Siniua Lilo, right
The mussel fritters from Kiwi Tucker – served up weekly by Siniua Lilo at the Britomart Saturday Market – are a cult favourite around town.
Are you from Auckland?
I was born in Auckland in Devonport. My parents both migrated to New Zealand from Samoa in the 1950s and our family moved to Mangere East in the 60s and still have our family home there.
What do you do here?
Kiwi Tucker – it’s all about New Zealand green-lipped mussel fritters. We also do fish fritters and seafood fritters – but it’s mainly about the mussels – I believe they really are the best mussel fritters around. Authentic Aotearoa street food at its very best.
How did you get into it?
Friends of ours had bought the business off the original owners who ran Kiwi Tucker for more than 10 years as a family business. Due to a change in circumstances, our friends sold the business and we took over in March 20. These fritters are a joy to cook, serve and eat – big ups to the original owners.
What was your first job?
My first job was as a nurse aide – I was 14.
What’s your idea of fun?
Good times with family and close friends.
What’s your favourite thing to spend money on?
My family… and shoes.
What’s something not many people know about you?
I like kung fu movies – classic Bruce Lee.
How do you spend your days off?
Gardening or dreaming about sorting out my garden.
Have you read, watched or listened to anything great lately?
I really enjoyed the Lion Woman – saw that on Netflix and watched it twice.
What do you love about having a stall at the Britomart market?
I love that this is a stall that I can work with my family on. There were three generations of us last week working here. We feel safe and are having fun working together. The location and people – central, awesome place, atmosphere and real people… And there are some awesome stalls here.
What are you looking forward to in terms of the market's future over the next few months?
Looking forward to the market being on everyone’s “must go-to” place when they are in Auckland.
