Gary Stewart’s pop-up windmill cards bring joy and promote Foxton Beach

Foxton Beach local Gary Stewart with one of the cards. Photo / Alyssa Smith

Christmas is the time of giving and for Foxton Beach local Gary ‘Gazza’ Stewart, it’s also the perfect time to promote his favourite place.

Stewart, who has lived there for nine years, has designed and ordered hundreds of cards, each with a special surprise when the reader opens it.

“It’s the joy on people’s faces when you say to them ‘open the card up’ and then the Foxton windmill pops up. That’s what I love about it, the joy it brings to people. My late-wife Bonnie would always say smile and love and I think that’s a great way to live.”

Stewart received his first shipment of cards two months ago.

“I ordered 100 to start and have given almost all of them away. See, I love giving people gifts. If I can make someone’s day a little better, why not.”

As well as having the pop-up windmill inside the card, they have the words ‘De Molen Windmill Foxton New Zealand’ on the front.

“It’s also the right colour for the De Molen windmill.”

The cards have been quite popular, said Stewart.

“I was in town there one day and there was this couple from Sydney looking at the windmill. I gave them one of the cards and you’d of thought I’d given them a winning Lotto ticket. They were over the moon about it.”

He said the next shipment of cards is on the way.

“I’ve ordered another batch of about 400. They come in a ship container which is quite cool. I have to order in bulk you see but I don’t mind at all. If helps to promote Foxton I’m all for it.”

Stewart said he’s more than happy to help organisations buy similar cards in bulk also.

“I’ve had a few people ask me if I can order some in for them. I’m more than happy to do this as long as they help cover some of the cost.”

To learn more about the cards, email Gary Stewart at bonnieandgary@xtra.co.nz.