Citizen Republic

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Citizen Republic

Welcome to CITIZEN REPUBLIC. A collaboration of NZ Artisans, a community of makers & a platform for stories. Celebrating the Independent Makers & Shakers of NZ.

Handmade over Mass-made, People over Profit & Community over Competition.

28/05/2026

TWISTED KNOTS by LILLY

Hi my name is Lesley Jenkins a local South Taranaki girl born & breed!

I first started macrame back in the 80's when I was a solo mum with 2 kids & another on the way. I also had 150 pot plants so l started making plant hangers to display them.

At that stage it was only plant hangers. When I was coming up to retirement I thought what am I going to do with myself, so 1 got back in macrame. This time around it's from cat hammocks, butterfly dream catchers, wall hanging, shelves and curtains. I really enjoy this hobby creating items working with my hands & seeing the end results of my knotting.

~ Come on by Citizen Leather & view my work on Fridays & Saturdays 10-3

14/05/2026

'Rusty Blackford' - handpainted garage 'art'. 🎨 🖌️

We have a fresh delivery of Ian’s hand-painted signage with those quirky cultural references & humour he’s become known for round these parts.

Rusty Blackford is the creative outlet of Ian Crooks; a film propmaker from the UK, now based in New Zealand. Mentored in brushwork by renowned NZ signwriter Paul Brannelly (Canned Ferret), Ian has turned his hand to creating upcycled art with an automotive theme.

Ian has a passion for classic cars. His working title of 'Rusty Blackford' pays homage to his home-built 79' Mk2 Es**rt and his 86' Capri - both once regarded simply as 'rusty black Fords'.

When he isn't hitting the brushes Ian is often found under a bonnet, on the open road, building something wacky or at the skatepark.

Ian creates original works, replicas and customs which can be seen in bars, museums, workshops & mancaves across New Zealand.

Come on in & check it all out this Friday & Saturday 10-3.

87 Tasman Street, OPUNAKE - through the doors Citizen Leather

07/05/2026

LAST MINUTE MERCHANTS……. We’ve got you here at Citizen Republic with a fantastic selection of unique handcrafted gifts that Mum is sure to love!

Instore at Citizen Leather, 87 Tasman Street, OPUNAKE - Fri & Sat 10-3.

23/04/2026

Mike Hook — Grandads Shed

A couple of years ago Mike set out to sharpen his own knives at home. One wet sharpener later & an addiction of sorts was born! Next thing you know, he was sharpening for others ~ blades, garden tools, anything with an edge.💥

An op shop visit shifted things. Old, blunt knives with plastic handles became an opportunity. Mike began restoring them by replacing handles with recycled rimu and bringing them back to life instead of letting them be thrown away.

From there it grew.

Now he restores, sharpens, and crafts custom knives , including blades made from old saw steel. He’s also developed his own leather sheath work using discarded off-cuts of leather and hand-stitching together.

At the core of it all is simple, honest work ~ taking what was destined for the scrap pile and turning it into something useful again.

Mike’s work is part of our Citizen Republic collab 🙌 real people, real craft.

Instore this weekend
Friday 10–3
Sunday 10–3

Come in, have a look, and see this work up close.

⸻

10/04/2026

Look at all the lovelies in our window 👀

This is what Citizen Republic is about right here💥💥💥

Small batch, made by hand, right here in Aotearoa.

Leather, ceramics, balms, textiles, knives + so much more!

🥝 No mass production.
🥝 No filler.
🥝 Just good people making good things.

Pop in, peruse unique handcrafted & support locally made goods.

09/04/2026

We welcome to the Republic HOMELY CREATIONS TARANAKI a small home based business creating the most useful reuseable wipes for yourself & baby♻️

Made from soft muslins and micro fleece, this range of wipes and cloths are great way to ditch those bleached one-use make-up wipes or baby wipes, saving you time and taking care of our environment.

These are very reasonably priced between $3.50
& $9.50 a pack.

Come on in Friday & Saturdays 10-3 and pick your fave colours.

03/04/2026

Heke Kete by Trina Heke

Harakeke, carefully harvested.
🤲Worked to muka.
Dyed and woven by hand.

💜 These pieces carry more than form.
🩷 They hold connection ~ to whenua, to knowledge passed down, to the hands that made them.

And when they find their place here, and then in your homes, that line of connection continues.

That’s what Citizen Republic is about.
Not just objects — but people, stories, and the threads that tie us to what’s around us.

Made by the hands of Trina Heke.

OPEN 10-3 SATURDAY, 87 TASMAN ST, OPUNAKE
Instore now

01/04/2026

💜💜💜 There’s something about slowing down and taking care of yourself that just matters a little more right now…..

We love stocking the All Good Home & Body range in store, made with nourishing skin-loving oils and butters, beautiful subtle fragrances ~ a little reset on your day. X

The linen and room sprays are something else💜 The
“Slow Down & Relax” lives by my bedside & I’ve been using it daily for over a year now……. a few sprays on linen and nightwear and it’s an INSTANT EXHALE💜

Small batch made with real care by Mandy, just up the road in New Plymouth.

We’re open this Easter Saturday 10–3.

Pop on in and snaggle yourself something lovely from this beautiful range and support locally made products💜

27/03/2026

PALM TREE STUDIO 🏝️ has arrived on our shelves at Citizen Republic ~ part of the fam here in Opunake 🌴

A dynamic mother & daughter duo creating beautifully intricate crocheted earrings and key rings in beautiful colours & shapes guaranteed to bring that extra sparkle to any ensemble🌼💙🌼

This is where the magic is at🧚🏼🧚🏼🧚🏼
not by soul-less machinery.

Small batch ✅ Thoughtful ✅ Full of character ✅

Visit coastal Opunake for the win!✅✅✅

25/03/2026

Two small-batch makers, right here in Taranaki 🧵✂️🤲

Studio Thread + This With That

Hand sewn autumn layers, made with care & a flair for classic design with a twist…….not trends but unique pieces that transcend seasons and fickle fast fashion trends.

These are pieces built to last. To be worn, lived in, and kept! WARDROBE WORKHORSES to serve year in, year out.

A quiet move away from fast fashion, towards something with real weight and story, handmade by people who care.

Part of Citizen Republic 🤲🧵

Instore with our big sister Citizen Leather
Fri, Sat, Sun 10-3

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWUr9BvE_kj/?igsh=ODUxaW16cDZrMDV6

Address

87 Tasman Street
Opunake
4616

Website

http://www.citizenleather.co.nz/

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