4 | Mahurangimatters 3 July 2013
OFF THE RECORD
Matakana welcomes Ascension sale
Matakana’s iconic winery and entertainment centre, Ascension Wine Estate, has sold pending an October 18 settlement date. Details of the sale and the new Auckland owner remain confidential, but Andrew McKay of receivers Corporate Finance says that the purchaser is intending to operate the business in its current format and is looking to enhance and develop further opportunities. Tourism and business operators in the area have welcomed the news. Former Matakana Winegrowers president and long-time wine grower, Robin Ransom, describes the sale as “excellent”. “It was a shock that such a high-profile business could find itself in this bother, in such an unexpected way,” he says. details, but I hope we’ll see the business On a personal level, Darryl says he “Ascension has done an enormous job continue to develop the conference, and wife Bridget have employment in raising the profile of the area, just wedding and small events programme at Ascension until settlement, if they simply by the sheer numbers of people which bring a lot to the area and wish. Whether they remain in the district who’ve visited the place. I congratulate provide regular employment.” owners Darryl and Bridget Soljan on Darryl says the sale came as the result will depend on where they eventually the sale, and wish them well for their of some work done prior to the find jobs. future.” business being placed in receivership. “Bridget is in the final stages for a Matakana Coast Wine Country “The deal is much better than we had banking position at Whangaparaoa president Kieran Rice says events expected – especially after some less and I am applying for mid-level organised at Ascension have had a than accurate reporting in the NZ management positions.” positive impact on tourism in the area, Herald,” he says. “We expect to be able Current Matakana Winegrowers particularly accommodation and food to walk away with all creditors paid president Ben Dugdale says the quick providers. and maybe a little something left in purchase agreement was positive for the “The sale is a good outcome for Darryl our pocket. It is an awesome result for area and its viticultural, winemaking and hospitality industries. and Bridget, and it’s good to hear that all concerned.” the owners are going to continue to The business will continue to book “It shows there is a demand for brands operate the business as a destination. functions for both the pre- and post- and businesses north of the Harbour “We’re still a bit in the dark about the settlement periods. Bridge,” he said.
NEW ZEALAND NATIVE PLANT SPECIALISTS
Winter creation Frosty the Snowman’s little brother Harry the Hailman appeared in Warkworth’s Argyll Angle during last month’s icy storms. Nice to see local business people discovering their inner child.
Missing gumboots The weather gods were not kind when Prime Minister John Key visited Springboard this month. It hosed down. Fortunately, the hosts had organised gumboots for the PM — but not for Rodney MP Mark Mitchell, who was showing his boss around. “At least I found out where I am on the pecking order,” the MP harrumphed.
Taxing tweets Twitter is the playground for all and sundry to instantly share their news, feelings and coffee dates. Therefore, it was very exciting to receive a request from Inland Revenue to follow them and we can’t wait to read their tweets… “Yay, GST due today. Can’t wait to get our hands on all that money!”
Spelling woes Spellcheck on the computer is a wonderful thing, except when it isn’t. A reader reports that when trying to type in the name Mr Garvy it kept getting changed to Mr Gravy and Mr Gibble’s name was changed to Mr Giggle. This reminds us of the resume we once received where the candidate describe himself as someone who was “Consistently tanked as top sales producer for new accounts.”
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