I’ve been involved in this part of town for a long time; in fact I did my apprenticeship in Glendowie. I started my business 18 years ago, just five minutes from here, and four years ago we moved into this more central location. We still have quite a few of our original customers to this day, and now we’re servicing their kids’ cars too!

I’ve seen this place change a lot. And even more so over the last few years. A different mix of shops, new businesses and of course the change in housing. The area is expanding, new families are moving in, the shop fronts are looking better. It’s a really multicultural and diverse area with a rapidly expanding population.

Everyone we meet locally is really friendly, and it’s great to own a business that people need right through their lives, as we get to catch up with the same people regularly. It really makes you feel like part of the community.

One of my favourite things is how all the businesses around here support each other. We refer customers on to the panelbeaters, tyre places and auto electricians and vice versa. It’s really collaborative. We always recommend the coffee shop up the road to our customers and if I can buy something locally I always will.

It’s really interesting to watch this area evolve and I look forward to seeing what the next few years bring, as Tāmaki gets bigger and things diversify even further.

Easternbaysauto.co.nz

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There are around 900 businesses in Tāmaki (Glen Innes, Pt England and Panmure). Together they create community, character and local jobs. Whenever you can, shop where it makes the most difference.