Put on notice, pirate language and Wuthering Heights
Confused? Don't be.
A file photo I took a few years ago, and certainly useful given how bloody cold it is.
But now for the news.
A few weeks ago I wrote about Dunedin-based businesswoman Kelly Smith.
Her companies included Cemented by H, which sold concrete figurines and attracted the attention of Fair Go, and a business trading as Concrete Jungle, which sold indoor house plants and attracted a slew of online complaints.
I became interested in her latest venture: Shared Wardrobe.
I wanted to put some allegations to Smith, who also goes by the names Cali Smith or Kelly Vie, over the dresses-for-hire business. Those allegations included lengthy delays over deliveries and refunds.
Kelly Smith
No one answered at the Jetty St office when I door-knocked and a bounce-back email noted:
“Our store is now permanently closed and no longer taking bookings, consignment or try-ons.”
Another email read:
“Hi Hamish, Works a bit hectic in our office today and tomorrow with the handover of new ownership.”
I requested an interview with Kelly over some employees and customers disgruntled about the service they had at Shared Wardrobe, including no tracking numbers and parcels not being delivered.
Five minutes before that edition of The Mish was sent to subscribers, I got a letter from a Christchurch-based law firm on behalf of Shared Wardrobe.
That was on Wednesday June 8.
That letter alleged there was “no truth” behind the allegations I was investigating as I had provided no proof, and I was “put on notice”.
But I had spoken to people impacted, including young women - clients and employees - of Smith’s various companies.
What I wasn’t willing to do was to hand over those identifying details.
The lawyer’s letter said their client wouldn’t talk unless I provided further details of the allegations.
I replied with five key questions, including one requesting an interview.
Six days ago I got this:
“Thank you for your email.
I have discussed this with Shared Wardrobe who would like to arrange a time to meet with you and discuss the allegations in more detail. Would you be available next week to meet in the Dunedin Shared Wardrobe store?”
Result!
Or was it?
The office building in question
Five days ago came another update, which included a request to not to publish a story until the interview and to provide emails, statements, screenshots prior to the interview.
I declined but fleshed out the specific questions I wanted answered.
That interview was later changed to the afternoon, and a further request that “our client does not consent to any video, photos or recordings to be taken during the interview.”
And then another email:
“Please provide the information referred to below prior to the meeting. There is no reason for this not to be provided.”
And then things got weird. Another letter requesting more details of the accusations be provided (CCing one of my big bosses *gulp*):
“You have provided us with a list of open-ended questions, which we assume is not comprehensive and has been formed on the basis of allegations that have been put forward to you. Our client is entitled to a summary of these allegations before responding to them.”
I CC’d my own editor and she responded immediately.
“Hamish’s questions appear very clear to me and should be a simple matter for your client to answer.
I do not see them as a breach of Stuff's reporting guidelines, nor of Media Council principles.
I hope you are able to answer them in a timely fashion.”
Another email arrived and it was clear things were getting tense. I emailed back on Wednesday morning to say I would be at the designated time for the meeting.
Eleven minutes before that meeting I got confirmation that Smith had now tested positive to Covid-19 and was in isolation.
“She cannot attend the meeting.
We have therefore prepared written answers to your questions, however, this is difficult to do given the lack of information provided.”
An attached statement included her standing by her business dealings, and confirmation that the business was sold on June 1. Smith would remain involved until later this year.
Hopefully before then I can have a sit down with her to discuss some of the matters raised.
And if you read this Kelly, I wish you well in your recovery.
It was interesting to drive by a certain new South Dunedin shop, and note the yellow lines and no parks in front of Sue Todd Antiques’ new store on Hillside Rd.
In April she told the Otago Daily Times that she was leaving her central city location, because the redesigned George St would lead to fewer parks.
You can read that story here. Or better yet, check this link out.
Todd, I note, is on the committee of the Dunedin Ratepayers and Householders Association.
Speaking of council, thanks to everyone who kept on sending me this screenshot from Cr Lee Vandervis over the weekend. MADE. MY. DAY.
It comes after Cr Vandervis posted this.
This weekend I took my youngest to the library, a weekly trip. He was beyond excited to see a new checking out machine (pretty sure that is what it is called) there, and even more excited to see it retained ‘Pirate’ as a language option.
Outstanding!
I love the brilliantly titled Haggis Protection Society, which is behind Dunedin’s second annual cèilidh (pronounced KAY-Li) - a traditional Scottish dance.
It includes a helpful explanation:
“Today it means a big barn dance where everybody dances regardless of skill. Half the dances are formed in a ring and you change partners each set; others you dance with the same groups. The point is it’s a fun gathering where everyone’s involved.
The music is fun, fast, celtic and jaunty. It's how your granny and great-granny would have danced back in the day.”
This is the best bit:
“The group (informally) formed on Saturday, 25 January 2020 when, during a celebration for the famous bard, we were moaning about not being able to go to cèilidhs like we used to in Scotland.
In decidedly non-Scottish fashion, we decided to stop moaning and organise one.”
In other news, here is the Tweet of the Week, courtesy of one of the city’s top crime writers (deffo in the top five…)
Still laughing.
And if Stranger Things has rekindled your love of Kate Bush *shudder*, try this:
ICYMI: I wrote a few stories worth checking out, one was about the demolition of the former Scribes bookstore, and the other concerned cyberbullying towards prominent sex worker Lisa Lewis.
I wish you a happy Matariki and hope you enjoy one of the dozens of events around the city.
I’m taking a break, and will be back next Wednesday.
Vandervis seems insane
Oh, I had to check out that new shop address for Sue Todd... And I drove past it twice yesterday and didn't notice! I did wonder if she was going to go in there, even if you go slightly further than directly outside her shop, parking can be lacking in that part of town 🤣