the story of manaia

When Auckland went quiet during the lockdown, Julian Luther and Metita Iwasa’s kitchen came alive. What started as a simple act of love — boiling seafood for friends and family — soon turned into Manaia Seafood Boil. Out of their home, the couple packed orders with their own hands, sending out meals that carried more than just flavor. They carried comfort, connection, and the feeling of being looked after when the world outside felt uncertain.

The response was humbling. Word spread quickly, and what began as trays of crab and prawns leaving the front door turned into a vision neither Julian nor Metita had dared to imagine. In time, Manaia moved from the family kitchen into its first restaurant in Onehunga. There, the couple built not just a place to eat, but a space where people could gather, laugh, and make memories over a table filled with seafood.

The journey didn’t stop there. With God’s guidance and the support of loyal customers, Manaia grew again — opening another outlet in Penrose. Each step forward felt less like ambition and more like blessing. For Julian and Metita, every milestone has been a reminder that hard work matters, but faith and gratitude matter more.

Behind the scenes, each of them carries their own part of the vision. Metita leads the front of house with warmth, making sure every guest feels welcomed and cared for, while also lending her voice to Manaia’s growing presence on social media. Julian, meanwhile, stays closest to the food, pouring his skill and heart into the flavors that first captured Auckland’s attention. Together, they balance hospitality and craft, creating the Manaia experience people have come to love.

Today, Manaia stands as more than just a restaurant brand. It’s a living testimony of resilience, love, and trust in God’s timing. What began in one kitchen now fills many homes and hearts across Auckland. And through it all, Julian and Metita remain the same — humble, thankful, and ready to serve.