A Slice of the Netherlands in the Heart of Waikato
If you were driving down Ruakura Rd in Newstead, you might be forgiven for thinking you were line and rows of poplars, a replica of a classic Dutch “boerderij” or farmhouse.
invisible migrants”, the sisters set out to “put a stake in the ground for us of cultural diversity that is Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Christina. Zenders Café and Venue operates as two separate entities. The café spaces, large, medium, or small, to cater for corporate, community or family occasions, including weddings, anniversaries and funerals, all of indoor and outdoor spaces allow people to gather, connect and celebrate, whatever the occasion.
From the moment they arrive, guests experience the unassuming sophistication of a quality venue. From the sealed carpark, guests step out to cross the quaint bridge over a shallow canal to be welcomed into a bright foyer with beautifully led through to the spacious outdoor courtyards that connect either to the Zaal, a large conference room Room with its own kitchenette and ensuite. A core value the sisters have brought to Zenders is the Dutch concept of “gezelligheid”, which may be described as ‘a welcoming atmosphere’. “Our goal is that every guest would describe their experience here as ‘gezellig’,” says Teresa. The name Zenders is derived from the local name for Zevenaar, the hometown of the Reymer family in the Netherlands. The blueprints of the original Reymer homestead were sourced and used to recreate this new building, after the original, which was known as “Schildheuvel”, was sold out of the family and demolished, much to the dismay from the original building and these are now proudly reinstated on the building at Zenders, giving authenticity to their claim that they have rebuilt their great-grandfather’s farmhouse in New Zealand. Serendipitously, Schildheuvel loosely
So whether you are just out and about, looking event, let Zenders welcome you to make “Our Place, Your Place”. 17
