New era for Collard Tavern

Stan Day (right), new owner of the Collard Tavern, sealing the deal with his predecessor Dave Collard with a beer.

Kaitaia's pub culture has changed dramatically since Trevor and Patsy Collard built Collard Tavern in 1987. And now, 30 years later, more changes are promised by the new owners.

Stan Day, formerly of Kaitaia Printing.com and current owner of the Club Physical gym, and his brother Henry officially became the new owners last week. And they plan to launch the new era in style.

"It's still going to be a pub/restaurant, with gaming machines, but we'll be specialising in private functions," Stan said.

The premises could cater for more than 200 people, he added, while Baker Valet Services would be opening on the property, along with a second tenant (who it was too soon to identify).

A grand opening was being organised for Saturday week, July 8, with the third All Black/Lions test on the big screen. Stan saying the aim was to stage a major event every month.

First up would be the band Kurfew (with no cover charge), followed by a Wearable Art pageant late next month, another band on August 5 (for Stan's birthday) and UFC on the big screen on August 26.

Meanwhile, the premises were getting some attention, including painting and car park repairs, while two fulltime chefs would be serving lunches and evening meals seven days a week.

Henry, Stan added, would be a silent partner. Another one-time printer (when what is now Printing.com was part of the Northland Age), Henry has lived in Perth, where he owns a gym, for more than 30 years.

Dave Collard said his father had died in 1988, shortly after the tavern opened, Dave managing it until late 1991, when Ross Henry bought the lease.

A number of lessees had followed, but the family had always retained ownership. "We lifted the pub business in Kaitaia to a new level with this place," he added. "We were the first to serve every drink in a fresh, cold glass, and to offer multiple draught beers. That was very new for Kaitaia."