Having been in the hospitality industry for over a decade, Arahina Maaka has done a fair share of morning and night shifts. Her despise for night shifts led her to take up a job in the cafe industry, and now she loves coffee.
To broaden her skills as a barista, Maaka travelled to Brisbane and lived there for five years. She now uses that knowledge here in Aotearoa, hoping to own a cafe eventually.
“I was amazed at how much detail went into making a cup of coffee, and I love hearing the sound of customers scraping the bottom of their coffee mug with a teaspoon,” said Maaka, now a barista at the Kent Street, Newmarket branch of Altezano Brothers.
“I think it’s cool how Altezano Brothers is owned and operated by two brothers! Tim and Richard are around one of the cafes or the roastery every day. Many customers know who they are and like seeing them.”
Altezano Brothers’ specialty items include a coconut iced coffee with coconut water and espresso on top, which Maaka highly recommends. They also serve delicious falafel wraps and fresh seven-fold overs.
“You need to try it at least once in your life.”
Maaka’s go-to morning fuel is a cortado with raw sugar, and she believes that a great coffee has consistent extraction and silky milk.
During her free time, she usually does typical adult chores like cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping, but she also loves hiking with her partner, cuddling her pets or snacking like a couch potato.
