MEDIA RELEASE FROM
New Zealand Historic Places Trust Pouhere Taonga
For immediate release
‘Endless summer’ begins at Stone Store
December 4th
Ice creams will once again be sold at the Stone Store reflecting the golden days of the great Kiwi summer holiday spent
in the Bay of Islands - including lounging on the beach, staying with friends or at the bach, and family day trips to
the Stone Store.
“We’re really excited to be introducing a fabulous new range of merchandise that reflects the building’s place in the
hearts of tens of thousands of Kiwis who have visited here over many decades,” says Liz Bigwood, the New Zealand
Historic Places Trust’s Property Manager at the Kerikeri Mission Station.
“The Stone Store is well known for selling authentic trade goods similar to the ones that were available here in the
19th century. Now we have refreshed and extended this popular range to include classic Kiwiana products that recapture
the summer holiday experience of Stone Store visitors in the post-War years – including Tip Top ice creams.”
And with the removal of the road bridge – and the subsequent traffic from the Stone Store Basin earlier this year – the
area will be even more evocative of those summer days remembered fondly by Baby-boomers throughout the country.
“The Stone Store Basin is a magnificent public space – a huge magnet for heritage tourism, and a fantastic asset for
Kerikeri. We’re always listening to our visitors, and want people to have fun and be entertained, as well as inspired by
the stories of the unique history of this place and its impact on our national identity,” says the New Zealand Historic
Places Trust’s Heritage Northern Destinations Manager, Gordon Hewston.
“This aspect of the Stone Store’s history is an important part of what makes this place unique. Our concept of heritage
is not static, but dynamic – and celebrating this part of the Store’s history is part of that philosophy.”
“The Stone Store and Kemp House are major contributors to Northland’s economy, and that is only going to increase. We’ve
had record months in terms of income and visitation since the bridge was taken out in June, and we’re picking that that
is going to build over summer.”
The global financial situation – coupled with recent falls in petrol prices – makes for a good argument for staying in
New Zealand, packing the family in the car and heading north for a summer holiday, just like the good old days.
“Historic places like Kemp House and the Stone Store link our past with our present, and our future. We’re looking
forward to seeing hordes of Kiwis here again soon, creating fresh memories of a golden summer at Kerikeri,” says Gordon.
“The Stone Store Basin is the place to be this summer. We’re offering real value for money for families wanting to have
a great time, shop and enjoy one of the most beautiful spots in Northland.”
People wanting to see the new products the Stone Store has on offer can come to the Stone Store on Saturday December 6.
Free ice creams will be given to the first 100 children who come through the shop door.
NEWSFLASH: People can now shop the Stone Store online – www.stonestore.co.nz
ends