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.