Kia ora koutou, lovely people!

Mike here — your friendly neighbourhood café co-owner, part-time pun dealer, and the man responsible for more dad jokes per square metre than WorkSafe would probably allow.

Before anything else: ngā mihi aroha. The response to our very first newsletter left us all a little stunned — in the best possible way. We honestly didn’t know how many people would read it… but the comments, the conversations, the stories you shared with us, the kindness, the connection — it meant the world.

It reminded me why we do what we do. Why these cafés even exist. Why community is at the heart of every decision we make.

So here I am with Edition #2, promising to keep things warm, heartfelt, honest, fun, and “I’ll try my hardest” light on the dad jokes.

Okay, tinihanga! (Just kidding.)
I’m genetically incapable of writing anything without at least one pun sneaking its way in. But don’t worry — I’ll balance it with feelings.

A bit about me (since we’re getting to know each other now). 

Born in Palmerston North, raised in Auckland since I was a wee lad, proudly Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou — and somehow the universe decided I’d end up in hospitality after swearing it off at 22.

My first hospo job lasted two days.
Two! A record-setting season finale. I made mistakes, panicked, knocked things over, and vowed NEVER AGAIN.And yet… here I am.
Part-owner of two cafés.
Living the very life I once ran from.
Turns out, the things I say I’ll never do… I end up loving.
(Except cabbage, green beans, and cucumbers. Those still haunt me.)
 

Before café life, some of you may know I spent my youth yelling “one more rep!” in group fitness studios around Auckland, teaching group fitness classes from age 16 through to my mid-30s. And before that, and after that, and throughout everything — I’ve always gravitated toward people, stories, and connection.

Hospitality just made sense. It was the missing piece I didn’t realise I’d been orbiting around my whole life.

 

The Farm House First Birthday — a true core memory 🌾💛

I am still feeling the joy from our big celebration. Seeing hundreds of you show up for Run For Your Bun, the kids run, the meet-and-greets with the animals, the planter sessions, Mini Bun Pimping, the Q&A talks, our DJ, the live band… it was honestly one of the most beautiful days of my life.

The smiles, the laughter, the chaos (the good kind), the sunshine, the energy — it all reminded me how powerful community can be when we come together with kindness and joy.
 

And yes, the kids absolutely kept me on my toes. They have the stamina of six espressos and the aim of tiny caffeinated snipers when it comes to “accidental” flour explosions.

A year of wild weather, wild stories and wonderful people

This year was full of challenges, growth, surprises, and magic — from extended carparks and seasonal flooding (thanks Clevedon), to proposals, weddings, exhibitions, fire alarms, high teas, gelato pods, new menus, old recipes, and every unforgettable moment in between.

A Māori proverb for the season ahead

“He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.”
What is the most important thing in the world?
It is people, it is people, it is people.

This whakataukī sums up exactly how I feel this year — grateful for the people, the connections, the shared stories, the laughter, the tears, the chaos, the growth, and the love.

As Christmas approaches and life gets a little silly and busy, I hope you take a moment to breathe, ground yourself, and soak in the joy — whether you’re traveling, staying local, or escaping to the beach.

Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete & safe travels into the New Year 🎄✨

Thank you for showing up, supporting us, and being part of this community.
We absolutely wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you.

If you’re heading out of town — travel safe and enjoy every moment.
If you’re hanging around Clevedon — come say hi! The spritzes are spritzing, the waffles are waffling, and the gelato is gelato-ing.

Oh — and don’t forget to check the Christmas opening hours below so you don’t turn up to a locked door with caffeine withdrawal. We love you too much for that.

Arohanui,

Mikey 💛
Pun specialist • Dad joker • Fast walker • Clearly had a lot to say 

xx