Covid 19: O'Connell Street Bistro in Auckland CBD to close
A struggling restaurant in central Auckland has become the latest casualty of the fallout from Covid-19.
The popular O’Connell Street Bistro is closing its doors on April 16, ending a 24-year history.
Owners Chris Upton and Amanda Mason said the insecurity caused by Covid-19 and their inability to successfully renegotiate their lease are behind the difficult decision to close.
Unlike many in the hospitality industry they have had to continue paying fixed costs during successive Covid-19 levels, the couple said.
“With the continuing lock downs and the challenges of operating at level 2 in the first two months of 2021, and with no clear respite ahead, it is unsustainable to continue,” Upton said.
The renowned bistro, which corners Shortland St and O’Connell St, won one Hat in the Cuisine Good Food Awards in 2019 and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past 17 years.
The restaurant has weathered many storms including the power crisis in February 1998 when the eatery was forced to shut down just four months after opening.
Next came a restaurant fire on January 26, 2016, which led to a seven-month closure.
Despite this setback, the couple said they kept their team fully employed and focussed on charity work and restaurant pop-ups.
But the restaurant will now close after a final dinner service on April 16.
Upton said the couple was not retiring and might look at another venture in future years.
“While the Bistro has been our life’s work for close to a quarter of a century, we have never thought of it as simply ours.
“It belongs to every one of our fabulous patrons who have supported us and enjoyed our hospitality.
“We have enjoyed one hell of a wonderful ride and our heartfelt thanks go out to all of our guests who have made the Bistro part of their life.”
Upton said the couple had been privileged to work alongside fantastic chefs, managers, sommeliers, waiters and kitchen hands, who had contributed hugely to the bistro’s success.
“We feel great sadness knowing we are at the end of an era, but we also feel joy and satisfaction knowing that together we all created an amazing and special place.”
Renowned NZ chef Al Brown of Auckland eateries Depot and Fed Deli said he was “just gutted” to hear of “the fall of an amazing restaurant.”
“They’re an iconic restaurant, been part of Auckland city for so long, and we’ve never heard a bad word said about them, and I’ve gone there a number of times, and it’s always been an incredible restaurant experience.
“I just feel for them big time. There’s a real sense of community in the restaurant business in Auckland and a lot of people struggling out there including ourselves at depot and feds.
“It’s very sad to hear that they’re closing but there are going to be more casualties.”
BABICHE MARTENS/STUFF
Mark Southon, Chris Upton, Jack Makin in the O'Connell St Bistro when it reopened after a fire in 2016
Hi Aucklanders,
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.3% Yes
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15% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
The Story of Hine and Tāne Mahuta - Day 12
Long ago, Hine-te-Aroha, a daughter of the great chief Tāwhaki, was known for her beauty and devotion to the atua (gods). She was deeply connected to Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest and creator of humankind. In a past life, Hine had pledged herself to Tāne Mahuta, dedicating her aroha (love) and wairua (spirit) to him.
However, her father Tāwhaki disapproved of Tāne Mahuta. He saw Tāne as a humble being who spent his days nurturing the ngahere (forest) and the creatures of the world, living a simple life far from the wealth and prestige of a chief. Tāwhaki wanted his daughter to marry a great warrior or chief, someone who could uphold their mana (status). When Tāwhaki held a grand celebration to find a suitable match for Hine, Tāne Mahuta, knowing his humble lifestyle would draw scorn, chose not to attend.
Despite Tāne’s warning, Hine attended the celebration out of loyalty to her father. During the festivities, Tāwhaki openly ridiculed Tāne Mahuta, speaking of his simple ways and lack of riches. Hine, unable to bear the insults to her beloved, declared her undying love for Tāne and consigned herself to the ceremonial fire, joining the wairua realm.
Tāne Mahuta, upon learning of this, was overwhelmed with aroha and grief. He sent his mighty winds, led by Tāwhirimātea, to dismantle Tāwhaki’s gathering and humble the chief for his arrogance. Yet, Tāne’s love for Hine remained steadfast, and he vowed to bring her back. Hine was reborn as Hine-te-Waiora, the daughter of the sacred mountain ranges.
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The Test of Devotion
As she grew, Hine-te-Waiora remembered her bond with Tāne Mahuta and began her karakia (prayers) to him. She vowed to marry only Tāne, despite her father showing her many wealthy and powerful suitors. Her devotion turned into months of rigorous karakia and fasting atop a sacred maunga (mountain).
The ngahere (forest) around her became peaceful, the winds softened, and even the fiercest creatures of the wild grew tame in her presence. Seasons came and went, but her focus never wavered.
Meanwhile, Tāne Mahuta, still grieving his past loss, had vowed never to take another partner. However, the atua noticed the chaos spreading in the human world as malevolent forces thrived unchecked. It was prophesied that only a child born of Tāne Mahuta and Hine-te-Waiora could restore balance.
To test her aroha and devotion, Tāne disguised himself as an old koroua (elder) and visited her. Pretending to doubt Tāne’s worth, he mocked him, saying, “Why would you dedicate yourself to a humble atua who lives among trees and birds? You could marry a great chief who could provide wealth and status.”
Hine-te-Waiora, though respectful, became enraged. “You may be an elder, but your words dishonor the one I love. Tāne Mahuta is the kaitiaki (guardian) of all life, and his mana is unmatched. I will hear no more of your insults!”
At that moment, the koroua revealed himself as Tāne Mahuta. “You have proven your unwavering aroha and devotion,” he said with pride. He took her as his bride, and together they returned to the sacred ngahere to restore harmony to the world.
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Moral of the Story
This story teaches us that aroha (love) and pono (devotion) have the power to overcome all obstacles. When guided by sincerity and deep faith, even the greatest challenges can be transformed. Like Hine-te-Waiora, we are reminded to remain steadfast in our values and trust in the wairua to guide us. True love is not swayed by wealth or appearances but rooted in deep connection and understanding. Through aroha and devotion, balance and harmony can be restored to ourselves and the world around us.
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