Mālō e lelei, Fāmili!
This week, we’re celebrating a huge milestone – one year since Tupu’anga Coffee opened its doors at 597 Mt Eden Rd! 🎉 On 21 July 2023, we proudly switched the signage, marking the beginning of our incredible journey.
Our adventure started in 2010 with the Community Cafe in Otahuhu, Auckland, as a social enterprise. At the same time, Alipate and Emeline Mafile’o bought a coffee business in Tonga, and that’s how Tupu’anga Coffee was born. Fast-forward to 2023, and we’ve made a big leap by opening our first fully branded Tupu’anga Coffee site outside of Tonga, right here in Mt Eden, Auckland.
The past year has been a whirlwind of activity. We spent months pre-planning, repairing, and collaborating with amazing electricians, plumbers, painters, builders, and a talented artist to bring Tupu’anga Coffee to life. And let’s not forget the rollercoaster of shifting staff across Tāmaki Makaurau, recruiting, and continuous learning. It’s been a wild ride, but we’re incredibly proud.
Our menu has had some big hits over the year – from our popular flat white beverages and ota ika with vegetable crisps to our hearty big breakfast. We’ve added, removed, and tweaked recipes, all in the process of learning and getting better. We’ve included an evening serving with a dinner menu, which is slowly gaining momentum, though winter has been tough. We’re open late from Wednesdays to Saturdays. Events like Open Mic during New Zealand Music Month have sparked further interest, and we’ve hosted a handful of private and business occasions. The media has supported us with spots on breakfast shows and radio stations, but seeing patrons take to social media to share their experiences has truly warmed our hearts. This has brought further support and growth, and for that, we thank you.
Even though we might not get to express it in person, we share your compliments with the team. The wins and the challenges have been enlightening, and we appreciate your support immensely.
Thank you to all our patrons, families, and friends who have made Tupu’anga Coffee your go-to spot. Your support means the world to us.
We know we haven’t always been perfect, but we’ve learned and adapted. We’re still on this journey of improvement, and we’re so grateful for your feedback—whether it’s been positive or constructive. It helps us shape our service and strive for excellence whenever you visit. Our goal is to create a space where you feel welcomed, and we’re dedicated to helping our team thrive, grow, and continue learning.
A special shoutout to our incredible team in Tonga. Our farms, processing facilities, and café in Tonga are where the magic begins – planting, harvesting, picking, drying, and roasting our Tupu’anga Coffee cherries (yes, those beautiful cherries you see painted on our building). They also make delicious vegetable crisps and other products. It’s a true farm-to-table and cup operation, and their hard work is the backbone of what we do here.
Today, we’re proud to see the Mt Eden community and beyond embrace our team and space. We’re continually finding ways to make things better for everyone.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Fakafeta’i kihe ’Eiki (Thanks be to God),
Alipate and Emeline Mafile’o, and Tupu’anga Coffee Team
