Couple save historic Kaikohe building with plans for hotel, backpackers

Kaikohe's old BNZ is being transformed into a backpackers, hotel and cafe. Pictured are co-owner Di Maxwell and workers Milton Inch (left), Arlington Kara and Pene Edwards. Photo / Peter de Graaf

A Kaikohe-raised couple who feared the town's only heritage building would fall into ruin are transforming it into a boutique hotel, backpackers and café.

Di Maxwell and Jack Poutsma bought the two-storey Bank of New Zealand on the corner of Broadway and Park Rd after new earthquake regulations prompted the bank to sell up and build a new branch down the road.

They expect their hotel will attract people using the Twin Coast Cycle Trail and the hot pools at nearby Ngawha Springs.

Ms Maxwell said earthquake strengthening had been by far their biggest cost.

"We knew a number of people had shied away because of the huge expense. But Kaikohe is our hometown, we both went to school here and mum still has a shop in town. This is the only heritage-listed building in town and if no one did it, it would fall into rack and ruin," she said.

As well as saving a category II historic building - it was built for the BNZ in 1910 and extended in 1957 and again in 1987 - the couple's other aim is to create jobs.

Ms Maxwell said the venture would employ about 17 people. She wanted to hire all locals if possible and was already talking with the hospitality training school in Paihia.

They planned a 12-bed backpackers and a cafe/restaurant on the ground floor with a five-room boutique hotel upstairs. As much as possible was being re-used or preserved, including the ornate ceiling, six fireplaces, grand staircase and native timbers.

"It's a heritage building so the facade can't be changed - but why would you want to?"

It would have solar panels, an electric vehicle charging station and as much local produce on the menu as possible.

The hotel would be called Left Bank, a word play on its former use, while the eatery would be the Mint Cafe.

With Kaikohe at the midpoint of the 85km Twin Coast Cycle Trail it is likely to be popular with cyclists, who currently have few accommodation options in the town, but Ms Maxwell believed there was a market for people visiting the healing hot springs at Ngawha.

They were investing a "significant amount" in the project and hoped to open by Labour Weekend.

"At this stage in life we don't really want another job, but it's time to give back," she said.
"There's lots happening in Kaikohe now, we're starting to see a turnaround. It's just the odd ratbag that drags the town down, there's lots of wonderful people who just need an opportunity."

Ms Maxwell said locals were carrying out the construction work and were a joy to deal with. Their costs were lower, they did a better job and were more willing to go the extra mile to preserve heritage features than big outside firms.

Mr Poutsma owns an accounting company while Ms Maxwell has been a farmer, Far North District councillor, meat processor and graphic design firm owner.