Tuatara goes back to uni

Last week, Victoria University of Wellington held its annual Orientation Week, now known by the far more hip moniker O-Week. As always, the major focus was music and parties, with some token efforts to show new students where things actually were on campus. The focal point for many events was a brand new venue - The Hunter Lounge in the Student Union.

Now, student bars have historically had a very poor reputation, both for the quality of their beer selection and the behaviour of their patrons. Victoria University’s own record has been mixed with the cavernous Mike’s Bar and awkward Eastside Bar never really catching on for the majority of thirsty students. That record looks set to change with The Hunter Lounge created during a massive upgrade of the aging Student Union building.

The result is a funky all-purpose social area described as a “café, bar and gig space.” Their Facebook page lists their specialities as “breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks.” It is the last one of those that Tuatara was the most interested in. A quick look round head office determined that Will the sales manager looked the most like a student. As a result, he was immediately dispatched up the hill to chat to The Hunter Lounge crew about beer.

It is not clear what exactly Will told them but it sure worked. The Hunter Lounge now has our easy-drinking Tuatara Helles lager on tap and will have a few more Tuatara varieties available in bottles soon. The early sales figures are promising which shows that some students are willing to support beers with a bit more class and which are made locally.

Orientation also had a more serious side with Salient (the Victoria University student newspaper) collecting money at all events to support the University of Canterbury Volunteer Army. People affected by the Christchurch quake can contact the Army which then dispatches student volunteers to help. It is an amazing initiative which reflects well on all students and one which deserves the support of everyone. Great work guys.

Cheers from the team at Tuatara