The GB Weekly - 19 January 2024

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Friday 19 January 2024

Tākaka team rebuilding business

Management and staff at ITM Tākaka are working flat out to get the business back up and running after last week's devastating fire destroyed the retail store. Photo: Jo Richards. JO RICHARDS

After the fire, regeneration. In the wake of the devastating blaze that destroyed ITM’s main building in Tākaka last Thursday, management and staff are working flat out to get the business back up and running. Although the retail and paint shop building lies in ruins, the nearby trade service centre, joinery and timber yards were unaffected. Through some canny repurposing of the surviving buildings, and adaptation of staff and management practices, ITM is, once again, in a position to supply its Golden Bay customers with the bulk of their needs. On Tuesday morning this week, the place was buzzing with activity as the joinery area

was transformed into a hardware retail space, complete with sales counter and shelving. ITM store manager Luke Brown points to a large metal shelving unit. “Hammer Hardware brought that yesterday and put it together…. The counter is being built today and the carpets come in tomorrow.” Compared to the previous space, Luke recognises that the new, temporary accommodation is a fair bit smaller. “It’ll be a bit cosy with everyone in here, but we’re getting shipping containers for storage and a portable office building.” Luke explains how the new system will work for customers. “It’s a bit like it was through covid; email us with the order and come and collect it when it’s ready.” A crucial part of the operation is the stock

control and ordering system, but that should also be reinstated soon, says Luke. “By the end of today we should have computers up and running to contact suppliers.” While the hardware and power tools side of the business has been the most affected, the timber yards remain operational and, on Tuesday morning, the comings and goings of tradies was a welcome reminder of some sort of normality. Luke refers to the temporary arrangements as a “new normal” – something the staff are adapting to. “It’s a massive disruption,” says Luke. “The team are very busy, but obviously upset as this is the place you come to work every day.” As the ITM family regroup and rebuild,

Golden Bay has rallied around them. “The big thing is the community support – it’s been awesome – from customers, tradesmen and suppliers, with vouchers, food and beer,” says Luke, before singling out two locals for a special mention. “Eddy Solly and Tristan Graham really got stuff sorted.” He also acknowledges the parent company for its contribution. “Support from ITM has been huge; they’ve always backed us.” Positive in the present, Luke is also optimistic for the future. “Eventually we’ll have a new, modern, purpose-built building.” Or, as owner Philip Woolf puts it: “The phoenix will rise from the ashes.” For customer ordering information, see ITM notice on page 8.

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Inside: Tata Boat Race ITM fire A&P Show preview Whakaaro Malaika Hollis THE GB WEEKLY, FRIDAY 19 JANUARY 2024

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The GB Weekly - 19 January 2024 by Golden Bay Weekly - Issuu