One-of-a-Kind Finds in Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Three local women share The Aviary, a beautiful collective, with each contributing something different to offer truly unique and Gisborne-focused pieces for you and your home.

Helena Andersson is the maker behind the limited-edition jewellery of Studio 66, crafting distinct pieces each with a retro meets Scandi aesthetic. Helena also uses the store’s platform to showcase work from other local jewellers and artists. Leigh Rutherford is the founder of Isla & Olive and fills the boutique with a thoughtful and eco-friendly range of toys, skincare, pre-loved clothing, homewares and more – with many products made nearby.

On the bookshelves you’ll find enchanting and whimsical stories sourced by The Book Apothecary’s Wendy Baxter, who also hand-crafts gift cards and transforms old books into artistic masterpieces.

No one curates a homeware store quite like Amy Moore. With an incredible gift for identifying fun and colourful pieces to liven up local abodes, one could easily lose a few hours exploring every pocket of The WorkShop – and the instore cafe only gives more reason to hang around.

As well as bedding, clothing and homeware from brands you might recognise (e.g. Sage x Clare, Kip&Co and Bonnie and Neil), Amy has filled the space with one-of-a-kind treasures picked up on her travels that you simply couldn’t find elsewhere. With no online shop, The WorkShop is completely unique to Carnarvon Street, but if you fall in love with something via their Instagram, Amy is very kind when it comes to organising deliveries within NZ.

There’s no chance of turning up in the same outfit as your neighbour with Julie Puddick, the designer behind MASAMI Clothing, around. In a spacious upstairs studio along Bright Street, Julie spends her days crafting a very limited run of timeless pieces made from gorgeous (and sustainably sourced) fabrics.

The clothing is elegant and contemporary, with simple but strong cuts that inspire confidence and sophistication. Julie creates custom-made garments for special occasions and everyday life, and also stocks The Shelter in Dunedin and Ponsonby and The Service Depot in Wellington. Want to see where the magic happens? Studio visits are also available by appointment.

Consignment stores are unique by nature, with a diverse mix of pieces from past wardrobes – but Jazzy Manerva has an extra special point of difference. Owner Sarah Buckley has a gift for handpicking pre-loved treasures from full bags brought in by locals clearing out their closets, weaving them into the store’s refreshing and inspiring display. Beautifully presented and helpfully organised into complementary colours, patterns and styles, Sarah reinvents the opshop aesthetic and makes it easy and fun to shop second-hand.

Finding the perfect gift can be hard work, but in Aotearoa, nothing is quite as special as receiving a pounamu treasure.

The Stone Studio was founded in 1997 by Sandra and Ewan Parker, and is brimming with hand-carved greenstone pieces alongside a huge range of New Zealand-themed gifts and a very cute fudge shop. At the back of the store, a long window offers a rare insight into the workshop area where visitors can watch Ewan and his son hand-carving nephrite jade stone with impressive skill.

A range of their creations can be found in glass cabinets around the shop floor, but The Stone Studio is also happy to accept commissions for something extra personal.

Making surfboards is a skill that takes several years to master. The team at The Boardroom have decades of experience behind them – and it shows in their craftsmanship. Founded by Ray Dalton in 1990, who has been building boards since he was 15, The Boardroom is the largest custom surfboard manufacturer in the country. The business is now owned by Ray’s son Tommy, who started helping his dad when he was 12 and has now shaped over 10,000 surfboards globally.

A small but highly skilled team shape, glass, sand, repair and spray artistic designs onto each board, and are best known for shaping the world-famous Lost Surfboard as well as the Dalton brand. Beginner or competitive surfer, there’s no discrimination at The Boardroom and they’re able to offer a super customised board to suit your ability and help you progress in the water.

Adding a lot of charm to the neighbourhood, Retro houses a treasure trove of antique furniture, vintage clothing, quirky homewares and more. Part shop, part home, Ro is the owner and resident of no. 8 Ballance Street and has been collecting special pieces from the 50s and 60s for several years. Whether you’re looking to add some character to your wardrobe or living space – or simply just fancy saying hello to Ro and her white mini poodle Milly – Retro is about as original as it gets.