Connecting with the Community

This month we are featuring three women in business on the Chatham Islands. 

Marion-Moana Dix (Marnie) - growing native plants

Marnie is a 7th generation Chatham Islander and owns and operates KMP Nurseries which grows and sells Chatham Islands native plants.

Marnie began growing plants from seed 15 years ago when her son was small. The business has expanded greatly during that time with the demand for native plants increasing to 20,000 this year.

Marnie is supported in her business by her fiancé Paul who helps out with book work and building for the nursery.

Carol Nielsen - serving the community

Carol is the owner and operator of the Dough ‘n Go, which sells grocery items along with some giftware and hardware items, in the Waitangi township. Carol purchased the business in 2014. She also has a contract with NZ Post for all outgoing mail.

As well as running her business, Carol spends much of her free time supporting her mother Dolly and is a leader and generous supporter of the ‘Whanau in Need’ team who fundraise for whanau going through financially rough times.

Carol is a 6th generation Chatham Islander and is supported in her business by a great team, including her partner George.

Jenny Romero - pampering Chatham Islanders

Jenny is a Beauty Therapist from Colombia and first came to the Chathams for leisure but it wasn’t long before locals heard of her skills and started requesting her services. Jenny has now brought her business to the Chatham’s permanently and loves living here.

After moving to NZ, Jenny completed her Advanced Diploma in Beauty Therapy in 2004 through Aoraki Polytechnic. Jenny continues to upgrade her skills, from laser hair removal, cosmetic tattooing, advanced facial treatments, body contouring treatments and many others and tailors all procedures to the client’s needs and preferences.

Jenny is passionate about her work and believes that the best reward she gets is when a client has a big smile on their face once they see the results after a procedure.

“I love the interaction with the clients and just being able to make someone feel more confident in their skin, or relaxed when they come for a pampering session.”

Jenny is looking forward to growing her business and offering more advanced treatments to her clients. Her business is currently situated at the River Onion wellness hut and she is looking forward to seeing where this journey leads.

Marion-Moana Dix (Marnie)

Carol Nielsen

Jenny Romero