Our heritage

We are immensely proud of our heritage at Hannahs.

Robert Hannah, an Irish emigrant, opened his first boot shop in Charleston in 1868 during the West Coast gold rush. He moved to Wellington when the gold rush ended, and in June 1874 announced the opening on Lambton Quay of Robert Hannah & Co., who "had long and practical experience in the business" and sought the patronage of the people of Wellington.

Robert Hannah was an entrepreneur of his times. He was reputed to be a shrewd and hard businessman, who also cared deeply for his staff. He paid them above the going wage, and worked hard to keep them employed during the Depression years.

Robert Hannah died in 1930. At the time of his death there were 19 branches in the North Island, 11 in the South Island, and a factory in Wellington.

Today, Hannahs is New Zealand's most recognisable footwear brand. We have 55 stores nation-wide, as well as 11 Pulp, and 10 Hush Puppies sister stores in New Zealand and Australia.

We have provided New Zealanders with quality footwear for over 100 years. Our goal is to continue to look after New Zealanders for the next hundred years.

Picture right:Image of Robert Hannah from the D Maloney Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand
(image reference: F- 116725-1/2).