We’re in the news! April 2022
This April we have been nominated for The Denizen Hospo Heroes best ‘Kid Friendly’ restaurant. Fingers crossed for that!
Later in the month we caught the attention of the media - Radio New Zealand, Stuff News, and ZB radio for our collaboration with other restaurants on Waiheke in our WhatsApp chat group. This is a group where all the restaurants on Waiheke talk ‘behind the scenes’ to share information, news, updates, alerts and calls for help. Here’s all about it:
Since the start of COVID-19 when the borders shut, the usual influx of lovely internationals was halted. The businesses own the island relied on Auckland visits but then last August it got even harder when Waiheke was cut off from Auckland, and since then with the levels and traffic lights controlling visits and lockdowns, things have been tough. At The Heke we were building and fitting out our restaurant so although we didn’t miss out on customers so to speak, it certainly had challenges for us. The WhatsApp group formed to help us all support each other across 27 of the island’s hospitality businesses.
Some of the things we have shared include when ferries are late, cancelled or very very full! When someone is out of thermal printer roll, RAT tests or masks, they can call out and get some from a neighbour. When we need staff, or accommodation for staff we can post there. If we are not quite sure about the rules for Easter weekend, or for indoor outdoor limits, we can ask. Staff is really tough on the island and we might ask about news on Visa requirements or share staff on their days off. We share opening hours so that if we get an enquiry we can offer alternatives - ore perhaps we just want to know where to go on our day off!
Then there are the people who leave without paying - we can track them down across other restaurants or warm others if it’s deliberate. And if some one leaves a premises intoxicated we can alert our neighbours to not serve them alcohol.
Radio New Zealand interview with our owner Ro is here.
Thank you for your support our friends!
