New Concept Store Koha Offers The Best Of NZ

New Concept Store Koha Offers The Best Of New Zealand

The Maori term over the door of this innovative New Zealand concept store says it all. 'Koha' means a special gift and this new Queenstown store offers an interactive and educational visitor experience which in itself is a special gift.

L-R: Bridget Morgan, Bridget Cameron, Frances Jarvis, Sarah Lichtenstein

In recognition of the growing appreciation for authentic New Zealand experiences and products that reflect New Zealand's culture and lifestyle, only 100 per cent pure New Zealand made products are stocked by Koha. The ranges of clothing, beauty products, jewellery and gifts are all designed and manufactured in New Zealand - even the background music is "home-grown".

Koha is committed to delivering an interactive and informative customer experience that is naturally and genuinely New Zealand. Customers are invited to browse around the store or sit and watch a looped DVD of New Zealand images projected onto a large screen at the back of the store, while being treated to a cup of New Zealand roasted Koha coffee.

The vision of Joan Hanson, a well-established retailer, along with Koha Manager Sarah Lichtenstein and specialist New Zealand designer Bridget Morgan - Queenstown was chosen as the location for their first Koha store, in advance of the planned opening of more stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

The Queenstown store opened on 1 September, and is located at 18 Beach Street, the former Hard Rock Café site.

"There is a growing demand for 100 per cent New Zealand merchandise, we know visitors want to take home authentic, real New Zealand products that reflect the culture and lifestyle of New Zealand. Our product range has been carefully sourced with this in mind." said Ms Lichtenstein.

"We don't want to be 'just another tourist shop'. We want to be the place to go to enjoy, learn about and buy the best 'made in NZ' products."

Ms Lichtenstein added, "The essence of Koha is not only to offer genuine Kiwi products, but also to deliver a high level of hospitality and friendly service alongside some exclusive New Zealand ranges."

As well as designing clothes for the store, Ms Morgan is responsible for the store fit-out that features Maori motifs and a welcoming combination of stone, wood and glass.

Maori cultural advisor Maurice Gray is assisting with the brand concept and will open and bless the Queenstown store at an official opening on November 1.

Every other element of Koha has also originated from Kiwi shores, including staff, merchandise, packaging, flax shopping baskets and refreshments.

As well as the name, the store symbol - the Koru, which means life or creativity and is placed at the entrance of the shop - represents Koha's genuine New Zealand concept and points to a commitment to home shores.

Koha Background Information

KOHA Concept Store A 100% naturally New Zealand concept store offering a unique shopping experience that celebrates New Zealand products and culture. The first Koha store is now open in Queenstown, New Zealand. Further stores are set to open in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Koha presents a high quality selection of pure New Zealand products that have either been specially and exclusively designed and manufactured for Koha or selected by discerning buyers. The Koha visitor experience includes a large screen display of New Zealand images, interactive information about the products in store and an area where coffee is offered to customers.

KOHA A Maori term that has the primary meaning of 'gift' or 'present', the Koha brand assures customers that the products they are purchasing are a gift of this land from the people of this land. The root meaning of Koha can be broken down as follows: 'ko' - resound, sing, wind and 'ha' - breath of life.

A Koha is a gift, or sharing of ones wealth. It is a social protocol that encourages a win-win trading relationships based on mutual trust and integrity. In the earliest times, it was a gift to Tane Mahuta, God of the trees and all living things in thanks for successful crops. Today, the concept is an integral element of the New Zealand way of life.

SYMBOL The stylised pattern of the 'Koru' is symbolic of the fern plant in its emerging stage of life and growth. Artisans of Aotearoa New Zealand make use of the coiled fern pattern to represent life. The Koru is a symbol synonymous with New Zealand's cultural identity and works with the Koha brand to represent the gift of new life and growth. The Koru at the shop entrance signifies a crossing of a threshold to a place of 100 per cent genuine New Zealand products that signify and provide memories of New Zealand culture.

KOHA 100% NEW ZEALAND MADE Koha is a visitor shopping experience that recognises the growing appreciation visitors have for an authentic New Zealand experience.

Koha is home to the best selection of the best NZ made products. Koha recognises visitors' desire to take home products that reflect New Zealand, its way of life and its culture.

ENDS

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