Business growth

If Kerikeri's population has risen over the past four or five years, is there an economic spin-off for the town? Are retailers and trades people reaping tangible rewards?

The initial sign of increased commercial activity generally comes with real estate agents - the first stop for new arrivals. The number of land agents in Kerikeri has increased in the past year to cater for potential demand and, significantly, more new houses are being built in the area than has been seen for a number of years, since before the recession that began in 2007.

This has a domino effect for retailers. Alastair 'Big Al' Hargrove, manager for Carpet Court in Kerikeri and the Far North, says there is 'definitely' an increase in the number of new homes being constructed by both bespoke home builders and group housing companies - and they all require carpet and other types of flooring.

"What we also notice is that during both good times and bad, renovations never stop and the demand for carpet is as strong as ever. We recently had a television campaign promoting our Beauty range which was so successful all stock was sold by the middle of the month and no-one predicted that would happen."

So carpet is as popular in New Zealand as ever, despite what the numerous home improvement shows on television might suggest - which in turn may be more a reflection of where the show is produced than current trends. Mr Hargrove says it's important to check carpet warranty.

"Be sure to ask carefully and get in writing what the warranties are. We stand by our products and our warranties are the backup that gives us huge confidence when we sell our products."

The increasing population and consequent business improvement can be quantified by employment. Staff numbers at both the Kerikeri and the Far North Carpet Court outlets have risen over the past several years and that only comes with growth. Of the new arrivals to town, Mr Hargrove says they are from all walks of life which gives lie to the perceived notion that Kerikeri is rapidly becoming Auckland's retirement village.

With an increase in population comes the inevitable question, can Kerikeri's infrastructure cope? Carpet Court is in Mill Lane and Mr Hargrove says some change would be desirable.

"I would like to see access not coming from town but via another route into Mill Lane. We need to get heavy trucks out of town and while there have been rumours for years about new access nothing has come to light yet."

Kerikeri's population growth is significantly more than other areas. The Bay of Islands recorded a one percent increase but overall the Far North's population has decreased by four percent since the last census.