Back
1465 days ago

Christchurch barista of the year surprised by nomination

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

If you’re after a good brew, Fumi Takai is the man for you.

The Japanese native and long-term Cantabrian recently won outstanding barista of the year at the Canterbury Hospitality Awards, and said he didn’t know he was nominated until one of his customers told him.

Stationed at Riverside Market in the central city since October 2019, Takai’s Espresso Studio by Fushoken has become a staple caffeine hotspot for many who work in the CBD.

Takai found out about his nomination two weeks prior to the ceremony when a customer began to congratulate him. Confused, he searched Facebook and found his name with a list of nominees and decided he would go to the ceremony, but never expected to win.

“I was so happy. To be nominated in the top four was great, but to win the award was special.”

Takai has developed a strong regular customer base in just under a year – estimating that about 70 per cent of his customers had been there before.

Have you been to Takai's coffee shop?

Image
More messages from your neighbours
7 hours ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

Image
Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 77% Yes
    77% Complete
  • 22.3% No
    22.3% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
382 votes
16 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

Image
19 hours ago

Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image