Auckland's infamous road launches loyalty campaign that is peak K Road

Monday, 8 September 2025

“My biggest concern is crowd control over the two weeks. K Road is going to be looking like Kingsland before an AB's test.”

That’s the lofty hope of Liam Fox, boss at artisan bakery Fort Greene, ahead of a unique drive to get people buying goods around Auckland’s most infamous of roads.

Karangahape Returns has set up shop in the old K Road premises of Madame George, offering what is being described as the “world’s first loyalty scheme for a neighbourhood”.

What’s available are items that scream K Road. From Vegas Girl key rings to a 1000 piece Mercury Plaza memorial puzzle to Fiona Clark archival prints of the 70's LGBTQI scene in Auckland from her series Go Girl.

But your cash is no good here, only the number of receipts from local shops, cafes and businesses. For example, a ‘KRO4D’ number plate is available for 200 receipts.

The scheme has been set up by the Karangahape Business Association, and general manager Jamey Holloway said interest in the unusual venture is high.

“The store hasn’t even opened and I’ve already had to clean the window twice, there’s been that many people putting their nose up against it. Based on how much conversation Karangahape Returns is already creating, this is going to be a real jolt of energy into the road,” Holloway told Stuff.

“There’s something elegant about the fact that for a small moment in time, a beer from Eagle bar, your breakfast from Bestie, or a ticket to a show at Whammy are all worth the same thing; loyalty.

“You can’t put a price on that, and nor can you put a price on the items at this special store.”

Fort Greene is offering sourdough starter as one of the items, and Fox said it’s the first time they’ve made it freely accessible to the world: “Our sourdough starter is incredible active and should be treated as if dealing with live fireworks.”

He said the concept is “a chance to remind people that we're here and better than ever”.

“What I like about this campaign is it’s a one-stop shop that’s got a taste of all of K Road in it. Remind people of things they might of forgotten about, or show people things they never knew existed.

“People cling on to negative stories or images, but come up and you'll remember what drew you to the street when you were 25 and cool.”

How it works

The shop at 490 K Road is open from Thursday, September 11 until Saturday, September 20. Hours are 10am-5pm.

Receipts need to be purchased from the Karangahape neighbourhood, which includes Karangahape Rd, Cross St, Upper Queen (North of Motorways), Queen St (south of Mayoral Dr), Mercury Lane, Pitt St, Beresford Sq, Canada St, East St, South St, Galatos St, West Tce, Edinburgh St, Gundry St, Abbey St, Ophir St, Winchester St, Hereford St, Howe St, Day St, Symonds St between Karangahape and City Rd.

Receipts must be dated after the store opens on September 11, so no point hoarding them yet.

And the concept comes with a warning: “Any tomfoolery with receipts or other deviltry at Karangahape Returns will see the offenders receiving an unprecedented permanent ban from the street.”

Some of the items on offer and the ‘cost’

‘Faces of Karangahape’ playing cards - 2 receipts

Las Vegas Girl K Ring - 3 receipts

Archival copies of Anne Shelton’s Red Eye book - 10 receipts

1000 piece Mercury Plaza memorial puzzle - 33 receipts

1970’s Leo O’Malley 3-piece suit - 57 receipts

‘KRO4D’ number plate - 200 receipts

A month’s lease - 583 receipts