A wave of major, long-term roadworks in Lower Hutt’s city centre has forced some businesses to close and left others on the brink, with owners reporting revenue drops of up to 50 per cent. While council and transport authorities say the work is essential for the city's future, struggling retailers are facing an uncertain present.
The disruption stems from multiple large-scale projects run by Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. A key part of the work involves ripping up the roundabout at the intersection of Queens Drive and High Street, a project that began on 2 March and is not expected to be completed until December. The closure has effectively turned a vibrant cluster of shops into a dead end, choking off customer traffic.
Jinuka Paranavithana, who runs Lakdiv Supermarket adjacent to the roundabout, says his takings fell by half the day the works began. He is now actively looking for leases elsewhere, fearing the supermarket will not survive the months of disruption. A few doors down, Raquib Gondal has already permanently closed his business, Tarbush Kebab, after seeing a similar 50 per cent decline in customers. Further down High Street, another four-week road closure has City Green fruit and vege owner Patrick Gao worried he is not making enough to cover rent and wages.
Businesses face an uncertain future
The financial and emotional toll on business owners is immense. Mr Gondal says he borrowed money from friends and family to buy the kebab shop to create a secure income, but the sudden drop in trade left him accumulating debt.
I feel really bad, because when I bought this business.. I've taken all the money from my friends and family and we gathered the money.. just to have a secure kind of income. Opening it for longer, it will be.. really a disaster for me.
Mr Gao says he is 'only just hanging on' but remains hopeful community support will see him through the next month or two. He recently put out a plea on social media, a grassroots effort that echoes a wider call for residents to support local retailers. A recent campaign by a Petone retailer urged shoppers to shift just $10 of their weekly spend to local stores to help them stay afloat.
The extensive gridlock and delays have become a frustrating reality for commuters and shoppers, creating an 'obstacle course' of road cones that deters visitors to the CBD. This situation adds another layer of difficulty for retailers already navigating a challenging economic environment, which has seen other disruptions from trespassers on public transport lines to cases of local businesses facing fines for worker exploitation.
Local directory offers a lifeline
In the face of these challenges, a separate community-focused initiative is highlighting the resilience and diversity of the region's businesses. The Hutt City News Business Directory is steadily growing, with nine more businesses joining this week, creating a trusted network for locals to find and support operators committed to the area.
The platform’s growth is a timely reminder of the deep connection between local businesses and the community they serve. As some parts of the city struggle, the directory provides a proactive way for residents to back the businesses that are backing the Hutt Valley.
New members build local network
The latest group of businesses to join the directory represents a wide cross-section of the local economy, from trades and property services to hospitality and pet care.
Wellington-based **AAW Windows and Doors** joins the directory, offering specialist aluminium and double-glazing solutions for residential and commercial builds. They provide custom installations, including skylights, to improve energy efficiency.
Covering the wider region, **Hummer Groundworks** offers earthmoving, cartage, and transport solutions for projects across Wellington, Wairarapa, and Manawatū. Their services include site clean-ups, paving, and milling.
Also in the trades sector, **Top Notch House Washing** provides exterior cleaning services across Wellington. The specialists use low-pressure and hot water systems for house washing, roof cleaning, and clearing gutters.
Based in Lower Hutt, **Taylor Plumbing** covers residential and commercial plumbing needs, from general maintenance and repairs to new installations.
In the property sector, nationwide inspection specialists **The Realsure Team** bring their expertise to the directory. With over 20,000 pre-purchase inspections completed, their surveyors are accredited to NZ Standard.
Joining them is **RentCare Property Management**, a fast-growing Wellington company focused on delivering consistent results for landlords and ensuring quality tenant care.
From Upper Hutt, **Nora Kebab** offers authentic Turkish takeaway and dine-in meals. Known for fresh ingredients and generous portions, the eatery serves a variety of kebabs, wraps, and grilled dishes.
Also from Upper Hutt, the **H2O Xtream Aquatic Centre** provides a year-round family-friendly facility, offering pools, hydroslides, swimming lessons, and hydro fitness classes for the community.
Specialising in care for small to medium breeds, **Four Small Paws** is a boutique dog daycare and boarding facility focused on providing a safe, social, and home-like environment for pets.
Tough climate for small business
The difficulties in Lower Hutt reflect a broader trend of challenges facing small and medium enterprises across New Zealand. Beyond localised issues like roadworks, many regions are grappling with skills shortages, making it difficult to fill key roles. In the Bay of Plenty, for example, recent wildfires have forced evacuations, reflecting broader environmental and economic challenges. Similarly, Tauranga law firms are struggling to recruit senior lawyers amid a talent drain.
While authorities have apologised for the severe disruption in Lower Hutt, they maintain the works are essential for the city's long-term health. The projects are designed to future-proof critical service infrastructure, improve flood protection, and enhance transport connections in the CBD.
For business owners like Patrick Gao, the long-term vision offers little comfort in the short term. With months of disruption still ahead, the survival of many central city businesses may depend on the loyalty of the local community. The main roundabout work is scheduled to conclude in December, a date that retailers hope marks a return to normality and the beginning of a recovery.
