The Coast — Local services in Hibiscus and Bays

The plaza used to be the life of the Coast when I first moved to the area. I have watched shops come and go and the many changes made to it. Now with the new food area outside it seems a little livelier... Problem with the plaza is that, unless you have a specific reason/store you are going to, no one goes here just to hangout and have a look at the shops. Also... There aren't any shops to look at and the shops that are there... Boring. I worked in a new shop at the plaza this year and these were the comments made to me by many customers on a daily basis...

"haven't been to the plaza in years" "I only come to countdown, I didn't even notice the new shops" "There aren't any shops to look at" "Is this all there is?, Upstairs looks boring" "Are they only going to open cafés?"

The plaza sadly feels neglected when you walk through and opening a bunch of bars, food stores seems to be managements answer to draw in the locals. But myself and customers I spoke with want to see a better range of stores open up that pull a customers interest. Bigger range of clothing stores, bubble tea bar in the centre outside countdown where the space is wasted with chairs would be great.

When I first came here there was a lolly station, maccas, farmers, Stevens, flight centre and more... Sad that all these businesses took their business...

I recently visited this Mall with my young twins for a fun day at the play center, only to be slapped with a parking fine for staying beyond the 2-hour limit. As a single parent at the time, I couldn’t leave my children alone to go move the car, especially while they were happily playing.

It’s disappointing that instead of focusing on creating a welcoming environment for families and customers, the mall seems more interested in targeting us with parking penalties. How can parents realistically enjoy their visit without constantly worrying about running back and forth to the parking lot?

If Coast Whangaparaoa wants to encourage visitors, they need to rethink their policies and consider offering better solutions—like extended parking for families or validation when using mall facilities. Right now, it feels like they value revenue from fines more than the actual people coming to shop and spend time there.

I hope management addresses this issue so families like mine can feel...

This Mall is improving heaps with a better collection of shops and cafes to choose frm. Love the Majestic Tea Bar that's opened & looks out onto the lovely outdoor plantings & covered entrance way... so cool in Summer to relax in a grt classey cafe place with amazing food. The supermarket has upgraded now too with a gd selection of fresh fruit & veges, more bakery items and an improved selection of meats. Lovely helpful staff to top this off. The new childcare facility is also now up & running. It's looking better & brighter...