Sometimes the best things in life are right under our nose. That’s what Morrinsville locals discovered when the country came out of lockdown and they stopped by Pattison Jewellers on Thames St, instead of heading out of town for their precious items.
Austin Pattison said he and long-time 2ic Anne Brodie have been delighted with Morrinsville’s patronage. “The town’s been very supportive of us which is really good,” he said. “It was very surprising because it was all very doom and gloom during lockdown and we weren’t too sure what was going to happen”.
Pattison Jewellers, established by Austin’s parents Syd and Eileen Pattison in 1964, carries a range of jewellery from engagement rings, chains, earrings, costume jewellery and watches. “Some customers said they didn’t realise what we’ve got in stock here, we’ve got a good range and they’re pleasantly surprised,” he said. Pattison stocks Karen Walker, Dansk, Boccia, D\SK, Evolve, Cudworth and more.
Austin said people have been making a special effort to shop local but he’s also welcoming a lot of customers from out of town. “People are tiki touring around, they’ll hop in their car in Hamilton, Cambridge, Whangamata and Waihi and pop over to see us,” he said. “I think people are glad to be out and about.”
Keen for an adventure himself, Austin briefly ventured from the family business and followed his passion for music to Auckland, where he taught percussion in secondary schools for a few years. “That was a lot of fun,” he said. "I'm in a couple of bands now, I still love to play". When he’s not manning the shop, you may find Austin drumming up a storm in Second Time Round or local band Flashbacks who are regulars at the Morrinsville RSA, weddings, 21sts and Oak Lane Lodge Jazz Festival.
If you’re looking for a birthday present, Christmas gift or a little something for yourself, make sure you stop by to see what Austin and Anne have to offer and be safe in the knowledge they are experts in their field. With 65 years of experience between them, they are also specialists in jewellery, watch and clock repairs and passionate about making sure your precious pieces stand the test of time, much like Pattison’s itself.
