Big Mac Slabs

When Kāpiti business directors Steph Smith and Andy Havard purchased a derelict mushroom farm in Paraparaumu a decade ago, it was rusty and falling apart.

But with its tall buildings and proximity to State Highway 1, the property was ideal for expanding their business, Big Mac Slabs Furniture.

After opening their first site in Plimmerton in 2009, business exploded into the commercial sector, and freight became an issue. 

Steph decided to move the business to reduce its environmental footprint from transporting, and the warmer climate of Kāpiti was a drawing card.

They purchased the Paraparaumu premise in 2014, beginning a major building overhaul.

“Kāpiti glass artist Caren Ashford approached us and asked, ‘You've obviously got lots of buildings. How about making some of it into an art gallery?’” Step recalls. “I thought, ‘Why not?’ It seemed artists could benefit from us and we could beautify our site with their work.”

Slowly, the Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre was born, opening in September 2016 with two exhibition spaces and six artists.

“Developing a creative centre requires a lot of commitment and everybody has to be a team player,” says Steph, who launched her first upholstery company at 19, before developing a mail sorting system for New Zealand Post that went global.

Today, the Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre boasts seven gallery spaces with diverse artwork from 104 artists.

“Structure has been key to making the creative centre work in Kāpiti,” Steph emphasises.

“Artists couldn’t afford separate internet and power connection, or advertising alone, and they’ve all grown being here. We rely on one another to make money.”

The hub also accommodates home, garden, and landscape businesses, who work together to make it a success.

Big Mac Slabs Furniture has become a local tourist attraction, focusing on repurposing objects into art that tells a story.

“We love seeing people come in to enjoy art in all its forms,” Steph says.