Blackwell's Department Store
The Blackwell's Story – A Brief History
The Blackwell's Story Begins 1840–1873
George Henry Blackwell was born in England in 1840. In 1863 he emigrated to New Zealand, and in 1868 his fiancée Annie Shearsy joined him from England. They married and began their life together in Kaiapoi. In August 1871 George opened a small general store known as the "Railway Store." Stock was modest, customers often bought on credit, and deliveries were made by horse and cart. The business steadily grew through the support of the local community. In 1873 George purchased a larger corner site at Hilton and Black Streets, expanding into groceries, drapery, a bake house and general merchandise, while country delivery rounds served the surrounding farming districts.
Growth Through the Generations 1873–1920
Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, Blackwell's continued to expand. New bakehouses and dressmaking rooms were added as the store grew to meet the needs of the community. George's son, Joseph Blackwell (second generation), gradually took over management, modernising the business and introducing new departments while continuing the family tradition of service.
A New Home for Blackwell's 1921–1946
In 1921 Blackwell's built its iconic two-storey brick department store beside Kaiapoi's main bridge. The new building brought groceries, drapery, clothing, footwear, dressmaking and a bake house together under one roof and marked the business's 50th anniversary. In 1924 the company became Blackwell's Limited, with Joseph Blackwell (second generation) and Hugh Blackwell (third generation) as managing directors. Fire damage, the post-war downturn and the Great Depression created significant challenges, but strong leadership and country trading links helped the business endure.
Modernising While Staying Local 1947–2009
David Blackwell (fourth generation) joined the business in 1947, continuing the family's involvement. In 1971 Blackwell's celebrated 100 years with a major store extension. During the following decades the store was modernised, expanded and refurbished. Andrew Blackwell joined the business in 1980, followed by Michael Blackwell in 1988, both representing the fifth generation. By the early 2000s, Blackwell's was recognised as one of New Zealand's oldest family-owned department stores, balancing tradition with modern retail while remaining deeply connected to the Kaiapoi community.
A New Beginning 2010–2013
The Canterbury earthquakes of 2010–2011 caused severe damage to the historic 1921 building, which was later demolished. Despite this, Blackwell's continued trading from temporary premises in Kaiapoi. Construction of a new purpose-built store began in 2012, designed to reflect the character of the original building while meeting the needs of modern retail. The new Blackwell's Department Store officially opened in November 2013.
Continuing the Legacy 2013-Today
Since reopening, the building has become a vibrant retail and community hub, home to Blackwell's and several local businesses. The publication of Pattern of the Years in 2018 celebrated the store's remarkable history, and in 2021 Blackwell's marked 150 years in Kaiapoi. Today, Blackwell's continues to serve the community as one of New Zealand's oldest family-owned department stores. Seven generations of the Blackwell family have worked, or continue to work, in the business, carrying forward a legacy built on resilience, innovation and the ongoing support of the Kaiapoi community.
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Open hours
Monday To Friday 9.00AM - 5.00PM
Saturday 9.30AM - 4.00PM
Sunday 11-00AM - 3.00PM