Wanaka restaurant Ode Conscious Dining will reopen later this month with a lifeline budget, owner and chef Lucas Parkinson has announced. 

The restaurant closed its doors on November 8 after the second lockdown in Auckland proved to be one too many financial hits to take. 

Now, Ode has received a lifeline budget: “An initial investment large enough to get us operational again,” Lucas said.

He remained tight-lipped about the financial backers and the certainty it provided for Ode into the future, but said if the trial period was successful the restaurant would “secure” its partners. 

“I can't say too much at present... The main thing is we're back in action and feeling good about Ode's future,” Lucas told the Wanaka App.

This is the second time Ode has closed and reopened, and a third closure was narrowly avoided thanks to a successful apple crumble fundraiser. 

Ode first closed 15 months after it first opened when the restaurant was severely damaged by fire. After a lengthy battle with insurers and a costly rebuild, it reopened. 

The restaurant stayed afloat following the first COVID-19 lockdown in March after Lucas put out a plea for the community to buy apple crumbles to help save the business.

Later, when the Auckland lockdown hit, Ode lost many of its bookings and closed again on November 8. 

Lucas said it had been a “gut wrenching” experience but said he was positive about the future.

“I know our community and guests will show up and give their full support to help us get through…” 

Ode will reopen on December 17 under the new moniker ‘New Zealand Cuisine’. 

The fine dining restaurant serves local and organic food.  

PHOTO: Supplied