Making new arrangements after floral legacy ends

Pamela Jenkins has sold Rotorua Florist, which she owned for 43 years. Photo / Stephen Parker

You may not be able to see her every day at Rotorua Florist, but Pam Jenkins isn't going too far from the business she started 43 years ago.

Yesterday was her last day as owner of Rotorua Florist as Katie McLaughlin, who owns Daisy Chain Florist, takes the reins.

She said she would still be around the shop.

"My next move will be working for Katie part time and I am going to be doing a lot of helping with training.

"Both shops will be running and it is important for people to understand Rotorua Florist will not be changing its identity."

Mrs Jenkins moved to Rotorua as a young florist but she was not able to find work, so built up her own business.

"I didn't expect to be here very long. I was just going to set the shop up and then sell it."

But love and marriage came calling and she ended up settling here.

She has no regrets.

"It's been a wonderful lifestyle for my son and my late husband. We have loved every minute of it."

Being a part of people's lives through her flowers was a huge part of why she enjoyed her job, she said.

"You go through the ups and downs with them. Now I am getting granddaughters whose mothers' and grandmothers' weddings I have done."

She said she was not able to pinpoint a particular highlight in her career but said her employees were one of the most important factors.

"We've done so many things through the shop, associated with flowers. I think probably one of the biggest highlights has been working with my staff and the other one is the people we have met through the shop. We have met some amazing and wonderful people."

She had even arranged flowers for Queen Elizabeth II - twice.

"She has visited Rotorua twice and we did flowers for her both times."

Mrs Jenkins said there were strict guidelines around the Queen's floral arrangement.

"She obviously didn't complain because they got us back."