‘Local celebrity’ boss of Sign of the Kiwi Cafe dies suddenly

Sunday, 28 June 2026

Sign of the Kiwi Cafe owner Eric Devos, pictured last year with his famous date scones.

The man at the heart of one of Christchurch’s most beloved cafes has died suddenly, leaving behind a “large void”.

Sign of the Kiwi Cafe owner Eric Devos, 58, died suddenly this week.

His daughter Amelie Devos said he died “peacefully in his sleep” on Friday morning.

She said her father was dearly loved by his family and the Port Hills community and was a bit of a “local celebrity”.

The Sign of the Kiwi Cafe on Dyers Pass Rd.

“We would often laugh about the fact that he was a ‘local celebrity’ in our household, being recognised everywhere he went; having 45 minute chats at the supermarket when all we needed was a loaf of bread.”

Devos has run the cafe since 2017, when it reopened following the Christchurch earthquakes, in time for its 100th anniversary.

The cafe has weathered stormed, fires, and price increases - last year the price of its popular date scones rose from $6.90 to $7.50, which did not deter Devos’ committed customers, who made the drive, or the hike, up to the cafe at the junction of Summit Rd and Dyers Pass Rd.

Sign of the Kiwi co-owners Janice Thornton and Eric Devos in 2017, when they banned takeaway coffee cups.

He also banned takeaway coffee cups in 2017 to reduce waste.

“We've got a beautiful place here with a lovely view. People are always in a rush, so we sort of said no more coffee cups,” told Stuff at the time.

Cafe owner Janice Thornton, Eric Devos, Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel and Jill Simmonds celebrate the reopening of the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe in 2017.

Amelie Devos said the cafe would be open from Monday, and encouraged anyone with a connection to her father to head there for a coffee and a scone.

Staff of the cafe announced Devos’ death on Facebook on Saturday, which elicited an outpouring of grief from the community.

Sign of the Kiwi cafe owner Eric Devos poses with his famous date scones in 2023. (File photo)

The tribute said Devos had a “magnetic personality”, and was always up for a yarn and a “cheeky joke”.

“A large void has been left and as we grieve the loss of our friend, we celebrate the amazing person that he was. Along with Eric's loving family Kimberli, Madeleine and Amelie we hope to make him proud and continue the legacy he has created at The Kiwi.”

More than 300 people commented on the post, with many remembering Devos as a warm, compassionate person who would leave a lasting impression.

“His warmth, generosity, sense of humour, and unwavering support for those around him made him someone you never forgot,” wrote one person.

“He has been such a lovely presence to meet at the cafe and the unabashed humour, kindness, and genuine care he brought to every interaction either with myself or anyone else present is irreplaceable,” said another.

One person said they always made Sign of the Kiwi their first stop when showing visitors around Christchurch. “I knew we'd be warmly welcomed and well looked after, and his cheerful personality made every visit that little bit more special.”

Plans for Devos’ funeral are to be announced.