Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Wairarapa Midweek
FEATURE SUPPLEMENT
Knutson Development officially opens Almost 120 years after Henrik and Ada Knutson opened a general store in Carterton, their descendants have again invested in the town’s future.
“We wanted them to be complementary to each other and New World Supermarket. The pharmacy and supermarket in particular, go well together.”
The Knutson Development will have its Opening on Thursday 22nd April with everyone welcome to attend.
Hayley says the development shows optimism in the future of Carterton.
Maori Anglican Bishop Waitohiariki Quayle will give the blessing at 8am with female vocal ensemble The Songbirds providing accompanying waiata. The official opening will be at 8.30am with the ribbon being cut, and a few words being spoken by Fin and Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vergunst.
“I like the fact that in 1992 we had confidence in Carterton when we built the new supermarket, and now we are showing confidence again.
Knutson Development co-directors (from left) Hayley Quirke, Robin Irwin and Finlay Irwin.
This will be followed by morning tea and later a sausage sizzle with sausages and bread donated by Carterton New World.
Both Fin and Hayley feel the development has renewed and strengthened their connection to the town.
The Knutson Development is located at 100 High Street South, next to the New World Carterton carpark.
Hayley and her family live in Gladstone from where they run their business Quirke Electrical.
It comprises three shops. Professionals Carterton, which has moved from its present address at 57 High Street North, opens at the development tomorrow (Thursday 15 April). Carterton Pharmacy, which is moving a few hundred metres south of its old address in High Street, will open next Monday, 19 April. The third tenant is Kainga Eatery & Bar, a new business that will be opening in May. The Knutson name is familiar to many Carterton residents as the town’s first supermarket was named Knutson’s New World. The family went on to build and manage the present New World Carterton, selling the
“We would like to see Carterton continue to develop and grow as a destination with visitors. We are passionate about Carterton and want to see it thrive.”
Fin, who presently lives in Hamilton, says the development has brought him back to the town, mentally as well as physically. business in 1997, but retaining ownership of the building and land. Recently they purchased the land next door to the supermarket carpark where Carterton Motors used to be, and in a vote of confidence for Carterton’s future have built the new development. Knutsons Supermarket Ltd is owned by several shareholders within the family, with Robin Irwin, Finlay Irwin and Hayley Quirke as directors of the company.
Fin, who project managed the development, says it made sense to have retail businesses located on the former site of Carterton Motors.
“This opportunity came along and awakened something in us in regards to a refocus on Carterton and look at what can be done here.”
“It really strengthens the retail environment and works in synergy with the supermarket. And it made sense to enclose the supermarket carpark with retail shopping.”
Robin Irwin continues to reside in Carterton and has been involved in every key decision.
He says the selection of tenants for the development was strategic.
She is pleased to see the town progress and that the new building is a much better sight than the previously vacant plot.
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