A Kiwi in Australia has defied the odds and has opened a small business in the middle of the world's longest lockdown.
112 York cafe is Melbourne by name but Kiwi by nature. The shelves inside are stocked with all of New Zealander's iconic snacks.
The owner Te Awanui opened 112 York cafe in 2020, and ever since Kiwis have continued to come through the doors.
"Always nice to know when you have one of the bros or one of the sisters coming in."
During the world longest COVID-19 lockdown, Te Awanui came up with an idea.
"[I] came up with a little idea of let’s open a little cafe and try and keep everyone at ease. It was a pretty tough time."
With the borders slammed shut, 112 York cafe became a safe haven filled with New Zealand nostalgia.
"We couldn’t get home in lockdown so I bought this place so we could get out of the house and make some coffees."
Australia opened to tourists at Christmas, but the country has desperately been waiting on New Zealand to do the same. Because it’s the Kiwis that are Australia's biggest market.
"Good to see New Zealand is opening up - pretty sure we all miss each other."
Te Awanui plans to open another cafe in Sydney.
