PhotographerDon McLeodDescriptionBeaurepaires was the retailing branch of South Pacific Tyres, and was named after Sir Frank Beaurepaire, a pre-war Australian Olympic swimmer, and the founder of Olympic Tyres (later merged with Dunlop Australia). South Pacific Tyres was formed in 1987 as a joint venture between Australia's Pacific Dunlop and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Australia's Dunlop Olympic acquired Dunlop New Zealand in 1984 and changed its name to Pacific Dunlop in 1985.
Anthony Motors used these premises from the 1960s, and had franchises for Rootes Group Hillman cars and Commer commercial vehicles, and Dodge cars; they also had a large caravan business; they were succeeded by Kerr Wynne Motors. Digby's Furniture moved in in September 1985 after Kerr Wynne moved to the site southwest of the Main Street/Fergusson Drive roundabout (now Burger King).
Upper Hutt's first Beaurepaires branch was at 1066 Fergusson Drive by mid-August 1985; the business moved to the site pictured here in 1991.
Digby's advertised a closing-down sale in August 1990; their lease was about to expire.
Near the end of January 2016 a small shed was placed against Bearepaires wall at right, and cars from Deals On Wheels Motor Group Ltd filled the car-park area shown here; the telephone number came from Lower Hutt.Date Taken25th December 2012Geotagnot specified
Depicts or relates to
OrganisationDunlop; New Zealand sales, distribution and retreading.