Congratulations to ShoreLines magazine on reaching its 50th issue! For six years, ShoreLines has been a valued source of local news, stories and community connections across the East Coast Bays. We also appreciate the magazine’s ongoing support of the Browns Bay Business Association and our programmes. Congratulations to the team on this milestone, and we wish them continued success for many issues to come.

Winter has certainly delivered some stunning blue-sky days, perfect for beach walks, fresh air and a little retail therapy. It’s also been a great time to enjoy the refreshed look of Browns Bay town centre. New timber seating, fresh paint and upgraded street furniture are giving the area a cleaner, more contemporary feel. The softer colour palette creates a calmer streetscape. The old seating isn’t going to waste either – damaged pieces are being recycled and those still in useable condition will be repurposed. Speed limits have also been reduced to 40km/h in the town centre and 30km/h on Beach Front Lane.

Our recent application for a 24/7 alcohol ban in the town centre was declined due to insufficient evidence linking public alcohol consumption to crime and disorder. This is where the community can help. If you witness alcohol-related incidents in public spaces in and around the Browns Bay precinct, please report them to Police on 111 or 105. If it’s safe to do so, photos or video can greatly assist. Police reports are vital if we’re to build a stronger case and revisit the application in the future.

Commercial lease activity in the town centre remains strong with more businesses arriving. Like many communities, recovery since COVID has been challenging, with ongoing global economic uncertainty continuing to affect confidence. Despite this, Browns Bay now has fewer vacant commercial premises than at any point in the past seven years. We’re delighted to welcome newcomers Freaky Burger and Tacos, opposite New World on Inverness Road, the long-awaited 98 Billiards at 58 Clyde Road, and Anzac Convenience Store on the ground floor of Kauri Residences at 32 Anzac Road.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to bring Stihl Shop Browns Bay Boys Toys back to the beachfront on Sunday 13 September. This free, family-friendly day features an incredible display of vehicles, machinery, tools and ‘toys, and live music from The Renegades. Rug up and join us for one of Browns Bay’s favourite community events.

By popular demand, the Safe Drive Vehicle Testing Browns Bay Christmas Parade returns on Saturday 5 December. The parade will begin at 5pm, with festivities in Phoenix Plaza from mid-morning. If your club, business or community group would like to take part in the parade, email manager@brownsbay.org.nz for a registration form.

Don’t forget to get those Shop & Dine Browns Bay entry cards out of the bottom of your handbag and enter online at www.brownsbay.org.nz to be in to win one of five amazing prizes. Entries close at 11.59pm on 15 August. Prize winners will be drawn on 17 August.

See you in Browns Bay soon.

First published and permission to post by ShoreLines magazine, Aug/Sep 2026, p.16