South African Entrepreneur Celebrates Dream Opening in Kaiwaka

Esmeralda Oppelt, a South African expatriate, celebrated the opening of her first store, Tasty Temptations, in Kaiwaka on November 29. This milestone not only marked the launch of her business but also coincided with her nine-year anniversary in New Zealand, making the occasion particularly special.

The opening day was bustling, with a line of eager customers forming well before the official opening time. By 8:00 AM, around 15 people were already waiting outside the store, which was set to open at 9:00 AM. “It’s been quite busy,” Oppelt remarked, noting that visitors included South Africans, locals, and even people from out of town. “Everyone was so glad for the shop opening here and said it’s something good for the town,” she added.

Community Support and Unique Offerings

Notable for its vibrant atmosphere, the store attracted attention with its combination of South African and New Zealand culture. Oppelt displayed both the South African and Kiwi flags outside to signify her dedication to serving both communities. The local newspaper, the Kaiwaka Bugle, also made an appearance, adding to the excitement of the day.

One of the highlights of the opening was the quick sell-out of Oppelt’s famous samosas and the popularity of her biltong, a traditional South African air-dried meat. The shop features a unique biltong bar where customers can choose their own cuts of meat, which are then sliced to order. Oppelt noted, “I don’t think that’s available in other shops. So that’s something different and excites people.”

A Labor of Love

Preparing for the opening took around three weeks, during which Oppelt worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life. The store comprises two rooms connected by an open doorway: the biltong bar on the left and the Tasty Temptations café on the right. “I was here during the day, then I’d go home and in the evening come back with my husband and do some more work,” she explained.

The culmination of years of dreaming and hard work culminated in the successful launch of Tasty Temptations, which is now open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Oppelt expressed her gratitude for the support she received, stating, “People brought me some flowers and that makes me feel so good, because this is a dream come true after all these years.”

With its unique offerings and community spirit, Tasty Temptations is poised to become a beloved establishment in Kaiwaka, reflecting the passion and dedication of its owner.