Britomart celebrates 20 years
For over two decades, Britomart in Auckland’s CBD, has been transformed from a rundown area of urban neglect to a lively centre of renovated historic buildings, open spaces, culture, dining and shopping.
Today, Britomart is celebrating 20 years of urban transformation. Under the vision of Peter Cooper and his team of meticulous executives (pictured above), Britomart has become a beacon of inspiration and a must-do destination for visitors to Auckland.
I recently met Peter Cooper who has lived with his family in California since the 1980s. Raised in Kaitaia, with Muriwhenua heritage of Ngati Kahu, Ngati Kuri and Te Aupouri on his mother's side, Peter’s father was a truck contractor, and Peter too gained his heavy vehicle licence with the view of a truck-driving career.
In his last year of high school, Peter gained an AFS American Field Scholarship to study for one year at a high school in Kansas City. He commented that this was in 1969, during the Civil Rights and Vietnam era of riots and civil unrest. This period dramatically opened his world view and the realisation of the scale of opportunities that exist.
Returning to New Zealand, Peter went on to study law and worked in mergers and acquisitions, ultimately setting up his own entrepreneurial investment company, Mace Developments which became part of LD Nathan, owner of Woolworths and in 1988 merged with Lion Breweries to become the Australasian brewing giant, Lion Nathan. During this time, Peter gained important business management skills that would help him establish successful investments in the United States.
I traverse Britomart’s boundaries multiple times each week, as I criss-cross the city from my home in Parnell to NZSFW in the Viaduct. Always clean and well-lit, the regular replenishment of planter boxes with seasonal flowers and plants and events at Takutai Square including the Farmer’s Market each Saturday. And, some Auckland's best dining experiences.
Plus, so many artworks and installations to enjoy including Shane Cotton's maunga on the side of Excelsior House, the location of Michael Meredith's restaurant Mr Morris.
At the New Zealand School of Food and Wine, we are very grateful for all the support that various Britomart restaurants have given our students in terms of workplacements and employment. Pictured about is THE STORE, a regular of our hospitality students working on service skills.
Amano Bakery and Restaurant continues to offer excellent fare. The Store, Amano and Ortolana are part of the Savor Group of restaurants, important hospitality employers in Auckland.
Jo Pearson and Natasha Parkinson own the award winning restaurant, Alma. Jo has been a staunch supporter of NZSFW students from her days as Executive Chef of the Hip Group and now at Alma. Here, much of the menu is cooked over a wood fire: flamed, charred and smouldering and inspired by the cuisine of Andalusia, Spain.
The Brit Pub and Eatery is part of Foley Hospitality (formally Nourish Group) another significant employer of our graduates. At the Brit, you can get quick casual food with outdoor seating.
The Hotel Britomart
The Hotel Britomart, owned by Peter Cooper and Auckland's first 5 Green Star hotel. Kingi is the restaurant of the hotel. The Libraries, on the first floor, is collection of rooms where private functions are hosted. The decor is impressive. You can view a swamp kauri transformed into a large table, renovated and repurposed kauri, rimu and totara timbers and 19th century brickwork. The hotel is also a destination to view the orginal Shane Cotton Maunga and limited edition prints from the colonial times.
One of my favourites is this image of the missionary settlement of Keri Keri in 1824 by Jules Louis LeJeune, artist on the French corvette Coquille (later renamed Astrolabe under commander Dumont d'Urville). In 1826, this work was copied by Antoine Chazal. https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22754925
The Landing
Peter Cooper's connection with the Bay of Islands has been cemented by the founding of The Landing Vineyard and Residences, located adjacent to where Rev. Samuel Marsden and the church of England missionaries landed in December 1814.
In 2007, Syrah and Chardonnay vines were planted with the first vintage in 2010. Now The Landing offers a number of top quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Bay of Islands. The Landing is certified as a Carbonzero by Toitū Envirocare, reflecting it's net zero greenhouse emission status. It has over 100 acres of regenerated native forest in addition to existing native forests.
The Landing Cellar Door is about a 30 minute drive from Kerikeri and you can drive another 10 minutes to visit the Marsden Cross at Rangihoua, administered by the Department of Conservation.
Celia Hay
March 2025
