Joyce O’Donnell and the Pukemanu Tavern
The Pukemanu Tavern or “Puke” as it is affectionately known by locals, is built on the site of the former Club Hotel. The Club Hotel was used as a central feature
of the 1970s New Zealand TV drama, Pukemanu, and the Hotel was renamed Pukemanu (Hill of Many Birds), for it. It became a drawcard, attracting large numbers who wanted a share in its fame.
In 1977, the 80-year hotel was demolished by then owners, Lion Brewery. The Chairman of Lion, Sir Clifford Plimmer wanted a modern structure that fitted easily into local communities. The objective was to build a family-friendly social hub that would be a huge step away from the “beer barn” culture which encouraged heavy drinking. He saw the tavern as “a great social experiment in community relations”. It retained the name Pukemanu. It was the first tavern with an emphasis on community built in New Zealand.
The Pukemanu has a reputation for family- friendly activities such as eating, socialising and community gatherings. In-house entertainment includes traditional pub past-times; dartboards, pool, and gaming machines, a TAB betting station and sports screens. There is dedicated space for hiring out for weddings, corporate events and private celebrations. It is the local headquarters for community events such as the annual Pig Hunting and Fishing Competitions and the Classic Car Rallies. There is the Pukemanu Pool Team, who are passionate about bringing people together and creating a sense of community. The Pukemanu Tavern is part of the Masterton Trust House stable.
Joyce O’Donnell became manager in late 2024. She came to the role having worked in bars, along with experience in leading teams.
Joyce says it was a challenging start with several of the existing staff exiting and having to build a new team. She says hospitality can be testing anyway but she enjoys the challenge. Her busy role involves keeping the tavern compliant, organising training, rostering and overseeing day-to-day operations, while juggling family responsibilities.
Joyce’s first impressions were that “it looked a little tired” and she wanted to build on its family -friendly model”. She employed college students to sand and varnish the tables. Kim Lace from Ace Panel & Paint and his team completed the finishing touches, doing an excellent job.
Joyce has worked hard to build a team that reflects the welcoming atmosphere she wants for the Pukemanu. The staff are friendly, welcoming and happy to be there. Together they create a positive experience for all who visit. The clientele is mixed; locals, people from all over Aotearoa and overseas.
Joyce O’Donnell’s mission statement is displayed on the entrance door titled – WE ARE ALL ABOUT GOOD VIBES at the PUKEMANU. Watching her interact with patrons, she is the embodiment of this statement with her ready smile and friendly banter. Joyce would love you to visit and bring your ideas for entertainment such as quizzes, bingo and family-oriented activity. The community inclusive vision Sir Clifford Plimmer had for the “Puke” has been realised.
