Our long-standing relationship with Novotel and Haukai Bistro & Bar gave us the exciting opportunity to work on multiple projects that captured the heart of Haukai’s exceptional food philosophy. Initially, the Novotel team wanted to showcase the culinary talents of Executive Chef Richard Ponder and his team, who are known for their commitment to regional Taranaki produce and creating dishes rooted in local flavors. Our initial task was to create a feature-length video and photo series to showcase Haukai’s dedication to freshness and regional sourcing.
Building on this, we were later approached to develop a new website for Haukai that would reflect the same kaupapa, making the online experience as inviting as the bistro itself. Key elements for the website included easy access to menus and a streamlined table booking system, all wrapped in a design that reflected Haukai’s warm and welcoming spirit.
For the initial project, we crafted a feature-length video and a series of photos that brought to life the story behind Haukai’s menu, from land and sea to plate. By showcasing Chef Richard and his team preparing dishes with locally sourced ingredients, we aimed to capture the essence of Taranaki’s culinary landscape and the care that goes into every dish served at Haukai.
In our subsequent work on the website, we developed a sleek, user-friendly design that harmonizes with Haukai’s approach to fresh, local cuisine. The website features intuitive navigation, easy access to menus, and a booking system that ensures a seamless user experience from the first click to a reservation.
The result is a unified digital and visual experience that embodies Haukai’s values—celebrating local produce and regional cuisine with warmth and authenticity. The video and photo content provide a rich, visual story that connects Haukai’s dishes to Taranaki’s land and sea, while the website serves as a seamless entry point for guests to explore the menu and plan their visit. Together, these projects capture Haukai’s commitment to fresh, local flavors and create a memorable digital experience that complements the dining experience.
