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When Kim and Jeremy Hewitt returned to NZ after living in Africa for eight years, Matakana ticked all the boxes.
“We wanted our three children to grow up in a rural environment, but it also had to be somewhere where I could pursue a retail business,” Kim says. “Being close to Auckland was a bonus.”
While living in Africa, Kim started a portfolio of indigenous products in the hope of one day selling them in NZ.
In 2012, she set up Mooi Mooi in the Matakana village, but was forced to relocate when her lease was not renewed.
Her new store is now in the grounds of her house on Matakana Road.
“I import mainly from the Western Cape and southern regions of Africa, and most product in the shop is exclusive to Mooi Mooi.”
The stock includes handmade tableware and dinnerware, furniture and children’s wear. Wonki Ware, which is microwave and dishwasher safe, as well as being chip-resistant, is a particularly good seller.
“Wonki Ware employs 40 people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Di Marshall, who went on to become Business Woman of the Year, started it in a shed. Just about everything I sell has a story behind it. Nothing is mass produced and the sale of the goods is helping small communities become more self-sufficient.”
While Kim and Jeremy loved Africa, Kim admits it’s not for everyone.
“It’s a real culture shock compared to NZ, particularly the level of poverty. But it’s also a very creative place. A couple of years ago, Cape Town was named the world’s design capital. Design there is constantly evolving and reflects South Africa’s African, Dutch and French heritage.”
Mooi (pronounced Moy) is a Dutch word for ‘beautiful’, which is also used in the Afrikaans language.
Kim says it is great being back on the Matakana Golden Mile Collective Trail.
“I’m very grateful for the continued support of my customers. It’s been such a long road to getting back on track that their enthusiasm has been invaluable at a time when it’s difficult to find the energy and stay positive.”
