Millwater Biz Buzz

22 millwaterbizbuzz

In perfect timing for Christmas, the new Ingo’s German Bakery has opened in Silverdale and its quiet, courtyard-style location at 11G/20 Central Boulevard is already a popular destination for lovers of excellent Segafredo Italian coffee and a wide variety of authentic German breads and cakes.

Owned by Karl and Grace, final trials of the new German ovens were being finalised for the 18th November official opening when we called to meet them. Karl is the son of a baker, in whose business near Frankfurt in Germany he learned his craft and which he eventually took over in 1970 – but a holiday to New Zealand in 1982 was to change his life forever.

Back in Germany, Karl began to plan his return to New Zealand and a subsequent visit to the New Zealand Consulate in Bonn confirmed he would be welcome here as a business-owner and employer of local people. Following further research, Karl learned that a German bakery in Hamilton was for sale. The move from Germany was completed in 1990 and Karl began his New Zealand bakery business.

Auckland proved to be an even better business opportunity and in 1993 Karl opened a new German bakery in Glenfield. Successful businesses attract investors and Karl eventually sold that business (still trading there under the name of the Diehl German Bakery). Having met his wife Grace in 2005, they decided to move to Hatfield’s Beach two years ago – but the desire to continue baking was strong and they began to look for premises, which they found in Silverdale.

Ovens were ordered from Germany and Grace went to Guangzhou to order cabinetry, stainless steel racking and other fittings for the new business before Karl joined her there. Knowing their new business would restrict future holidays, they enjoyed a 2-month cruise on Queen Mary 2 before the serious work of opening Ingo’s German Bakery began in earnest. Design, layout and Council approvals were completed and all other issues were addressed so that Food Grading could be obtained in good time for the 18th November official opening.

Ingo’s German Bakery welcomes customers in its peaceful location with a ‘try before you buy’ opportunity for the German breads and cakes lovingly crafted by Karl, while Grace also serves up their wonderful Segafredo Italian coffee. Alongside the wide variety of German breads and cakes, delicious traditional German Christmas Stollen and gingerbread novelties are already on sale.

www.ingogermanbakery.co.nz 11G/20 Central Boulevard, Silverdale 09 426 1688

millwaterRowenas

The October lunch outing for the Millwater ROWENAs (Retired Old Women Enjoying Nice Afternoons) was a return visit to Wainui Golf Club. Although there were 7 ladies present, Diane Morland & Margaret Marran had left before I remembered to take the photograph and are therefore missing from the image here (sorry, ladies). The reason for the unusually small group on this occasion was that a number of the other ladies were either away or had prior engagements.

There was a great debate as to what we would have from the many delicious items on offer on the menu. Final decisions made and ordered and, when the meals arrived, everyone was very pleased with their choices and enjoyed their meal. As usual, there were some lively conversations – and, as we were only a small group that day, we all managed to join in the same conversation instead of several going on at the same time when there is a larger number of ladies present.