The council said great efforts had been made to keep the CBD a welcoming atmosphere. The area is cleared of leaves and sprayed with water once a month, and the city council also surveyed the central city manager to improve the appearance of the area.
Police said they had increased visibility in public places across the district, including Gisborne.
Kim Muir, owner of Muir's Bookshop, said her store had just experienced its “worst winter in 17 years” and, like many other retailers interviewed by the Gisborne Herald, had a tough summer. He said he hopes the situation will improve in the meantime.
Mr Muir was delighted to be living in the new premises, close to the middle of Gladstone Road. However, she was still concerned about the growing number of “aggressive” homeless people and believed they were scaring people away from the town.
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She said she was told there would be an increased police presence on the high street in May, but she didn't see a single police officer.
On the positive side, Muir loved the variety of street musicians who played nearby and thought they added to the vibrancy of the area.
She suggested that Gisborne District Council hire some musicians to perform in the CBD and travel around different city blocks.
“It really adds to the atmosphere and makes you feel like you’re in a nice little town.”
Yvonne Beaufoy, who runs fashion store Beaufoy next door, is fed up with the current state of the town center and plans to move to Balance Street at the end of the month.
Ms Beaufoy said she was tired of complaining to council about the lack of cleanliness on Main Street.
She said the CBD was “dirty and shabby” with trash everywhere.
“I complain all the time, but it doesn't solve anything.”
“GDC needs to focus on Main Street to encourage people to return to town and attract new retailers to empty storefronts,” she says.
“When I go to yoga on Peel Street on the weekends, there are always bottles and trash on the streets and it feels like I'm in a third world country.”
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She believes the growth of online shopping is another factor that is “crushing local businesses.”
Gisborne retailers Yvonne Beaufoy and Kim Muir are fed up with the state of Gisborne's CBD and want things to improve.
Paper Plus co-owner Anita Kingston said this winter had been a tough one, with sales down compared to the same period last year, but the book industry was struggling due to factors including the cost of living crisis. .
Mr Kingston said the current promotion of books by local authors, such as Monty Souter's Kawai and, before that, the new release of Sam the Trap Man, had helped attract customers.
“You have to support your local, and they will support you,” she said.
Mr Kingston said business was starting to pick up and was confident it would continue into Christmas.
Trish MacLean from fashion store Truly said she had never experienced a winter this slow.
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“In terms of severity, it's far exceeded last winter,” she said.
She thought things looked better after COVID-19 and people seemed to want to get out and support their hometown.
“But I feel like that's over. I don't think we're getting as many outside visitors as we used to.”
McLean's neighbor across the street, Jenna McGuffog of Evolution, agrees.
Both fashion retailers wanted to remind people to support local before going online or buying from out of town.
“It makes me emotional, because this is my life, my livelihood, and it's been a struggle,” McGuffogg says.
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“I thought last winter was tough, but this winter was even worse.”
Mr McGuffogg was trying to remain optimistic, hoping that once summer arrives and the recent sunny weather will bring people back to shopping.
Ray Teutenberg, owner of Verve Cafe, said despite his best efforts to create a welcoming community hub at his cafe, the situation was tough, with revenue down 25% compared to the same period last year. Ta.
Rising costs and fewer customers were a big part of the problem, Teutenberg said, with patrons not spending as much or staying as long.
He said it didn't help that the town was deserted and quiet during the winter, and there were a lot of vacant storefronts.
“So many buildings in the CBD need upgrading and I think landlords need incentives to attract good tenants.”
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BMS at the foot of Gladstone Rd had a different experience.
Manager Sam Foster said the store had a record-breaking winter last year, but business was strong again this year.
She attributed their continued success to a wide range of clothing for all ages, from designers to more affordable brands, and a wide price range. We also have strong online sales to customers across the country and a large and loyal customer base.
Kelly Hudson, the council's acting livable communities director, said great efforts had been made to keep the CBD a welcoming place.
“Summer is approaching and the council is engaged in a pre-season revitalization process, with new spring seedlings in the planter boxes and flags for summer flying,” she said.
In terms of cleanliness, the CBD area was defoliated and water blown monthly and trash was picked up frequently. Hudson said store owners were encouraged to clean the fronts of their stores.
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“We are considering a number of initiatives to improve the cleanliness of the CBD ahead of the busy season, including: This includes appointing a central city administrator starting in December.
Police said their focus was now on increasing visibility in public places across the borough, including Gisborne.
“Police have increased foot and vehicle patrols around key locations and proactive policing remains at the heart of our operations,” a police spokesperson said.
“We are aware of the issue of homelessness, particularly in the Gisborne CBD, and remain committed to ensuring our community feels safe and secure.
“We respond to anti-social behavior and activities that disrupt or threaten society on a case-by-case basis.
“Homelessness is not a crime in itself, but a social problem that requires a collective effort to address the underlying issues. Our partner agencies are working in this area to address these issues.
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“We all agree that this is an issue that requires attention to work towards a positive outcome for the community. “The reduction in the homeless population and anti-social activity in Tairawhiti, including Gisborne, is due to housing, It will come from addressing health and addiction issues.”
