Pearl of Ahuriri: Coastal charm meets exceptional care

Nestled along the sun-dappled street, close to the waterfront, Pearl of Ahuriri does not feel like a dental clinic. Patients have commented that it feels more like “visiting friends”.

Once a quiet fishing village and vibrant port, Ahuriri’s heritage is preserved in the original customs house standing by the harbour. Today, art murals bloom on brick walls, and the scent of salt air mingles with the delicious aroma coming from the many fabulous local restaurants. Just five minutes from Napier’s bustling city centre, Ahuriri has come to life over the past decade. Part of the town’s rejuvenation included Pearl of Ahuriri, which in 2017 opened its doors as the first and only dental surgery in the coastal community.

Founded and led by director Maree Langford and her husband, Dr Martin Langford – a dental surgeon with over 30 years of experience across the UK, the Royal Air Force, and private practice in New Zealand – the practice embodies the same values as its surroundings: warmth, reliability, and meticulous attention to detail.

That’s why, when their old dental chair began to fail – groaning under the weight of years, prompting frequent callouts to technicians – they didn’t just look for a replacement. They looked for something worthy of Ahuriri.

Essential comforts

Enter the Stern Weber dental chair – sourced through Ivoclar’s local representative, Claire Dixon. The decision wasn’t made lightly. “We didn’t go for flash,” Maree explains. “We went for function and for comfort.”
What stood out? The memory foam. “The memory foam appealed… and some of the design features such as the arm rest mechanism and the rollers on the assistant’s side.” Simple observations but telling. For a practice that prides itself on patient comfort, ease of access matters too. “The chair is very comfortable for our elderly,” she adds, “and ease of getting in and out is good.”

Those details aren’t just nice-to-haves – they’re essential. The removable tray? Perfect for quick cleaning between appointments. The superior spittoon capacity? No more spill-over surprises. “The triplex air supply is excellent, instant dry air,” Maree notes, with quiet satisfaction, “our nurse loves the position of the filters for easy maintenance. The lock for cleaning is awesome, too. It stops the chair from dancing around.”

Even the headrest adjustment earned praise: “It’s really good.” The suction? “Lighter to manage.” The rollers? “Helpful.” Not flashy tech specs, but the kind of thoughtful innovations that make a day in the operatory smoother, calmer, less taxing.

A result-oriented purchase

Crucially, none of this would have come together without Claire Dixon. “Claire was very helpful and still is,” Maree says. “Excellent” – one word, repeated – on purchasing, installation, and ongoing support.
“We didn’t need someone selling us a dream,” Maree clarifies. “We needed someone who showed up, answered the phone, and fixed things quickly. Claire did all that. That mattered more than any brochure.”

The results? Quietly profound. Patients haven’t said much – no effusive reviews, no social media posts. “No one has said it is uncomfortable,” Maree observes. “And that’s the best compliment.” In a community where silence often speaks louder than praise, that absence of complaint is a testament. More noticeably, staff morale has lifted. “Our surgery assistants are also enjoying the great features,” Maree says, smiling. “Making their job more efficient and pleasant.” Reduced physical strain. Fewer adjustments. Less fatigue at the end of long days. For a small team working shoulder-to-shoulder with care, these aren’t luxuries – they’re lifelines.

At Pearl of Ahuriri, innovation isn’t about trends. It’s about stewardship. About honouring the trust placed in them by neighbours who’ve brought their children here, then returned with grandchildren. About respecting the people – both patient and practitioner – that make this place work.

The Stern Weber chair is an extension of their ethos: precision, comfort, and sustainability. As Maree sums up the buyer’s experience: “Yes, great service and great chair.”

“I think all new equipment brings out enthusiasm in the team; however, the innovative functions of this unit are specifically helpful.”

In Ahuriri, where the sea meets the shore and history lingers in every corner, Pearl of Ahuriri stands as a quiet anchor. Its new chair doesn’t shout. It doesn’t dazzle. It simply works – flawlessly, quietly, reliably – so that those who enter can sit, breathe, and be cared for, exactly as they should be. This isn’t just a dental upgrade. It’s a promise kept.