Pharmacist and owner of Waipu Pharmacy Brenda Wells stands outside the new building. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Pharmacist and owner of Waipu Pharmacy Brenda Wells stands outside the new building. Photo / Michael Cunningham
It's taken nearly two years, but the rebuild of Waipū has finally been finished following a fire which tore through its town centre.
Three businesses, Waipū Cafe and Deli, WaipūPharmacy and Harker Herbals, were destroyed by flames in the early hours of September 30, 2018.
Harker Herbals andthe café, now called Goody Goody deli and eatery, have already moved into their new premises, and the pharmacy moved into its new building on May 25.
Former pharmacist Tony Solomon is happy with the mural which depicts him as a boy and his connection to the Hokianga Harbour. Photo / Supplied
The pharmacy building now sports a bold mural which was created by Earnest Bradley from Memory Lane Tattoo Studio in Whangārei.
The picture is of the building's landlord, Tony Solomon, the Waipū pharmacist for 40 years, as a young boy.
His son, Alec Solomon, the principal of Tikipunga High School, said the mural of a waka in the Hokianga Harbour represents his father's Pacific heritage, and acknowledges Tony's first pharmacy in Rawene.
The whānau are delighted with the new building, he said.
"The mural and stonework used acknowledges the heritage of those who have gone before and opportunity of what is yet to come," Alec said. "The feedback from the community has been overwhelming.
"From those ashes this has arisen ... we're really pleased how it turned out. It suits Waipū."
Fire scene investigators trawl through the aftermath of the fire on Waipū's main road. Photo / Michael Cunningham
After the fire, each business found alternative places to trade and the pharmacy ran its dispensary under the umbrella of its co-business, Russell Pharmacy, with deliveries to Bream Bay customers.
