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A brief history of Awesome

Dan O'Connor
MOA
The original Ministry of Awesome team at its coffee meeting at Black Betty's in 2012.  Ministry of Awesome (website)

The Ministry of Awesome is a starting point for entrepreneurs, startups and innovators in Christchurch.

Founded seven years ago, Ministry of Awesome now operates out of Te Ohaka, a centre for growth and innovation at the Ara Institute of Canterbury.

Ministry of Awesome was set up by Kaila Colbin, Sacha McMeeking, Sam Johnson and Vicki Buck as a way to make things happen in post-earthquake Christchurch. 

It hosts weekly lunch break catch-ups called "Coffee and Jam", Christchurch's longest-running entrepreneurial meet-up.

Awesome marketing manager Vanessa Ortynsky said "Coffee and Jam" sessions were "a great opportunity to connect with members of the tech community and startup ecosystem".

"It is a safe space to pitch your idea and get instant feedback," Ortynsky said.