Meet Sarah and Sheldon from White Noise Workspace

People Behind the Space: White Noise Workspace

Sarah, Sheldon, and Kodak the Border Collie | White Noise Workspace 

Nestled in the heart of Whangamata, White Noise Workspace has long been a haven for remote workers and creatives seeking focus without sacrificing lifestyle. Now under the stewardship of Sarah and Sheldon—two former digital nomads turned proud workspace owners—this beloved coworking hub is entering an exciting new chapter.

From hostel staircases to the world’s best coworking spaces, their journey has given them a deep appreciation for what makes a workspace thrive. In this People Behind the Space feature, they share their story, their vision for White Noise, and why Whangamata is the ultimate place to work, surf, and unwind.

What drew you both to White Noise Workspace and what made you decide to take the leap and take over the space?

For the last few years, we’d been using Whangamata as our base, staying at our family bach between overseas travels. White Noise had been our go-to workspace whenever we were back. After a stint in Africa, we realized it was time to put down roots. Whangamata had slowly but surely become home.

After about a month back, we heard at our local coffee spot that White Noise was for sale while mentioning we were excited to settle back post-Christmas. Gutted to hear they were closing up, we quickly started exploring the possibility. By the time we walked home, we were both buzzing with excitement. It was the perfect fit—an opportunity to start a business that aligned with our lifestyle.

You’ve both lived a digital nomad lifestyle for years—how has that experience influenced your approach to running a coworking space?

We know firsthand the importance of having a reliable space to work from. Over the years, we’ve taken midnight calls from hostel staircases, searched for the closest McDonald’s or Starbucks for decent Wi-Fi, and dealt with the constant challenge of balancing work and travel. The rise of coworking spaces changed everything for remote workers—it took the stress out of finding a workspace and allowed us to be productive while still enjoying the freedom of travel.

White Noise had already built a relaxed but focused atmosphere, thanks to the previous owners Laura and Andrew. We saw no need for drastic changes. Instead, we’re focused on sharing the space with more locals and continuing to grow the community around it.

White Noise has been a staple for remote workers in Whangamata. What’s your vision for its future?

Our priority is to grow the local membership base. After chatting with existing members and locals, we’ve adjusted our pricing model to make longer-term memberships more accessible. With the current economic climate, we recognize that a workspace is often a ‘nice-to-have’ rather than a necessity, so we’re working on making it as affordable and flexible as possible while still running a successful business.

Beyond that, we’ve reached out to a few local shapers, artists, and photographers to explore displaying local work and imagery showcasing Whangamata’s history through the generations. We’d love to use the wall space to create a homage to Whanga, especially as I (Sarah) spent my life holidaying here at our family bach, which has been passed down through generations—back when there were only a handful of cabins on the dunes.

How would you describe the White Noise community, and what makes it a special place to work? 

The community here is incredibly welcoming and laid-back. One of the great things about Whangamata is that people who live here have chosen to prioritize lifestyle and community over city conveniences. That shared mindset creates a natural sense of connection.

Everyone comes in to get work done, but there’s always time for a catch-up. One of our favourite social traditions is the Thursday lunch at Port Road Project, which we’re excited to continue.

Whangamata is a surf town with a relaxed vibe—how does White Noise balance that laidback energy with productivity and focus?

That balance is what makes the space special. White Noise reflects the best of Whangamata—people here are driven and productive, but never too busy to enjoy where they are. The flexibility of the space allows members to get their work done while still making time for the surf, a swim, or just a moment to soak in the scenery.

What has been the biggest challenge and the biggest reward in taking over White Noise so far?

For us personally, stepping into a more social role has been a big shift—we’re both introverts! Being in the office daily and more involved in the community has been an adjustment, but one we’ve really enjoyed. Getting to know our members and the wider Whangamata community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey so far.

For visitors and remote workers passing through, what makes White Noise the perfect spot to set up for the day?

First, the location. The office is a two-minute walk from the beach, with Whanga Bar right in front for surfers and the wharf just a short stroll away for a midday swim. Our favorite café is across the road for coffee breaks, and Camina next door is perfect for a cheeky G&T after work.

We’re also dog friendly and regularly bring our pup, Kodak, a Border Collie who lasts about an hour before needing a walk around the block—another reminder of how great it is to have the beach right there when you need a break.

As for the space itself, we’ve got everything you need: a full kitchenette, Raglan Roast coffee, local NZ teas, and even a selection of craft beers for to see off the end of the workday. The meeting room is available for those who need a quieter space, and every desk comes with a monitor, so all you need to bring is your laptop.

Most of our day-trippers start early and finish around 3 p.m. so they can make the most of Whangamata—whether it’s surfing, mountain biking, a bush walk, or a round of golf. For those lucky enough to have a bach in town, the workspace is a game-changer. It lets you get your work done distraction-free while keeping the bach an internet-free retreat for when it’s time to switch off.

With backgrounds in web, graphic design, and digital marketing, how do you see creative professionals benefiting from the space?

Productivity is number one. Creative work can be tough to get into, especially when tackling big projects. Having a dedicated workspace makes all the difference.

Beyond that, it’s about community. We’ve loved meeting other creatives, swapping ideas, and seeing how different people approach challenges. There’s a real sense of camaraderie here, and even in the short time we’ve been running the space, we’ve already made changes to how we work based on conversations we’ve had.

What’s next for White Noise? Any plans for events, community initiatives, or exciting updates?

Beach Hop is coming up at the end of March, which is always a busy time for Whangamata. For White Noise, we’re kicking off an Open Week from March 3–7, where anyone can come in and try working from the space for free. If you’re on the fence about joining—or just need an excuse to visit the beach—this is the perfect opportunity. We’d love to have you!

As newcomers to business ownership, what advice would you give to others thinking about starting or taking over a coworking space?

One of the great things about running a coworking space is how automated it can be. We’ve been able to keep up with our full-time gigs while managing White Noise, with admin taking less than two hours a week (plus regular cleaning, of course).

For us, this isn’t about making a fortune—it’s about learning how to run a business while enjoying the benefits of working in a space we love. White Noise has given us the chance to build on an already incredible community and create an office environment that we and our members genuinely enjoy working from. It’s been the perfect fit, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.

VIEW White noise workspace