Craftsmanship is alive and well in the Waimarino

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 13, 28 August 1984, Page 3

Craftsmanship is alive and well in the Waimarino

Visitors to the Waimarino over the school holiday period could well take advantage of an opportunity to see a local industry not usually associated with this area. 'Makers' of Raetihi is a craft woodwork shop specialising in the manufacture of high quality furniture using native and exotic timbers. Many of their older seasoned timbers — kauri, rimu, matai etc — are acquired from demolition sites and yards throughout the North Island. The business is run by two enthusiastic craftsmen,

Alan Brown and James Clifford, who obviously enjoy their work and the challenges it offers. They are not into mass production. Each piece of furniture they produce is treated with the tender loving care accorded an individual 'one-off item. Alan and James set up their joint venture in an old workshop in Duncan Street, Raetihi, about a year ago and have never looked back. They not only design and manufacture furniture to their own specifications for sale to the general public but they also undertake commissions to produce custom-

made items for the individually discerning customer. Their customers come from all over the North Island but they are also very pleased with the response from the local community. They invite local residents and holiday visitors to their workshop (next to the Waimarino Veterinary Clinic in Seddon Street) to view their current production and discuss possible orders. Why not combine this with a visit to the Waimarino Museum any afternoon of the school holidays.