Publication: Ph10082011

Robert Hutton loves working and living in Petone.

Mr Hutton is co-ordinator of the Jackson Street Programme, which has helped to restore the heritage of Petone’s main shopping street, and acts as a promotion and marketing arm for the area’s businesses.

Born on Hutt Rd, Mr Hutton attended Hutt Central School, Hutt Intermediate and Petone Technical College.

“I wanted to be a chef but ended up working in administration for the DSIR in Gracefield. 

“I went overseas, came back and then wandered around the country. When I came back to Petone 50% of the business premises and apartments were empty.”

Since returning, Mr Hutton has stayed put and has no plans to leave. “Petone’s got everything, proximity to the city, the sea, the beach and rivers. It’s a great community – people know each other. There are very few places around the world that have its sense of community.”

He ran an art gallery and became a postie, delivering much of Petone’s mail. 

His involvement in the Jackson St Programme began in an unusual way. “My landlord was involved in the programme, so I’d help out. I ended up on the board and stayed for 7 years.

When the co-ordinator’s job was advertised, Mr Hutton applied and was successful. That was three years ago and he has enjoyed every minute since.

He sees his job as promoting Jackson St as a retail location, both to shoppers and retailers.  He says the area has become known for food and fashion. “There are now only four empty shops. When I stared there were 28.”

He also takes up concerns up the concerns of business and property owners. “I report to every meeting of the Petone Community Board so they’re aware of what we’re doing. I also try and come up with new initiatives so we can keep working with the wider Petone community.”

The Jackson Street Programme’s constitution emphasises retaining the area’s heritage values. That is of particular importance with Hutt City Council set to adopt tougher earthquake standards.

Mr Hutton says the outcome of the Royal Commission into the Christchurch Earthquake will have implications for historic precincts, like Petone’s. “I’ve spoken to building owners and they’re aware they have to do stuff. But that involves large sums of money and banks aren’t lending, as they don’t feel it will increase the value of the building.”

One priority is to expand the Jackson St brand to encompass the whole of Petone. 

“There are 900 other businesses that make up Petone, with 400 in the area from Colgate to Fitzherbert St. They’re really interesting businesses. But a lot of people bypass these businesses. I know them because I used to deliver their mail.”

His job involves working with community groups, like the Petone community patrol and the Petone Rotary Club which organises the annual Petone Fair, with its success largely based around word of mouth. “No amount of advertising will get 30,000 to 40,000 people here. I’ve got a huge amount of respect for Rotary and what they put into the community.”

Mr Hutton wants to organise a series of smaller events - one each quarter - focusing on what makes Petone special – its food, fashion, art and coffee.

“The reason I do what I do is that I’m passionate about my community. I love this community.”