Chrissy Witoko
Business owner
About Chrissy Witoko
Lived 1944 – 2002 (aged 58). Chrissy Witoko was a New Zealand proprietor.
Chrissy Witoko (11 September 1944 – 5 November 2002) was a business owner and prominent figure in New Zealand's LGBTQIA+ community. She was known for establishing and operating the Evergreen Coffee Lounge.
Early life and family Witoko was born in Hastings, New Zealand on 11 September 1944.
She was of Ngāti Kahungunu descent.
Career Witoko moved to Wellington in 1950 and worked in various clubs and cafes.
In 1984, Witoko established the Evergreen Coffee Lounge on Vivian Street. The site had previously been a coffee lounge run by Carmen Rupe. It also served as meeting point for protest, and a drop-in center, particularly for sex workers needing shelter.
Witoko received several awards for her work including a Glammie's Award for community service, and an Alfie's award for personality of the year.
In 2022, a park bench was erected in Witoko's memory on the corner of Vivian Street and Cuba Street, Wellington.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Chrissy Witoko?
business owner (1944 - 2002)
When was Chrissy Witoko born?
Chrissy Witoko was born on 11 September 1944.
When did Chrissy Witoko die?
Chrissy Witoko died on 5 November 2002.
What was Chrissy Witoko's occupation?
Chrissy Witoko was a proprietor.
What nationality was Chrissy Witoko?
Chrissy Witoko was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Chrissy Witoko. https://biography.guide/chrissy-witoko/
MLA: "Chrissy Witoko." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/chrissy-witoko/.
Chicago: "Chrissy Witoko." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/chrissy-witoko/.
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