By Helen Martin
Following on from the recent opening of The Kombuchery in the former butcher shop in the middle of town, Helensville’s facelift continues apace, with five new developments in the past month.
Paua Room reconfigures
Linsey
Jenny
Paua Room, established “to bring New Zealand design, art, and fashion to the community”, has been a valued part of our local retail options since 2001, with owner Linsey Smith running her yoga studio in the rooms alongside her shop. After a sell-everything sale the shop has now closed, and Linsey is focusing solely on her Aroha Nui Yoga classes, using the space that formerly housed the shop at 6 Commercial Road as an extension to the existing studio, particularly when retreats are being held. With the demand for yoga increasing, Linsey is also planning to host online courses, hold more workshops and run once monthly master classes. The new website will be www.arohanuiyoga.co.nz
Allsorts moves
Jenny Coles purchased Allsorts a popular gift and craft shop in 2004 in the historic Echo Building at 44 Commercial Road, originally the site of The Echo, a weekly paper. In 2017 Jenny received a Community Service Award for her valuable contribution to the community and was a finalist in the retail section of the inaugural North West Country Business Awards. She is now running Allsorts from her home at 6 McLeod Street. Opening hours are Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm. Ph 420 8664
Sohpie, Antoinette and Adrianne
Husk Macadamia Store and Eatery opens
Formerly housing a real estate agency, Husk Macadamia Store and Eatery has been opened at 52a Commercial Road by South Head resident Antoinette Page, who is now able to supply her macadamia orchard’s Nuts About NZ products direct to customers in a community atmosphere. Her range includes roasted, dark chocolate and milk chocolate macadamias; honey roasted, chili and salted macadamia nuts, macadamia cosmetic oil and macadamia butter. Husk will also provide a small but changing daily menu, including home-made macadamia muesli and a range of cakes, muffins, slices and salads, with an emphasis on fresh, home-made, locally produced food. There will be Awaroa Coffee, fresh local bread on Saturdays, free range eggs and other seasonal produce, as well as a small but growing variety of gifts. Antoinette plans to meet the changing needs of customers. As a conservation move she is not offering plastic bags – customers are invited to use Antoinette’s totes in store and to bring their own bags. https://www.facebook.com/husknz/
Adele
MILC Ice Cream opens
The former Chinese takeaway shop at 78 Commercial Road has been empty and neglected for some time, but happily that has now changed, after Kaukapakapa residents Adele and Wim Arpin spent many long hours refurbishing the premises to prepare for the opening of their new business, MILC Ice Cream. As well as selling over 40 flavours of ice-cream, MILC (Motivate, Inspire, Love, Care) offers seven flavours of smoothie, Colombian blend coffee, frappes, hot chocolate, pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, slices, and takeaway gourmet burgers, hot dogs and chips. “We want to provide quality food at affordable prices,” says Adele. “I’ll be baking fresh food daily and there will be something for everybody, including South African desserts and vegan options. We’re really interested in working for the good of the whole community, so we’re making sure what we do is an addition to the good things that are already here.” www.milcicecream.co.nz
Megan
Earth, Wind & Indigo: Crystal Gallery and Collectibles opens
The former butcher shop at 7 Commercial Road at the southern entrance to Helensville has had a few tenants, most recently selling tiles, then collectibles, and then flowers. After being empty for a time the heritage building, while retaining its architecture and white-tiled walls, has had a fantastic facelift, thanks to new owners (the mesh windows have been replaced with beautiful muntin windows) and to tenant Megan Sanders, whose crystal chandeliers, crystal decal and antique display cases are striking. Megan has expanded her online business Earth Wind & Indigo and is now selling direct to the public from this bright, airy space. Coming from a long career in the advertising and creative industries, Megan has turned her lifelong fascination with crystals into a business, personally sourcing sustainable materials from Brazil and around the world, selling individual crystals, energy bracelets, limited edition crystal necklaces and power packs, which she compiles herself from crystals, Buddha figurines and affirmation cards. Megan is also inviting selected artists to show and sell their work in her gallery. https://www.earthwindandindigo.co.nz/
