Trade School Kitchen

Described as the ‘living room of the Naenae community’, Trade School Kitchen is a not-for-profit, community-based cafe doing what it can to give back to its people. It's a space of belonging and manaakitanga for people from all walks of life and offers training opportunities for people facing employment barriers.

Opening back in 2018, Trade School Kitchen’s intention was to support women who had undergone barista training whilst in Arohata Women’s Prison upon their release. Opportunities were provided, newfound skills could be practised and perfected. The inclusive sphere has now expanded to anyone who has engaged in the justice system, as well as people struggling with their mental wellbeing, and untrained and unemployed youth. There is inbuilt recognition that while certain skills are essential, they need to be complemented by support, encouragement and the space to imagine new possibilities for life—all things that Trade School Kitchen offers.

Having close ties to Common Good Coffee (also a social enterprise supporting community change), baristas continue to hone the art of a silky flat white day in, day out – coffee continues to be a source of pride. Foodwise, stand-out items include the famous cheese scones, house-made hummus and ruby kraut on toast, and decadent cakes made by one of the talented bakers. Given the desire to keep ethical eating front and centre, it's only natural that the organic sourdough is locally made and the eggs and meat are all free-farmed.

In a world where second chances can be hard to come by, Trade School Kitchen is doing their bit to help people live their lives to the full, to see the community thrive and ensure people are loved and accepted for who they are. Just the way it should be.