COVID-19 has tested our economic resilience in many ways and highlighted the important connection between local
businesses, residents and the suburbs they live in. Whilst Parnell is famous for its cafes and galleries, it’s also home
to a diverse range of people with fascinating stories and perspectives to share about the area.
To celebrate all of these ‘Parnellians,’ the Parnell Business Association has launched an Auckland-wide media campaign
titled ‘Take a Seat in Parnell’ which shares the unique stories of people behind these thriving businesses, alongside
residents, many who have called the suburb ‘home’ for several years.
Via an interview style format, Parnell’s ‘Take a Seat’ campaign puts people at the front and centre and includes
businesses synonymous with Parnell like gallery and hospitality owners, and innovative tech start-ups, matched with a
range of residents, some from successive generations of families, as well as younger people who have recently settled in
the area.
Cheryl Adamson, General Manager, Parnell Business Association says “This campaign is our unique way of demonstrating
that amazing local support we all witnessed during COVID-19 and the narrative that surrounds that. We wanted to
reintroduce the City of Sails to the ‘Parnell of today’ so we paired participants up from different walks of life and
have quite literally invited them to ‘sit’ in a seat to be interviewed and share their stories. The selection and
juxtaposition of the participants have made for some truly interesting and inspiring conversations that we hope will
resonate with different audiences.
“We know there’s always more than meets the eye when it comes to who and what makes a suburb tick. Parnell is thriving
with creativity – from unique business think tanks and tech innovation to world-class business leaders and ideas.
“Take a Seat offers residents and local businesses the opportunity to authentically explain their connection to Parnell,
as well as tease out some of the future opportunities they could see for the suburb. By putting people and place at the
heart of the campaign, we are allowing people to participate and own the process of their ideas,” adds Adamson.
The campaign has been launched via the Parnell Business Association’s website, Facebook and eDM as well as media
advertising in The Hobson, Verve Magazine and Viva. Images have been taken by Auckland-based photographer Amanda Reelick
with the ‘seats’ sourced from Parnell homeware stores including Dawson & Co and Matisse.
For more information visit www.parnell.net.nz
To read one of the ‘Take a seat in Parnell’ interviews click here.