This is us.
We're big believers in the power of a good meal and a friendly place to eat it.
Stop by for fresh, locally sourced food, served with a warm smile.
From "Townies" to Island Locals
My first time on Great Barrier Island was in March 2020. Much to my surprise, I fell head over heels in love. The raw nature, the relaxed atmosphere, the breathtaking beauty, and an unmistakable feeling of "home" captured my heart instantly. I remember whispering during that very first visit: "I could see us living here."
Over the next few years, visiting the island became our sacred annual ritual. But eventually, those holiday daydreams turned into a serious conversation about making the ultimate move.
Then, the universe gave us a sign.
My Fat Puku—the very café we visited religiously every time we set foot on the island—was up for sale.
Diving In 'Green As'
With absolutely zero history in the hospitality industry, we bought the business. We arrived "green as" but bursting with enthusiasm and an overwhelming desire to be a part of the unique community that makes Great Barrier Island so special.
With a "head down, bum up" attitude, we poured our hearts into transforming the café into something we are incredibly proud of. It became our literal home—we moved our caravan right beside the property—and we set to work creating an exceptional space for locals and visitors alike.
To make it feel even more like home, we didn't just stop at the café. We built a boutique brewery and studio right next door. We added a spa pool to soak in after a hard day's work—even though the island’s spectacular natural hot pools are just a gentle 35-minute stroll into the bush!
Once the café doors close for the day, the whole space—the café, the pizzeria, and the bar—becomes our extended living room (just with a massive commercial kitchen!).
We’ve given the entire space a complete face-lift. Inside, a total revamp with a wooden feature wall, personalized coffee machine, full paint, new tables and chairs brings an upscale, modern appeal that complements the rugged beauty of the island. Outside, our vibrant matching orange umbrellas and extensive new signage have truly made the café the gem of the Claris Centre.
We also upgraded the garden bar with lush artificial grass, rustic wine barrel tables, and a dedicated stage for live music. During the summer months, when the café is overflowing, the energy here is absolutely electric.
The island way of life has a magical way of drawing you in. Striking that perfect work/life balance has shown me that who would have thought "Brettie the townie" could not only survive, but truly thrive on this incredible rock?
We are only a 30-minute plane ride away from the mainland, but we are a world away from the hustle.
We are home, and we can’t wait to welcome you into our space.
Meet the owners.
Brett & Julie
Our promise is to always greet you with a smile and offer friendly, efficient service and our passion is to connect with people, share our love of coffee and food, and have a place with a sense of ambience and flavour to share with visitors.
Come see us and experience the tastes and atmosphere of My Fat Puku.
Brett.
Brett, a self-confessed ‘townie’ has come along way since moving to Mangonui 8 years ago and is embracing the new move to the Great Barrier Island and immersing himself into the café culture, the community and Island living.
With two grown up children and one and ¾ grandchildren it’s time for Brett to embrace the next chapter in his life so, along with his lovely wife Julie, they have bought a caravan, a new business and completely up routed their comfortable lives.
Brett, a rural police officer for the last 16 years, is looking forward to seeing people at ‘face value’ and no shift work.
Being a member of the police Search and Rescue squad has been a great introduction to nature and the thought of exploring the island on foot has its own appeal.
Over the last four years Brett has been restoring a Kauri launch, which was finished last week and it is currently for sale. I know, he often asks the same question, why sell a boat when you are moving to an Island??
Julie.
Having spent time on the Barrier as a young girl with her large family of seven, Julie got accustomed to the solitude and unspoilt nature that it provided. She returned years later purchasing a holiday home in Whangaparapara which, as a keen fisher person, was a dream come true as not only was she being self-sufficient she was also amongst the best fishing arena in the country. Eventually it was time to move up to the winterless north as she was taking on more interests like kite-surfing and it was a great place to raise her daughter Jessica. Fast forward a number of years and, with her daughter now taking flight from home to a naval career to start her own story, it’s time for Julie to start a new chapter of her story with her newly wedded husband Brett.
Her focus is on creating a ‘Less is More’ approach to enable an enjoyable, simpler, safer place for everyone. By removing the clutter that no longer serves her and replacing it with the simplicity of life, she looks forward to finding the enrichment from the wholeness of island life. Julie has been involved with office/administration roles all of her career and she is now ready to step out from behind the desk to start connecting with people and finding a real fulfillment of life. Great Barrier Island is a place that offers so much to our soul and provides a sense of realness. This special place is her answer to living life with abundance. While her passion is for delivering a safe place for people to relax, she knows the importance of her work/lifestyle balance so is looking forward to spending her spare time exploring the countless walks, beaches, springs, and waterfalls that Aotea, Great Barrier Island has to offer.
Julie is constantly developing her holistic well-being interest so watch this space……….