Countdown to closure: Restaurant owner pleads for investor to keep doors open
It's been a rough few years for Wanaka restaurateur Lucas Parkinson.
When he first opened his restaurant, Ode Conscious Dining, he had to work to convince the locals to give his organic set menus a try. Then the restaurant burnt down just as he was getting them, and the critics, on side.
Then it wasn't long before coronavirus hit the headlines, countries began closing borders and the Prime Minister announced lockdown. Parkinson lost 70 per cent of his bookings, who were mostly international travellers, in quick order.
To save it now, Ode needs a “six-figure” investment. The restaurant will close November 8, and if there is no viable offer on the table by the end of the year, it will not reopen.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
🎉The Riddler wants to hear from you 🫵
🧩 Got a riddle that can stump your Neighbourly community? Share your brain teasers with us and watch your neighbours scratch their heads 😕🤔❓
Send us your tricky puzzles!
Loading…
