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Three friends have banded together to create a new golfing destination in Paerata.
Over the past few months, Ryan Phillips, Aaron Reese, and Bevan Thorn have been working hard to get The Iron Yard at Paerata underway, with the trio hoping to open soon.
The Iron Yard will have driving ranges, a minigolf course, a playground, a retail shop, and a bar, while the existing Hidden Cafe will continue to operate on site under its own business.
Reese said he and his brother-in-law, Phillips, had been talking about building a business together.
Things really gained traction after a drive to Tauranga, Phillips said.
“We had an idle thought that there are no driving ranges around. We were talking on a long car journey, Aaron and I, about potential business ideas. Then this place came up.”
“We dug into the idea a bit more, and then realised our skill set probably might be pretty good for operations and finance, but as for the development and construction, we didn’t have that skill set. That’s when we brought Bevan on.”
Reese said having a third person in the business helped with the decision-making process, too. Reese will be on-site most days as the manager.
“It’s a good location here in Paerata, and it will be even better when the roundabout goes in by the train station, allowing easier access for visitors trying to turn onto State Highway 22 against the flow of traffic.”
The minigolf course will open in two stages, with the second nine holes to open alongside a second two-tiered driving range in the final stage.
The Iron Yard’s website is now live, and the trio posts regular updates on its Facebook page, with the opening date to be announced on social media once they get the green light to open.
