Make the most of Easter in Parnell
Parnell's special exemption to trade on Easter Sunday

Easter is coming up fast and with its combination of Public Holiday days and Restricted Trading days, it's often a confusing time for business owners.

If you've only recently opened a business in Parnell, you might not know that part of Parnell Road is one of the few places in the country that has an exemption to trade on Easter Sunday - so make the most of it!

The exemption, obtained on 12.7.1989, applies from 10am to 6pm in "the trading area centred on Parnell Road and bounded by Heather Street and Garfield Street to the northwest and St Stephens Avenue and Birdwood Cres to the southeast. "

Here's a day-by-day rundown of public holidays and restrictions over Easter:

Good Friday, April 2 - Public Holiday + Restricted Trading Day - RESTRICTED TRADING DAY
- Parnell does not have an exemption to trade on Good Friday, only Easter Sunday
- Public Holiday - surcharges can be applied

Saturday, April 3 - business as usual
- Normal Saturday trading
- NOT a Public Holiday - no public holiday surcharges should be levied

Easter Sunday, April 4 - Restricted Trading Day - Parnell exemption
- RESTRICTED TRADING DAY, but the main Parnell Road shopping area has an exemption to trade from 10am to 6pm (see intro for defined trading area)
- NOT a Public Holiday - no public holiday surcharges should be levied

Easter Monday, April 5 - Public Holiday
- Public Holiday - surcharges can be applied
- Not a Restricted Trading Day, so normal trading everywhere


For further information, including on employment obligations over this period, please download Parnell Inc's advisory letter here.

Parnell profile: Orsini Fine Jewellery
Gorgeous Italian jewellery store and Silver Ribbon HQ

2010 has started well for Sarah Hutchings at Orsini Fine Jewellery , 241 Parnell Road. Now well into her second year in Parnell, Sarah moved Orsini from very small beginnings at the premises next door (a 12 square metre space currently being transformed into something very interesting) to her current location, in October 2009. With three times the space to showcase gorgeous Italian jewellery, Orsini is attracting a growing clientele.

Orsini's stylishly minimalistic interior, based on similar stores in Italy, is designed to focus attention on Sarah's range of contemporary silver and gold jewellery. Orsini is the exclusive supplier of Marco Bicego (as worn by Hillary Clinton), Pianegonda, Hulchi Belluni ranges and also stocks Toy Watch, Alfieri & St John jewellery and accessories.

From the rear of the store, hidden behind a large bouquet of white roses, Sarah also works part time as the General Manager of the Silver Ribbon Foundation, a position she has been seconded to for three months.

Founded in 2006, the Silver Ribbon Foundation aims to educate our community and raise awareness of all gynaecological cancers: ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulval cancers, and to support those affected. Tragically, Sarah's mother died of uterine cancer five years ago at only 62 years of age, while her sister-in-law fortunately recovered from having high grade cervical cancer.

One woman dies every day in New Zealand from a gynaecological cancer. With the exception of cervical cancer, there are no early detection tests for these forms of cancer. Early detection saves lives and relies on women knowing the symptoms and seeking medical advice.

Sarah is particularly passionate about education. "Ensuring women in New Zealand, particularly post menopausal women, know that if they start bleeding that it is not okay. All women should be aware that if they have abdominal pain, persistent bloating in their abdomens (symptoms of ovarian cancer) that they check this with their GPs. Any abnormal symptoms or changes particularly abnormal vaginal bleeding should be investigated," says Sarah, who has a strong background in women's health and has been a nurse and midwife.

The Silver Ribbon Foundation has produced an excellent wallet-card which outlines symptoms of the gynaecological cancers. "It's especially important for menopausal and post menopausal women to be aware of symptoms because early detection can save lives," said Sarah. "I'd encourage beauty therapists and hair dressers to have these available to give to all their women clients!"

As the Foundation's GM, Sarah is focusing on fundraising, strategy and planning. She's currently developing "Share and Care" activities for Silver Ribbon's September awareness month, aimed at educating women about the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers. The Silver Ribbon Foundation is desperately seeking funds and corporate sponsors to help get the message out there, so please contact the Foundation if you can contribute .

The Silver Ribbon Foundation's website at www.silverribbon.co.nz  has extensive information, advice and personal stories. Contact Sarah if you'd like wallet cards on 021 883 734 or email sarah@orsini.co.nz.

Cruise Ships in Auckland
Busy week ahead before season slows

Next week's visitors are:

Sunday 28th Feb: Dawn Princess returns - transit only with up to 2,250 passengers, mostly American and British. An Australian tour company bringing a group 200 to Auckland on the Dawn Princess, will be completing its morning tour of Auckland in Parnell!


Monday 1st March: Orion is in town overnight with a full exchange of passengers. She's a very small ship carrying up to 125 adventurous 35-65 year olds.

Tuesday 2nd March: Pacific Dawn is in transit with up to 1,910 passengers. They tend to be over 50 yrs old.

Thursday 4th March: Queen Mary 2 comes to town. One of the largest and most prestigious ships to visit Auckland this season, she carries up to 3,090 passengers who tend to be discerning +50 yr old Americans and Brits. 100 - 200 passengers will exchange at Auckland.


Parnell businesses can stay updated by downloading Parnell Inc's detailed Auckland Cruise Ship Schedule, beautifully compiled by our last intern Johanna. It includes a little background info to let retailers know who they can expect to see about Parnell!