- Tim Wilson claims Funk Fish in New Plymouth is the country's oldest fish and chip shop.
- The shop has operated since the 1920s, with Wilson and his wife managing it for a decade.
- The Wilsons are selling the business for $580,000 plus GST, as they move to a new venture.
Tim Wilson believes his fish and chip shop in New Plymouth is New Zealand's oldest. The listing for Funk Fish claims it has been serving Kiwis their favourite tucker for "98 years and counting", with Wilson and his wife, Jody, handling orders over the last decade or so.
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The Wilsons bought 32 Matai Street, Inglewood, in 2014. Documents and newspaper clippings indicate that a fish and chip shop first opened there in the 1920s and was run by two brothers, Ivan and Mijo Radich.
“Fish and chips only came to New Zealand in the early 1900s from what I can make out,” Wilson told OneRoof.
And while other chippies have been operating for longer than Funk Fish, they haven't done so continuously in their original premises. “I welcome the challenge if somebody proves me wrong,” he said.
A classic fish and chip buttie, one of the many delicacies on the menu at Fun Fish. Photo / Supplied
The current owners, Tim and Jody Wilson, took over the shop in 2014 and gave it a refresh. Photo / Supplied
“From what we understand, the building was originally constructed in 1896 or thereabouts. It was originally a bakery, as legend goes. In the 1920s, a family by the name of Radich established a fish and chip shop there,” Wilson said.
“The name is synonymous with shops and businesses around the area. There's a building in Stratford that's also named Radich and dates from around the same time they went into business doing fish and chips.
“They stuck at it for some years, and then another family, the Marinoviches, took over in the late 1960s."
Several Funk Fish customers still remember both families. “We've got people who first came into the fish and chip shop when they were little boys and are now 70-year-old men. The prices have changed, but it's still the same fish and chip shop they've been visiting every week for 60 or 70 years.”
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One customer said online: “For a shilling you would get two pieces of fish and a huge scoop of chips.”
Funk Fish has another claim to fame in the neighbourhood. It has a liquor licence, and customers can have an alcoholic drink with their favourite order.
“It's a point of difference. Having that liquor licence means that you can have a drink while you wait for your takeaways, which is a massive point of difference between us and your other local fish and chip shops," Wilson said.
The chippie has traded under various names during its history, but changed its name to Funk Fish under the previous owners. “In the early 2000s, they converted the other half of the shop into a seated restaurant area. We took it on with that already in place and have just done little things to improve it over the years - décor and presentation," Wilson said. "We changed the menu to make it more of a celebration of fish and chips. We do a good steak as well because there are always people who come to a fish shop and expect a steak."
Above the restaurant is a three-bedroom flat. Photo / Supplied
Above the restaurant is a three-bedroom flat. “It's a nice cosy spot. We lived up there for ten years and raised a couple of children there. As far as a lifestyle business goes, it's been fantastic," Wilson said.
“The commute to work is attractive, and you're never short of a coffee in the morning with your coffee machine downstairs, or a beer after work because the fridge is always stocked.”
The Wilsons are selling up because they have just bought Colonel Malone’s bar, tavern and restaurant in Stratford. “Inglewood's been very kind to us. It's just time to get the word out and pass it on to someone else. I'd love to see it go on for another hundred years.”
The land, buildings and business are for sale for $580,000 plus GST with McDonald listing agents Russell Atkinson and Weston Newman.
In their listing, they write: “Funk Fish is a well-established, beloved dining destination in the heart of Inglewood, known for its fresh seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional customer service.
“With a strong reputation for quality and consistency, the business has built a loyal customer base, attracting both locals and visitors alike."
- 32 Matai Street, Inglewood, New Plymouth, is for sale for $580,000
