WELLINGTON BUSINESS community Sees Boost in Trade During Historic Hīkoi Event

Yesterday’s te Hīkoi mō te tiriti event drew an estimated 42,000 people to the capital city, with many taking a break from protesting to enjoy local businesses and food.

Understanding The Main Concept

The hīkoi event was a historic demonstration of opposition to the ACT Party’s Treaty Principles Bill. Police and organizers estimate that around 42,000 people attended the event, which included a march through the capital’s CBD to Parliament and a concert at Waitangi Park.

How Businesses Fared During the Event

While many in the crowd were celebrating their collective effort, businesses saw an uptick in trade during the event. Karaka Cafe, located along the waterfront near Te Papa, reported being incredibly busy with customers starting early yesterday morning around 5am. The cafe sold just under 500 cups of coffee and tea by midday, a number that business owner Paul Retimanu described as one of the busiest days in the last three years.

Key Statistics

• 42,000 people estimated to have attended the hīkoi event
• 40,000 people passed through Wellington train station (23,000 more than a normal day)
• 84,000 rail journeys and 80,000 bus trips recorded by Metlink on their busiest day ever
• Trax cafe reported a massive line outside their café with customers queuing up for hours

Why Businesses Are Celebrating

The surge in trade during the hīkoi event has brought relief to many local businesses. The unexpected influx of people has given them a much-needed boost, providing an opportunity for them to shine and connect with their customers.

How This Works In Practice

Business owners such as Paul Retimanu from Karaka Cafe, Judy May from Trax cafe, and Jeremy Smith from the Trinity Group have seen significant increases in trade during the event. The high foot traffic has allowed them to capitalize on the situation, selling more food and drinks than usual.

Examples of Successful Businesses During the Event

• Karaka Cafe: Reported being incredibly busy with customers starting early yesterday morning around 5am.
• Trax cafe: Had a massive line outside their café with customers queuing up for hours.
• Trinity Group hotels: Were completely full, with Jeremy Smith describing it as a “phenomenal amount of people coming through the station”.

The Impact on Local Businesses

The hīkoi event has shown that engaging events can have a significant impact on local businesses. The influx of people has provided an opportunity for them to shine and connect with their customers.

Why This Matters For Business

The success of local businesses during the hīkoi event highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected events. With careful planning and effective marketing, businesses can capitalize on these opportunities and see significant increases in trade.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Future Events
While yesterday’s hīkoi event was a one-off, it has shown that local businesses are ready to handle large crowds and increased foot traffic. As the city prepares for future events, business owners will need to stay vigilant and be prepared to capitalize on these opportunities.

Conclusion

The hīkoi mō te tiriti event may have been a demonstration of opposition to the ACT Party’s Treaty Principles Bill, but it also brought a welcome boost to local businesses. With careful planning and effective marketing, businesses can thrive in situations like this, providing an opportunity for them to shine and connect with their customers.