CoroLife 64P 16SUM FIN-LR wLinksOPT-R

19 / 64

The Colville
Co-operative Society
In the early 1970s, the extractive industries that had been
the foundation of economic prosperity in the Northern
Coromandel had wound up, profits from farming were
dropping, and the population was in decline. All of which
presented a rather grim picture of what the future might
hold for the scattered communities in this rural region.
Fortunately, the beauty and peacefulness of the area was
attracting a new kind of settler.
People looking for a more natural way of life saw, in
the hills and bays, the possibility of setting up a more
ecologically sustainable, community oriented lifestyle.
Many of these new arrivals joined together to buy
farms and bush-covered blocks of land, and set up
communes embracing ideals of cooperation, equality,
anti-materialism, and respect for the earth. Some call this
group ‘alternative lifestylers’, some call them ‘hippies’,
but regardless of the label, they had quite an effect on the
life of the community.
In 1978 several of these ‘like-minds’ set up a bulk-buying
co-op in the Community Hall. It was a great success, and
in 1980 it was registered with the companies office as
‘The Colville Cooperative Society Ltd.’
The Co-op purchased the shop and house next door,
opened a small cafe as well, and together, the shop
and cafe soon became the social centre of the larger
community. Those involved back then still tell stories of
sleeping in the shop office because of late nights and
early morning starts during the holiday rush. Of getting up
at the crack of dawn and heading out in ‘The Roadrunner’
to deliver shop goods to far flung customers. Of eating
huge quantities of the world’s best pumpkin soup in the
cafe. Of parties in the cafe with homegrown music and
dancing on the tables. Of friendships made and a good
life celebrated.
THE CHARACTER OF THE CO-OP
This energy and enthusiasm had its roots in the character
of the Co-op itself. The aims and objectives set down by
the founders read like an early Transition Town manifesto
with guiding principles centered around respect for
workers, a support for local enterprise, and the promotion
of a sustainable way of life. In return, the loyalty of the
shop’s workers and the community kept the organisation
alive and prosperous.
19
Harry’s Bar ‘n’ Kitchen
colville
OPEN 9AM TUESDAY - SUNDAY
WE HAVE AN ALL DAY MENU:
Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Yummy French Toast,
Fry Up (consisting of Sausage,
Hashbrowns, Eggs, Bacon & Tomato)
Burgers, Toasties, Fish & Chips, Crispy Bacon Salad,
Seafood Basket, Lasagne & lots more.
Enjoy your meal with a beer or wine.
LATE NIGHTS THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY.
PH/TXT 021 136 8952
Like us on
FacebookHereford.n.a.Pickle
Nestled at the end of the Colville Village is a family owned
farm shop supplying freshly brewed coffee, succulant cuts of
beef and lamb (which is grown on the farm), real fruit
ice-creams, a selection of jams, pickles and sauces and freshly
prepared food. Come and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere
under the trees, in the garden or shelted on the deck.
FARM SHOP COLVILLE VILLAGE
GET YOUR FRESH BEEF BBQ CUTS AND FRESHLY
MADE SAUSAGES & 100% BEEF PATTIES TODAY!!!
C OLV IL
L E• CO ROM
AN D EL
KAIRAUMATI
POLLEDHEREFORDS
HEREFORD
‘N’ A PICKLE
H
continued on next page
Throughout the Co-op’s history, the workers
have frequently come to the aid of their
shop, by donating part of their wages or
volunteering their time and effort, and
ownership has grown through the decades
from 12 original members to more than 100.
Memories from the past...
but the Co-op’s vision and spirit...
and building ...remains.
Photo courtesy of Willie Lochore, www.coromandeladventures.co.nz
The Himalaya Shop in Colville Village
• WIDE RANGE of SUMMER CLOTHES
• HOME DECOR ITEMS
throws, wall hangings
tablecloths, cushion covers
ceramic door knobs & coat hangers
• CRYSTALS and JEWELLERY
...AND MUCH MORE.
OPEN SUMMER MONTHS
FROM LABOUR WEEKEND TILL EASTER
FROM 1st DECEMBER • OPEN 7 DAYS WEEK
H 07 8666 865 • M 021 139 7838 •