Gemini Stephens

Tasting Room Assistant at Hop Federation

To sell anything, you’ve got to think on your feet. It’s about reading your customer, interpreting their needs, and showing them what they’re looking for.

But the most important part of selling is being able to tell a good story.

Gemini Stephens has perfected the art of storytelling to give customers a taste of what goes into the vibrant, unique beers at Hop Federation.

It isn’t easy, though. With so much going into each brew and just minutes to make a connection at the small off-license, Gemini has to bridge the gap between Simon and Dylan’s expertise and the customer’s curiosity.

“I have to translate the knowledge from our growers and brewers into a story that our customers can relate to. It’s about capturing this magical process into real words that anyone can understand.”

Working as Tasting Room Assistant at Hop Federation, Gemini has a deep connection to the land surrounding Hop Federation and the kaupapa, purpose, that driving Kono.

That’s because Gemini is a Wakatū owner, with whakapapa, ancestry, to Ngāti Rārua and Te Ātiawa, two of the four iwi that has protected Te Tauihu land for centuries.

Wakatū is the 4000-strong incorporation of owners descending from the customary Māori landowners. Established in 1977, the incorporation was formed to preserve and enhance the land and water space for future generations. 

Kono is home of:

Hop Federation, Tohu Wines, Kono Wines, Tutu Cider, Annie’s, and Kono Seafood.

Kono produces the finest food and beverages using practices that protect the land and sea and empowering descendants with opportunities to work on the land their ancestors walked upon.

With such a powerful history and kaupapa behind her, it’s easy to see why Gemini loves working here.

“It’s amazing to work for a whānau-based company like Hop Federation. If we need to go and be with our tamariki, we can go. If my kids are playing a sports game during my lunch break, I can go and support them.”

Gemini’s day-to-day responsibilities include putting orders together for customers all over the country, selling beer to walk-in customers, and keeping up with each and every brew that Simon’s working on.

The most exciting part of her job is selling Hop Federation’s famous fresh hop brews, made with local hops grown by Kono Horticulture. Of course, you can’t learn about the beer without trying a few yourself!

“Fresh hop brews are something special. Once the hops are pulled off the bine, we have just 24 hours to get them into the brew. You can taste the freshness in the beer, it’s so unique and delicious. Our fresh hops sell out within days, people go crazy for them!”

The craft beer craze has truly taken off, but few enthusiasts can claim to have brewing in their blood.

Gemini’s grandfathers were hop growers and beer brewers, as were many in New Zealand’s beer brewing capital, Motueka. 

After the recent discovery of her grandfather’s brewing equipment in a family shed, Gemini reckons a revival of a family tradition might be on the cards in the near future.

For now, though, she’s focused on being a māmā to four children and teaching them what it means to be kaitiaki.

“Every time my kids and I go to the beach to walk our dog, we take a bag and gloves each and pick up rubbish. Wherever we are, we look after the land we walk on.”