Buy local

Far North business and retail outlets are being encouraged to join and the public encouraged to support the Far North District Council initiated "Buy Far North" campaign.

New impetus is being given to the campaign as a local initiative to help offset the impacts of the world-wide economic downturn and help stimulate the local economy.

The campaign has been mounted on a 10-point message in favour of shopping locally and the benefits which can accrue to the district and local economies. Reasons proposed for buying locally include:-

Buying locally helps retain local shops and services and helps build vibrant local communities
Buying locally preserves the character of our towns and allows retailers to create distinctive shopping experiences and points of difference to the big box experience
Buying locally creates and retains jobs
There is a good range of local goods and services at affordable prices- the more support for "buy local" the more these goods and services will be expanded.
Buying locally saves time and money
Buying locally helps reduce the carbon footprint by reducing both travel costs and transportation costs-local stores generally have a greater range of local product
Local businesses invest in our communities and support local clubs and organizations
Local shops value your support which generally results in a higher level of service

The council introduced the "Buy Local" campaign earlier this year and launched a new website at www.buyfarnorthnz.com to stimulate interest. The initiative has attracted buy-in from more than 275 shops and business to date.

"However to have a greater impact and to encourage wider community participation it is important to have the support and involvement of as many local shops and traders as possible," Community Development Manager James Bews-Hair says.

"The more people who support their local communities by purchasing locally, the more cost effective it becomes, and the greater the stimulus to the local economy," he says.

"For local shops and businesses, this is also a cost-effective way of keeping pace with the growing trend towards on-line shopping," he says.


The marketing and promotion will take place in local media and will comprise a series of Buy Far North advertisements.

Promotional Buy Far North window and car bumper stickers have been produced for display on businesses and vehicles. The council is seeking the co-operation of the public to display the stickers and help build the Buy Far North brand.

"This in turn will help increase the value that the website delivers to registered businesses," James said.

Additional stickers are available from all council service centres and libraries or by ringing 0800 920 029.