North City Shopping Centre is a major draw card for locals and out-of-towners alike with more than 90 stores inside the mall including Kmart, Whitcoulls, Farmers and more. If you’re after clothes, pharmacy products, games, bargains, stationery, travel agencies, and more, park up at North City Shopping Centre.
Visit North City Shopping Centre website for more information
For bigger ticket items or to enjoy an outdoor mall environment, then head to the Mega Centre (Semple Street), where you’ll find 12 hectares of stores and more than 1000 free parking spaces.
If you’re looking for homewares or something DIY, head north along Titahi Bay Road and turn right at Semple Street. Here you’ll find some of our mega stores including Briscoes, Mitre 10 Mega (there’s great coffee at Columbus Café inside the store), Spotlight, Godfreys, Smiths City, Carpet Court, and Harvey Norman.
Toi Store at Pātaka is the perfect place to find a book, unique card or new taonga made by a contemporary New Zealand artist. If you’re looking for a special gift or maybe a little something for yourself, the friendly team will help you select artwork by leading artists, glass, ceramics, jewellery and more.
Aloha Tania!
Former Tall Fern Tania Tupu has transitioned from professional basketball player, representing New Zealand at the Olympics, to renowned jewellery designer and co-owner of Aloha Friday Coffee + Gallery in Titahi Bay.
What led you to becoming a jewellery designer after you retired from basketball?
I started working for Michael Hill Jeweller after the Sydney Olympics and was interested in jewellery manufacturing. My aunt advised me that I needed to get stuck into something, to fill the potential void after letting go of something I’m so passionate about.
How is Aloha Friday Coffee + Gallery going?
It really is supported by the Titahi Bay community and the neighbourhood vibe is pretty cool. We are very grateful for the support – it has grown month on month. I love how locals come to kōrero, hang out, and get their coffee fix daily!
Where do you get the inspiration for your jewellery designs?
I love and collect military badges, connecting to my Māori whakapapa and mixing it all in with what’s happening in the moment.
What do you do to relax in Porirua? Do you have a favourite spot?
We love to head down to Titahi Bay Beach. Our boys love looking for crabs in the rock pools and on a nice evening we take our bean bags to the lookout on Terrace Road to watch the sunset and the boats coming in.
What do you like about living in the Bay?
Paradise at our doorstep, coastal outdoor living and the local village feel. And I love how I don’t have to drive to get a coffee.
And you still coach basketball?
My husband Chris (also a former international) and I both enjoy giving back to the game through coaching. Right now I’m coaching the Wellington U17 Girls rep team and Chris oversees the Rongotai College senior team.
Head to Porirua’s harbourside and you’ll be drawn in by the colourful converted shipping container that is Blue Bell Club - a vibrant splash of the Pacific right on the water’s edge.
Owners Pip and Ramona’s vision for starting Blue Bell Club was to provide a place where you can find truly unique items, and the goods here are as unique as they get! Choose from different, colourful, one-off and handmade cushions, bed covers, jewellery, bags, lamp shades, dresses and many other items, hand-crafted by Pip, Ramona, or other local creators.
Blue Bell Club exudes Pip and Ramona’s passion for Pasifika and supporting local talent, and is Porirua’s very own slice of Pacific paradise
Sustainable shopping, eco-friendly products and a waste free ethos are important to our community and our businesses in Porirua. Come and shop here with a clean conscience.
We have a range of unique local shops in the Cobham Court area. Grab a bargain or get your Pasifika on, you’ll discover everyone is happy to help out and chat to you about your day. For those of you looking for something cheap and cheerful but fabulous, check out Pete’s Emporium (2 Parumoana St) or venture west to Trash Palace (at the end of Broken Hill Road).
Time for lunch? Head outside to Cobham Court where you’ll be greeted with a smile and great food and coffee at the Little Goat kiosk or one of Porirua City’s excellent cafes such as the Cake Society, Kaizen or Peppermill.
Here in Porirua City, we are spoilt for choice of food to love! From food truck treats to fantastic café fare in each village. Make the most of a fun day out when you come and play in our beautiful backyard.
For a more local experience, visit one of Porirua’s village shopping areas – Plimmerton has a great range of stores and cafes on the waterfront (check out its business directory), Whitby has a great little shopping centre nestled near the lakes, while further north Mana has a range of shops along the esplanade including cafes, boutiques, bars, and health providers.
If you’ve shopped ’till you’ve dropped but are not quite ready to head home, why not visit to Pātaka Art + Museum and check out one of the latest exhibitions then unwind at the cafe with a latte (or vino). Enjoy!
From the best in foodie delights to natural, eco and sustainable products that your family (and your doggo) will love, you can find it here in our backyard, visit poriruacity.govt.nz/businessdirectory
