Kunikraft celebrates double-header

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 529, 29 March 1994, Page 9

Kunikraft celebrates double-header

While 'Kunikraft' in Goldfinch Street, Ohakune, celebrates 21 years of business this week, proprietors Bea and Dot Barnes are celebrating two-fold after recently winning a prestigious florists' award. The mother and daughter team were notified last week of their winning the Teleflora Trophy for the highest percentage increase of outward orders in

the past 12 months, but had yet to officially receive the trophy which was in the process of being engraved at the time the Bulletin went to print. Bea was told that Kunikraft's Teleflora percentage increase was "markedly above" the other 200 florists that were eligible for the award. Attaining the trophy is no mean feat for Bea and Dot and their modest business, made all the more outstanding by being the second time they have won it. The trophy was first presented to Kunikraft in 1991 - their first year as full members with the Teleflora network. For six years previous they had been only part members. The floristry aspect of the business was developed in 1988 when Bea and Dot bought the remaining stock of former Ohakune florist Dawn Donaldson at the closure of 'Alpine Flowers.' With some initial guidance by Dawn, Dot's natural floristry abilities literally blossomed, helped along by ongoing Teleflora courses. It was about that time that a petition was installed toward the rear of the shop, making an essential work space where Dot could create her floral arrangements. Hope The thriving business has come a long way from its beginnings in 1973 when the two ladies opened the doors with just

$160 of stock on the shelves, and "a lot of hope." Starting life as a hand-craft/craft supplies shop, Bea and Dot gradually diversed into plants and shrubs and eventually leased the 'alley way' between Kunikraft and the bookshop (then owned by Colin Pedley) to store their fast-growing collection. A comprehensive range of gardeners'

supplies complement Kunikraft's current range of shrubs, plants and seedlings on sale. Inside, robust potted plants, packaged seeds and bulbs jostle for position with containers of cut flowers. The business still carries a healthy range of quality gifts and souvenirs, including paintings, pottery and wood-turned items.