WINDOW SHOPPING

Smith & Caughey’s is a large department store in Queen Street, Auckland. The store was founded in 1880. 
In the 1960’s Mum would occasionally take her six children for a morning tea treat upstairs in the cavernous building. Not so sure it was a treat for her! In the 1970’s, Dad’s chemist shop (Peter Horne Limited) was situated next door. It’s sad to note that Smith & Caughey’s will be downsizing in the near future due to declining revenues. 
Last month TVNZ ran a story about Kevin Broadfoot, Smith & Caughey’s special projects manager, who started work with the store in 1980. He designs the Christmas animated windows and his work is all year round. Each year he looks for a new story theme and this year the theme is based around a New Zealand book titled The adventures of Huta and Kawa, by Avis Acres. This was a bestselling classic children’s book from the 1950’s and was re-issued in 2023. 
Kevin says, “This year is tinged with sadness as this could be the last Christmas we do this, as we have done for the last eighteen years.” He acknowledges the great feeling that thousands of children and families now have of life long memories of visiting Santa. Kevin also wants to keep hold of the memories amongst the sadness as well as the joy of bringing Christmas to generations of Kiwi kids.
I want to acknowledge Kevin’s kindness and generosity in giving his creative talents and commitment to excellence to us all. The true spirit of Christmas is evident in his work. Thank you. Your legacy lives on.


Comments

  1. alizJanuary 31, 2025 at 7:14 AM

    It’s truly heartwarming to read about Kevin Broadfoot’s dedication to creating magical Christmas windows at Smith & Caughey’s. His passion for bringing joy to families for nearly two decades is a testament to the power of creativity and tradition. The story behind the windows, especially the theme based on The Adventures of Huta and Kawa, is a wonderful way to preserve New Zealand’s literary history while creating new memories for generations. It's bittersweet to know that Smith & Caughey’s is downsizing, but Kevin's work will surely leave an enduring mark on Auckland’s holiday spirit.
    ________________
    Buy paint bucket grid 1 gallon

    ReplyDelete
  2. gym-scoutJune 29, 2025 at 12:29 AM

    Looking to buy Viagra online in the USA ? Discover trusted options for purchasing Viagra from licensed online pharmacies that ensure privacy, fast delivery, and genuine products. Compare prices, read verified reviews, and enjoy discreet doorstep shipping across the United States. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

In Your Face

Sometimes being kind doesn’t seem to work and when this happens it can be confusing and hurtful. I recall such a time… Driving on a main arterial route in Hamilton I noticed ahead of me a man pushing his car. I pulled my car over to the side of the road and ran over to help. Placing my hands on the boot I pushed too. The car was on a slight uphill incline, so my help was surely going to make a difference.  You know that sense you have when something isn’t quite right with the world. Well, unexpectedly he curtly said “Get your hands off my car!” Startled, I  replied. “Excuse me?” Making sure I heard correctly he said in a more forceful voice. “I told you once. I don’t want your help. Go away!”  I backed away, bewildered. I couldn’t understand why he wanted to push his car by himself. I just wanted to do the right thing. To help him. POINTS to PONDER Sometimes our desire to help isn’t wanted or appreciated. Get over yourself if this happens.  We do not know what...
Read more

BELONGING

I’m reading a book ‘Belonging’ by Owen Eastwood (2021). Owen has Irish and Māori descendants. He has a wonderfully considered understanding of whakapapa (genealogy) which means the tracing of lines of inheritance from our ancestors/descendants - it is also about our links to the land (whenua) and our connections to people and our relationships with them. But what if we don’t belong for a time? In my career in education spanning 45 years, I’ve experienced a workplace where I was ostracised, maligned and sidelined. This has possibly happened to you. I was also micromanaged and bullied. Highly stressed and feeling a failure, Val would watch me leave for work and worry about my wellbeing. Not anymore. Without the unwavering support and encouragement of a number of colleagues, Val’s unconditional love and knowing that I was safe and secure with family and friends then I’m not sure where I would be today.  Today I belong. I believe in myself, my ideas and know I am worthy. I’m part of so...
Read more

BLAH de BLAH BLAH?

It may surprise you that I enjoy talking with people…  For many years I had a stutter and talking was a form of torture. Now I’m rarely too busy for a chat and a laugh (Making up for lost time perhaps). Val loves to have a chat too and I love the way she makes friends  with supermarket check-out staff and is unfailingly welcoming to people she meets.  One of our Raglan neighbours had ordered catering supplies. The bread company personnel had delivered their order and walked towards our home. Val and I were working in our garden, looked up and initiated a conversation with them. A few minutes of banter followed. Then, ‘out of the blue’ they offered us a free box of bread treats. Eh? They must have noticed our confused looks, so they said, “This is our way of thanking you for being kind to us.” We  accepted their kind offer. In a good way we had interrupted their busy day and in their own way they appreciated that.  I’m sure that some readers of my blog will think...
Read more