27/06/2025
Goodbyes are hard. Last week we said goodbye to the heart and soul of Barista Boys, our founder, Warwick Halcrow. He left this world far sooner than he should have. When we moved to New Zealand Warwick and his wife Margaret were the first people I really met. What could have been a daunting experience of moving to a place different to the world you knew, a place of strangers in a strange new world, became something easier. Unknown to them, Margaret and Warwick, became ambassadors for an entire country. Through their geniality and kindness, through their stories of growing up, I began to feel a connection to the place like I could have lived my entire life here. Warwick was like the Autumn sun, sometimes explosive, comforting, and always welcome. He was a world traveler, an epicurean, and a great lover of music (well, the good music, anyway ; ) and a savvy businessman. He had the heart of a champion who would not hesitate to fight for what he believed. Blessed with a natural gift of the gab and a devilish glint in his eye (a truly powerful combination) he could discuss anything at anytime in copious amounts. He once used the phrase, "Why use one word when a thousand would do." Gregarious and generous, grumpy and good humoured, clever and kind, I could string a thousand words together to cover his many facets, but the one I keep coming back to is: warm. The warmth of home. He didn't want to go out with a fuss. There was a small intimate gathering earlier in the week with an open house later next month for those interested. He will be greatly missed. Until then you can honour his memory and his life by doing one of his favourite things, come to Waikanae for a chat, and I will talk about Warwick in copious amounts. I will do my best to spread around a little of the magic he left behind and some of the warmth of home.