End of an era for Winemaker’s Daughter

End of an era for Winemaker’s Daughter

After more than six decades of hard work and dedication to the hospitality industry, Michael Hyland has served his final meals at The Winemaker’s Daughter.

At 77, Michael felt it was time to close the doors at the Te Horo restaurant, which also  ended the chapter on an extraordinary career spanning 63 years. However, it’s not the end for the restaurant, as new owners plan to reopen for functions in 2026.

For 25 years, The Winemaker’s Daughter has been a hub for the local community, hosting hundreds of weddings, special events, live music gigs, and vegan buffets for Ōtaki, Te Horo, and the wider Kapiti whānau.

As news of its closure spread last month, almost 100 locals took to social media to share heartfelt messages of gratitude and support, a testament to the lasting impact Michael’s business had on the region.

His journey in hospitality began at the tender age of 13, when he started working at his family’s pub in his hometown of Hobart, in Tasmania. By 22, he was already a business owner, opening a hamburger bar on Wellington’s bustling Courtney Place.

From there, Michael went on to own and manage a wide array of restaurants, bars, pubs, and hotels across New Zealand.

His local footprint includes managing both The Railway Hotel and Nag’s Head in Ōtaki, Koru Ice ice-cream shop at Te Horo, the Sports Bar in Levin, The Pier in Paraparaumu, and the Beachside Brasserie (now The Waterfront) in Raumati Beach.

Michael has also run pubs in Tākaka, Gisborne, and Ngāruawāhia, cementing his place in New Zealand’s hospitality scene.

His love for hospitality extended beyond New Zealand’s borders. In his 20s, he and his partner, Queenie Rikihana, moved to London, where Michael attended Westminster Catering College. He went on to be catering manager of large hotel chains in London, gaining invaluable experience that would shape his future ventures.

Reflecting on his time in Ōtaki, Michael reminisces about the days of managing The Railway Hotel in the 1980s.

“It was a different time,” he says. “The pub was in full swing most nights with people drinking jugs, smoking inside, and playing pool.

“I remember when the stockmarket crash happened in 1987 – the owner arrived by helicopter to recover what cash he could quickly, and I was just hoping we had enough money left to pay my staff,” he says.

Now retired, Michael looks back on his career journey with a great deal of pride.

The Winemaker’s Daughter marks the 10th business he has sold, and he’s deeply grateful for the unwavering support he’s had from the local community throughout his career.

“I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of starting new businesses and creating something special for customers,” he says. “I’ve also loved sourcing fresh, local ingredients and coming up with new dishes to try.

“Over the years, I’ve been lucky to work alongside great business partners and loyal staff. We’ve seen so many local families celebrate weddings and special events, and the connection to Ōtaki is particularly meaningful for me, with my wife, Queenie, being a Rikihana and part of the local community.”

While Michael’s chapter at The Winemaker’s Daughter has come to a close, the venue’s legacy is far from over. The new owners of the property have announced plans to reopen it as a function centre in 2026, ensuring that the venue continues to serve the local community.

As Michael bids farewell to his remarkable hospitality career, his contributions to the local scene will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.