Why I Chose to Live and Do Business in Masterton

I’ve lived in Masterton my entire life, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Masterton isn’t just where I live — it’s home in every sense of the word. It’s a place with a strong community spirit, where people genuinely care about one another, where faces are familiar, and where there’s always a connection, even if you can’t quite place it at first. Someone always knows someone you know.

One of the things I love most about living here is how lucky we are with nature right on our doorstep.  The Tararuas are close by, offering stunning bush walks and a real sense of calm. And when it comes to beaches, we are spoiled for choice. From Castlepoint to Riversdale, out to Cape Palliser and Lake Ferry — every beach is different, every one unique, and each offers something special. No matter your mood, there’s always somewhere to go and breathe it all in.

Masterton has also been the perfect place to raise my family. We have brought up our three sons and daughter here, and it’s been a wonderful, safe, and supportive environment to watch them grow.

My husband Nick has been right alongside me through it all. Together we’ve raised our children here in Masterton, and it’s something I’m incredibly grateful for. Nick has been in business for over 35 years, and his experience, support, and steady encouragement mean the world to me. We’re always bouncing ideas around together, talking things through, and supporting one another — it really is a team effort. Having that kind of support behind the scenes makes all the difference.

There’s something incredibly special about raising children in a community where people look out for one another and where a sense of belonging comes naturally.

That same sense of connection flows through my business as well. When customers walk through the door at Absolutely Boutique, more often than not I recognise a face, share a smile, or discover we know someone in common. Those small connections mean everything to me — they’re what make retail personal, not transactional.

While Absolutely Boutique is just over a year old, my journey in retail began long before that. I previously owned The Sanctuary for 17 years, where I built lasting relationships with people from our community and beyond. Those connections don’t disappear — they stay with you, and I treasure that more than anything.

Absolutely Boutique isn’t just about fashion. It’s about people, relationships, and feeling good — inside and out. It’s a reflection of who I am, where I come from, and the place I love so much.

Masterton has given me so much over the years — friendships, family memories, support, and a true sense of belonging. And for me, that’s why I’ve stayed. I love it here. I love the people. And I’m so grateful to share this journey with all of you.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Warmly,

Ange