Johnstons Store

On the outskirts of Kaitaia is an understated landmark which can barely be seen from the road. It is private property, but it is good to know it is there, as this is one of the foundations cornerstones of the community that is Kaitaia.

Now a private house, Johnston's used to be a store and a staging post, a stopping and starting place that many travellers used from the day Welsh migrant R.V. Johnston set it up in 1884.

His business was based upon a clever idea for a storage shed, linked by wagon rails to a wharf on the Awanui river, with a gantry for unloading goods brought up-river by launch. One of his sons continued the business into the next century and was instrumental in the founding of Kaitaia. The logbook of Johnston's store is held at Te Ahu.

Image Credits: LJ Hooker Kaitaia