Angela Mitchell is partnering with New Zealand’s largest independent optometry group, Matthews Eyecare, as co-owner of Orewa Optics. Mitchell’s former business partner, long-serving dispensing optician Petra Hewitt, is stepping away from day-to-day optics to pursue adventures with her family.

An Orewa Optics shareholder since 2015, Mitchell said it was never her intention to fully own the practice, adding she’s excited about partnering with Matthews. “I have found everyone at the Matthews Group to be very supportive and they have made the transition very easy. What I love is that they really do look after their staff; this was a major consideration for both Petra and I as the welfare of our team was one of our most important priorities.”

Angela Mitchell

Hewitt’s time at Orewa Optics spans generations. “It’s bittersweet as we’ve created a legacy of passion, dedication and family here,” she said. With three generations of opticians in the family, it all started with two successful practices her grandfather built in Austria. Orewa Optics was founded by Hewitt’s immigrant parents, Gunther and Margareta Lammer, in the middle of 1987’s recession. “Reflecting on our history, I feel humbled that mum and dad immigrated to New Zealand with my brother and me when we were teenagers back in 1987. Only now do I understand what it would have meant for them to leave a secure future in Austria behind and embark on the unknown,” she said.

Built on a foundation of excellent customer care, quality products and a commitment to the wellbeing of the local community, Hewitt’s journey with the business began in 1993 when she began her dispensing optician qualification under the careful mentorship of her father. “Following in both his and my grandfather’s footsteps, I was captivated by the industry from a young age, often spending Saturdays alongside my dad, watching him work and feeling the excitement of optics. I often joke that it’s in my blood, but it truly is – my love for this profession has always been inherent,” she said.

In 2007, when her parents retired, Hewitt said it was an easy decision to take the reins and continue their legacy. “What followed was an incredible journey of growth, change and overcoming challenges. Throughout these years, the optics industry itself evolved, particularly with major shifts like OPSM’s growth and the entrance of Specsavers into New Zealand. At the same time, I balanced the joy of raising a family, managing the business and nurturing the partnerships that made Orewa Optics thrive.”

Gunther and Margareta Lammer with Petra and husband Warwick Hewitt

Hewitt said she is not disappearing from the practice completely. “My husband and I plan to take a gap year to travel New Zealand in our caravan, but I’ll remain involved by locuming for Angela and the Matthews Group. It’s the perfect balance and I look forward to this next chapter in both my personal and professional life.”

“I’m fully supportive of Petra's decision to step away and enjoy life, but I did my best to persuade her to stay on board for longer, as together we were a great team! She will be missed!”, Mitchell said.

With minimal changes to operations, Mitchell said she doubts customers will have even noticed the changeover. “Nothing is really changing with our outward appearance and all our staff are remaining. It is reassuring that the service and reputation Orewa Optics is known for will continue in the years to come with the support of the Matthews Eyecare Group,” she said.