Marty Richards (and Marley his French Bulldog) have just opened a new laundry called Laundry Heaven, right next door to Hell Pizza on Richmond Road.
It looks like a movie set and is the most glamorous laundromat you will ever see. We asked Marty to tell us more.
What are your opening hours?
I have reduced Hell Pizza back to the one unit it originally started in, and converted the left-hand unit into Laundry Heaven, a self-service laundromat. So, I guess you could say I now have one foot in Heaven and one foot in Hell. Eight washers and 12 dryers in three sizes – medium, large and XL – so you can wash everything from socks to king-size duvets. We are open from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week.
Did you do the renovation work yourself?
Yes – most of it. In a past life I was a qualified builder, so I was fortunate to have the skills to take on the conversion myself. It’s been a journey – challenging at times, but incredibly rewarding.
How did you come up with the name?
It hit me at 4am – a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put Heaven next to Hell and bring a bit of fun to the community. I couldn’t resist. I’ve had some wild ideas, but this one might actually be a good one.
Why a laundromat?
I initially planned to sub-lease the space at the beginning of the year, but when that fell through, I started researching other options. Laundromats kept popping up and the more I learned, the more it made sense for the neighbourhood and the block of shops we’re in. So I thought let’s have some fun and build the most heavenly laundromat possible!
What makes Laundry Heaven different from other laundromats?
Laundry Heaven is designed to make your laundry day enjoyable – even fun! Blue skies, clouds, heavenly music, a Garden of Eden interior, a pinball machine and brand new state-of-the-art laundry machines which are completely cashless – just tap your card or use the app. The idea is to walk in and feel like you’ve just stepped through the pearly gates, even if you’re just washing a few socks.
What do you like most about Ponsonby?
The restaurants, the energy and, of course, Lime Bar – my guilty pleasure. You can expect to hear a few guilty pleasure tracks at Laundry Heaven too.
You recently appeared on Seven Sharp celebrating 10 years of pizza deliveries to the James Liston Hostel.
That was a really special milestone. For 10 years, every month, we’ve delivered 20 pizzas to the James Liston Hostel to support people doing it tough. It started quietly with no plan for recognition – it just felt like the right thing to do. To have Seven Sharp highlight it was humbling, and I’m incredibly proud of my team and our relationship with the hostel staff who helped make those deliveries happen over a decade.
What was your childhood like?
I grew up in West Auckland. A small family, great parents, Avondale College, lifelong mates, classic Kiwi upbringing. Looking back now, the 80s and 90s were such a simple, great time to grow up. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Which TV series would you never miss?
Succession. I love the sharp writing, big egos and business chaos I don’t have to personally deal with.
Your bucket list?
More travel with my wife Kim, especially to new places, travelling for music concerts like Glastonbury and, of course, more snowboarding.
Most Kiwi thing about you?
I have a tendency to put Wattie’s Tomato Sauce on most meals.
See yourself in 10 years?
Doing more of the same but with a bit more time to travel and taking a step back to do whatever I feel like.
If you were reincarnated, what would you be?
A dog. I don’t know why, I just love dogs.
Like to be remembered how?
As the yes-man. Someone who said yes more than no and wasn’t afraid to have a go.
Something you really disapprove of?
Negativity for the sake of it. I try to look for the bright side and find the silver lining. Life’s better when you stay optimistic.
What motivates you?
I love creating happiness. Whether that’s serving great pizza or creating cool experiences for people, I’m into it.
Give your teenage self some advice.
Don’t dwell on problems. Time heals most things. Travel more, say yes to opportunities and back yourself – life gets bigger when you do.
Which item of clothing can’t you live without?
A baseball cap. You’ll rarely see me without one! (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)
