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Kapiti Coast Grey Power received an award at the recent New Zealand Grey Power AGM in recognition of their popular Age Friendly Business Initiative, which has taken off across Central New Zealand districts, especially in Kapiti and Hastings. NZGP President Gayle Chambers said that ‘It is great to see that Kapiti has taken this initiative to ensure people’s needs are acknowledged when shopping’.
‘Age Friendly Business’ signs appearing outside Kapiti businesses indicate that the enterprise involved offers a welcoming environment. The ‘shop’ requirements are relatively basic, but sensible and desirable -
Kapiti Grey Power President Roger Booth explains how it took a lot of door knocking initially, to outline in person how the programme works, and provide businesses the opportunity to sign up and commit. For most businesses, compliance was relatively straight forward, but ‘a surprising number of businesses don’t have a seat for a waiting customer’. Others, such as Andy Magee Plumbing arranged for a new ramp to be installed to ease access to the premises (see photo).
Already 24 diverse Kapiti businesses have signed up and are actively promoting the initiative, applications from 12 others are being processed, and many more seriously considering. Hastings have already lined up 40 businesses, and there are many more in other districts.
Since promotion at the conference, a good number of other districts are seriously considering taking on the process.
Those Kapiti businesses already committed to the programme indicate the range already involved - Waterfront Bar and Kitchen, Beach Bakery, Fed Up Restaurant and Takeaway, Columbus Coffee, The Village Baker Raumati Beach, Shaft Automotive, Light Vehicle Testing, Warehouse Stationery Coastlands, Andy Magee Plumbing, Brien Electrical, Peter Jackson Plumbing, Kapiti Coast Funeral Home, Raumati Road Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, Boundary Tap & Kitchen, Pinetree Arms, Jolly Pub & Kitchen, Harbour City Funeral Home, Complete Vehicle Services, Vintage Village Café, Kapiti Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service, Kapiti Music, Kapiti Acupuncture & Wellness Centre, Spectro Print, and Due Amici Kapiti.