Under the shade of the Pōhutukawas at Mulberry Grove sits a tiny building with a very big mission. It is Haymans Op Shop, and if it is not officially the smallest op-shop in the world, it is certainly a contender for the one with the most soul.
Staffed by the inimitable Joan Wright, the shop is approaching a milestone: five years of serving the Great Barrier community. Every cent of profit—including last month’s $250 haul—goes directly to Mulberry Grove School.
Built by the Locals, for the Locals
The shop’s origin story is a classic Barrier tale of doing it ourselves. When Joan first took over the space, it was in a sorry state—filthy and neglected. The site consists of two small dwellings donated years ago by Len Hayman, but they had fallen into disrepair.
When Joan approached the council for help with repairs to the dangerous railings and leaking roofs, she was met with silence. But where the authorities lagged, the community stepped up. Joan provided the timber, a local carpenter built the necessary structures, and the paint was acquired through local generosity. A man from Sunset Lodge even climbed onto the roof to fix the leaks and stop the water coming in.
“I just feel I have upgraded it”, Joan says. “It suits the purpose.”
A Bit of Counselling Included
The shop is more than a place to score a bargain; it is a social hub. Inside, there’s a second chair alongside Joan’s. It is a seat that has hosted people from all walks of life—from multi-millionaires to locals who have lived on the island for decades.
“That was the secondary reason why I opened it”, Joan explains. “I saw a need that people could pop in and have a chat. A bit of counselling happens too.” she adds.
The Guinness Stand-off
Joan did investigate getting the shop into the Guinness World Records, but the $1000 fee for a yearly entry put a quick end to that. In true Joan fashion, her priorities were clear: “If I had $1000, I would give it straight to the school.”, she said.
A Life Well-Lived
While she is a fixture at Mulberry Grove, Joan’s history is as expansive as the shop is small. A former world traveler, she has eight trips to Venice under her belt, has lived with Bedouins in the desert, and once successfully cold-called the Versace house in Milan to set up a meeting for her fashion-prodigy granddaughter.
Today, she is happy among the diversity of Aotea. “I love the mix”, she says, gesticulating toward my thoroughly pummelled acid-green Crocs that are more an idea than a functional shoe after years of being trashed in the bush. :”I love everybody, whether they are bare feet, or whether they are not”, she chuckles.
How to Support Haymans Op Shop
When: Fridays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Where: Under the Pohutukawas at Mulberry Grove Reserve. Donations: Gratefully received, when the shop is open. The Need: Stock is always needed. Swing by, have a chat with Joan, and help support the local school.
