In the heart of St Heliers, where community and hard work meet, small businesses are more than storefronts. They are stories, relationships, and resilience woven together. It comes as no surprise that so many of these local treasures have been recognised as finalists in the Orakei Local Board Business Awards. Each one reflects the spirit of the village: warm, hard-working, and deeply connected.
To celebrate, we reached out to some of these incredible businesses. Their words remind us why supporting local matters now more than ever. Not just for what they offer, but for who they are.
Today, we’re proud to share a glimpse into Verge through the words of its director, Rehia.
What has been your proudest moment in business so far?
Firstly, our team. They all take pride in what they are doing in all aspects of the business. They are talented, kind, and solution-focused. All of them go above and beyond, and we wouldn’t be here without them. Secondly, the fact that we are still going despite facing challenging times in the fashion industry. Most of the wholesale and manufacturers are now gone, so most of our products are now made offshore. We’d love to support local manufacturers more, but sadly, they just aren't around!
What does a typical day look like for you in the village?
Greeting people as I walk to work, opening our store and the fact that our customers will pop in for ‘chats’ even if they don’t purchase any clothing that day. Greeting people as I walk to work, opening our store and the fact that our customers will pop in for ‘chats’ even if they don’t purchase any clothing that day.
How would you describe your space to someone who has never visited before?
A warm, friendly environment with staff who are helpful and focus on the customer
In every word, there is a quiet strength and a reminder that, behind every garment, every greeting, and every conversation, there is a team that cares deeply about its craft and its community.
As you move through the village, we hope these stories inspire you to step inside, say hello, and continue supporting the people who make St Heliers feel like home.
You can find more of Verge online, https://www.verge.co.nz/ or in person at 9 St Heliers Bay Road, St Heliers, Auckland 1071.
You can vote for Verge here.
We cannot wait to share more with you in the coming weeks.