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Tuck In signs out
Tuck In Health Pet Food, in Elizabeth Street in Warkworth, has closed. Owners Thorin and Kate Rehkopf (pictured) say the closure is the result of a multiple factors – the opening of the large Animates store last year, overall dwindling consumer confidence and cost of living pressures, and the impending Watercare project in Elizabeth Street. “Just the ‘stop and go’ disruptions in February killed sales so we can only imagine what it will be like when they start the project later this year,” Thorin said. The couple said that after six years, they were looking forward to catching up on some projects at home in Kaiwaka and continuing to work on their IT business. They thanked their many loyal customers – “we are really going to miss you guys”.
Citywide Kitchens sells
A 14-year long chapter in kitchen design and installation in Warkworth is about to turn a new page. Owners of Citywide Kitchens (also known as Citywide Installations), Rachael and Peter Hill, have sold to Dave and Debbie Sutherland. Rachael says she and Pete, and their constant companion in the business, golden retriever Harlee, are heading to Melbourne where their daughter and her family live. Rachael says although they are excited about the move, leaving behind the friends they have made through the business will be sad. “We really thank the community for the support they have shown us over the years.”
Grant Dixon retirement
Part owner of Warkworth accountancy firm Withers & Co, Grant Dixon, has retired after 43 with the company. Grant joined Simon Withers straight from Mahurangi College, when Simon’s office was still based at his home in Kaipara Flats. One of his first tasks was spraying thistles on the farm. Sixteen years later, after completing his accountancy degree by correspondence, he became a partner. The company opened its first office on the corner of Neville and Morpeth Streets, gradually progressing down the street to its present office at 21 Neville Street. When Simon retired in 2020, Todd Wilkin took over his directorship, and he will now be joined by Anne Lensink and Sarah Gray. Grant, along with wife Robin, who has also worked at Withers “on and off” since 1982, are moving to Ohakune to spend more time with their family.
Coconut Gallery reinvented
Coconut Gallery owners, Max and Terry Axford, are closing their Matakana store and transforming the Warkworth outlet in Queen Street into a high-end, second-hand clothing boutique. Money raised will fund The Healing Through Arts charity. Max said they couldn’t afford to keep the shops open over winter and still pay staff, freight and rent, and buy product. “I’m really excited about this next stage,” she said. “Healing Through Arts is about helping people maximise their potential and works particularly in the field of suicide prevention. In this current economic climate, we have to do things to keep our communities thriving.” She said the new shop – which has yet to be named – would sell a range of donated quality items, from clothes, shoes, jewellery and kids wear to antiques. Donations are welcome.
If you have news of whose arriving, moving or just doing something interesting in our business communities, Puhoi to Te Hana, contact Jannette at gm@localmatters.co.nz
