a takeaway restaurant and other shops are part of the scheme, planned to start next August. Developers hope the new retail area may gain back patronage from residents who now shop at nearby LynnMall City. Current rezoning of Avondale racecourse land to residential will also boost the project." [Western Leader, 17 December 1990]

Lin Howell president of ABA. Resigns 15 October 1991

From draft newsletter by Howell, 1 June 1990: "For a number of years our association has stumbled along with the odd successful promotion and very little else. A number of businesses have supported the association during this period but the support potential has a long way to go to reach it(s) optimum.

"It is my intention to make the association a live useful facility engaged in the promotion of the Avondale Business Community. We are not going to become involved in the local political scene unless our livelihood is threatened."

Population of Avondale: 29,322. ["Brief History of Avondale", City Planning, 2001]

"Fixing cracked footpaths will be Avondale Community Board's top priority this financial year. Both Avondale and Blockhouse Bay shopping centres are a disgrace, says board chairwoman Dawn Persson. Despite complaints from residents, little has been done about the problem. The board will use money allocated for local improvements to upgrade the walkways." [Western Leader, 9 July 1991]

"A rejuvenation of the Avondale and New Lynn business districts has begun. Newly formed Business Associations for both areas will announce a number of initiatives in coming months. A lack of interest from business people has seen past business associations fold. [Western Leader, 17 September 1992]

A main instigator, Avondale businesswoman Alison Turner says the response has been encouraging. "We have a lot of people interested. Now it's a matter of consolidating and planning the next move," she says. [Western Leader, 11 August 1992]

Precious Flores Dayril president of ABA

Promotion: ABA adopts theme of "Revival of Avondale Shopping Centre".

"Avondale shopkeepers are planning to re-direct traffic on one of this country's busiest roads to save their business district from collapse. Brent Lincoln is heading a growing movement to restrict a kilometre of Great North Road, between St Jude and Ash Sts, to north bound traffic only. The shopkeepers say the plan is a last ditch effort to keep the area alive.

"'This shopping area will be dead in four to five years unless we can do something. This could revive the centre,' says Mr Lincoln. "However council … initial response is less than favourable." [Western Leader, 19 November 1992]

This led to a split of opinion between the two halves of the shopping centre. The New Lynn side preferred the plan, the Walsall side opposed it. Ron Magill of Watson's pharmacy arranged petition of more than 100 signatures opposing the proposal. [Western Leader, 17 December 1992]

"Barnes-Dance" type of signal crossing at Rosebank/Gt North Rd intersection replaced by pedestrians crossing parallel to traffic, abolishing diagonal crossing. [Western Leader, 20 January 1993]

Bill Powell ABA President.

Avondale urged to get off its tail and do something to revitalise the retail area before it's too late.. Avondale business people have to have a long hard look at themselves and decide whether they want to take positive action to improve the retail sector or to remain dormant with a couldn't care less attitude to attracting business.

"We will be approaching shop-keepers in the main business area to clean up their act and make some of the stores more presentable and more professional." [Western Leader, 8 September 1993]

ABA tries to develop more community involvement in the local retail community. [Waitakere Week, 27 April 1994]

New retail complex around The Warehouse store in Rata St opens in new Lynn.

"The shopping centre is a disgrace and Auckland City Council must take most of the blame.

"The amount of rubbish lying around the streets is worse than Ash St after a Sunday fleamaket, but the Council cannot be blamed for the offensive smell from the bins on the pavement each rubbish day.

"Retailers are constantly complaining about the drop in business, but they are not helping to attract customers to the centre.

"Whether the initiative is taken by the retailers or the council is asked to do its job, something has to be done urgently or Avondale will be a dead area." [Dennis K Scoles letter to Western Leader, 18 January 1996]

John Fairbairn president of ABA 1996-1998

Security Lighting: Meeting of Avondale businesses called by Avondale Community Board unanimously decided to accept offer by the Board of supply and installation of security lighting at a cost of $40,000 for the shopping area, with proviso that the shopkeepers pay for extra power and maintenance. [3 April 1996]

"Avondale councillor Brian Maude says the community board, local police and business association are working towards holding a "Switching On" festival and street parade when the lighting project is completed in August.

"With a new graffiti co-ordinator appointed and the planned shopping centre improvements, the three organisations are hoping to make further positive progress for the people of Avondale." [City Scene, 22 June 1996]

New Police Station on corner of Walsall St and Great North Road. [Western Leader, 21 June 1996]

Avondale Beautification: At same meeting, Council advised budgeted funding for sealing, plants etc., as recommended to them by ABA.

Anti-Graffiti: Anti-Graffiti meeting held in Avondale Community Board room at Bond St. Van requested to be called an "Anti-Graffiti van". Auckland City Council providing $45,000 from central Council for this pilot scheme. [1 May 1996]

Anti-Graffiti pilot scheme announced to ABA by Sgt Warren Strand. [ABA Committee minutes, 9 May 1996]

Promotion: Bryce Pilkington outlined Avondale Business Pride Programme [ABA Committee minutes, 9 May 1996]

First Santa Parade on 7 December in conjunction with Avondale Jockey Club's Gold Cup day

Funding - Separate rating system: Separate rating system funding for ABA projects: "A majority of ratepayers [poss. Up to 75%] is required to bring in a separate rating system." [ABA Committee minutes, 18 June 1996]

29 August 1996 - Hostage drama at Jackson's Superette, Great North Road.