Wanted, new unofficial Mayor of Kakahi

Anyone who spends any time around me will be familiar with the contented declaration “I love my job”. 
Earlier this year on a work trip to the quaint town of Kakahi I was reminded of all the things I love about this business. The photo is  Kakahi General store in the 70's, children on their way home from school, note the front window with both guns and ammunition on display.  This photo was taken by Manu Lala the owner of the store then - 50 years on he is still here.

I got to meet Manu, his lovely wife, and some of the colourful locals when I stopped by his one of a kind Store, and experienced some heartwarming local history. My passion for what I do was reaffirmed, after-all; I am able to travel the countryside indulging my passions for photography, people and houses, what could be better?

Tharean Faeron from Ray White Taumarunui booked me to take photos of the Kakahi General store and the home that goes with it.  I was not expecting a trip back in time and the perfect slice of kiwiana that I recieved.  Kakahi is a little settlement that was once a thriving saw milling town on the main rail line. It boasted churches, a cinema, a hotel, town hall, a boarding house, a pool hall, famous bakeries and four sawmills. Sadly all that remains are an empty town hall and Manu's store.   The school closed in 2016 with the diminished population unable to justify its existence, locals would love to see it open again as despite outward appearances this a thriving close knit community.   

Today, the undeniable social hub of Kakahi is Manu’s general store.   Manu’s Father bought the store in 1937 having immigrated to New Zealand from India  in the 1920’s.  He worked at whatever he could find until he could buy his own business in the bustling town of Kakahi 15km south of Taumarunui on the way to the North Island Ski fields.  During a later trip home to India he was stranded by the outbreak of WW2  unable to return to NZ, five years later he returned without his new wife and son “Manu”.  In 1949 he sent for his wife and son which is how Manu came to be here.  Manu’s mother could not read or even sign her own name when she travelled with her 8 year old son first by ship to Australia, then by float plane from Sydney to Auckland and finally by steam train from Auckland to the local Kakahi Railway station.  Manu has lived  here ever since.

The school principal teamed the young boy - who could speak no English, with a brother and sister from a neighbouring farm to help him settle into his new school.  He still calls them his Pakeha brother and sister and has been close to them ever since.  Manu did not get to realise his kiwi dream of a higher education and professional career.  Before he finished high school his father fell ill and Manu stepped up and took over the family business in 1957.  Seeing the impact he has had on this community and the impact they have had on him this hardship seems to have been worthwhile.  The next generation achieved the dream of university and professional careers, leaving no-one to take over the thriving family business.  It is long past due for Manu to retire, however Manu won’t leave his beloved community without someone to take over the busy store and post-office and his unofficial title the "Mayor of Kakahi".

As if this delightful journey back in time was not enough, I also got to view the art of renowned artist Peter McIntyre who helped put Kakahi on the map when he published a book  'Kakahi' in 1972.  His paintings were on display in Manu's store and his house, the captivating local scenes included portaits of Manu and his wife.

Can you see yourself being the centre of a close knit community? Perhaps the havoc of the past few years has made you dream of simpler times, this is certainly the place to come for a change of pace. 
What would this listing have to offer other than a business, home and exceptional lifestyle?  How about being  a local hero, helping this community survive and thrive. There is so much to be had in this location.  With world-renowned trout fishing, abundant glow worm caves, stunning scenery and located close to ski fields.  Kakahi has much to offer to locals and tourists alike.



View the property here:
https://www.nz.open2view.com/properties/530442