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In one form or another, the craft co-op that runs the Craft Shop at the Matakana Country Park has been operating since the 1980s.
About 24 local artists currently contribute their work to the shop and many are also involved in running the shop on a day-to-day basis.
The shelves are packed with individually created, hand-made gifts and souvenirs ranging from pottery and woodwork to greeting cards, soaps and lotions, jewellery and paintings.
Committee chair Gloria Cunningham says the shop provides an important outlet for creative people.
“Over the years we have built up a loyal customer base,” Gloria says. “The jams and pickles are particularly popular, as well as the knitting. But I think what people really like about the shop is that there is a lot of variety and you never know what you might find.
“We also get a lot of overseas visitors and they appreciate that the stock is individual and locally-made.”
The country park will consolidate its status as a retail and recreational hub.
