Oscar McCauley didn’t just grow up in North Canterbury, he’s grown with it. Born and raised in the region, Oscar is now part of the second generation behind Brew Moon Brewing Company in Amberley, where the family has built a much-loved local institution known for its beer, community feel, and increasingly, its vision.
“My mother Belinda also grew up in North Canterbury,” Oscar explains. “She was a winemaker in the Waipara Valley for most of her life, and we lived in Broomfield. So when it came to setting up the brewery, Amberley just made sense. And it’s a great wee town!”
That local loyalty runs deep in both the McCauleys and the community they serve. For Oscar, running a business here means being part of something bigger than just the brewery.
Brew Moon after its big renovation
“Small, rural communities tend to be really close-knit and supportive of each other, which is a great building block for any business. North Canterbury has this in spades,” he says. “But what’s even cooler is that this area is full of people doing extraordinary things—like, genuinely world-class. I couldn’t even tell you who the best winery in North Canterbury is because there are so many at the top of their game.”
That same energy is what’s fuelling the next phase for Brew Moon. The business has recently undergone significant renovations, a bold step that Oscar says reflects their belief in the town’s future.
“There’s been a lot of growth, both in our business and in Amberley itself. Medium to long term, we’re confident that’s going to continue. And places like that need a great brewpub, a family-friendly space where the community can come together over a good beer, a glass of wine, and some great food.”
Oscar at the newly renovated Brew Moon.
When asked why he’s proud to be a North Cantabrian, Oscar doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s opener there in the wide open air, out there things can happen and frequently do, to people as brainy and footsy as you.”
He pauses, then grins. “Sorry if it’s cheating to quote Dr Seuss, but I’m pretty sure he was talking about North Canterbury.”
To learn more about Brew Moon click here.
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