Mega launch date stays secret

The biggest hardware and building supply store in Wairarapa's history is gearing up to open its doors some time next month.

Mitre 10 Mega, a huge complex situated in Ngaumutawa Rd, will employ about 70 people, including the 45 who now work at the two Mitre 10 stores in Masterton.

General manager Brent Stewart, who will run the complex and who has been store manager at Ngaumutawa Rd for eight years, said the actual opening date for the massive store was being kept under wraps until next week when details of the launch would be made public.

Meanwhile, the Queen St store is to close on Sunday, signalling the end of an era for that shop and the beginning of another.

Included in the staff who will be moving from Queen St to the Mega store are the Queen St manager John Harp, who has worked there for 27 years, and other long termers Mary Hesp (27 years) and Tim Daniell (20 years).

Mr Stewart, who applied for the managership of the Mega store and secured it after interviews, said he was looking forward to the challenge. A roll-out of what customers could expect on opening day would form part of next week's press release, he said.

The Mega store is owned and will be run by Masterton's Rex Slight and his son-in-law Ivan Frederiksen, with Mr Slight's son and former World Superbike star Aaron Slight having a shareholding in the company.

It covers 8000sq m and will carry 30,000 stock lines.

Included will be a 1000sq m garden centre, a children's play area, a trades sales area, the retail store, 200 car parks, offices and a cafe.

The store's owners have confirmed the business will continue to sponsor the Life Flight Trust helicopter, Masterton's Kids Own playground and the town's Christmas parade.