To ENCOURAGE… COME BACK

This story is set in and around Tutukaka, a coastal village north east of Whangārei. It is home to a harbour, hotel, shops, cafes, restaurants, motels, marina and easy access to the Poor Knights Marine Reserve. 
On King’s Birthday weekend this year (Saturday 30 May - Monday 1 June) my twin brother Chris and I were driving and walking around Tutukaka around 6.30am on the Saturday, hunting for a coffee and maybe, some honey toast or porridge but no cafes were open yet. I then remembered that we visited Ngunguru, a few kilometres away, on the same day a year ago. The Salt Air Cafe was open then, so hopefully it would be open early today. It was! (It opens at 6.00am)
We recognised the friendly owner/manager/barista. Our flat white coffees and honey toast was made and delivered to our table and a conversation started. “How’s business?” There was a slight pause before he answered. “It’s going ok…” What does ok mean in the hospitality industry in New Zealand at the moment? There are so many closures. He works a minimum of a 10 hour day, 7 days a week and works mostly on his own, setting up, food prep, phone answering, cleaning, packing down etc. His hard work is to support his wife, young son and himself. How could we encourage and support him? Keep it simple. Come back.

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