Paper Plane is a lifestyle shop in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Founded in 2013 by Krista Plews and Timothy John who named the shop after their company ethos of applying construction fundamentals and design ideas to a simple piece of paper to produce something practical, beautiful and fun. Both with backgrounds in design, Krista and Timothy had a clear vision for the brand and space, and the majority of the fittings were designed and built by Timothy. Paper Plane is filled with high quality practical items that include the brand’s locally made furniture range, hand molded New Zealand beach sand ceramics, and The Horse watches from Melbourne. They love working with creative independents who are producing their goods locally by hand, such as Smoke & Fire small batch peanut butter by Fix & Fogg An ever-changing collection of vintage goods are interspersed throughout the store adding interest and further creating a unique assortment. Paper Plane is a go-to store for design enthusiasts.
The Shopkeepers
Krista Plews and Timothy John met in Canada. Moving to New Zealand they combined their skills, she an interior architectural designer, and he a furniture maker, to open a furniture design studio. Opening a shop was a natural progression of their business to allow them engage directly with their customers. They love working together on a creative venture as a couple, becoming a valued part of their community, and the great friendships they have forged with their customers. It’s hard, but satisfying work, and as they live on a beach, they find the time to enjoy themselves surfing and playing beach volleyball. They love to travel, whether it be a trip to Auckland or the trip to Tokyo they are planning later this year. Favorite shops are Father Rabbit and Thanks in New Zealand, Fictional Objects Bedding in Australia, and Old Faithful Shop in Vancouver.
On the Future of Retail
“There has been an explosion of online design oriented stores within NZ and abroad over the past couple of years. The competition is so tough, especially when there is such an overlap of brands between many of the stores. I anticipate that it will be the stores who also have bricks & mortar stores that will endure as they have the ability to reach a far wider market, enabling customers to engage with the products in person which seems to give them more confidence to purchase with us online.”
99 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
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