When the Newton team took to online capital-raising platform Kickstarter in September seeking seed funding, it took them just 23 minutes to secure the $10,000 they were after.
Production of a unique Hawke’s Bay eco-friendly coffee machine is underway after the team behind the award-winning project took just 23 minutes to raise the required start-up funding online.
Designing and manufacturing the Newton Espresso maker has been a labour of love for two EIT staff members – 63-year-old Alan Neilson and Hayden Maunsell, 31 – who say their differing “old school, new school” approaches have enabled a best-of- both-worlds outcome.
The project began with a conversation about making a new coffee machine, one that would produce a great crema without compromising on design or the environment.
Design sketches drawn up by Hayden were adapted into working prototypes by Alan and the ensuing collaborative design process of testing ideas and materials, developing and refining, has evolved the Newton into a quality functional apparatus.
The Newton – a modern take on the lever- press machine that calls on established principles of coffee extracting – is described as offering the perfect balance between a “sculptural art piece” and a “domestic tool”.
The simple-to-use device only requires boiling water and fresh coffee grinds and,
unlike many espresso machines on the market, creates zero waste and does not use electricity.
The Newton’s minimalist design, considered aesthetics and pop of metallic burnt-orange colour are features that have seen it honoured in recent design awards. It was named winning design in the HOME New Zealand Design Awards from Fisher & Paykel and was recognised at the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards, picking up silver and bronze awards in the Designed Product and Colour categories, respectively.
When the Newton team took to online capital-raising platform Kickstarter in September seeking seed funding, it took them just 23 minutes to secure the $10,000 they were after.
At the same time, the Newton was put to the test and received “rave reviews” at a Kickstarter launch event attended by about 120 people at the Hawke’s Bay Business Hub in Ahuriri.
Craftsman Alan completed an apprenticeship in toolmaking at a cycle and lawnmower manufacturing company and went on to do prototype research and development in that field.
His diverse skills in crafting and engineering also saw him working with exceptional accuracy restoring medical and scientific antiques in London. He is a self-taught wood turner, winning many awards and accolades both in New Zealand and overseas.
His other achievements include restoring his 100-year-old home and making furniture, cabinetry, fittings, jewellery and toys for his home and for his family.
Hayden completed an apprenticeship in refrigeration engineering after finishing school, working in that field for eight years before completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design followed by a Masters of Art and Design.
Demand for the Newton has now seen the team expanded to include professional photographers and videographers Josh Neilson (Alan’s son) and Steph Everson, along with graphic designer Tara Cooney.
