Minerva

Located in the heart of Wellington, on its iconic Cuba Street, Minerva is a large, light-filled space packed with paper products including books, magazines, cards and stationery. For those who love to craft, there are also threads and stitching kits from suppliers around the world.

Minerva is named for the Roman goddess of handicrafts and knowledge, which epitomises the store’s spirit. Owner Anne Scott came to selling books after realising there was a market for the hard-to-find volumes she would often review in her magazine, New Zealand Quilter (which ceased production on its 100th issue in 2017). A mail-order system for subscribers turned into a physical shop, with Minerva opening on Cuba Street in 2008.

Through running the magazine and connecting with writers at trade shows and international quilting exhibitions, Scott has gained unique access to a community of makers, authors and publishers. The result is that Minerva is brimming with limited-run collections that are rarely found elsewhere, often sourced directly from makers rather than large distribution houses.

From self-published instruction books on mending, to guidebooks on the ergonomics of knitting (written by a physiotherapist), Minerva is a haven for anyone with a love of creativity. Be sure to share any special interests with the staff, as new titles are always on their way.