OUR KUIA

She’d clatter in the kitchen to fill her tins with treats. A flood of mokopuna, all queued up for seats.

Our stomachs over full, off we run to play. The always knowing eyes would guide us through the day.

Eyes with depth, eyes that hear. She knows what’s needed, she treats you here.

A scrape to the knee or an empty cup. Whatever you need, she’ll fill you up.

Fun at hand, a glint in her eye. No matter the pressure, she’ll always provide.

Carried with wisdom, and matched by grace. Whānau came first, herself second place.

With sleep creeping in, us she could still feel. Those eyes bought us together to finish off the treats.

With an open home and an open heart, for all she is still Gran.

Moe mai, moe mai, haere atu ra.

ABOUT

Kuikui - "coo-e, coo-e"

An endearing term used in Te Ao Māori for grandmother or elderly female - Kuia.

Kuikui Lane - "Manakitanga the heart of the experience."

A tribute to our Kui who nurtured, protected and lead us and all those around them. 
No place like nans.”

Kuikui Lane is a cocktail bar in the heart of Wellington City inspired by the warmth, love and respect of our grandmothers.

A touch of the old world, combined with the complexities and challenges of modern Aotearoa - New Zealand.

Specialising in gin based cocktails using only Aotearoa - New Zealand sourced ingredients. Our mission is to promote our local produce provided by our Atua Māori -

Papatuanuku - Land Mother

Ranginui - Sky Father

Tane Mahuta - Forests

Rongomatane - Cultivated Foods

and integrate these into our experimental infusions using high quality New Zealand gins and spirits. Created by our talented mixologists Ronan O'Hanrahan and Jessica Pointer.

Mana - in how you carry yourself

An understated sophistication and elegance that comes from the belief that our tupuna - ancestors - are us and we represent them and our future generations - uri. We are not a singular being but part of a continuation of creation.

Manaaki - in how you treat others

Care, love, kindness and protection. Inspired by our Kuia, a place where you were always taken care of, loved and cherished as your authentic self. To wananga - discuss - where time would sit still as we talk, share stories and connect as people.

He hono tangata e kore e motu; kapa he taura waka e motu

"Connections between people cannot be severed whereas those of a canoe-rope can." This whakatauki speaks to the maintenance of strong relationships and them being vital to one's health and well-being. He aha te aha - whatever happens, you're never alone.