It’s been another big month for businesses in Ōamaru and the Waitaki, with several changing hands, others winning awards, and new ones popping up.

The Bloom Bar is one that has sprouted up, thanks to Brogan Dekker and Casey Sim, who are selling bunches of flowers they grow mostly in their Papakaio gardens.

“We first met at the local playcentre as we have kids the same age,” Brogan says. “We are also neighbours - Casey actually grew up on the farm we now own.”

The pair say the business idea “bloomed” over a bottle of wine earlier in the year, after their two daughters Isla and Hazel sold dahlias in pop-up stall at the front gate.

“They sold out in an hour,” Brogan says. “This planted the seed, and the planning (and planting) began.”

The Bloom Bar has been up and running for a month now, and as well as plans for a roadside stall in Papakaio during the height of the flower season, the women are also offering local delivery in town, and sell made-to-order seasonal bouquets for any budget or occasion.

Neither of the pair has a floristry background - Casey currently manages HighTree Chalets, as well as owning CB Contracting with her husband Brad, while Brogan’s background is in banking. She was the local lending specialist at Kiwibank for five years, prior to starting a family with her dairy farmer husband Richard.

Casey says she has always been a keen gardener and actually grew her own wedding flowers earlier this year. 

Brogan, on the other hand says she mostly hated gardening, but successfully grew “a bumper crop of dahlias” this past season and is quickly developing a green thumb.

Budding business owners Casey Sim (left) and Brogan Dekker, with some of their blooms. Photo: Supplied/Rachel Wybrow

The friends call themselves “florist/farmer hybrids”.

“We mostly grow our own flowers but have also been sourcing flowers from local gardeners for any gaps we have,” Casey says.

“It has been so lovely making these connections and being able to share flowers with the wider Waitaki community.”

They would also love to eventually offer “Sip and Pick’ events in Casey’s garden at Eckhold’s Pond, as well as having a few other exciting plans “up our garden gloves”, she says.

Follow the girls and their journey on social media, or they are also keen to hear from fellow flower growers who would like to supply them. Email [email protected].

Nest Treehouses

Meanwhile, although they’re tucked away in the remote Hakataramea Valley, Nest Treehouses stand out when it comes to luxury accommodation.

The business, run by Liz and Andy Hayes, won an Airbnb New Zealand Host Award, for Best Design Stay, last month.

Liz says she and Andy are "thrilled" to be recognised by Airbnb and grateful to all their guests for their reviews and memories shared.

The category recognises hosts who have a “unique and amazingly distinctive home”, and Nest certainly fits the bill, with its two separate one-bedroom luxury treehouse units accessed by swing bridge, with outdoor bathtubs, and a barrel sauna.

Judge Geoff Gedge says the property is “visually striking”.

“Arguably one of the most iconic treehouse-style listings we’ve seen. 

“It’s the kind of place that feels ready-made for an Airbnb campaign. The host has created a romantic, immersive retreat with exceptional design and standout inclusions, from homemade granola and delicious breakfast packs.”

Nest at night. Photo: Supplied

Kurow Cafe & Kitchen

And while you’re up the valley, be sure to check out Kurow Cafe & Kitchen, which opened at 16 Bledisloe St, at the start of October. The premises was formerly the Valley Cafe, which closed earlier this year. 

Coffee, delicious pastries, cabinet food, are on offer, as well as an à la carte menu with a hint of Asian fusion. 

The new owners have also been trialling evening dining. So if you’re keen for another dinner option in Kurow, be sure to support them.

Kurow Cafe & Kitchen opened earlier this month. Photo: Supplied/Facebook

Awamoa Sanitation

Meanwhile, Ōamaru couple Hayley and Shane Carter, who own LuxLoos and Laser Plumbing Ōamaru, have added the “last piece to our jigsaw puzzle” with the purchase of Awamoa Sanitation.

Sean and Anna Easton bought Awamoa Portable Loos and Effluent Services about five years ago, changed the name, and brought their customers along for the colourful journey online, using a good dose of toilet humour. the couple has now moved to Dunedin.

Hayley says buying Awamoa Sanitation made sense for her and Shane.

“We’re thrilled to purchase a new business that will complement and strengthen our current operations. 

“This step allows us to continue growing while staying true to what matters most - our community, our customers, and the North Otago region we’re so proud to call home.”

LuxLoos is a luxury portable loo business, providing up-market ablutions for events around the South Island.  

While Hayley and Shane are expanding, they remain committed to providing the service, quality, and reliability customers have come to expect, she says.

“We’re passionate about supporting local, employing local, and serving local - and this new chapter is all about building on that foundation. Thank you to the community for their continued loyalty and trust.”

Other business comings and goings…

While the closure of Smiths City, on Ōamaru’s Eden St was a loss for the town and employees, the building isn’t lying empty, with Big Save Furniture opening this Friday (24 October), with special deals for customers to celebrate.

Another business changing hands is BG’s Dairy & Takeaways at 386 Thames Highway, which is now Ōamaru Food Store as of today (Wednesday, 22 October). 

The store is offering free slushies for all students on opening day, and also 20% off storewide all week (except tobacco products).

The Food Store will also be offering fresh hot food, fish and chips, barista coffee, bubble teas, and groceries, and will be open seven days, from 6.30am- 9pm.

There have also been signs of life at the most northern end of Ōamaru - 14 Pukeuri-Ōamaru Road - where Signature Cafe & Restaurant is opening tomorrow (Thursday, 23 October). 

Perhaps best known to locals as where the Detroit Diner truck stop used to be, the Signature Cafe's all-day European menu looks great, but the wide range of Indian cuisine on offer is what could be a potential drawcard for many.

Inside the Signature Cafe & Restaurant, opening in Ōamaru on Thursday. Photo: Supplied/Facebook