Matakana Village Books

Nice shop but was pretty disgusted at the way my girlfriend was treated. A lady here lets call her “Karen” turned to my girlfriend and rudely asked “is there anything in that cup” and peered into her cup, which had a minuscule amount of lemonade at the bottom. She then went “oh” and walked off. We were walking around carefully not touching anything looking for a Mother’s Day gift. The other shop worker didn’t apologise for this even though we were clearly flustered. She just said they don’t accept open cups in the store which is fine but there is no need to allow this kind of behaviour in your shop. Based off previous reviews this sort of condescending behaviour is not uncommon in this store. I am speculating but I wouldn’t be surprised if this has something to do with the fact my girlfriend is Chinese and we are in our 20s. I doubt they would speaker to an older white person like that I am white.

Friendly and informed staff. I enjoy browsing with my two kids to find the next adventure to dive into or continue an existing one as part of a series. They are happy to order a book if it's not available.

One of the best bookstores I've been to. They have an amazing collection of books, you'll be sure to find one that you love. I rarely leave this store without a book in hand. The owner Mary-Liz and staff are so lovely and inviting.

I'm not sure we encountered the "Karen" mentioned in other recent reviews, but we had a brief and very unpleasant experience. I apologise in advance for the long-ish commentary here, which is partly applicable to Matakana Village Books but also applies to a certain mindset, and it specifically relates to a negative attitude held by some in this country to dogs- even those who are well-behaved, clean and friendly. First the specifics- it was in the middle of an epic windstorm on a Monday afternoon when we walked in to the lovely looking bookshop with our two small, clean, sweet and well-behaved dogs. In Matakana, things are either closed or close early on a Monday and there was no place to sit down for a coffee and take shelter from the wind. My wife and I LOVE books and we love independent bookshops and normally spend a lot of time and money when we pop in. So much nicer than buying online and frankly we feel that independent bookshops offer so much to a community in multiple ways. So we support them! Before advancing into the shop, I politely sought out a staff member and asked her if it would be okay for our dogs to accompany us. She scowled and replied, in a surly tone, "I'd rather they didn't". When it was clear I was shocked by her deadpan and frankly non-commercial answer I may have been about to drop a grand on books, who knows? She said, "I'll open the door and you can tie them up outside if you like". Did I mention it was a howling windstorm outside? And sorry but dog theft is a real thing. "Thanks but no thanks" I replied politely and we took our leave. This irritates the hell out of me on so many levels. This was definitely an 'own goal' because when a customer darkens your door way, assuming they are polite and respectful they should be regarded as an opportunity. I would have spent a couple hundred bucks in the store easily I always do in small bookshops and probably would be writing a rave review and telling friends to visit. We just love Matakana and almost everyone there. A smile would have gone a long way to temper my response if there really was a legitimate reason for excluding our dogs Perhaps she is allergic, or maybe the lease with landlord forbids it, or whatever. Now on to the general bone I have to pick with the general 'anti-dog' attitude that seems to be rather common in parts of NZ.... Again, this is BAD BUSINESS. The vast majority of people who wish to bring bring dogs with them to a cafe, pub, hotel, shop etc are there to SPEND MONEY. They also, generally speaking, do not take ill-behaved dogs out with them as it is simply too much trouble. In Europe, including the UK, you can more often than not bring your dog to any place other than quite understandably a pharmacy, supermarket or healthcare clinic although we did bring our dogs to the doctor's office in Greece on more than one occasion. When we did these things, we spent money and put it in the proprietors' pockets. This was money we otherwise would not have spent, because we would not leave our dogs at home for hours while we sat in a pub or cafe we would have consumed our tasty beverages at home if we could not have brought the doggies. There is nothing nicer than a roaring fire with a lovely dog warming herself next to it to create an inviting and homey atmosphere. The fact that so many in New Zealand seem to view dogs as farm animals who should remain in the 'back forty' is beyond me and smacks of a by gone era. Before anyone tells me to 'like it or leave it': I love NZ but hope very much that it catches up with the rest of the civilised world very soon. NZ has far more going for it than against it. People are awesome. But on this topic there is room for improvement. PS- on a brighter note, we have encountered a number of 'progressive' businesses, pubs, shops and cafes' that have welcomed us and our dogs happily. Many in Parnell in particular open their doors and hearts. The old Sawmill Cafe near Matakana is also wonderful. Hope this spreads.

My whole family loves this book store much! There is an beautiful and thoughtful selection of books with every genre imaginable. The staff are so wonderful and helpful. I think that any book lover would enjoy a chat with the lovely staff at this store. I dare anyone to walk away form Matakana Village Books without a hefty pile of books!

Never again. Wont be purchasing here again on principal, as they refuse to take cash. We like to shop at independent bookshops, however this one is obviously making so much money they dont need ours. So we will spend it elsewhere instead. Maybe there was a sign…. But we didnt see it. Blown away by the grumpy attitude that id even thinking of giving them cash to purchase a number of books disgusts me. Suggest a large sign is erected at the door stating that customers paying cash aren't welcome nor their business needed. Reading the reviews…. Im now not surprised i got the attitude i did. Maybe next time it will be “ Oh, sorry, we only serve customers that have American Express cards and a posh accent” . Luckily all the nearby stall holders doing a roaring trade still do accept cash. Matakana Bookshop deserves to loose its trade to chains or online.

I thought it was just me, but after reading previous reviews regarding the rudeness of the owner I thought I would reiterate their comments! I witnessed her being unkind to another customer whilst I was browsing. So I immediately put down the book I was about to purchase and decided to go elsewhere. A bit too “up herself” for my liking.

The rudest super Karen of all time works here selling books.. quite interesting if you’re into Karen subculture, but not a great experience if you’re trying to buy a book. P.s. my review has nothing to do with mask wearing per the reply which is also factually incorrect, I am calling out extremely rude behaviour which included making jokes with other customers about my partner and I, and laughing at us as we left. See the many other customer reviews re “rude and abusive” behaviour.. kindness is a choice Karen, the world is tough enough as is we don’t need bullying in retail stores on top!

Replying to your response: After many discussions with friends and family far and wide, there is curiosity as to why you can public shame people yet you expect to be questioned privately email. I have assured them that I will feedback your response once I get it. 1. Do not label and cast judgement "non mask wearers". 2. Your staff member could've politely approached within a reasonable range instead of shouting from the other side of the room. 3. She was rude and abrupt. I said I had an exemption and she told me to leave? 4. You have no idea the IMPACT you have on someone by shaming them in front of other customers. Everyone turned to stare at me. You are damaging peoples mental health. Your actions have a profound impact for those that have a LEGAL approved exemption. Regardless if you "think" it's worthy or not. Again, disgusting attitude. Absolutely RUDE.. I have a legal exemption with documentation from my GP. I have bought many books in the past from this store, never again. You have no idea the impact of your shaming from the otherside of the room on the mental health of someone who has a legitimate reason. Shameful in today's society.

I love shopping at Matakana Village Books. All of the team, are super helpful and kind. They have even gone out of their way to facilitate orders from overseas. I have been shopping at MVB for a few years and have found them amazing, especially during Covid. From making recommendations, to click and collect, to seeing their smiling faces behind their masks. I am always happy leaving my friendly little bookshop. Most times with an exciting new read tucked under my arm