Knight Crawford’s latest Takapuna project will further enhance the popular town square
At Channel Mag, it’s no secret that we’ve always championed and celebrated fresh energy and investment in our local business areas – supporting local businesses is a key driver for us. So we love it when we hear about exciting new initiatives; when a local company continues to back Takapuna with bold new projects, we’re all in.
Knight Crawford, led by Takapuna local Elliot Knight, is once again putting its stamp on the heart of Hurstmere Road, right beside the popular Waiwharariki Anzac Square. The latest upgrade at 40 Hurstmere Road will open up the vibrant laneway eateries to the square and introduce a brand-new health and wellness precinct on the first floor, featuring 10 affordable studios designed for health and wellness practitioners.
A track record of shaping Takapuna
Knight Crawford has played a major role in several of Takapuna’s most noticeable high-profile enhancements and improvements in recent years. Notable examples are the refreshed hospitality, retail and office spaces in front of the Bruce Mason Centre at 150 Hurstmere Road, now home to favourites like Wallace Cotton, Daikoku and Café Botanix. Knight Crawford is also behind the redevelopment at 111 Hurstmere Road, where the Takapuna Surf Club rooftop bar now shines as one of the suburb’s best new social hot spots, along with Premium Real Estate, House of Travel and O-Studio beneath, on the street at ground floor level.
Knight Crawford has also purchased the large corner site on Fred Thomas Drive and Des Swann Drive, where a major redevelopment is underway. The upcoming project includes retail and 10,000sqm of medical-related office space – already 85% leased – with a new Pak ’n Save planned across the road. It’s shaping up to be another strong hub for the area.
Elliot’s newest town centre investment at 40 Hurstmere Road is part of an even bigger vision. An exciting change that will come to fruition in the coming weeks is opening up the eateries at 40 Hurstmere to the Takapuna town square (Waiwharariki Anzac Square). The town square has been a popular addition to Takapuna in recent years. The move to have eateries opening up to the square and the introduction of Padel courts (featured elsewhere in the latest Channel issue) will only enhance its appeal.
A fresh take on wellness spaces
When I caught up with Elliot in late December, he explained how the upstairs floor at 40 Hurstmere has also been cleverly transformed into compact (mostly 30sqm) turnkey health and well-being studios for solo practitioners. These studios suit business owners who want a modern, low-risk setup with minimal upfront cost. Shared amenities, including a customer lounge, filtered water, coffee machine, lunchroom and bathrooms, add convenience without cutting into rented floor space.
“It’s a low-risk model that minimises capital expenditure (capex) for tenants, offering a ‘plug-and-play’ fit out, allowing tenants to simply move in and get started,” says Elliot. “And it’s clearly hitting the mark, proving to be popular, with most of the studios already filled.”
Opening the eateries to the square
As already mentioned, downstairs at 40 Hurstmere, some of Takapuna’s most loved casual laneway dining spots, including El Humero, Hanoi Haven, Dante’s, Glass Sushi, Poke Poke, Roti Bros and Burger Burger, will benefit from extra seating and will open up some of these popular dining spots to direct access to the town square.
“We see this as being a win-win for everyone,” explains Elliot. “Waiwharariki Anzac Square has been an excellent addition, already adding so much life to the area. Opening up the eateries to connect directly with the square will only enhance that beachy laneway and town square vibe for customers dining and for the eateries themselves.
“We are excited about this change, and we know locals are as well. We feel that despite significant frustration and costly delays in obtaining resource and building consent, it will be well worth it in the end.”
Plans are also afoot within the Burger Burger space. The team will be staying in the existing courtyard, which will be redeveloped to provide a completely new restaurant offering.
Well done to Elliot Knight and Knight Crawford on continuing to invest in Takapuna’s future. A summary of the businesses located at 40 Hurstmere is included on the following spread.
For more information visit: www.knightcrawford.com
Article originally published and written by Aidan Bennet at Channel Magazine – see the article here.
40 Hurstmere Eateries
Ground Floor
Takimi Mazesoba
Offers a modern Japanese noodle experience, distinct from traditional ramen and without heavy broths. Built around Takimi’s signature noodle (whole-wheat and buckwheat) and house-crafted sauces using traditional Japanese techniques, each bowl is naturally higher in fibre and lower in sugar than refined white noodles, with toppings adjustable to taste, delivering a more balanced and satisfying expression of long-held Japanese food culture. Beyond the food, Takimi is known for its calm, Japanese-inspired layout that values privacy and comfort, making it especially welcoming for solo diners as well as couples and small groups.
Poké Poké
Poké Poké Takapuna is a long-standing local on Eat Street. For nine years, we’ve specialised in poké bowls as a Japanese–Hawaiian fusion style of dining. Poké is a fresh, balanced bowl built around quality seafood, vegetables, fruit and rice. Rather than a traditional set menu, we focus on build-your-own bowls, with ingredients chosen to suit individual tastes and everyday meals. Fresh, simple, and ingredient-led – just made your way, every day.
Dante’s
Pizza Contemporanea and Casa Pasta – born in Naples, raised in New Zealand. Award-winning pizzaiolo Enis Baçova brings pizza contemporanea to life at Dante’s Takapuna: slow-fermented dough, airy crusts, and Neapolitan soul. Signature pizzas and daily house-made pasta meet fine Italian wines. Ranked Top 10 Asia-Pacific, Top 50 worldwide (50 Top Pizza), Silver Winner Caputo Cup 2024 Naples. “We don’t serve food – we serve stories, baked in fire.”
Hanoi Haven
Discover a tranquil oasis in the heart of Takapuna, where the vibrant flavours of Vietnam intertwine with contemporary elegance. At Hanoi Haven, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich heritage of Vietnamese cuisine while embracing a modern twist. With years of experience in renowned kitchens across Vietnam, our chef brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Hanoi Haven, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.
Glass Sushi
On Takapuna’s sunlit shoreline, Glass Sushi Boutique is where freshness meets flair. From perfectly seasoned rice to premium cuts of salmon and tuna, every piece is crafted with care and consistency. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, catering for the office, or indulging in a relaxed dine-in moment, expect bold flavours, friendly service, and beautifully presented sushi that keeps locals coming back for more. A must-visit for true sushi lovers.
El Humero
El Humero delivers an authentic culinary experience that celebrates the classic, rustic flavours of Colombia. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel as though you’ve been magically transported to Colombia through our mouth-watering, Colombian-style barbecue dishes, freshly prepared over traditional wood-fired and charcoal grills. “Our home is your home” – we promise more than just great food – we offer the warmth, hospitality, and unforgettable flavours of the Colombian people, leaving you with a lasting taste of Colombia in every bite.
40 Hurstmere Wellness
1st Floor
Studio Sweat
Studio Sweat is a wellness studio offering private infrared sauna and contrast therapy suites designed to restore the body and mind. Rooted in community and care, we offer a calm, refined environment where you can move with intention and return to yourself, physically and mentally. Our offering provides a range of benefits, including detoxification, muscle and joint recovery, and overall immune support. Through heat and cold, our rituals are designed to reduce tension, support circulation, and calm the nervous system – helping you feel clearer, stronger and more resilient. Whether you come to sweat or to chill, our space is here to help you feel your best – one session at a time.
Society Skin
Designed for those who appreciate quiet luxury and real results, Society Skin is a Takapuna-based skin studio specialising in advanced facials and skin treatments. Founder Gemma Nilson brings a refined, personalised approach to skin health, blending corrective treatment work with a deeply calming experience for both men and women.
Tahl Cosmetics
Situated in the heart of Hurstmere Studios, Tahl Cosmetics is home to Takapuna’s newest semi-permanent makeup space, thoughtfully designed to deliver the highest quality results in the cosmetic tattoo industry. Backed by over 10 years of experience, founder Tahlia Knowles combines the latest techniques, premium products, and a personalised approach to enhance natural beauty. Renowned for her signature brow enhancements and expertly defined lip contouring, Tahlia’s work is recognised for its artistry, timeless results, and detail-driven approach, leaving clients cared for over the course of their treatment journey.
Caci Takapuna
At Caci Takapuna, we love what we do! We make skin confidence achievable for our customers so they can look and feel their best. Our focus is on providing long-term, results-focused solutions rather than short-term, temporary results. Caci customers know they will always receive the best professional care, with our highly trained staff using the best technologies and treatment solutions in the industry. From relaxing facials to advanced skin treatments, body shaping, cosmetic injectables and laser treatments, our team provides tailored solutions to help you achieve glowing, healthy skin in a welcoming space.
Velvaere Lymphatic
Velvaere specialises in lymphatic drainage massage and sculpting rituals designed to restore, rebalance, and reconnect you. A refined approach to body contouring, this treatment combines precision lymphatic drainage massage with cupping and red and near-infrared light therapy to sculpt, smooth, and de-puff the body from within. By enhancing fluid movement, reducing inflammation, and supporting cellular repair, it helps define natural contours while leaving you feeling lighter, tighter, and deeply restored. Each session is intentionally paced and highly personalised, working with the body’s natural rhythms to encourage detoxification, improve circulation, and awaken the lymphatic system. More than a cosmetic treatment, it is a nervous-system-soothing ritual that supports long-term wellbeing, resilience, and radiant vitality. Designed for those who want visible results with a holistic edge. New clients receive a sculpt cup to take home with any treatment to continue their lymphatic care at home.
Glow With Pedja
Located on Hurstmere Road in the heart of Takapuna, you’ll find our top-rated boutique hair salon. Offering a truly elevated beauty experience, artistry and world-class service come together under one artistic, creative canopy. With more than 15 years of experience across Europe and New Zealand, Pedja’s journey from senior stylist to creative director has been inspired by a simple belief – true beauty is not only about how you look, but also about how you feel. At Glow with Pedja, every client is unique and can expect an in-depth consultation, bespoke colour, precision cuts and transformative styling. Our aim is to help you achieve the vision you hold for your hair. We want you to leave our salon glowing inside and out – as we believe that transformation begins with professional connection and then evolves into confidence.
Hint & Heal
At Hint & Heal, Erin O’Hara combines her knowledge of naturopathy and science to provide an integrative and evidence-based approach to wellbeing. She has a passion for health and has been involved in the health and well-being industry for more than 20 years through extensive study and scientific research. Her functional medicine approach addresses the underlying causes of disease through testing and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence your health and cause disease. Erin provides customised wellness plans based on your medical history, will review and recommend laboratory testing as needed, and provide you with the outline of a health plan, along with nutritional and dietary recommendations as required.
By: Aidan Bennett and as published on the Channel Magazine, Feb 2026 Issue