Cargo Shed shows off new haul

The historic Cargo Shed in Dive Cres is now managed by Creative Tauranga, and in taking this facility forward as a destination for staging local upmarket creativity they have recently completed a fresh internal makeover and improved the quality available with the addition of some new and exciting quayholders to the eclectic mix on view.

Creative Tauranga has also taken up its own stunning gallery space because of the ever-increasing demands on its city-based gallery to sell work on behalf of local artisans producing arts, jewellery, cushions, books, cards, sculpture, and lots more.

See the works of Mandy Williams, Valerie Beale, Deb Bowden, Jan Balsom, Tonic and Avalon to name a few.

Now open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday - and any additional cruiseship days - the Cargo Shed is a great destination for visitors and locals.

Many of the quayholders you know and love are still there: Elegance Fibre Artists with their handcrafted textile creations, Em-Cey Designs' jewellery, Michael Sass Gallery and Photo Art by Brenda Butler.

New to the Cargo Shed scene are The Informal Tea Company which has opened its first retail shop here, introducing pure organic teas in great flavours, blended in New Zealand. The Insect Shop has a unique display which includes framed insects and bugs, as well as handmade butterfly-wing jewellery.

We also welcome Moana Nui Designs - traditional and contemporary carved pendants using bone and other unique materials, including woolly mammoth ivory.

Artworks and a framing service are also available now with Omanawa Frames by Kevin Butcher, and gorgeous handmade wooden homeware and furniture is brought to you by Wooden n Things by Karl Schroder.

Kathy Sass has joined her husband Michael with her own creations of jewellery with Swarovski crystals. Kathy also offers workshops in learning to make necklaces and bracelets from the crystals yourself.

Casual quays are also available for hire and this will ensure an ever changing range of works on display. And do watch out for the activities outside the Cargo Shed as well. The amazing Tag Burger Truck with its gourmet menu will be staging its own waterfront cafe scene on the northern platform every Sunday, and local musicians and buskers will regularly feature inside and outside the Cargo Shed as well.

If you haven't visited in a while, make sure you pop on down - we look forward to seeing you.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, and on cruiseship days.