Cost of living crisis, recession – no barriers for these new Whangārei businesses

The sisters learned traditional cooking from their Nuiean and Cook Island Māori nanas and Makaea’s husband. Her mother and aunt make all the baked goods locally, while Makaea’s mother-in-law was flown in from the islands to ensure the Pasifika food was up to expectations.

The women who taught Makaea and Chapman to cook are given a nod, not only by the name Lil Nana, but also by a wall in the cafe where their photos are proudly displayed.

The family relationships don’t stop there: the entire staff is whānau, from the children who work behind the counter to the cousins ​​who are called in to help when things get busy.

“We’re lucky we have a large whanau,” Makaea said. “If we all work for each other’s success, we all help.”

Both women have always cooked for their large family and spent their lives around food. Chapman also has a long history in the hospitality industry – including at Two Double 7 LunchBar, Poroti Tavern and Kamo Club – while Makaea previously worked as a healthcare assistant.

Despite the cost of living crisis, the company has certainly achieved its niche as food sells out most days, Makaea said.

“For us it’s about a whānau coming and getting a full puku and not having to pay large amounts.”

More is more when Beer & Loathing opens its doors

The opening of American-style bar Beer & Loathing on Whangārei’s Vine St was about injecting vibrancy into Whangārei’s nightlife, according to one owner, James Sinclair.

The new bar, which opened in late August in the former McMorrissey’s, is owned by Sinclair, Sam Tarrant and Tim Bell.

Words like “recession” don’t strike fear for Sinclair and Tarrant, who also opened Whangārei bar and restaurant AstroBoy in early 2022 amid Covid red light restrictions.

In fact, AstroBoy’s growing success has helped persuade the owners to branch out, Sinclair said.

“We were 100% thinking about the recession, but we were able to gauge based on our business that there was hope that we could get out of it.”

Beer & Loathing is also about improving choice for customers and increasing promotion in the city, he said.

“Even if we open competing stores, we want people to have more space, otherwise they won’t come out at all,” he said.

“Hospitality is also a relatively recession-proof business. Maybe the days of big corporate dinners are over, but the community wants a reason to be outside and meet people.”

Beer & Loathing has plenty of events to attend and there’s something going on virtually every night it’s open, including live music, stand-up comedy and karaoke.

Sinclair’s parents used to own the popular eatery Killer Prawn and his uncles used to own McMorrissey’s. Returning to the former Irish bar was like a turning point, he said.

Although the recession didn’t present too many obstacles, the bar had difficulty getting its liquor license before opening, although the owners at AstroBoy never had problems with alcohol, he said.

Whangarei District Council’s strict closing times – meaning outdoor dining must stop at 10pm and the bar must close at 1am – are also leading to restrictions on expansion, Sinclair said.

Another limitation was the ability to get good staff and he wished more northerners would consider hospitality as a career.

“When I was growing up, it was a viable career move. I saw my uncles having success with it, and it looked like a good way to live your life, even if it was stressful.”

Despite the restrictions, Beer & Loathing is doing well so far and we are looking forward to more events, such as a street party on February 8th.

Clove on Cameron meets the need for unique women’s fashion

Lisa Coradine admitted it was a girls’ weekend that inspired her to open women’s clothing store Clove on Cameron in the former Loftie Lifestyle store on Whangārei’s Cameron St.

“Everyone said, ‘You should do it’…It felt like there was a little gap in the market.”

Clove on Cameron offers high-quality women’s fashion, gifts and jewelry. In addition to a unique range, personal styling assistance is also offered to those in need.

When Coradine opened in June, she knew times were difficult, but she also accepted that business is always difficult.

The real estate agent previously ran a party rental business as well as a flower shop, which thrived despite the difficulties of Covid restrictions.

“I started Cheers Party Hire with 100 knives and forks in my garage… I sold Cheers six weeks before Covid and the florist’s last year (2023).”

Coradine said Clove on Cameron was doing well, although the lack of parking and lack of thriving businesses nearby were bugbears.

“It went down really well. It will take a while to see gains, but it is definitely holding up,” she said.

“People want to have a nice shopping experience, and we offer a mid-range price point.”

Further in-store events such as shopping evenings and ladies’ nights are planned for the future.

“Finding an unmet need is the key to success,” says NorthChamber President

Tim Robinson, president of NorthChamber, said there are always opportunities in business and recessions can sometimes reveal a new need or niche.

“I applaud anyone opening a brick-and-mortar store, but if they have done their research and found a product that no one else has, it is still OK to open in these times.”

While some landlords may offer discounts to attract new tenants, other new businesses may have difficulty getting a startup loan from a bank, he said.

But those with enough capital to get started are in a good position, Robinson said.

“Sometimes it can be beneficial to start a business in difficult times: firstly, you are fulfilling a market need now. Secondly, you get a head start on the market.”

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Lawyer of the Northwith a focus on health and economics. She has more than 20 years of experience in journalism and is passionate about reporting stories that make a difference.