For Kitana and Vince, owners of local Te Tōangaroa eatery, The Coffice Café, their journey began as a decision to back themselves. A leap of faith that they could build something of their own even if the path wasn’t fully mapped out.

Vince’s journey into business has been shaped by constant movement and reinvention. From growing up in Hamilton after his family immigrated from South Africa, to exploring fashion, studying at the University of Waikato, and corporate roles across Aotearoa, he was always drawn to the idea of creating something more intentional. That vision became real when he made a defining decision to sell his bikes and investing everything he had into the café. 

“It was a risk,” he says. “But it felt like the right time to back ourselves.” 

Kitana stepped into the business alongside him, bringing a fresh perspective and a willingness to learn the craft from the ground up. Together, they took over The Coffice Café at the end of 2025 and set about shaping it into something that reflected not just coffee, but a place for people to connect. 

The café sits in the heart of Te Tōangaroa, surrounded by office workers, residents, students, and the constant movement of the city. For them, the location wasn’t accidental. “We wanted to be somewhere alive,” Vince says. “Somewhere we could actually build relationships with people, not just serve them.” 

That sense of community now defines The Coffice Café. It’s not just a place to grab coffee, but a space designed to feel familiar and welcoming. Small details matter, remembering names, conversations at the counter, and initiatives like Well-Bean Wednesdays, where coffees are gifted to the community. “It’s about care,” Kitana says. “If we can give something back in a simple way, we will.” 

Over time, The Coffice Café has grown into a hot spot within Te Tōangaroa, part of the flow between work, home, and city life. The couple describe the wider precinct as a key part of their journey, not just as a location but as a community that has supported their growth. “It doesn’t feel like we’re operating in isolation,” Vince says. “It feels like we’re part of something bigger.” 

Looking ahead, their vision is expansion, but not at the expense of identity. They hope to grow The Coffice Café into multiple locations across Aotearoa, while holding tightly to the community-first approach that shaped it in Te Tōangaroa. 

“We want people to feel something when they walk in,” Kitana says. “Comfort, like they belong there.” 

For Vince, it comes back to impact. “If we can build spaces that feel good for people, and create opportunity along the way, that’s success for us.”