28 Degustation
Grand Re-Opening
The Station
interview by Kat PicKford
SuPPlied
The 120-year-old train station building
in Seddon is set to become a hub for the
community and visitors again, with plans for a
new cafe and cellar door.
The Turnbull family purchased the building
and acre of land in September last year.
Heather Turnbull and daughter Olivia Doonan
have taken on the project, and see it as a way
of combining their community interests and
family business, Tupari Wines.
The Station which was built in 1902 and
added onto 100 years later in the 90s has
been unused in recent years, so Heather and
Olivia are enjoying the task of breathing some
new life into a building that is a fundamental
part of Seddon.
“The building is over 100 years old, it has
a charming simplicity with original timber
floors and joinery, alongside some distinctive
railway features,” Olivia says.
Extensive landscaping is happening outside.
Once the plants are established, tables among
the boxed edible garden beds and native
plantings will be a pretty spot to eat and drink
in the sunshine, while a large, fully fenced,
shaded grassy area provides a safe space for
the kids to run and play while parents relax.
“We’re going for a modern take on the
Edwardian theme, while trying to incorporate
the community projects that are happening
around us, including the Tui to Town park and
the Community Garden.”
Kate Shadbolt and Koko Lambert – Café owners
The original ticket office is destined to
become a tasting room for the family’s
wine label Tupari, which will provide an
opportunity for locals and visitors to get a
taste of the wine, the area and its people.
“The Awatere Valley is the second-largest
grape growing area in New Zealand after
the Wairau Valley, it’s a huge part of our
community, yet you’d hardly know it if you
were driving through,” Olivia says.
“There’s so much potential for Seddon in
tourism. It would be great for the community
in terms of providing jobs and creating a vibe
around town.”
The sunny lean-to café area was added on to
the front of the building in 2002, and will be
run by local hospitality duo, Koko Lambert
and Kate Shadbolt.
When asked what inspired them to team up
for this new venture they explain that is was
the opportunity of The Station that sparked
the idea. “The qualities we see in each other
we also see in ourselves and our values in
life and work are very similar, that’s why we
knew it was the perfect match. We both have
worked in hospitality from a young age which
lead us to work together. We have played
netball competitively together as well so we
know what it takes to work together and have
fun.” smiles the duo.
As the area continues on a path of rebuilding
and evolving, the modernization of the
historic landmark will offer something else for
the community.
Our mix of delicious wholesome homemade
savoury and sweet foods, can be enjoyed with
family and friends, and by hungry travellers.
Our menu will have something that appeals
to everyone.
The passionate food and coffee lovers seem
to have a twinkle in their eyes when they
describe what reviving The Station Café
means to them. “For us, it means starting
a new business where we are working for
ourselves and our families future. We are
locals, striving to rebuild local connections
again by offering another place to come
together. We are excited to share will the
locals and encourage more community