Hobsonville and Whenuapai are both areas within Auckland that are experiencing huge growth. It is a thriving community that is seeing new, housing developments, businesses and families entering the area daily.
I have lived in the area most of my life, residing on Hobsonville Air Base and spending a lot of time at Whenuapai Air Base. I loved it. It's not far from Auckland Central, North Shore and the West Coast beaches. I still live in the area and so does the rest of my family. We have always supported the local businesses and will continue to do so. For 35+ year's, we have been patrons at the Hobsonville RSA, especially with the defence relationship my family has via the Airforce.
It is with much regret that through social media, I can only hope that either others are made aware of the experience they should now receive at this establishment, or potentially Hobsonville RSA might realise that they need to treat their members and patrons that are in the area with more dignity and respect, listening to feedback, so their business/presence in the area remains and history can be shared with future generations.
I, we and other couples have tried numerous times to give constructive feedback. Verbally to numerous committee members and via email. Verbally it is met with a dismissive/defensive approach and via email, receipt is not acknowledged, however you 'could' expect to gain a reply 6 weeks later, this is if its ever presented, who knows. I was invited last night to attend the AGM in early March, to present any feedback. Honestly, if is this the length you must go to give feedback, I'm surprised you have any patrons or members. Competing business would close in a minute if this was the way they treated their patrons.
The first bit of feedback I/we, others have tried to ask for is a Suggestion Box, this way patrons/members can, on a regular basis, anonymously give feedback. Upon requesting this, I was personally told if I had feedback I could tell them now. I was then asked if the feedback was from certain members, of which multiple names were mentioned, whom I had no idea who they were, and the comment made that these people always complained so he wouldn't be surprised if was from them. At this stage of the conversation I realised it wasn't worth pursuing. For the Hobsonville RSA's reference, my feedback was, there are generally only two places you go to where staff (Manager/Secretary/Bar Staff) have the prime, most accessible and named carparks 1. RSA' and 2. Golf Clubs. Because of this numerous times I have witnessed and assisted elderly patrons as they struggle to get from the from their car, across the carpark to the front door. My father is now one of them.
Two examples of some of the other feedback we have had is:
* Consistency of attire required. Often, we have witnessed members being notified that their footwear is unsuitable. There seems to be one rule for committee member's families and another for the rest. Last night we witnessed several women wearing jandals/thongs with no reminder of the footwear policy - see attached pictures.
* The food - where do I start! There is much better value and quality from a McDonalds Clubhouse Chicken burger than the Hobsonville RSA burger. You had better like carrots and zucchini as these are the only vegetables they've severed for the last 6 months; the steak is consistently of such poor quality its inedible even for those with teeth and you had better like deep fried food as most of the menu is fried.
* The list goes on..
As we have continued to visit the Hobsonville RSA, we hoped that over time some of the requests/feedback we and others have given might have been actioned. However sadly this hasn't happened and things are worse. I do not see Hobsonville RSA's operating procedures and environment attractive to locals, which now have alternative options, especially the up and coming generations that would continue its legacy. In fact, I along with others know this.
I suggest Hobsonville RSA that you look at how you can make your club relevant to all ages, you look at a customer focused approach as to how you operate your business and step out of the dark ages to ensure you keep your doors open. Go online and look at other businesses and RSA's and what they have done to keep them relevant over time. Swanson RSA is one that comes to mind. Potentially look at using the resource you have through children and grandchildren, to understand what the market wants and to help give you an online presence. Online isn't just for the young.
Customers, if you are looking for somewhere to eat in Whenuapai and Hobsonville try North West Shopping Centre, which has a great range of customer centric restaurants, or trip advisor, see the links below
http://northwestshoppingcentre.co.nz/northwest-stage-2-coming-october-2016/
https://www.lonestar.co.nz/restaurants/westgate/
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/RestaurantsNear-g255106-d3515200-Hobsonville_Point_Farmers_Market-Auckland_North_Is read more
