This will be the name of the new Bistro when it opens on Labour Weekend 2023.
I am very happy to be able to tell you the new operators will be Daniel Ivel and Renee Young. They are locals to Kawau Island and the operators of the Sandspit Yacht Club Bistro and as such are no strangers to the special skills required for both living on an island and running a Bistro within a boating environment.
There have been many discussions to ensure the dreams and aspirations of both Daniel & Renee and the club are aligned and we all believe they are. This is a very good fit for the club.
The club website will be adjusted to incorporate a page titled “Bistro” and Daniel & Renee will be making ongoing announcements on that page for anything to do with the Bistro operations including menus, hours, functions, events, vacancies, etc so keep an eye out for that.
The last 18 months have been difficult months for the club, not only due to covid but also because the committee has been looking to the future and how best the club can remain relevant and best serve its membership and its local community. Sometimes change is needed and change is always difficult to navigate however we believe the corner has now been turned and the foundations are in place to enable the Kawau Boating Club to live up to its potential.
During this off-season we are expecting to complete a refurbishment of the interior, both the public and kitchen areas are woefully in need of attention, and it's time we did this.
Designs are progressing and while simple, I think we will all like what is being developed and I expect to be able to post those initial designs very shortly. The overall theme is to remain true to the club's past and to celebrate its simplicity and uniqueness of that. As part of this process, we would like to receive any old photos and or memorabilia or stories that any of you may have or be able to share that we could display on the walls that will help show our history, serious or colourful. Please email me at jon@jwhisker.co.nz if you think you might be able to help here.
Obviously, refurbishments cost… And usually quite a lot. At this stage, we don’t have an accurate handle on the cost implications of refurbishment but we expect to shortly. Once this is to hand we will be coming back to everyone with what this is and how we propose to fund that investment.
Some may ask why would we improve an asset that we do not own and that’s a fair question, however, we do have a 30-year lease on the property from the Squadron and at the end of the day we all want to enjoy the Kawau Boating Club premises and location to its best advantage. To do that we need to look after it and that requires investment. It's our club so let's make sure we make it as good as it can be for all our members, the local community visitors alike.
SAVE THE WEEKEND!
As mentioned above, we are back open again on Labour Weekend. To celebrate our opening for the 2023/2024 season and in association with Mahurangi Cruising Club, we will be hosting a family-friendly regatta.
Stay tuned for more!
Jon whisker
Chairman