Kāpiti Coast Grey Power received an award at the recent New Zealand Grey Power AGM in recognition of their popular Age Friendly Business Initiative, which has taken off across Central New Zealand districts, especially in Kāpiti and Hastings.
NZGP President Gayle Chambers says “It is great to see that Kāpiti has taken this initiative to ensure people’s needs are acknowledged when shopping.”
‘Age Friendly Business’ signs appearing outside Kāpiti businesses indicate that the enterprise involved offers a welcoming environment. The ‘shop’ requirements are relatively basic, but sensible and desirable –
• Easy access for prams, pushchairs and mobility devices
• Available and friendly service
• Customer seating
• Shelf height reachable for likely products
• Signage readable, including prices
• Payment processes assisted
• Nearest toilets indicated
Kāpiti Grey Power President Roger Booth explains how it took a lot of door knocking initially, to outline in person how the programme works, and provide businesses the opportunity to sign up and commit.
He says for most businesses, compliance was relatively straight forward, but a surprising number of businesses don’t have a seat for a waiting customer. “Others, such as Andy Magee Plumbing arranged for a new ramp to be installed to ease access to the premises.” (see photo).
Mr Booth says already 24 diverse Kāpiti businesses have signed up and are actively promoting the initiative, applications from 12 others are being processed, and many more are seriously considering joining the initiative.
Hastings have already lined up 40 businesses, and there are many more in other districts. Those Kāpiti businesses already committed to the programme are: Waterfront Bar and Kitchen, Beach Bakery, Fed Up Restaurant and Takeaway, Columbus Coffee, The Village Baker Raumati Beach, Shaft Automotive, Light Vehicle Testing, Warehouse Stationery Coastlands, Andy Magee Plumbing, Brien Electrical, Peter Jackson Plumbing, Kāpiti Coast Funeral Home, Raumati Road Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, Boundary Tap & Kitchen, Pinetree Arms, Jolly Pub & Kitchen, Harbour City Funeral Home, Complete Vehicle Services, Vintage Village Café, Kāpiti Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service, Kāpiti Music, Kāpiti Acupuncture & Wellness Centre, Spectro Print, and Due Amici Kāpiti.
For more information contact Roger Booth: [email protected]
Website: www.kapitigreypower.co.nz