CAFÉ NAME: Moon Under Water
LOCATION: 152 Somerfield St, Christchurch
MANAGER / OWNER: Matt Kamstra
Sum up your pub in 5 words
local community, not just beer
What did you want to be as a kid?
A fighter pilot I think, until my bad eyesight caught up with me. I went to university with the aim of becoming a secondary teacher but that never flew. I fell into hospitality about 22 and I've been at it ever since
What living person do you admire and why?
I've come across so many inspirational people in this line of work, from seemingly very ordinary people doing extraordinary things, through to famous people who just wanted a refuge in a quiet corner sipping on a pint. It can be a very rewarding and inspiring job.
What do people say about our straws?
People are overwhelmingly positive, some even high five us! The feedback has been 100% positive and people are naturally inquisitive.
What is your proudest moment?
Finally opening my own pub - I've spent 17 years in the industry with the last 12 managing for other people, so it was about time!
What is your biggest work related challenge?
I've never been good on the work/life balance. Owning my own business hasn't exactly helped with that but I've got some fantastic staff that I'm confident to leave holding my baby, so to speak.
When are you happiest?
On my bike, with the wind through what's left of my hair!
Why should other cafes/people make the switch to paper straws?
Why the hell did we ever switch to plastic for everything anyway?
What will you do when you retire?
I seriously don't ever see myself retiring. Handing over the administrative rains definitely but I want to do this until I die, in whatever capacity I am capable.
What impact has swapping the straws made on your business?
There was never any thought of having plastic straws. Our next step is our in-house composting and worm farm. We want to create as little landfill as we possibly can.
FIND OUT MORE:
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CAFÉ NAME: The Good Spot Caravan
LOCATION: 34 Anderson Road, Wanaka
MANAGER / OWNER: Flair McKay
The Good Spot Caravan is nestled next to the Good Rotations bike shop in the industrial area off Anderson Road in Wanaka. Owner Flair and her delightful team have thoughtfully created a positive, relaxed, fun, retro styled outdoors environment where you can enjoy an excellent coffee and a delicious snack. They embrace up-cycling, low waste and reduced single use plastics wherever they can. No wonder is always busy – lots to applaud here!
Sum up your café in 5 words…. Funky Retro Delicious Coffee Food
What did you want to be as a kid? Travel as a nomad on my horse through Mongolia - I’m still dreaming of doing this.
What living person do you most admire, and why? Currently Jacinda Arden; an amazing woman bringing big change to New Zealand politics.
What is your favorite quote? “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt in the heart.” (Helen Keller)
What people say about our straws? They can be surprised they are made of paper and able to be composted. They love the look of them.
What is your proudest moment? Watching my child grow up and all the amazing things she is achieving.
What is your biggest work-related challenge? Managing my staff and maintaining a happy and balanced work environment.
When are you happiest? When I am hanging, celebrating and adventuring with my friends and loved ones.
Why should other cafes / people make the swap to paper straws? Because it is reducing waste in our environment, and plastic straws are a needless plastic resource.
How do you relax? By doing acro yoga, yoga, rock climbing, running or by reading a book.
What keeps you awake at night? Thinking about all the jobs I need to do!
What will you do when you retire? No idea, I’ll know when I get there.
What impact has swapping the straws made on your business? It’s helped make people more aware of plastic waste, and the retro look suits the Good Spot Caravan!
FIND OUT MORE:
The Good Spot - Facebook
The Good Spot - Instagram
