About Housekeepers Function - The Loan & Merc
The Housekeepers Function space is a historic event venue housed in Oamaru’s iconic Loan & Mercantile building at 14-16 Harbour Street. Constructed in 1882 as a three-storey Victorian warehouse for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency (then the country’s largest stock-and-station company), it was designed to hold 100,000 grain sacks – literally New Zealand’s largest grain store of its era (www.victorianoamaru.co.nz). The grand limestone building features original relics like four water-powered grain elevators (still in place) and was known locally as “Fleur’s Other Place” when restaurateur Fleur Sullivan opened a tavern eatery there in 2010 (publocation.co.nz). Today the ground floor operates as a fully-equipped licensed function venue run by the Housekeepers catering team. It retains many signature heritage touches (soaring arched windows, polished chewy-wood floors, and a wood-burning furnace) that create a rustic yet elegant ambience (www.loanandmerc.co.nz). This unique blend of historic architecture and modern service makes Housekeepers Function at The Loan & Merc a notable centre for weddings, parties and community events in the Oamaru scene.
Events and Programming
Housekeepers Function – The Loan & Merc is primarily booked for private events rather than daily public shows. Typical events include wedding receptions, birthday or anniversary parties, corporate dinners, club gatherings and celebratory banquets. The venue’s in-house team works with clients to host everything from table-service dinners and buffet lunches to casual cocktail parties. On occasion, the hall has also hosted local business launches, community fundraisers and themed dinners. Unlike a regular pub or concert hall, The Loan & Merc does not have a standing public gig schedule; events must be planned in advance. When music or entertainment is included (for example, a wedding band or DJ), Housekeepers provides full audio/lighting support to suit each event. Because almost all events are private functions, “ticket prices” vary widely – typically set by the organiser in advance (for e.g. wedding guests receive invitations, and corporate functions include catering charges). In short, the venue hosts a wide range of special occasions at varying budgets, rather than fixed-ticket performances.
Tickets and Booking
Since Housekeepers Function is booked as an exclusive event space, there is no public box office or walk-up ticket sales for general shows. If you are attending a private party or wedding here, tickets (or guest lists) are arranged through the organiser of that specific event. For example, wedding couples handle invitations and RSVPs directly with their guests. If a community group or company holds a function, they’ll sell tickets or registrations through their usual channels. For any large public event (like an Oamaru festival night), information might appear on local listings, but that’s rare. In other words, you generally purchase access from the event planner rather than from Housekeepers itself. For planning your own function, the venue’s events team can be contacted (via the Loan & Merc website) to discuss dates and pricing. It’s wise to book well ahead – popular autumn and summer weekends can fill up quickly for weddings or parties. Pricing depends on your requirements: the venue charges a hire fee plus catering packages. There are often tiered menu options (buffet vs plated, standard vs premium buffet, etc.), so final costs vary. If you’re booking a typical 50–100 guest dinner, early inquiries are recommended and the team can outline the custom catering quote. (Note: Housekeepers does not publish a generic ticket price; events are usually bespoke, so specifics come from individual bookings.)
Seating and Layout
The Loan & Merc’s main function area is an open-plan hall on the ground floor of the heritage building. The space can be configured in multiple ways. In banquet mode (tables and chairs), it seats anywhere from about 60 up to 300 guests comfortably (www.loanandmerc.co.nz). For standing cocktail events or dances, it can accommodate an even larger crowd. As a guide, round tables for dinners often seat 8–10 people per table, so a 300-seat arrangement would use roughly 30 tables spread through the room. Because the venue is tall and wide, even back rows have sightlines to the front. The focal point is typically at one end of the hall for a head table or band stage. Tall visitor-flow arches allow a side entrance or stage setup. Key features of the layout include the beautiful semi-circular arched windows (which let in abundant daylight) and the wood-finished ceilings (www.loanandmerc.co.nz). Seating is usually banquet-style or theatre-style (rows) depending on the event. There’s no fixed “VIP box” section, but of course guests of honour (such as the newlyweds at a wedding) often sit at a prime table near the front. Acoustic-wise, the high ceilings and stone walls give the sound a lively, resonant quality – many entertainers bring a quality sound system and the in-house experts can advise on best speaker placement. (Tip: seats or tables near the centre of the hall tend to have the most balanced acoustics and best view of any band/dance floor.) There are no obstructed views, so every seat is a good one by design. In summary, the layout is a large heritage hall with flexible seating: you choose round tables or cocktail clusters, and the space scales from intimate (60 people) up to grand (300 people) while retaining that rustic charm (www.loanandmerc.co.nz) (www.loanandmerc.co.nz).
Getting There and Parking
Housekeepers Function – The Loan & Merc is at 14–16 Harbour Street, South Hill, Oamaru 9400 (publocation.co.nz). It sits in the heart of Oamaru’s Victorian Heritage Precinct, just a block from the waterfront. By car, the venue is easy to find from central Oamaru. The most convenient parking is on nearby streets or public car parks. Note that most central Oamaru street parking is pay-and-display between 10am–5:30pm Mon–Fri and 10am–1pm Sat (with 1-hour free parking on those meters (www.waitaki.govt.nz)). Sundays and holidays have free parking. For long stays, the Eden Street public car parks (north and south lots) are about 5 minutes’ walk away; they charge $2 per hour or a flat $8 for all-day (www.waitaki.govt.nz). Some evenings or overnight, you may grab an on-street spot for free (many harbour precinct streets become free after hours). Rideshare and taxis can drop off right at the front steps on Harbour Street – there’s a convenient pull-up spot under the arched windows – but keep in mind Uber service in Oamaru can be limited, so booking a local taxi is best for late departures. Public transit options are limited: there is no local city bus system, but long-distance coaches stop nearby. For example, InterCity coaches from Christchurch or Dunedin stop at Eden Street (by the public restrooms) just 400m from the venue (www.intercity.co.nz). Oamaru’s train station is roughly 1.5km away, so if you arrive by Northern Explorer or tourist train you’d taxi or walk about 15 minutes. In summary: driving and parking is usually straightforward (with pay parking downtown per council rules (www.waitaki.govt.nz)), and the venue is just a short walk from central Oamaru transit stops (Eden St bus/train stop (www.intercity.co.nz)).
Inside the Venue
On entering Housekeepers Function – The Loan & Merc, expect a warm, historic atmosphere. The entry foyer flows into the great hall. Staff will usually welcome you at a check-in desk or door (for ticketed events they check wristbands or tickets). A key feature inside is the beautifully restored interior: the high wood-beam ceiling and floor planks, antique chandeliers and that central wood-fired furnace (often lit at winter events) make it feel both elegant and cosy (www.loanandmerc.co.nz). Since the venue is fully licensed (www.loanandmerc.co.nz), there is typically a staffed bar serving beer, wine and cocktails; Housekeepers often runs the bar on event nights, so you can order drinks just like at any bar. If it’s a seated dinner, servers bring tableside service. Housekeepers’ catering menu is entirely in-house: they prepare all food on-site or in a nearby kitchen. Offerings range from canapés and buffet spreads to multi-course dinners. They can accommodate special diets (vegan/gluten-free/etc.) by request. Because it’s an event space rather than a themed club, there’s usually no “house sound track” – instead, any music is either live or provided by the event’s DJ/band. The lighting is typically soft ambient (up to 300 guests) but can be adjusted for mood (uplights, string lights, etc.) or turned brighter if needed. Essential amenities include ample restrooms (men’s, women’s, and usually at least one accessible toilet) on the same level, so you don’t have to go stairs. Coat racks may appear by the entrance if the group expects cold weather. There is generally a small cloak/storage area near the door if you need to hang a jacket. If it’s a very full event, you may see security staff or bouncers at the door (especially if alcohol is involved) – that’s normal for a licensed venue ensuring local laws are followed. There is usually no official coat check counter, so guests often keep coats on their chairs or on provided racks. The venue does not have a dedicated gift or merchandise shop, but sometimes event hosts set up a small table for favours or photo slideshows. Wi-Fi is often available via the venue’s network, though reception in old stone buildings can be variable (most guests rely on their mobile data). Briefly, inside The Loan & Merc you’ll find a historic yet fully equipped event hall: licensed bar, full catering kitchen, bathrooms, and flexible lighting/sound – everything needed to support a seamless function experience from start to finish (www.loanandmerc.co.nz) (www.loanandmerc.co.nz).
Nearby Amenities
The Loan & Merc sits in Oamaru’s lively heritage district, so you have plenty of amenities at hand. If you come early, you might enjoy pre-event dining in one of the neighbourhood eateries. Just a minute’s walk away on Harbour Street is the famous Harbour Street Bakery (open daily for artisan pies, sandwiches, coffee and desserts) – a great spot for a quick breakfast or casual lunch. For a sit-down dinner, popular local restaurants include Riverstone Kitchen (modern NZ cuisine) and Cucina (fine gourmet Italian) – both highly rated in Oamaru (www.tripadvisor.co.za). Nearby brewpubs and pubs like Scotts Brewing Co or the historic Criterion Hotel (corner of Tyne Street) offer hearty meals and local craft beers. If you arrive much earlier, several cafés and delis (like Lagonda or the Penguin Café) are within easy walking distance. For coffee and light bites, consider the Criterion’s bar café or the local-newcomer Reminisce Eatery on Tyne Street.
In terms of lodging, there are a few charming places to stay very close by. For example, Bluestone on Water (a boutique hotel in a converted boathouse on the Harbour), The Whitestone (heritage apartments above a shop), and the Victorian-inspired accommodation at the Criterion’s rooms or YHA are all minutes away. The downtown Oamaru Hotel and several bed-and-breakfasts (like the White House B&B) are also in the precinct, so guests from out of town can walk to the venue in 5–10 minutes. If you need overnight parking, some hotels will allow guests to leave cars on site or provide passes.
As for drinking after events, late-night options are limited. The Criterion and a couple of other pubs (like the Bluestone Alehouse when open) might be open past 10pm but usually close by midnight. Always plan transport in advance for late evenings – as a small town, Oamaru has no 24/7 public transit. Taxis can be booked by phone, or you may arrange an Uber if coverage is available (though service can be sparse). If you’re staying nearby, a short walk is the easiest way home. Finally, because parking enforcement often ends after 5:30pm, you won’t need to scramble for a meter late at night. Generally expect a relaxed, small-town vibe: just remember to lock your car and enjoy stopping in one of Oamaru’s historic pubs or motels if you’re in town for the night.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Loan & Merc building itself is what really sets this venue apart. It is one of Oamaru’s “crown jewels” in the Victorian Heritage Precinct (www.odt.co.nz). Few venues have such an authentic backstory: at its peak it housed 100,000 grain sacks and was the largest grain store in NZ (www.victorianoamaru.co.nz). Inside, the original grain-lift machinery and heavy stone walls recall an era of 19th-century industry. Visitors often note how the grand arched windows and high timber ceilings combine history with a warm, inviting atmosphere (www.loanandmerc.co.nz). This character makes it popular with photographers – many wedding photos taken on the arched stairs or near the old furnace have a timeless feel. On cultural impact, the venue ties into Oamaru’s identity as New Zealand’s most complete Victorian town. It neighbors Whitestone City (an interactive heritage museum) and is part of annual town traditions like the Victorian Fete, where locals dress in period costume and parade down Harbour St on a signature November Sunday. Artistically, the building has hosted events like art shows, community concerts and even the occasional film screening by local societies. Despite its vintage pedigree, the space is modernly outfitted, so performers and guests enjoy up-to-date lighting, sound and catering. All in all, Housekeepers Function – The Loan & Merc is special for blending historic grandeur (with original grain elevators and limestone architecture (www.victorianoamaru.co.nz)) with a friendly, lived-in atmosphere. Both audiences and event hosts love it because it feels like stepping into a piece of Oamaru’s story while still delivering 5-star service and hospitality.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is mindful of guests with mobility needs. A lift was installed in 2019 to provide access to the upper levels and toilets (www.odt.co.nz) (although most events use only the ground floor). There is no steep indoor staircase to the main hall, and one of the restrooms is wheelchair-friendly. The doorways are wide (in heritage style) and staff can assist wheelchair users from the street entrance. As always, ket your ticketing or host know ahead if special parking or seating is needed.
What to Bring: Pack according to the event. If it’s a winter evening, a warm coat is wise (the stone building is cosy but can be cool by nightfall). For weddings or formal events there is no strict dress code – local Kiwis often go for smart casual or cocktail attire (think summer dresses or collared shirts and slacks). Comfortable shoes are a must; the floor is wood and sometimes dance-heavy. If you plan on buying bar drinks, bring valid NZ photo ID (18+ required by law to drink alcohol). You might also bring cash or a card if you wish to tip servers or buy something on a small onsite market table. Phones can often be used to pay as well, but double-check your event invite (some smaller occasions may be cash-only).
Arrival: We recommend arriving at least 15–30 minutes before an event’s scheduled start, especially if you need to sign in or collect tickets. This also gives time to find parking and settle in before the festivities begin. Staff will have ushers or greeters for larger events. If it’s an organized tour or community event, the organizer may have a volunteer direction team. Usually you simply show your event ticket or name at the desk.
Rules and Common Sense: Like most venues, certain items are discouraged for safety. Large backpacks or open containers (drinks from outside, etc.) are usually not allowed. Smoking is not permitted inside – there is a small outdoor area on the courtyard side for smokers. Photography is allowed for personal use, but commercial filming typically requires permission (so best to check in advance). Children are welcome at family-friendly events, but under 18s cannot be served alcohol. No bare feet or over-the-top costumes are expected (even though the place has a “Victorian” vibe, it’s not a strict costume ball unless advertised as such). One common tip: keep personal items with you as you move around – the venue is relaxed but does not have secure lockers.
Connectivity: Many visitors find that mobile signal (4G/LTE) is decent inside, thanks to the open architecture. Free Wi-Fi may be offered on request at events, but it’s not guaranteed to work flawlessly in every corner (the thick stone can sometimes interfere). If you need internet for slideshows or video calls, it’s better to check in advance with the host.
Final Tip: Enjoy exploring the heritage precinct before or after your event. The Victorian Wardrobe (costume hire) and Whitestone City museum are right around the corner and add to the experience. The staff at Housekeepers are known to be friendly and helpful – don’t hesitate to ask them local questions (favorite beer on tap, nearest pharmacy, etc.). As one visitor put it, this “beautiful historic venue” offers great service and excellent food (thefamilycompany.co.nz). In short, treat Housekeepers Function – The Loan & Merc as both a piece of living history and a professional event centre: arrive early, dress for the weather, carry your ID, and you’ll have a smooth, memorable visit.
What is the address and capacity of Housekeepers Function – The Loan & Merc?
Housekeepers Function – The Loan & Merc is located at 14–16 Harbour Street, Oamaru 9400 (
publocation.co.nz). The historic ground-floor hall can seat from about 60 up to 300 guests, depending on layout (
www.loanandmerc.co.nz). This means it’s suitable for intimate gatherings as well as large events with several hundred attendees.
Is there parking available and what are the fees?
Street parking is available nearby. In central Oamaru, most on-street parking is pay-and-display: $2 per hour on weekdays and Saturdays, with a 1-hour free grace period (
www.waitaki.govt.nz). If you need all-day parking, the Eden Street public car parks (just a 5–10 min walk away) charge $8 flat for the day (
www.waitaki.govt.nz). After hours (evenings and Sundays) parking is generally free. Since the venue is in a tourist precinct, local roads often have ample space outside peak times.
How can I get to the venue by public transport?
Oamaru’s main public bus stop is on Eden Street, where InterCity coaches from Christchurch, Dunedin, Timaru, etc., arrive (
www.intercity.co.nz). That stop is only a few blocks from the Loan & Merc, about a 5-7 minute walk. From there, walk west on Eden St, turn right on Tyne St, then left into Harbour Street. If you’re coming by train (Northern Explorer), the station is visible atop Tyne Street; it’s about 1.5 km away from the venue (roughly a 15 min walk or short taxi). Note that there is no local city bus in Oamaru, so most visitors use coach or private car/taxi to reach the precinct.
What types of events are held at the Loan & Merc venue?
The Loan & Merc function space is used for a wide variety of private events. The most common are wedding receptions and corporate functions (business dinners, product launches, awards nights). Other events include community luncheons, club anniversary parties, school prom nights, religious celebrations and charity fundraisers. Occasionally it’s used for public events like ticketed dinners or workshops, but its main focus is on booked functions with catering. It’s not a regular live-music venue, so scheduled concerts are rare.
How do I book the venue for my event?
To book Housekeepers Function at The Loan & Merc, you contact the venue’s events team directly (via their website inquiry form or by phone). They will discuss your date, guest numbers and desired catering. It’s advisable to book several months in advance, especially for popular wedding dates, since the space is often reserved. The venue will provide a quote including hire fee and in-house catering. Because events are customized, there’s no flat public pricing – you’ll agree a package that fits your budget and requirements when you book.
Can I just buy tickets at the door on the night?
Usually, no. Housekeepers Function is not a public entertainment venue with walk-up ticket sales. If an event is open to the public (like a charity dinner), ticket sales are handled by the event organizer in advance (often online or via phone), not at the door. For private functions (like weddings), only invited guests may enter. In short, you cannot typically “just turn up” unless the event host has arranged on-site sales or door admittance.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The ground floor event space is accessible without steps from the street. In 2019 a lift was installed to serve the upper floors (
www.odt.co.nz), and one of the restrooms on the main level is wheelchair-friendly. Doorways and halls are wide enough for a wheelchair. If specific needs arise (reserved disabled seating or parking), it’s best to discuss these with the venue when booking so they can accommodate.
Are there designated VIP or general admission areas?
This venue doesn’t have fixed VIP sections like a theatre. Seating is arranged per event. For example, at a wedding you might have a “top table” for the couple and bridal party at the front, but it’s just one of the tables in the hall. All other guests then sit at numbered tables or assigned seats. For cocktail events, there may be a reserved lounge or roped-off area for sponsors or speakers, but that varies with the host’s plan. Generally, it’s a flexible space – if you want a VIP corner or lounge, just coordinate it into your layout.
What facilities are inside (bar, food service, restrooms)?
Inside, the venue has a fully licensed bar (operated by Housekeepers’ staff) for drinks, plus a professional catering kitchen. Food service style (buffet vs plated) depends on your booking. There are multiple restroom facilities on the ground level (including at least one accessible toilet). Coat racks or a small storage area may be set up near the entrance during cold-weather events. The hall is also equipped with basic lighting controls and AV hookups – any sound or projection equipment is typically arranged by the event organiser using the in-house connections.
Can I bring my own alcohol or outside food?
No. The venue’s license requires that all alcohol served on-site be supplied through their own bar or approved caterer. Likewise, catering is handled in-house for health reasons. Bringing in outside alcohol or food is against policy. You ought to work with Housekeepers’ catering options for menus and drinks packages; they are very accommodating with custom menus. If you have special requests (like a cake from home), you can usually bring that, but the main food and drink must come from the venue’s services.
Is smoking allowed inside?
No. Like all indoor public places in New Zealand, The Loan & Merc is smoke-free. Guests may only smoke in designated outdoor areas. The venue typically provides an outside seating area or courtyard for smokers. Please plan accordingly – step outside to smoke, and note that any marijuana or other smoking substances are also prohibited indoors by law.
Are children allowed and is there a minimum age?
Children of any age can attend most events held here, provided an adult accompanies them. However, because the venue is licensed, anyone under 18 cannot be served alcohol. Some evening events may restrict attendance to adults only, but that would be specified by the event organizer (e.g. a corporate wine-tasting night might be 18+). If you’re bringing minors to a wedding or family party, they are generally welcome like in any family home.
What should I wear (dress code) for an event here?
The dress code depends on your event’s theme. The venue itself has a historic, elegant vibe, but usually events are semi-formal or cocktail attire. For weddings, people often dress nicely (dresses, collared shirts and ties, etc.), similar to going to a church service or banquet. For corporate dinners, business casual to formal is common. Since the hall is comfortable, there’s no need for overly formal black tie unless specifically requested. In cooler months, layers are smart (the stone interior can be a bit chilly until the furnace warms it up). Footwear should be comfortable for mixing and dancing on hardwood floors.
How early should guests arrive before an event starts?
It’s generally best to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before an event’s advertised start time. This allows you to find parking, check your name or ticket list with the door staff, and settle in. For weddings, many guests arrive 20 minutes early to greet the couple or find their seats before dinner. For conferences or performances, prompt arrival helps you get a good seat or review any materials. The venue often opens doors early for this reason, so you’ll likely be able to enter when you arrive. Planning extra time for traffic or finding the historic precinct (if you’re from out of town) is wise.
Is Wi-Fi available inside the venue?
Wi-Fi may be available on request, but it is not guaranteed as a full high-speed network like in modern hotels. The stone building sometimes blocks signals, so many guests rely on mobile data. If you need reliable internet (for running presentations, for example), it’s best to ask the event host to arrange it in advance or use a personal hotspot. In practice, casual visitors browse their phones normally without issue, since the hall is mostly open.
What’s the history behind the venue’s name?
The building’s original name comes from the NZ Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, which built it in the 1880s. “The Loan & Merc” is a shortened form of “Loan & Mercantile”. Over time, the name stuck even as uses changed. “Housekeepers” is the brand of the catering/event company that now operates the space. Together it’s called Housekeepers Function – The Loan & Merc to reflect both the heritage building and the current function service provider.
