Frances Nation Shop

An iconic Ōtautahi homewares and gift store showcasing Aoetaroa-made products, Frances Nation is a go-to for both visitors and locals alike. The spacious, light-filled store is located on the ground floor of the refurbished Te Matatiki Toi Ora Arts Centre, which has been its home from the very beginning.

Owner-operator Tessa Peach has a passion for uplifting local makers and celebrating quality craftsmanship. Back in 2017, she travelled across the country in order to discover products that were still being made right here in New Zealand. The knowledge of where products come from, how they are made and who makes them is at the heart of it all. For Frances Nation, to this day, Tessa hand-picks items that are made to the highest level of craftsmanship and, thus, are timeless, beautiful and functional. 

From its humble beginnings of occupying a small space upstairs from the store’s current position, Frances Nation has grown into a thriving, small-scale department store. There is everything here from your high-quality pantry needs to skin care products and perfumes; jewellery to hand-thrown everyday ceramics, non-fiction literature to gardening tools; hand-crafted knives to merino and possum beanies. Frances Nation also collaborates with a few of the makers it represents to offer exclusive products only available right here.

Whether you’re after something for yourself, a present for a deserving pal or just in the mood for some eye candy, Frances Nation won’t disappoint. In fact, if you manage to walk out of this stunning store without a purchase, you’ve got more self-control than most of us.