The campus branch of iconic bubble tea vendor ‘Chatime’ is rumoured to have been closed due to the Uni’s disposable cup policy, sparked by a UoO ‘Meaningful Confessions’ Facebook post that alleges the “stupid university sustainability people” won’t allow Chatime to use disposable cups. As a result, Chatime reportedly loses more money by being open on campus. Critic Te Ārohi poked our noses into the seemingly inconsistent university sustainability policy, with other vendors in the Link using Glad-Wrap and plastic trays without raising an eyebrow. “Cha time [sic] is unable to serve people because no one wants to buy a $20 Cha time [sic] cup just to forget to bring it with you when you decide you want one,” the anonymous confessor wrote.
The post was made in the form of an update to an original post titled “BUBBLE TEA” authored by a self-proclaimed Tapioca tart. “I am sick of walking down the steps of central into the link and always seeing the store closed,” the original poster laments. “After a few long hours of study nothing and I mean NOTHING but an apple&alo [sic] with popping pearls can stop me from throwing myself down the elevator shaft.” At least nobody is overreacting.
In search of the (bubble) tea, Critic Te Ārohi approached Chatime regarding the allegations. They sincerely apologised for the repeated closures, admitting that they’d only been open for 5 days this semester but were “thrilled” to have reopened last week and “reconnect” with their customers. “Due to unforeseen challenges – including equipment malfunctions, staff injuries, and inventory shortages – we’ve regrettably been unable to operate consistently,” they said.
Chatime revealed that they wished “to transparently share the challenge we are facing with the [University’s] no single-use cup rule”. Over the past few years, Chatime has tried partnering with reusable cup programs, promoted "bring your own cup" initiatives, and even collaborated with brands like Swappa Cup. They explained that while they have goals to reduce waste by phasing out single-use cups, “unexpected setbacks (including the sudden closure of our partner company) have left us struggling to maintain these systems without disrupting service.”
Interestingly, other campus food and drink vendors do not seem to be subject to the same sustainability guidelines. Miga Hako Express uses plastic wrap on their rice balls and plastic containers for their rice trays. The dessert stall opposite Auahi Ora uses plastic for almost all of their packaging. When approached for clarification about the possible inconsistencies in the implementation of sustainability guidelines, the University told Critic Te Ārohi that while they do not have a policy about single-use takeaway food containers, they “strive to be as sustainable as possible as an organisation.”
“This is about addressing the most material waste sources,” the University continued. “If we look back at student feedback online and in Critic when this was initiated, student support for it was significant.” Indeed, a student at the time when the disposable-cup-free policy was first implemented in 2019 was quoted as saying that the Uni’s move was a reflection of student attitude about the environment, and showed “Otago students caring about something other than burning couches. Take that, ODT.” They explained that their reasoning behind focusing on single-use cups while allowing other single-use products was something that they felt was a “pragmatic and balanced approach”.
When asked how the University would define a “fair balance” between sustainability and supporting local business viability on campus, they responded that they do so by providing “absolute transparency” on their policy. “All businesses are aware of the environment and can plan accordingly.” The University has been in discussions with Chatime since before a lease was signed, and would “prefer to continue to liaise directly with them on this issue.” In other words: mind your own business, Critic.
Whatever the financial situation of Chatime is, students seem thrilled that they’re back. When Critic passed by before they’d opened for the day, students were already queuing outside. Lines are consistently out the door, with one student telling Critic “as someone that enjoys a cheeky passionfruit fruity tea on occasion, I am happy I don’t have to walk for ages to go get one now”. Leah, a Thai milk-tea enjoyer, expressed that she was “happy” Chatime was back, “especially coming into winter where I don’t want to go out in the rain. It’s a nice option to have on campus.” Amen to that.