A Conversation with Chargn of The Green Dolphin Bookshop

Introduction:

Tucked away on the vibrant stretch of Karangahape Road, The Green Dolphin Bookshop has been a sanctuary for book lovers for five of its ten years. Stepping inside is like entering the warm, slightly chaotic, and deeply personal study of a fascinating friend. The light is soft, the air smells of old paper, and a familiar-looking couch sits invitingly in the back, surrounded by a children's section that feels like a playground for the imagination.

What truly brings this space to life is its owner, Chargn. He moves through the towering shelves with a quiet purpose, having built a world where every book has a chance at a second life. From the locally-authored fictions and cookbooks proudly displayed at the front, to the eclectic collection of art, fashion, and foreign language volumes upstairs, the shop is a direct reflection of his philosophy: that books are for everyone, and that a little profit to cover the rent and the lightbulbs is enough. The Green Dolphin is a community heart, and sitting down with Chargn for a chat feels like uncovering the secret logic behind a beloved universe.

The sofa in the center of the kids’ book section.

I was fascinated by the name of their shop— The Green Dolphin, turns out, it’s a reference to a book by Elizabeth Goudge, “Green Dolphin Street” published in 1944. It got adapted into a film in 1947 as well as a jazz standard of the same name that was written for the movie. Some people will know that reference, and other people think they name it after the prison in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, a Japanese manga from the 90s— Both are correct! “Hirohiko Araki, the author and illustrator, was a fan of the song, from the movie, from the book!” mentioned by the owners.

The Conversation

On Curating a World of Books

Me: With such a vast and diverse selection, how do you even begin to choose the books for the shop?

Chargn: I look for popular writers, of course, and I have my own personal favourites. Also, very proud to support local. We make sure New Zealand authors have a place right at the front of the store. Beyond that, I'm constantly hunting—I go to second-hand shops and seasonal markets myself to find vintage editions and rare books. We get people contacting us to sell books after a relative passes away, and sometimes people just donate. It all adds to the mix.

Me: So, be honest... do you judge a book by its cover/ title?

Chargn: (Laughs) Yes, all the time. I'm especially drawn to ones with bright colours, which are rare. When you spot a bright yellow spine, for instance, it arouses your curiosity. The title is a huge part of it, too.

Me: And when you pick one up, how do you read a book? Is there a method?

Chargn: I first look at the front and back cover to get a glimpse of the vibe. Sometimes the quote at the back is way too long and redundant—nobody wants to read that. I also look at the very first quote in the book; sometimes it says it all. I was just looking at one that started, 'Could a stone escape from the laws of gravity? Impossible. Impossible for evil to form an alliance with good.' Right away, you know this book is exploring the concept of impossibilities, the good and the bad.

'Could a stone escape from the laws of gravity? Impossible. Impossible for evil to form an alliance with good.'

I also like to open the book in the middle of nowhere and scan a page. I'll do that two or three times. That's generally how I decide whether or not I should continue reading it.

On the Life of a Bookshop— “Every object deserves a second chance at life.”

Me: You price your books to be incredibly accessible. Why is that so important to you?

Chargn: Pricing them low is about allowing everyone to read. We just need a little profit to cover the living rent and the light. That's enough.

Me: You find your books in second-hand markets. Do you thrift or buy second-hand stuff other than books? Furnitures, clothes?

Chargn: Unfortunately, no. But I support the idea that every object deserves a second chance at life.

Me: I came across a book called '7 Kinds of People You Find in Bookshops.' Do you see them all? Can you tell what someone is there for when they walk in?

Chargn: That book is kinda true! When you sit and observe with people walk in often, they demonstrate certain types. Here's the thing: I can tell if someone is here for the book or just wondering for the atmosphere (no judgement at all). Some people, who come just to see, are sold by the touch of the book, how they open it and scan it. They'll look through the racks and the poster board. Sometimes parents will leave their kids to hang around here while they're next door at the barber or clothing shops. The space is welcome to everybody.

The poster board and the cookery book section.

On Personal Passions & The Freedom to Read

Me: What's your favourite type of book to get lost in?

Chargn: Fictions. I'm fascinated by the worlds writers create. I was just reading a writer who built a world based on slavery and South African American history—it was incredible.

Me: And if there's a film adaptation, do you read the book first or see the movie?

Chargn: (Honestly) The movies first. I rarely watch the relative fiction after, since the film already tells it all. I don't read fashion books and don't really care about fashion clothing in general, but I provide them for the K Road community, where 'stylish' youngsters would read them. We have a collection of printed Vogue magazines, architecture, all kinds of design books, fine art books... all at an acceptable and friendly pricing.

Me: It sounds like you've always had this freedom to explore. Did you read a lot as a kid?

Chargn: Well, I was given the freedom to read anything I wanted.

(At this moment, an older sailor-like man walked in, laughing at our conversation and couldn't help but join us.)

The Sailor-Man: I was a kindergarten teacher for over half a century, 75 years old now retires, I think teachers should not think of themselves as people giving information, but more as a guidance role—giving full freedom for kids to read and learn anything they are linked to.

Chargn: (Smiling) Which is exactly how I grew up.

Chargn and The Green Dolphin Bookshop. 82 Pitt Street, Auckland city, New Zealand. 09/11/2025