Kiwi sports icon draws locals to opening

26 January 2005

Kiwi sports icon draws locals to opening of new Bunnings Warehouse in Botany

New Zealand sporting legend Barbara Kendall officially opened one of the country's largest retail stores in her home town today.

The new Bunnings Warehouse in Botany Downs boasts a 10,500 square metre undercover retail area, plus a covered drive-through trade area, a huge outdoor garden centre and 300 car parks.

Other store facilities include a hire shop, a dedicated 'how to' DIY workshop area for beginners and experts, a special order service, children's playground and a cafe.

As part of Bunnings' commitment to the local community, and to celebrate the opening of the new store, Barbara Kendall presented a $1000 cheque to her nominated charity ? Starship Foundation. Bunnings team members also donated a $1000 cheque to the SPCA.

General Manager of Bunnings New Zealand, Brad Cranston, says it was great to have such a popular, internationally-acclaimed Kiwi sports hero join in the celebrations.

"We were thrilled that Barbara Kendall, being an East-Aucklander and the most successful windsurfer in New Zealand history, could be here to officially open the store.

"Our Botany warehouse stocks 45,000 different product lines, promising customers the widest range of DIY and home improvement products. Customers will also benefit from our commitment to delivering the lowest prices everyday, and every time they enter our store they will be able to draw on the knowledge of our team members who are focussed on providing great service and expert advice," adds Mr Cranston.

The formal opening today will be followed by a series of activities over the next two weekends, including a live performance by Rikki Morris this Friday, a huge fireworks display, radio stations in store, competitions and plenty of entertainment for kids.

The new store, located at 320 Ti Rakau Drive, replaces the existing Bunnings Pakuranga store. Due to the larger size of the Botany warehouse, 35 new positions have been created in addition to the 115 existing team members who have relocated from the Pakuranga store.

The Botany warehouse is the eighth Bunnings store to open in New Zealand. Other stores are under construction in Rotorua and Tauranga, with further plans for stores in Palmertson North and Whangarei.

ENDS

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