Paper Plus Group
Paper Plus Group originally started in 1983, and is now New Zealand's largest book and stationery retailer with over 115 stores nationwide. The Company operates three retail brands - Paper Plus, Paper Plus Select, Take Note and a sub brand known as Paper Plus Office. It is known as the Paper Plus Group.
The Paper Plus brand has become an iconic retail brand within the NZ Market. With over 100 stores there is a location from Kerikeri to Invercargill.
The Take Note brand has 13 stores throughout New Zealand - all locally owned and operated. A number of the stores have a full NZ Post agency and many incorporate Kiwi Bank services and Lotto.
Paper Plus Office is a B2B stationery brand offering a full range of Stationery, Technology and Art and Craft products to the small business, with the ability to operate a business account on a monthly basis. The brand is supported by local stores and online.
Chairman's Welcome
Welcome to the Paper Plus Group website. You've arrived at the home of a proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated organisation.
We are a true Kiwi success story, having grown from humble beginnings to become one of New Zealand's largest Books and Stationery retail businesses. I believe that it's our people, our knowledge, and our passion for our business and customers that sets us apart, and has got us to where we are today. The Group has never ceased striving for excellence and seeking chances to provide its members with opportunities to take us successfully into the future.
As an organisation we have exceptionally high standards, and see ourselves as an integral member of every one of our communities. Ours is a simple formula, and one we will continue to develop well into the future as we carry on meeting the needs of our customers.
Alastair Kerr
Chairman Of The Board
Chairman Of The Board
Vision & Values
Our purpose is to inspire people to live bigger lives through literacy and learning, gifting and giving, and enabling business. This is what drives our decisions and direction. At the core of this, our values drive how we fulfil this vision
We're passionate about making a happy team, loyal customers and win/win partnerships.
Our Brands
Paper Plus
The Paper Plus brand has become an iconic retail b... Read more
The Paper Plus brand has become an iconic retail brand within the books and stationery industry, with high visibility and recognition throughout New Zealand. Today, Paper Plus continues to grow with a combined turnover in excess of $100 million a year. Paper Plus is well represented throughout New Zealand, and has a strong presence in both city and provincial centres, with over 100 stores between Kerikeri and Invercargill. Our stores are all locally owned and operated' which means we have a real connection to our local communities, schools and businesses. Many of our stores supply local communities with their NZ Post and Lotto requirements, whilst a few incorporate Toyworld stores. Read less
Paper Plus Select
The Paper Plus Select brand enjoys the same iconic... Read more
The Paper Plus Select brand enjoys the same iconic brand status within the Books and Stationery industry in New Zealand. Part of the overall Paper Plus chain, our Select stores have a selected range of Books, Stationery, Cards, Paper products and associated gifts. Just like Paper Plus, only smaller. Read less
Paper Plus Office
Paper Plus Office is a B2B stationery brand offeri... Read more
Paper Plus Office is a B2B stationery brand offering a full range of Stationery, Technology and Art and Craft products to the small business, with the ability to operate a business account on a monthly basis. The brand is supported by local stores and online. Read less
Take Note
In 2000, the Paper Plus Group acquired Topline and... Read more
In 2000, the Paper Plus Group acquired Topline and Paper World stores and combined them under a new brand called "Take Note". Take Note has been an important part of local communities for many years, offering real personalised service, delivering customers essential services along with a great range of books, stationery and gift ideas.
As part of New Zealand's largest specialist Stationery and Books Group, Take Note now has 13 stores throughout New Zealand. A number of our stores now have a full NZ Post agency and many incorporate Kiwi Bank services and Lotto - all part of meeting the needs in the local community. Take Note stores provide local solutions and product enabling people to stay in touch, with friends and family and with what's going on in the wider world Read less
As part of New Zealand's largest specialist Stationery and Books Group, Take Note now has 13 stores throughout New Zealand. A number of our stores now have a full NZ Post agency and many incorporate Kiwi Bank services and Lotto - all part of meeting the needs in the local community. Take Note stores provide local solutions and product enabling people to stay in touch, with friends and family and with what's going on in the wider world Read less
Company History
In 1983, some important things happened in little old New Zealand. Princess Diana, already on her way to becoming a pop-culture megastar, visited with Prince Charles and baby Prince William, who obligingly played with a Buzzy Bee in front of the world's media. DD Smash was the Band of the Year, and songbirds Brooke Fraser and Hollie Smith were born. Joe Rokocoko, Piri Weepu and Luke McAlister were born and turned out to be great rugby stars. New Zealand's star allrounder, Richard Hadlee, tore a hamstring on the eve of the lucrative and much anticipated finals series with Australia and was forced out of the side.
Also making its way into the world was Kiwi retail icon the Paper Plus Group (initially named Nationwide Stationers), which began as a cooperative of just five book and stationery retailers. By the following year, it had 62 members. The level of growth and brand exposure was so high that by 1987 a rebrand had already become necessary and the Paper Plus brand was launched into the national retail scene.
Read more
Also making its way into the world was Kiwi retail icon the Paper Plus Group (initially named Nationwide Stationers), which began as a cooperative of just five book and stationery retailers. By the following year, it had 62 members. The level of growth and brand exposure was so high that by 1987 a rebrand had already become necessary and the Paper Plus brand was launched into the national retail scene.
Read more
In 1983, some important things happened in little old New Zealand. Princess Diana, already on her way to becoming a pop-culture megastar, visited with Prince Charles and baby Prince William, who obligingly played with a Buzzy Bee in front of the world's media. DD Smash was the Band of the Year, and songbirds Brooke Fraser and Hollie Smith were born. Joe Rokocoko, Piri Weepu and Luke McAlister were born and turned out to be great rugby stars. New Zealand's star allrounder, Richard Hadlee, tore a hamstring on the eve of the lucrative and much anticipated finals series with Australia and was forced out of the side.
Also making its way into the world was Kiwi retail icon the Paper Plus Group (initially named Nationwide Stationers), which began as a cooperative of just five book and stationery retailers. By the following year, it had 62 members. The level of growth and brand exposure was so high that by 1987 a rebrand had already become necessary and the Paper Plus brand was launched into the national retail scene.
It wasn't the only thing going on in that watershed year: along with the stockmarket crash, 1987 heralded the first Lotto draw, the first New Zealand heart transplant, the first feature film by an unknown director called Peter Jackson, and the adoption of Maori as an official language.
The Take Note brand emerged in 2000 from the Group's purchase of the Topline and Paperworld brands, concentrating on cards and stationery as a counterpoint to what has become the increased books focus of the flagship Paper Plus brand.
On the 21st July 2008 Paper Plus Group celebrated an inspirational 25 years in business with a gala week of celebrations in Wellington.
In 2011 the Paper Plus brand went through a radical overhaul to bring it into the new modern era of retailing. With new store designs, brand colours and ranges, along with keeping the heritage of the Paper Plus Family spirit, the brand took a giant leap forward to become the iconic brand it is in the market today.
As a 100 percent New Zealand-owned Company, Paper Plus Group has a strong presence around the country, where we have inspired many local communities. We are proud to support Literacy and Learning throughout the country, through various charitable and community organisations. Our stores owners are proud to be working and living in the local community and contribute to local economies. The Group is proud of the legacy it has achieved so far, and how it has helped inspire New Zealanders to achieve great things.
Read less
Also making its way into the world was Kiwi retail icon the Paper Plus Group (initially named Nationwide Stationers), which began as a cooperative of just five book and stationery retailers. By the following year, it had 62 members. The level of growth and brand exposure was so high that by 1987 a rebrand had already become necessary and the Paper Plus brand was launched into the national retail scene.
It wasn't the only thing going on in that watershed year: along with the stockmarket crash, 1987 heralded the first Lotto draw, the first New Zealand heart transplant, the first feature film by an unknown director called Peter Jackson, and the adoption of Maori as an official language.
The Take Note brand emerged in 2000 from the Group's purchase of the Topline and Paperworld brands, concentrating on cards and stationery as a counterpoint to what has become the increased books focus of the flagship Paper Plus brand.
On the 21st July 2008 Paper Plus Group celebrated an inspirational 25 years in business with a gala week of celebrations in Wellington.
In 2011 the Paper Plus brand went through a radical overhaul to bring it into the new modern era of retailing. With new store designs, brand colours and ranges, along with keeping the heritage of the Paper Plus Family spirit, the brand took a giant leap forward to become the iconic brand it is in the market today.
As a 100 percent New Zealand-owned Company, Paper Plus Group has a strong presence around the country, where we have inspired many local communities. We are proud to support Literacy and Learning throughout the country, through various charitable and community organisations. Our stores owners are proud to be working and living in the local community and contribute to local economies. The Group is proud of the legacy it has achieved so far, and how it has helped inspire New Zealanders to achieve great things.
Read less
Our People
At Paper Plus we're passionate about inspiring people live bigger lives. We're a cooperative organisation operating like a franchise network, with a Board consisting of owner members and independent directors, who bring strong business acumen and extensive experience to the table.
Company Directors
Alastair Kerr
Chairman of the Board
After an extensive international search, Alas... Read more
After an extensive international search, Alastair was appointed as an Independent Director in August 2016.
Alastair has held many senior executive roles internationally with organisations such as Marks and Spencer, Mothercare, Virgin, The Body Shop, L'Oreal and Williams Sonoma Inc, in a career spanning 35 years.
As an Independent Director, he has extensive governance experience and has been on many boards across many different geographies and sectors. He is currently chair of J Murphy and Sons, a $2 billion construction business based in London, and operating in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US. He is also a Director of Fuller Smith and Turner PLC, the brewers, operating in London and the South of England; and Sara Group, a French Lebanese family consumer business, operating across the Middle East. He has also been Chair of Arran Arromatics, a Director of Fenwick Ltd., and White Stuff Limited, as well as being a Public Member of Network Rail in the UK and a member of The Body Shop Trust.
Alastair has an MA Hons degree from the University of Glasgow. Read less
Alastair has held many senior executive roles internationally with organisations such as Marks and Spencer, Mothercare, Virgin, The Body Shop, L'Oreal and Williams Sonoma Inc, in a career spanning 35 years.
As an Independent Director, he has extensive governance experience and has been on many boards across many different geographies and sectors. He is currently chair of J Murphy and Sons, a $2 billion construction business based in London, and operating in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US. He is also a Director of Fuller Smith and Turner PLC, the brewers, operating in London and the South of England; and Sara Group, a French Lebanese family consumer business, operating across the Middle East. He has also been Chair of Arran Arromatics, a Director of Fenwick Ltd., and White Stuff Limited, as well as being a Public Member of Network Rail in the UK and a member of The Body Shop Trust.
Alastair has an MA Hons degree from the University of Glasgow. Read less
Mark Todd
Director
Mark Todd was appointed as an Independent Director... Read more
Mark Todd was appointed as an Independent Director in August 2019. His Executive career was highlighted by 17 years with listed international outdoor brand and retailer Kathmandu Group Ltd, and through most of these years he was employed as either CFO and COO. He was also a Director of Kathmandu for six years after the company was listed on the NZX and ASX in November 2009. After leaving Kathmandu in September 2015, Mark has moved on to a full time career in Governance, and his Board appointments include several in the retail sector. These include furniture retailer McKenzie and Willis, and Lotto New Zealand. He is an Advisory Board member for national retailer and franchise group Stirling Sports, and he chairs the Audit Committee of both City Care Ltd and the Arts Centre of Christchurch Trust Board. Read less
Chris Lumsden
Director
Chris has managed Paper Plus Wanaka since the 30 y... Read more
Chris has managed Paper Plus Wanaka since the 30 year old business joined Paper Plus Group in 1998.
He had a 14 year career in Banking, primarily focused on business lending. This was followed with 2 years as an owner operator of a Shell Service Station franchise prior to his move to Wanaka.
An active member of his community store noted for combining fundraising with frequent extra curricular activities such as author events. He spent several years on the local Chamber of Commerce and the last 6 six years as a director of Book Sellers New Zealand. Read less
He had a 14 year career in Banking, primarily focused on business lending. This was followed with 2 years as an owner operator of a Shell Service Station franchise prior to his move to Wanaka.
An active member of his community store noted for combining fundraising with frequent extra curricular activities such as author events. He spent several years on the local Chamber of Commerce and the last 6 six years as a director of Book Sellers New Zealand. Read less
Stuart Gunn
Director
Coming from an academic background of economics, c... Read more
Coming from an academic background of economics, computer science and geophysics, Stuart has finally found true vocational satisfaction in the book and stationery retail sector.
Stuart purchased his Te Puke store when it was an independent, joining the Topline Group which was acquired by Paper Plus in 2000 to form the Take Note brand. He has since rebranded to Paper Plus.
Stuart spent five years as a director of Paper Plus (2002 - 2007), and chaired the Books & More Liaison Committee as these stores were assimilated into the Group. Read less
Stuart purchased his Te Puke store when it was an independent, joining the Topline Group which was acquired by Paper Plus in 2000 to form the Take Note brand. He has since rebranded to Paper Plus.
Stuart spent five years as a director of Paper Plus (2002 - 2007), and chaired the Books & More Liaison Committee as these stores were assimilated into the Group. Read less
Dave Chambers
Director
Dave Chambers was appointed as an Independent... Read more
Dave Chambers was appointed as an Independent Director in September 2019. Dave has worked for Progressive Enterprises for 18 years in both NZ and Australia, and until recently was the Managing Director of Progressive Enterprises NZ which operates Countdown and franchise stores (Fresh Choice and Supervalue), Whilst at Progressive he was Business Leader of the Year in the Health and Safety Forum. He is on the current Board at Watercare, and has previously been on the Board of the NZ Business and Parliament Trust. He is the Chair of the Remuneration and Health and Wellbeing Committee for the Paper Plus Board. Read less
Executive Members
Sam Shosanya
Chief Executive Officer
A qualified accountant and law degree holder.... Read more
A qualified accountant and law degree holder. Sam has extensive retail experience in the UK through the Sainsbury's Group. He has senior leadership retail experience across Marketing, Merchandise, Finance & Supply Chain. His NZ experience includes Whitcoulls, Borders, Life Pharmacy and The Warehouse Group. Read less
Richard Lambden
Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Richard commenced his career at PwC in New Ze... Read more
Richard commenced his career at PwC in New Zealand and is a member of CPA Australia. His overseas experience includes senior financial and commercial roles at Heathrow Airport and Cushman & Wakefield, a global property services firm. Read less
Mandy Kennedy
Chief Digital Officer
Mandy has worked as a management consultant w... Read more
Mandy has worked as a management consultant with both Accenture and Ernst and Young, across Europe, the US and New Zealand. More recently, Mandy has worked in Programme and Project management roles, in both business and IT across a range of industries, including retail distribution and financial services. She joined Paper Plus Group in August 2016, having previously worked for ASB, The Warehouse Group Financial Services and CES (part of The Warehouse Group). Read less
Peter Darbyshire
Chief Merchandise and Marketing Officer
Peter has had an extensive retail career to d... Read more
Peter has had an extensive retail career to date, across operations, merchandise and marketing; in sectors including mass merchandise, grocery, home improvement and office supplies. The purchase of a Paper Plus store has provided an added appreciation of the day to day challenges of and opportunities for the members. Peter was also an active Board member of GS1 for 4 years, representing the interests of the general merchandise retail community. Read less
Career
We're always looking for good people to join our team.
Current Openings Drop Your CVand advise your preferred store
Big Deal VIP Club
The Big Deal VIP Club is the best way to get a great deal at Paper Plus. No...
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Partners & Integration
Our advertising and media partners help us to make sure all our messages reach all our customers.
Marketing Partners
Operations Partners
Merchandise Partners
Contact Us
Postal Address
Paper Plus Support OfficePO Box 97 063
Manukau City
Auckland 2241
New Zealand
Physical Address
Building 517 Lambie Drive
Manukau
Auckland 2104
| ph. | +64 09 262 2486 |
| fax. | +64 09 262 3869 |
Feedback & Comments
| Advertising and Marketing Feedback: | e. marketing@paperplusgroup.co.nz |
| Merchandise and Product Feedback: | e. merchandise@paperplusgroup.co.nz |
| Store Operations Feedback: | e. operations@paperplusgroup.co.nz |
