New Zealand

Princess Anne gets behind barista machine to fundraise for NZ's Cyclone Gabrielle recovery

Kiwis can now bid for a bag of the royal roasted coffee blend

Princess Anne has been travelling the country as part of her New Zealand tour and took a moment to offer her skills for a Cyclone Gabrielle recovery fundraiser.

The senior royal took a trip to Wellington's Havana Coffee Works and found herself behind one of their coffee barista machines to create a special "royal batch" of coffee.

"We hosted Her Royal Highness on a tour of the Wellington roastery, and it became obvious she knew how to make an excellent cup of coffee," Havana Coffee Works general manager Stefan Gray told 1News.

"But more than that, she had an extensive knowledge of coffee. After a brief demonstration by our master roaster Joe Stoddart, she personally roasted her own unique blend to take home with her to England."

"Later on, we were conversing about the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle. The royals expressed their wish to help, and The Princess Royal Cyclone Relief Blend was born."

A 500-gram bag of the "rare and exquisite coffee blend" Princess Anne roasted is now up for auction on Trade Me, with proceeds going towards The Red Cross NZ's relief fund.

The auction winner will also get a "royal worthy tour" of the Havana Roastery in Wellington or Auckland.

The Princess Royal, who is King Charles's younger sister, has been in Aotearoa since last Wednesday and was made to change her original list of royal appearances in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle's destruction across the North Island.

During her second day in the capital city, she visited the National Crisis Management Centre at the Executive Wing in Wellington with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, to meet those involved in the recovery response.

"I have been given the opportunity to visit the national disaster and crisis headquarters today and I am impressed by the major efforts being undertaken by first responders, local and national agencies to ensure the best possible support for everyone, especially those still at risk," she told media at the time.

"I admire the courage of the people of Aotearoa during this alarming and difficult time. You should all be proud of the resilience, strength and care for your communities you are showing in the face of adversity."

"Kia kaha."