New owners Anita Pistorius and Samantha Davey with Neil Human and Campbell Wiltshire

Samantha Davey and Anita Pistorius have joined forces and opened Kerikeri Optometrists, formerly Lowes & Partners in Kerikeri.

Pistorius, who was already working as the sole optometrist at Lowes & Partners Kerikeri, said it was a natural progression to move on to become one of the owners.

Davey, a dispensing optician originally from Totara North near Kerikeri, said it was an easy decision when she heard that Lowes & Partners was selling the Kerikeri branch.

“I knew if I missed this opportunity, it might not come around again. Getting to know Anita, I’m so grateful we took the leap as business owners together. We complement each other so well and are already great friends.”

Pistorius said, “It is a perfect fit. Samantha’s work ethics and personality resonated with my own, providing the perfect scenario for an optometrist and dispensing optician partnership.”

Since taking over, the team has repainted, rebranded (from Lowes & Partners to Kerikeri Optometrists) and celebrated the new opening with a launch in September.

“We wanted to thank our family and friends for their support, the local business community and acknowledge our incredible suppliers,” said Davey adding they have also received assistance from the Independent Optometry Group (IOG), specifically Neil Human.

“As independents in the market, we feel their knowledge, support and skill is crucial to us getting a foothold in our local market and creating a brand that people know and trust,” she said.

The practice has also increased testing days from three to four days a week and the new team aims to become actively involved in the community, said Pistorius.