Auckland’s Four Shells Kava Lounge has introduced New Zealand’s first kava vending machine, offering locals a convenient way to purchase the popular Pacific drink. Located in the city’s CBD, the machine allows customers to buy kava outside the lounge’s regular evening hours.
The vending machine stocks pre-mixed kava, powdered kava root, and instant kava, catering to different preferences. Todd Henry, co-owner of Four Shells, told the Herald that the machine is a modern take on the traditional ways kava has been bought and sold for generations.
Kava, made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, holds deep cultural significance across the Pacific, including in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Its legal status was strengthened in 2020 when the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international food standards body, classified kava mixed with water as a drink, allowing it to be traded globally.
In Aotearoa, kava culture has grown more visible in recent years, with new businesses emerging and public figures promoting its benefits. While Four Shells is not the first to sell kava in New Zealand—shops, dairies, and private homes have offered it for years—the vending machine adds a new layer of accessibility.
Henry explained that the machine will serve customers who need kava outside the lounge’s operating hours, particularly for traditional ceremonies. “Often, people call me after hours because they’re hosting a kava session and realize they’re running low,” he said. “This machine will fill that gap.”
Kava sales are typically quick and informal, Henry added, comparing the vending machine to the common practice of knocking on a door to buy kava at any time of day. “The machine will function in the same way—simple, fast, and accessible,” he said.
Four Shells, run by Henry and his wife ‘Anau Mesui-Henry, aims to make kava more available while respecting its cultural roots. The vending machine will operate until the lounge opens at 4 pm daily, providing a modern solution for a traditional drink.
As kava continues to grow in popularity, innovations like this vending machine highlight its enduring role in fostering community and connection, both in Aotearoa and across the Pacific.
