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CARRIAGES CAFE WIPED OUT BY FLOOD SEPT 2021

  • Still awaiting settlement

      5 August 2022

    We’ve been without work, without a business and without a single cent from our insurance companies to date!!

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  • The unknown future but certainly not good

      4 October 2021

    A humble hello to you all. The generous and caring people of Kumeu, Taupaki, Huapai and Riverhead. An update like no other but in it’s true form and what it is, it’s only rightful that you’re all updated with what happened and what’s about to. Today marks exactly 5 weeks, since the Kumeu flood devastated our business rendering Carriages Café and Wine Bar, out of action for months on end. Our premises took the brunt of the flood destroying all that stood in its way, from all our appliances and stock through to all our pet chickens, roosters, cats and our little café kitten of only 8-9 months old.

    For those walking or driving past the building, just a quick glance over to the café tells the story of an era now closed due to mother nature’s fury over a month ago. At this point and time, we still have no idea what the Landlord has planned for the building etc but one thing is certain, it’s going to be a while before any final decision is made making it really quite difficult to know which way things are heading towards in respect of a rebuild, relocation or a full or semi demolition. To be frank, the latter has been indicated to us over the past 3 weeks during our time of packing up ALL our chattels and moving them into storage.

    To our precious and valued loyal customers: Sadly, as it is, we have conceded to the fact that our 10 years of serving this beautiful and bubbly community has come to an abrupt end. This was not our doing nor did we plan for any of this, but in more ways than one, it may have just been a Blessing in disguise as so many things didn’t line up (as planned) and maybe, (just maybe), this was already mapped out for us By God Himself not wanting to prolong our ongoing suffering in many areas. In saying so, we can’t express enough the stress, the pain and suffering we’ve gone through in these past 18 months like fighting a battle for so long then “BOOM” it comes to a sudden halt overnight and everything STOPS!. But the real hurt of sadness and tears of mixed emotions started to flow last Thursday when we took our last and FINAL photos inside the café before saying goodbye to what was our baby for 10 years but now, we’re leaving it behind, unbeknown whether we’re back here or not.

    Thank you, a million-fold, to ALL who supported us over these past 10 years at CARRIAGES CAFÉ AND WINE BAR, especially to the REGULARS and LOCALS who kept us on our feet, week-in, and week-out. We’d also now, like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise to any customers that may have had a bad experience whilst at Carriages and for that, PLEASE, forgive us as we all know too well, that no one is ever perfect, nor did we set out to do any wrong, intentionally. Once again please, accept OUR sincere apologies to you all from the bottom of our hearts.

    Lastly, thank you (a million times) to ALL those that reached out to us since the day of the flood. Something that will KEEP and live with us forever is the outpouring of aroha and help from you all. The sheer volume of messages and phone calls asking and telling us that you’d all come and help clean up and/or to do whatever. From dozens of local businesses, (way too many to mention), to owner operators to general everyday people with some even walking down our driveway offering to pick up rubbish at a distance being we were all at Alert-level 4 at that time. Unbelievable at first… and very believable when it REALLY mattered.

    Ashreen and I and are humbly honoured to know you all and to be of service to the entire community since 2011 (especially Ash). We bid Goodbye (for now) and farewell you all with these final thoughts; “We came to Kumeu in 2011 not knowing anything or anyone. We NOW leave Kumeu 10 years later filled with heartfelt love and joy and happiness brought upon by you all, both past and present, as this is priceless - a milestone embedded within our hearts. We will NEVER FORGET YOU ALL and please, pray for us as we pray for you all as well especially in these uncertain and trying times. And finally, please, do take good care of each other and continue supporting local as you have, just as you all did with us here at Carriages Café and Wine Bar. 2011 to 2021.

    LOVE AND WILL MISS YOU ALL… Aroha matou ki a koe

    Ashreen and Paul

    Ps; dozens of you pleaded for us to create a “GIVE A LITTLE” page. At first, we didn’t want to. But after dozens more requesting it (with some from overseas), we did, and it’s now done.

    In category “DISASTER” Title. Carriages Café Wiped out by flood sept 2021.

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  • Major undertaking to begin soon

      11 September 2021

    2 days ago, we’ve been advised that the rebuild could take 5-6 months. Sadly, it’s looking more likely that we won’t be here to wish you all a Merry Christmas & welcome you all into the new year. We so miss being of service to you ALL especially Ash who has been the smiley face of the business for over 10 years here in Kumeu.

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