Matt, who owns Harvey’s Bakehouse in Ashburton and Rakaia, did not take up baking during lockdown. Instead he chose to spend quality time with partner and business colleague, Emma Halliday, and children, Kaitlyn, 9, and Thomas, 2, doing anything but baking.
He also stained the front fence, has sown a new back lawn and watched a lot of movies ranging from comedy to action and everything in between.
He enjoyed the lockdown and it’s rekindled a yearning for more of a work/life balance.
As a result Matt, who has been donning his baker’s hat for more than 20 years, has decided not to open either of his Harvey’s Bakehouse bakeries on Saturdays.
The decision has come as a relief for the couple who have been working six days a week, from 1am (baking) through to 5pm (bakery) closing.
And it means his staff of 10 will not have to work any weekends, too, he says.
While spending time at home, Matt has missed his customers and playing golf. He admits to not being a great golfer but enjoys it.
He avoided heading into the bakery for many weeks but now both bakeries have reopened.
Thomas gave the family plenty of lighthearted moments during lockdown - but Matt’s daughter Kaitlyn’s goal to own the bakery in the future but not work the long hours was quite telling.
She doesn’t want to follow in her dad’s footsteps and be baking from one in the morning.
