New Zealand’s longest running general store, Gilchrist’s Store, has been celebrated in a book launched at the Oturehua Hall on Sunday September 3.

Thomas Gilchrist and Sons Limited of the Maniototo by Paula Wagemaker, John Hellier and Judy Beck is a 328 page history of the store and the community it has served.

Gilchrist’s owners John and Helen Hellier have been running the store since 2014, after a background in farming in Southland and North Otago. 

John, who is also the rural postman, said the launch was a “resounding success” with approximately 280 people in the audience. 

The book was mooted five years ago and had been worked on for the past four years, John said. 

“Covid-19 interfered and stalled progress as we couldn’t go and see more senior people.”

The idea for a book came from Helen.

“She was spending upwards of 20 minutes [explaining] things to our customers,” John said.

The cover of the newly published book. PHOTO: Nationwidebooks.co.nz

Proceeds from book sales will go towards store retention and maintenance, once publishing costs have been paid off. 

The store was run by four generations of the Gilchrist family and has sold everything from dynamite and gasoline in the past, to rail trail souvenirs, general groceries and barista-made coffee today.

The book details how the community rallied to save the store twice, along with detailing past contributors and owners who have played a part in helping it to survive for 124 years. 

Authors Judy, John (current owner and rural postie), and Paula. PHOTO: Positively Maniototo Facebook

The store was built in 1899 and has been servicing the area since 1902. Inside shelves display nostalgic memorabilia and modern convenient items are for sale.

At its peak the business included groceries and haberdashery, bakery, farm store supplies, accommodation and fuel pumps, and employed 12 people.

Icons of old world charm deck the walls inside the store. PHOTO: Otago Central Rail Trail

The event was opened with John Grenell’s song ‘Welcome to our World’, followed by speeches and messages from author Paula, Central Otago District mayor Tim Cadogan, Helen Napier (nee Gilchrist), co-author Judy Beck, Ken Gillespie, and John Hellier. 

The Chevrolet delivery truck from 1948 -1979 was parked outside for the event. 

John thanked his fellow authors, the speakers, the master of ceremonies Alistair Broad, along with committee members Trevor Beck, Steve Aldridge and Barry Becker for their continued support and contribution. 

People can buy the the book here.