Left to right: Bill, Kula, Alex and Nick

The National Café

This family owned business which includes two brothers, Bill (manager) and Alex (partner), sister Kula and her son Nick ("general gofer"), is like taking a fascinating trip down memory lane. According to Kula, who is the eldest, "I do what I like, when I like and how I like. The men boss me around but I just take no notice."
The restaurant established by their Greek parents, Nicholas and Nicoletta Paxie in 1928, was originally located in Dickens Street. Named the National Cafe because it welcomes people of all nationalities, it lived up to its name during the Second World War when it was frequented by servicemen from around the globe. The building was wiped out in the 1931 earthquake and Kula has vivid memories of that fateful day. Four years old at the time, she was in the alleyway trying to open the side door of the restaurant, but was having difficulty because with all the violent movement it kept shutting. A stranger picked her up and carried her, kicking and screaming, to safety.
At that time, Hastings Street was Napier's main street. The family were determined to rebuild the National Cafe and managed to purchase two vacant sections side by side in Emerson Street. In 1936 the restaurant re-opened its doors and the family lived on the floor above it. The other section became a fish shop.
The interior of the restaurant, designed by well known local architect Guy Natusch, remains unchanged to this day. The original rails for customers' coats and hat and Art Deco wallpaper still grace the walls. The curved ceiling is also of interest as are the formica tables and plastic upholstered chairs. The kitchen's had the odd lick of paint, but the cupboards are all original.
The menu's hardly changed either. Every meal is preceded by a side plate of stacked slices of white bread and butter. Fish or steak, egg and chips are still firm favourites with customers. Seafood and shrimp cocktails are served in the traditional elevated stainless steel dishes. Two customers in particular have eaten in the restaurant on a weekly basis for over 50 years and they have also served meals to a NZ Prime Minister, other parliamentarians, Kel Tremain and other All Blacks, entertainers John Rowles and Rolf Harris and international wrestlers.

The interior of the National Cafe


This modest Paxie clan (all born in Napier) have lots of interesting stories to tell. At 15, Bill started working in the National Café and in the early 60s took a break for nine years to pursue a singing career in London. He travelled with the New Zealand Opera Company as an understudy, performing in Don Giovanni and Travatori. He adopted the stage name Buddy Collins and became the resident singer at the Down Under Club in London for two years. He has worked in restaurant ever since he returned. Kula has clocked up over 73 years (having helped out since the age of 8), Alex has 40 years' service under his belt and Nick's the novice with two years' experience. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday and closes at 7.45pm.
Their commitment and dedication is nothing short of remarkable but the Paxies shrug off any praise. They do what they know and love best. Their parents were fiercely keen that the family should stay and work together and they've honoured that.
If you haven't visited the National Café yet then make sure you don't delay, because you're in for a treat!

The National Cafe
112 Emerson Street
(06) 835 4763

Wayne Herrick Hairdresser & Tobacconist

Ever had a hair-raising experience? This isn't about horror, electricity or hypnosis, but rather an unassuming, talented barber who prefers to stay out of the limelight. Likened by his business partner Peter Foote to a one-man comedian show, Wayne Herrick is somewhat of a local legend. Despite the fact that he teases and "regales" his customers, they keep returning! Over the past forty years, Wayne has endeared himself to his customers by showing a genuine interest in them and their families. His ability to remember even the smallest details reinforces his thoughtfulness and that he has a memory like an elephant!
After completing his apprenticeship in Carterton, Wayne moved to Napier in 1968. He wanted to open a shop "in the main drag" and as luck would have it, 212 Emerson Street became vacant when a takeaway bar closed its doors. After clearing the premises of its cookers and other equipment, he opened Wayne Herrick Hairdresser and Tobacconist.
One of Wayne's first customers was the electrician who certified the electrics for the new business and although he's now in a rest home, his daughter still brings him in for a regular haircut! Many others are just as loyal with third generations now visiting the salon. Sporting celebrities and other public figures like Kel Tremain and Dick Hubbard have also sat in Wayne's chair.

(06) 835 4580
212 Emerson Street 

Wayne at work, and customers wait their turn

Nowadays, it's like entering a time warp - the furniture and equipment are all still exactly the same. The barber chairs, made in 1910, have handles made of leather, porcelain and chrome. And then there's the old formica......
One could also be forgiven for thinking that the shop is also a football museum because of all the memorabilia that adorns the walls and mirrors. Not surprisingly, Wayne is regarded as a "soccer nut and walking library".
Peter recalls, "Being a misguided Manchester United fan, Wayne celebrated in true style when the club won the treble viz. the FA Cup, European Cup and league. He came to work dressed in red and refused to do any work that day. He bored any customer who was vaguely interested in the details of United's victory whilst enjoying a number of glasses of red wine to celebrate their good fortune."
A good cricketer in his heyday, Wayne is also remembered for his Vauxell Viva which he drove for thirty years. After years in the Hawke's Bay sun, the faithful blue-coloured vehicle turned a powdery white! Unlike his car, Wayne hasn't faded - he is still as passionate about his business as he was when he first opened for business.