Wellington cafe earns New York Times kudos

A Wellington cafe has gained a mention from the New York Times for its use of social networking to engage with customers.

Mojo Old Bank, on Lambton Quay, was hat-tipped by New York Times blog The Frugal Traveller for its use of Foursquare, a web-based cellphone application where users ''check-in'' to places like eateries, hotels, parks and officers.

The user with the most check-ins to a given place was awarded the title of ''mayor''.

Mojo Old Bank was among dozens of businesses offering freebies and discounts to Foursquare users, the blog said.

The cafe gave a free coffee to Foursquare users for every fifth check-in.

Mojo Old Bank owner Matt Troughton said he was ''chuffed'' with the New York Times mention, which he learnt about through Twitter.

His cafe was the first business in New Zealand to use Foursquare, and he believed it was the only place offering freebies.

Although 57 Foursquare users had checked into Mojo Old Bank, Mr Troughton said he'd only given away about four coffees, with users reluctant to ask for a free coffee.

Other sites on Foursquare included the Beehive, Wellington City Library, Auckland Zoo and numerous other restaurants and stores.

- NZPA