Eketahuna business owners, Hanna, Emily Bertram, Lisa Seator, Sarah Dandy, Hannah Davis, Matt Davis, Joanne Scaife, Michelle Macpherson, Emily Richards and Graeme Stevenson. PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
Lisa Urbani
The news from Eketahuna was also good.
Our correspondent on the spot, Sarah Dandy from Maison, very kindly helped to set up a photo with business owners, in front of the well-known giant Kiwi.
Her many customers were flocking to catch up on buying birthday and Mother’s Day presents, leading to lots of gift wrapping.
Graeme Stevenson of the Eketahuna Op Shop said sales were steady and almost back to normal, while Priti Patel of the Four Square said, “we’ll keep going”.
At the Eketahuna Inn, Michelle Macpherson indicated that their loyal patrons were returning, for which she was very grateful, but that they did need a lot of extra staff to deal with the hygiene standards required, as a result of covid-19.
The Retro Republic Vintage Boutique is a treasure chest, and owner Joanne Scaife was heartened by the “unexpected support”, saying she had no idea how things would go once Level 2 lifted.
Hannah and Matt Davis of The Lazy Graze, enjoyed watching the excitement of customers being able to get out and about again and relax in their cafe.
Tabu, co-owner, Samantha Ifill said she “didn’t know what to expect, but it seemed couple’s toys were in big demand” a sure indication that some people had a lot of time on their hands during the lockdown.
At the Information Centre, co-ordinator Julianne Burt was excited to be up and running again, and felt that things were returning to normal, “slowly but surely”.
Michelle Macpherson said Eketahuna was a “close-knit town with wonderful people.”
