The young couple bringing a new lease of life to Maheno Tavern have decided there is no time like the present, after the devastating loss of their newborn son.

Johnny Johnston and Georgia Rae are re-opening the Maheno Tavern doors tomorrow (Friday, September 5) at 4pm.

Georgia moved from Southland to be with Johnny, born and raised in Maheno, and his daughter Lilah (now 8), just over four years ago. The couple now have Zoe, who is almost two, and “angel baby” Johnny, who died in May.

Baby Johnny (named after his father and grandfather) was born at 32 weeks’ gestation, after a problem-free pregnancy, Georgia says.

“One night I had the stitch and was flown to Dunedin Hospital. Before we knew it, he was in NICU.”

Their son’s heart muscle was twice the size it should have been, and he also had other health complications.

“Wee Johnny had the amazing doctors from Dunedin, Starship and colleagues in America stumped, and at five days old, he passed away surrounded by family.”

Doctors are still investigating what caused Johnny’s condition, and his parents are hoping that what they discover will be able to help other babies in the future.

“What we did learn from wee Johnny is that, one - tomorrow is never promised, and two - we deal with our grief by speaking about our son,” Georgia says.

“Through those conversations we have only just learned about other people having angel babies, some of them we knew for years.”

The couple hopes the tavern will be a place where the community can come together, share their stories and feel less alone.

“Because prior to speaking about wee Johnny we were very angry and frustrated and felt alone and targeted, but we weren't, we weren't alone,” Georgia says.

Baby Johnny. Photo: Supplied

Olga and Tjarko Edzes, who bought the tavern in 2021, have been “nothing but supportive”, Georgia says.

They had been in talks about the possibility of taking on the tavern for about two years, and now there is a signed sale and purchase agreement which, all going well, will be confirmed in December.

“Tjarko and Olga . . . have graced us with three months’ due diligence, which includes that we enjoy the tavern, everything is ticking along nicely, and we are enjoying the lifestyle,” Georgia says. 

“We have a really great feeling about this, and the support from our community already is just amazing.”

The tavern appealed to Johnny and Georgia, who are excited about being small business owners and providing a gathering place for the rural community.

“We understand that a place like Maheno Tavern can create a space for the kids to play and socialise with each other and the adults to debrief, share work stories and feel better when heading home.”

During those two years of discussions, Georgia says she and Johnny have come up with a lot of ideas.

They are working with suppliers to bring in “awesome freebies” for children, and are planning an event for Mo-vember, to raise awareness for men’s mental health. They want to host work functions and Christmas parties.

“Once we get on our feet we are keen to bring back the bottle store, raffles, the bands, and the Hot Rod Club have reached out, which we are ecstatic about.” 

Georgia says she loves the energy in the place, and is excited to have customers coming back in.

“There's always nerves involved, but feel the fear and do it anyway.

“We are just going to take it as it comes. I am sure those that walk through our doors will be patient enough.”

Keeping time for family is important for the couple, and for now the tavern will be open Thursday to Saturday until late, and on Sunday until 9pm. They will consider opening more days down the track.

Aside from socialising, the family enjoy jumping in the car for adventures and letting the girls experience new things. When the couple get some time to themselves, they enjoy going to the movies, Georgia says.

For opening weekend, there will be live music each night, with Flip Side playing on Friday, The Yee Has on Saturday, and Southern Rust on Sunday afternoon.

Georgia and Johnny are grateful for all the support they have received so far, and are looking forward to opening the doors to welcome everyone.