Celebrating Our Journey & Recognition

Since opening our doors, Four Shells Kava Lounge has been honoured to share our story and Pacific culture with audiences across Aotearoa New Zealand. Here's where you may have seen us:

VIVA MAGAZINE COVER FEATURE - October 2024 

"Four Shells Kava Lounge Is A Laidback Haven For The Socially (& Culturally) Awkward"

We were proud to be featured on the cover of Viva Magazine (NZ Herald's premium lifestyle publication) in their October 2024 issue. The in-depth feature by Tyson Beckett explored our community space, cultural mission, and how we're bringing Pacific culture and representation to Auckland's CBD.

Radio Interviews & Features

Radio Waatea (Māori Radio Station)

Interview with Co-owner 'Anau Mesui (August 2023)
Discussing kava research and our involvement in groundbreaking PTSD treatment studies with a $1 million Health Research Council grant. Listen on Waatea News

Pacific Media Network (PMN)

Multiple Appearances:

• 'Anau Mesui-Henry on Pacific Days - Pasifika Business Talanoa series highlighting Pacific business owners & entrepreneurs - Listen on Omny.fm

• 'Anau Mesui-Henry on Pacific Days - KavaX: Talanoa on mental health distress in the Moana - discussing kava workshops on mental wellness - Listen on Omny.fm

• Todd Henry on Pacific Mornings with William Terite - Cultural respect in the kava industry and education around kava traditions - Read Article on PMN

RNZ (Radio New Zealand)

"Auckland city kava bar hopes to win hearts and minds over drink" (July 2019)
Todd and 'Anau featured in RNZ's Dateline Pacific discussing Four Shells' mission to educate and change perceptions about kava in Auckland's CBD
Read on RNZ | Listen to Audio

RNZ Feature (September 2024)

"Metal kava bowl finalist in NZ design awards"
Todd Henry and 'Anau Mesui-Henry featured discussing the innovative G-Bowl design created for Four Shells, which became a finalist in New Zealand's Best Design Awards
Read on RNZ

NZ Herald

Our story has been featured multiple times in New Zealand's leading news publication:

• "Auckland kava lounge Four Shells launches kava vending machine" (January 2025)
  Introducing Aotearoa's first-ever kava vending machine at our Victoria Park location
  Read on NZ Herald

• "Four Shells Kava Lounge Is A Laidback Haven For The Socially (& Culturally) Awkward" - Viva Premium Cover Story (October 2024)
  In-depth feature highlighting our community space and cultural mission
  Read on NZ Herald

• "Jason Momoa drinks kava with Ruben Wiki, delivered by Four Shells" (February 2023)
  Global superstar Jason Momoa chose Four Shells during his visit to Auckland
  Read on NZ Herald

• "Auckland kava bar Four Shells now on Uber Eats after decision reversed" (June 2021)
  Breaking barriers as the first kava lounge approved for delivery platforms
  Read on NZ Herald

  
  

Metro Magazine

"How Four Shells Kava bar is giving Pacific roots a place to grow in Auckland"
In-depth feature exploring our mission to bring Pacific culture and representation to Auckland's CBD - Read on Metro

Pacific Media Network (PMN)

"Cultural respect key to successful business" (2023)
'Anau Mesui-Henry discusses how respect for culture and tradition is the foundation of Four Shells' success - Read on PMN

"Kava is being widely misunderstood, says business co-owner"
Todd Henry discusses the importance of cultural respect, education, and preserving kava's authentic traditions - Read on PMN

Ponsonby News

Featured as Auckland City's first kava lounge serving premium South Pacific kava

Moments 

Jason Momoa enjoyed Four Shells kava during his 2023 filming visit to New Zealand, relaxing with league legend Ruben Wiki in Herne Bay. Owners Todd and 'Anau personally delivered the kava to the Hollywood star.

Read more on 'The Coconet's Women of the Islands - 'Anau Mesui-Henry, where she shares her inspiration for starting Four Shells, the story behind delivering kava to Jason Momoa, and her involvement in pioneering research on kava as treatment for PTSD.

Industry Firsts

• First kava lounge in Auckland CBD
• First kava business on Uber Eats (and later DoorDash)
• First kava vending machine in Aotearoa (2025)
• G-Bowl kava bowl design - Finalist in NZ Best Design Awards (2024)

Community Impact & Recognition

Featured in discussions about:

• Pacific representation in Auckland's city centre
• Kava as alternative treatment for PTSD (Health Research Council funded study)
• Cultural education and breaking down misconceptions
• Mental health and wellness in Pacific communities
• Pacific business entrepreneurship and cultural responsibility

Online Presence

TripAdvisor: Highly rated attraction in Auckland Central
Instagram: @fourshellskava - 4,988+ followers
Facebook/Instagram: Active community engagement

Our Mission Continues

From our humble beginnings in 2019 to national recognition and a Viva Magazine cover story, we remain committed to our core values: Culture, Community, and Consciousness. Mālō to everyone who has supported our journey and helped us share the Pacific spirit with Aotearoa New Zealand.

Visit us at:
Shop 12, 210 Victoria Street West
Victoria Park Market, Auckland CBD

'Ofa atu

To stay up to date with all that's going on at Four Shells Kava Lounge, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.