The cottage cafe sits on the Mangungu Mission grounds, the stunning heritage site of the third (and largest) signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi that overlooks Hokianga Harbour. 

Rawinia Le Noel (pictured right) opened the cafe in Januaruy to cater for the increasing number of visitors and locals, from cyclists riding the Great Ride and trail shuttle drivers to local tourist operators and school staff.  

Not only is Te Pataki bringing the local community together, it is operated by locals and is a step closer to Rawinia’s long-term vision of creating much-needed employment opportunities in the area.  

“The cycle trail brings people through, which helps the local economy, but it’s also about creating a space that supports the community - it brings jobs, gives locals a place to connect, and helps keep our small town alive,” says Rawinia. 

Born and bred in the area, Rawinia’s hospitality experience comes mainly from helping in marae kitchens and catering  for events. 

With a Diploma in Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Māori Arts, her expertise lies in visual arts, community engagement and small events. 

However, she saw Heritage New Zealand had the Te Pataki building up for lease as a cafe, shop or art gallery and drew on her community for support to realise her dream. 

“I saw an opportunity that would benefit my community and I jumped in over my head. I knew it wouldn’t be easy and it would take a community to make it happen.”

The Pou Herenga Tai - Twin Coast Cycle Trail Trust worked with Rawinia and Heritage New Zealand to secure the lease.

Alongside her determination and hard work, the trust has helped with the design and installation of signage, provided an initial contribution, and remains supportive behind the scenes. 

Today, Rawinia manages and operates the cafe with her business partner Lee, who brings hospitality experience to the team. 

With the next nearest cafe 25km away, Rawinia says business is growing. 

“It feels great to bring people together, whether they are cycling through as part of their Great Ride journey, or part of the local community. 

“The locals (like Edith Pita pictured above) and even the school staff sometimes pop up, and it’s not unusual to see someone arrive on a quad bike (pictured below). It’s part of the fun of being rural!”

As Rawinia says, Te Patiki plays an important role in bringing the community together. It provides a welcoming space for people to connect through food, art, and shared experiences.  

“It’s a place for creativity and connection. You will not only find a bite to eat and drink but you will find local artworks. 

Rawinia started and still runs Ngā Mahi Toi o Hōreke, a community arts group that brings people together through creative workshops and small local events.  

The group’s work is on display in the form of murals along the Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail in Hōreke. 

And it’s not unusual to find the group at work in Rawinia’s cafe. In fact, over Labour Weekend the cafe was part of the annual KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail, which features more than 200 artists across Northland. 

Eventually she plans to open a gallery on-site and have artwork for sale, but for now Rawinia is happy catering for the needs of many “relieved” customers like Justin Bradshaw (pictured below) seeking their coffee fix. 

“I grew up here, I moved away and I came back with my family onto our whenua in Ngawha with an appreciation of my hometown. I just love this place.” 

• Te Patiki Cafe is one of more than 2900 businesses servicing the country's Great Rides network. And like Rawinia, about 20 percent of those businesses opened because of the Great Rides.

See the best of New Zealand by bike.  Check out the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand and plan your next adventure now.