Meet the Team
Hannes Bareiter
the FLAVOUR PROFILER
after 2.5 decades of working in the hospitality industry, he felt like it’s time to explore yet another adventure…
During his cheffing time in Europe and New Zealand he often ended up in the pastry sections of venues where he soon determined his passion for creating desserts.
Not one to shy away from funky flavour combos, exciting textures and experimenting, the blue cockatoo has become a creative outlet for hannes.
Melanie Hartmann
head bird lover & Gelato tester
Melanie has worked in hospitality since she was sixteen and has loved every bit of it — especially the sweet ones. After running two busy spots in Dunedin, she decided it was time to slow things down and pour her heart into something fun, colourful, and a little bit cheeky. A lifelong bird lover with a soft spot for ice cream and everything sweet, Blue Cockatoo is her happy perch.
Lalu Hartmann
Head Barista & Resident artist
If you’ve visited the blue cockatoo, you may have seen our bathroom mural, designed and executed by one of our very own. lalu makes up another part of our core team and brings with her over 10 years of making coffees, slinging cocktails and fun bird facts.
Linda norman
executive scooper & all rounder
a natural at anything and everything she picks up, linda completes our front of house flock. she’s as cool as the gelato we serve and never misses a scoop! With an educational background in hospitality and marketing, linda’s passion, creativity and knowledge helps bring that special flair to the blue cockatoo.