Free parking to boost pandemic recovery

Parking will be free in the Far North for six weeks from Good Friday - part of council efforts to encourage more people to visit and spend time in the district’s central business areas.

The move comes as the Government relaxes COVID-19 restrictions across the country and businesses gear up for increased customers. To help encourage them to stay longer, the council will temporarily remove all time-based parking restrictions. 

Councillor Kelly Stratford, who suggested the moratorium after being approached by Paihia business people, says the aim is to help local businesses attract customers as they recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows similar action taken in Whangārei and other centres aimed at encouraging people to again visit retail centres.

“We are asking that those intending to park long term leave central parking spaces free for shoppers and diners so they can take full advantage of the parking moratorium. The goal is to help our retail and hospitality sectors, which are a crucial part of the local economy.”

She says that parking wardens will still be on duty but will focus instead on illegal parking in mobility car parks or where safety related enforcement is required, such as at bus stops, loading zones and no stopping zones.

The six-week moratorium ends on Friday 27 May 2022.