Website – www.portsider.co.nz

Dutch-born Hanz Dekker and his partner Pip Honeychurch run the Portsider, a public bar situated on George Street in Port Chalmers. The Portsider was fully renovated in 2012 and its menu consists of food made from locally produced and sourced ingredients. The Portsider’s emphasis is on craft beers and fresh simple food. Hanz and Pip make their own breads, sauces and condiments and hand cut chips. Hanz has over 20 years’ of restaurant experience in Europe, including France.

Tell us about your journey.
“I moved to New Zealand about 6 years ago because of my partner Pip. After we had lived in France together for about 4 years, we were ready for a change. Pip was keen to go back home to New Zealand so I went with her. Pip grew up here in Dunedin and it seemed to tick all the boxes for us. We bought the Portsider after managing it for about a year and a half.”

“It’s important to us to create a very nice environment without televisions in the background, lack of loud music and good quality food and drinks. People should be able to come here to relax and connect with each other.”

“Integrating makes a move to a different country much more enjoyable and it makes you feel much more welcome in a community. I like to shop locally to develop a bit more of a relationship with the locals.”

“I’m very proud of the Portsider and what we have achieved here.”