Shackleton's reigns supreme

Customer service has long been touted as small-town businesses' best defence against big box stores, and nobody provides better service in Kaitaia than Shackleton's Amcal pharmacy.

That became official on Friday night when the pharmacy won the 'Get it Right' trophy at the second annual Kaitaia Business Association awards, from 34 other nominees.

It also collected the Tane Mahuta award for best service by an individual, courtesy of employee Jillaine Neho (who was not at the function).

Mrs Shackleton said Ms Neho was "absolutely the nicest most helpful staff member" (in a firm when nice and helpful were encouraged and highly prized).

"She's always smiling she always does everything that asked of her. She is a treasure," she said.

The award for the best-looking business went to Bubba's Baby Store, while Herbs and Spices Thai Restaurant was judged the best new business.

The Minties Award, for providing a memorable experience, went to Shackleton's, but Mr Shackleton declined to speculate regarding what might have inspired it (although he did ask if it had anything to do with incorrectly interpreting a prescription).

He did say, however, that he was delighted to see the business community presenting awards.

"It's good to see people being recognised for what they do and what they bring to their community," he said.

"These awards are for people who are trying to do things in town, and I hope they will go from strength to strength."

Dentist Paul Reeves spent the latter part of the evening encouraging people whose teeth are possibly in less than prime condition to break into the Shackletons' bag of Minties, without success.