Paparoa pub closing its doors

Iconic Northland pub the Paparoa Hotel and Thirsty Tui is closing its doors this week, after more than 50 years as an independent free house owned by the same family.

Owner Pam Goode, whose father bought the 1950s hotel in 1971, says the time is right for someone new to take the helm and build on developments she’s made in recent years. And she says it’s better to close the doors now, rather than let the business move into the peak summer period with insufficient staff.

“Part of the decision to close it is because our general manager, who’s been with us for two-and-a-half years, has decided to move on,” she said. “We had a great partnership, but he’s got married and decided to look for other opportunities. That makes it a good time for me to step back and a chance for people to come in and put their own mark on the place.”

Auckland-based Goode is also keen to concentrate on her main business as an award-winning photographer and documentary maker with her partner, Chris Williams.

“We are completing a documentary project on Fijian Indian sugar cane farmers that has been eight years in the making, plus we want to be good grandparents to our four grandchildren,” she said.

Goode said the pub had been in danger of permanent closure six years ago, but she had decided to step in and turn the business round.

“It was just a country pub for a long time, but that model has changed. You can’t just be a watering hole anymore,” she said.

“That’s why I stepped in and decided to make it family friendly, a gastropub with local produce, something for tourists, so it’s sustainable. It was a leap of faith in the beginning, but now it’s become beloved by many visitors and the community.”

Goode has made a feature of the hotel’s 1950s design and décor, coinciding with the current trend for retro, mid-century styling, including a mint-green dining room and many vintage paintings.

Since announcing the pub’s closure, Goode has had several people show an interest in buying the hotel and she is confident she can find the right buyer to take the business onto the next chapter.

“The region is primed for growth, and we are looking to hand over the reins to someone who is ready to take this destination to the next level,” she said.

The pub and hotel was due to remain trading until its last day, Sunday, September 11, before closing its doors at 8pm. 

“It is a bittersweet moment,” she said.

Info: www.paparoahotel.nz