A Tākaka business has hammered home its success, winning a national award for the third year in a row.
Golden Bay Hammer Hardware has taken out the Store of the Year award at the Hammer Hardware Awards, following its Store of the Year win in 2024 and Garden Centre of the Year accolade in 2025.
Store owners Tarnae and Gavin Palmer reckon their focus has always been on creating a great store while looking after their customers and supporting the local community.
Tarnae says that winning in 2024 was a huge achievement and, while they hoped to earn the top spot again, it was never a specific goal.
“We're incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, and to have that recognised again is pretty special.”
The award citation states the business has consistently demonstrated excellence across every aspect of what it means to be a Hammer Hardware store.
“From the moment customers walk through the door, they are welcomed by friendly, professional teams who take pride in their store.”
The citation also highlights the store's range of stock, staff expertise and deep engagement with the Golden Bay community.
Tarnae and Gavin bought the business seven years ago and quickly began replacing racking to increase stock capacity. They also built their award-winning garden centre and expanded into landscaping and plumbing supplies, as well as Resene paint products.
Their biggest challenge was establishing the garden centre on the neighbouring site of the former Curry Leaf restaurant, clearing the property to create a fresh canvas.
Starting with just two staff members, the business now employs 11 part-time and full-time staff.
Tarnae offers “a huge thank you to our amazing staff and our loyal customers” and says the recognition is a win for everyone who has supported them along the way.
“Our team is what makes the store special, and our customers are the reason we get to do what we love every day,” she says. “We're incredibly grateful for the support of our local community and proud to be a part of it.”
