It's the Kauri Arms once more

The new owners of what used to be the Kauri Arms Tavern, then became Chances Bar, have not come to Kaitaia to teach anyone how to suck eggs. But Mark and Denise Frost do have a very clear idea of the kind of establishment they want to run.

The first step in the transformation was to go back to the original name. The Kauri Arms is once again the Kauri Arms, but a good deal else is changing.

The makeover began with a declaration of standards expected of customers, standards that Mark said produced an instant dip in the takings, but which he and Denise would be sticking to. The plan was to run a tavern where everyone would feel welcome and unthreatened, and anyone who couldn't quite manage to contribute to that would need to go elsewhere.

The couple, who took over in July after moving north from Rotorua, where they had managed a pub for the past five years, were determined to create a safe, family-friendly atmosphere where patrons were more than mere customers.

"We've raised a family of five so we're quite family-oriented. We treat everyone here like family, such as by sharing our fish around when we do catch some," Mark said.

Speaking of fish, a meeting has been called for 1pm on Sunday afternoon for anyone interested in being part of a Kauri Arms social fishing club, Mark saying it would be based on families and friends enjoying themselves as opposed to competitions as such.

Fishing, he added, had been one of the big attractions of the Far North.

"We love the fishing up here. The times we have come up here (they have competed in the 90 Mile five-day tournament for years) the people have been very warm and welcoming. When the opportunity came to purchase the pub, we took it," Mark said.

He was also at something of a crossroads, having turned 50 and ready to be his own boss.

"I'm pleased with our purchase. The place has a good heart, it just needs the right people in here. We're not afraid to get dirty, we clean with the staff, we work behind the bar; it's a team effort running this place," he added.

"Deep down Kaitaia has a good heart. People up here need to realise they live in a great community. The more we can work together the more we can help make this community thrive."

The staff were "first-rate, absolutely fantastic," and the surroundings soon would be too. Plans included a courtyard gazebo, somewhere to relax outside with a drink, and their commitment to reducing drink-driving included two courtesy vehicles - or they'll give patrons a ride home themselves.

They've established a women-only pool competition (Kauri Girls 500) which starts on October 28 (phone Mark on 408-1700 or (027) 677-7711 to register), Texas Hold Em poker is about to start on Tuesday nights, with karaoke every Thursday and a local DJ on Friday nights.

The pub also has three competitive pool teams, Mark being a member of one (and Denise the cheerleader).

Melbourne Cup day will provide the excuse for best-dressed competitions and other events at the only TAB in town.