The young woman we fondly know as Codey, despite popular
belief, is not a Nanny, but has worked in hospitality for over 11yrs.
Codey moved to Martinborough with her parents at the age of
18yrs, in 2002. Now if we do the math, that would make Codey 29yrs of age (ever
youthful, and easily mistaken for under 20yrs old – hence the Nanny comment). On
numerous occasions, people have stopped to admire her model children, Isaiah
5yrs & Anise 2yrs and have commented on her job as a Nanny.
Codey, takes this in her stride and is used to the fact that
she looks underage to be a mother. (I have suggested that this will be a good
thing when she hits her 40’s!)
In the1980’s, Codey Harper’s (nee Robins) parents bought a
vineyard in Martinborough. They lived in Wellington at the time. Codey assisted
with the planning & marketing of their brand. Together, as a family they
would sit around the table designing labels for their vintage.
Canadoro is the
brand, and although there has been no production due to the small operation,
once the recession hit, there are plans for the near future.
One of the greatest highlights for Codey has been marrying
her sweetheart of 7yrs, Matt Harper, and father to her lovely children. Matt is
the Vineyard Manager at Croft Winery, and is a born and bred
Martinboroughian.
Matt, as Codey puts
it, is a very much ‘hands on’ Dad. She is proud to admit that they have an
equal relationship when it comes to raising their little darlings.
They wed in January this year. Brent (friend and colleague at
The Martinborough Hotel) kindly took the photos for their special day.
You will know Codey, if you dine in at the Bistro at The
Martinborough Hotel. Always helpful, friendly and welcoming. Both her and Brent
make a fantastic team, and continual comments on how they create a fun yet
professional atmosphere for any who may dine with them.
As Maitre de, Codey takes her job very seriously. Passionate
about why she turns up to work, she endeavours to make every single customer
feel like they are the MOST important. Her attitude to customer service is
second to none! Her love for her role at
work is evident.
She attributes her zeal for the Bistro being easy to create
ambience, families are comfortable to dine out with their children, the quality
and price of the menus, great atmosphere and team surrounding her...it’s easy
to want to go to work!
Her passion also lays with wine. One of her personal
favourites is Escarpment Pinot Gris, which is
slightly oaked. (She is not the
first to mention this particular drop...good ole Larry McKenna)
When asked of future plans, Codey can not imagine moving
anywhere else. Both her and her husband Matt,
are working and saving hard in order to purchase their own home within
the next 5 yrs. They love this town, the members within the community and
having family around them.
As a busy mum and full time employee of The Hotel, Codey has
little time for herself. Confessing that she loves to read, but cannot remember
the last book she read, says it all. Never mind, thats normal for focused Mums
& Dads, who realise that in order to get ahead, sacrifices need to be made.
A self confessed ‘lush’, Codey enjoys her wine, once her
kids are in bed, and her time is hers. Good for you Codey! You are amazing!
PS: Next to her husband, Isaiah & Anise are the apples
of her eye. If you feed her too much wine,
it will only be a matter of time before her smart phone with HUNDREDS of
photos of her kids, emerge. They are the cutest little buttons, and it will be
in the next decade that we will see an upcoming STAR, take the stage and
perform like you have never seen before. Yep! Isaiah, by all accounts is a
natural entertainer and he can sing!
It has been a pleasure to spend time with you Codey...thank
you for your openness & honesty.
