They may be an invasive pest, but the five stuffed, singing possums in Napier’s iconic Opossum World are loved by many.
Now a lucky Kiwi could own a piece of history, with the quirky quintet and accompanying mural along the road and Mini for sale after almost 50 years.
The possums are the center of the possum themed museum located at the back of the Hastings St storewhich specializes in opossum fashionware.
The pandemic has taken its toll on owners Ian and Lynette Jarvis, who are closing the museum and relocating the store.
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They bought the company from the previous owner about six years ago, after he announced plans to close the business. “I was so sad, especially the loss of the museum,” said Lynette Jarvis, who worked there at the time.
The museum, which operates free of charge, offers a range of informative facts and displays that have managed to capture both foreign and domestic visitors.
Gianina Schwanecke/Stuff
The five stuffed possums on the back of a mini that sing “On the Road Again” are sold.
Jarvis said she learned a lot about the history of the opossum fur trade and the introduction of species to New Zealand – and was quick to acknowledge the “havoc” they had wrought on the native bush. “The industry as it is today got off the ground about 40 years ago and has only grown and grown.”
However, Covid-19 had severely damaged the company due to the loss of overseas tourists and cruise ships. As it was a seasonal product, they depended on this part of the market to replenish sales during the summer months.
That hadn’t happened, however, prompting the couple to make the difficult decision to downsize and move the store to their home in Taradale.
Unfortunately, this means there is no room for the 25 or 30 odd collection of stuff possums made by the original owner, Alex Gregory.
“A lot of people come just for the museum,” Jarvis said. “Some people may spend half an hour reading the information. They enjoy learning about it.”
The museum collection is not completely lost with some items to go to Ranui Farm Park in Central Hawke’s Baywhich is suitable for school groups and tourist groups.
Gianina Schwanecke/Stuff
Lynette and Ian Jarvis have been the caretakers of the Opossum world for the past six years, with some 25 strong collection of gear opossums. They have their favorites, dressed in art deco and garden clothes.
At over 50 years old, some stuffed possums aren’t in “good shape,” Ian Jarvis said, although those that are could sell for more than $700.
The quintet featured on TradeMe is popular and has already generated bids over $2500.
Lynette Jarvis said she would miss her interactions with customers and teach them about the benefits of possum fur. “I like talking to people and helping them figure out what they want. It’s not a cheap product, but it’s well made.”
The couple had both been blown away by the number of people who had visited since they first announced the move.
“The number of people who came in here and said, ‘I brought my children or I brought my grandchildren here’ [is staggering]said Ian Jarvis.
People have until July 22 to visit the museum or make an offer themselves. The store continues to work online.