Winter in Browns Bay: A Time to Come Together

We’re now deep into winter and, in a seaside town like ours, it’s something you can really feel. The sea air is brisk, the rain rolls in, and life naturally slows its pace. While the cooler months often bring fewer visitors and a quieter period for many local businesses, they also highlight what makes our community special. Winter is a season to support the places we love, uncover hidden local gems, and enjoy the warm, welcoming charm that defines Browns Bay.

By now, many of you will have heard about Feast Coast Bays, a vibrant dining campaign celebrating the fantastic eateries throughout East Coast Bays, with a special spotlight on Browns Bay and Mairangi Bay. Supported by the two local business associations and Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, the campaign has received a brilliant response.

It’s been especially heartening to see locals embracing the special offers at participating cafés and restaurants. We’ve even had plenty of entries from across the bridge, showing that great food and friendly hospitality travel well! Your continued support means the world to our independently owned businesses. Look out for the special offers continuing through to 15 August 2025.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Boys Toys returns to Phoenix Plaza on Sunday 14 September 2025, proudly sponsored once again by Stihl Shop Browns Bay. The Stihl team will be on site demonstrating their latest tools and gear, and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. With even more custom vehicles on show and a section of Beach Front Lane closed for the occasion, there’ll be plenty to explore, and even some hands-on fun for the kids. Make sure to check out the advertisement on page 19 of  ShoreLines magazine, Issue 44. Rug up, bring the whanau, support your local eateries, and enjoy everything our town has to offer this winter.

And finally, a big thank you to everyone who lent a hand in our latest community clean-up. With a long wish list of improvements to our shared public spaces, and limited resources to meet them, it’s inspiring to see what can be achieved when community spirit steps in. By the time this issue of ShoreLines reaches your hands, parts of the business area will have received a well-earned spruce-up thanks to a local cleaning bee. From scrubbing and scraping to weeding and painting, a group of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy, and a special shoutout to Green by Nature for leading the charge.

Keep connected, support local, and enjoy everything Browns Bay has to offer this winter.

 

First published and permission to post by ShoreLines magazine, Aug/Sep 2025, p.18