Hello! - And welcome to Green Door, your local garden center. We are Shaun and Trudi, community-centered locals of Hawkes Bay, parents to three gorgeous kids, garden enthusiasts (and previously keen Green Door customers!), and now, proudly, the new owners of Green Door. 

The story of Green Door began in 1998, with Gillian and Phil opening an unassuming garage-like building with a green roller door on Havelock Road. At the time they both came from Nursery backgrounds and the concept of retail was something quite new to them. However, they’d spend the next 24 years renovating, building, installing, resurfacing, growing, expanding, learning and educating. The Green Door of 2022 is quite a different place to its once humble beginnings. Gillian and Phil have poured so much into making Green Door what it is today and have been incredibly influential to the gardens of Hawkes Bay. However, as is the timing of life - now is the time for their much-deserved retirement. 

Having spent many years owning and running a business in the telecommunications area we were longing for a change. We were done with sitting at a desk, done with excessive technology, done with too much time away for work.  So when the opportunity arose to take on Green Door earlier this year, we jumped at it. 

We wanted more time spent outdoors, we wanted more of a community-feel, we wanted a place or space that our kids could come and work at, learn in and grow from. A space that means something to others and a place that makes a difference in people’s lives. A place to be proud of. 
Enter… Green Door! Which, we think, ticks all the boxes! 

What Gillian and Phil have created in their 24 years of starting, owning and running Green Door is legendary. It is a space full of inspiration - for both indoors and out. It boasts an extensive range of plants and everything you need to care and maintain your garden, it has decor, giftware, pots and hardware. And importantly, expert staff who know what they are doing and offer sound, practical advice. The staff feel like family and the customers are like friends. 

With any change of ownership in a place that customers treasure, there are always anxieties about what might change. Rest assured that we loved the old Green Door. And with that we will remain the Green Door that you love - with the best customer service and advice, the best range and inspiration, and with the aim, always, to give you the best experience. 

Trudi grew up gardening with her Grandmother and Mother (who are both loyal customers of GD!), Shaun’s mother was a well known gardener in Havelock North (many gardens benefited from her purchases at GD!) and together we have a lovely garden at home in Havelock North. We are thrilled to be carrying on the legacy that Phil and Gill began, working with their expert team to bring you the best garden centre experience in New Zealand.

And with that, we look forward to meeting you and welcoming you back to Green Door. Your local Garden Center. 

Shaun and Trudi