Yesterday two family-owned Whanganui businesses celebrated 70 years with a joint cutting of a cake.
Matthews Nurseries, a rose-breeding business based just outside of Whanganui on State Highway 3, was founded by Tom Matthews in 1947.
In that same year, the Wanganui Garden Centre in Gonville was established by Ivan Cvitanovich - and the two operations have worked together since day one.
Second generation owner of the rose nursery, Bob Matthews, and third generation owner of the garden centre, Chris Cvitanovich, marked the platinum milestone together with their families.
Mr Cvitanovich said it was a great achievement for both businesses and good reflection of the commitment and hard work they had been through together.
"It's like passing on the baton really and it's great we can all be here together to celebrate."
Mr Matthews said the secret to a longstanding business was to keep the passion and drive alive.
"I grew up with the business, and passion has always been important. I'm pretty chuffed really," he said.
To commemorate the 70 years, Mr Matthews has bred an award-winning new hybrid tea rose he called the platinum - the latest in a run of 35 different rose varieties that he has developed over the years.
"My favourite is a rose I named after my mum Pearl, closely followed by diamonds forever which won medals at international rose trials," he said.
Matthews Nurseries will be displaying their roses until the end of the week at the Wanganui Garden Centre. Mr matthews and his wife Cath will also be at the garden centre
on Saturday from 1pm to 3pm to answer any questions about growing roses.