Throw yourself into it...Feb 2021 Update

Canterbury has certainly turned up the heat this week, which has sent us full throttle into the year ahead. And wow! What an amazing reaction we’ve had to our survey, asking for your input into the future of Eat New Zealand. It’s been really encouraging to see and already there are some interesting insights.

Did you know we’ve had almost exactly the same number of farmers and hospitality people contribute? Followed closely by those in health and community organisations, as well as tourism & agribusiness. This puts us pretty much in the ’sweet spot’ of the New Zealand food system we reckon, and there’s been some wonderful supportive comments and ideas for where we should be heading.

If you haven’t already please just take five minutes to give us your thoughts, there’s even a delicious prize of NZ cheese or vegan goods for one lucky respondent.

You can take the survey here.

Mauri ora,

Angela Clifford CE Eat New Zealand

Be in to win $100 worth of NZ Cheese or Vegan Goods

Eat NZ Kaitaki: Waste & Pavlova

What on earth does Food Waste and Pavlova have in common you ask? Well this charming story by our Eat New Zealand Kaitaki Collective member, Kaitlyn Lamb, a 17 year old food waste and composting warrior - will have you feeling fired up, distressed and hungry. Read the story here. As usual keep an eye on our website and social media channels including: Instagram @eat.newzealand and Facebook @eat.nz for more from this collective of young New Zealand food storytellers. #EatNZKaitaki

MPI Rural Community Hubs

The Ministry for Primary Industries are rolling out a funding programme that works to support local communities 'to be better prepared to tackle challenges they face'. One of particular note is a marae-based Kaipara project that supports local residents by encouraging them to grow their own food. They are working alongside the Māuri Orā ki Ngāti Whatua Charitable Trust to build food sovereignty, pride and to equip local residents with the skills they need to be more self-sufficient. The trust director Grace Le Gros says, "The goal is to turn an overgrown plot of land at the local school into an abundant vegetable garden, and use the project to integrate horticulture and food production into the school's curriculum." You can read more about the MPI programme here and here.

Stone Soup Vol. 11

Regional Food Events: Feb / March

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival, Christchurch, January 30th, North Hagley Park The premier celebration of NZ's booming craft beer industry with more than forty breweries, 300 unique brews and ciders on tap all day.

First We Eat, Food & Wine Festival, Tauranga, January 30th, Wharepai Domain. A brand new festival where Dave Dobbyn and The Feelers join celebrity chefs Kasey & Kārena Bird alongside local food vendors, brewers and wineries.

Gindulgence Gin Festival, Wellington 30th-31st Jan Christchurch 27th-28th Feb New Zealand's original single-site gin festival and indulge in an afternoon of tastings, distiller talks, cocktails, great local food and live entertainment.

Central Otago Craft Beer Festival, Alexandra, Sat 6th February The 8th Central Otago craft beer, wine, food and music festival and this one is shaping up to go one better than the last held at Pioneer Park in Alexandra.

The Bay of Plenty Gincredible, Tauranga, 12th - 14th February A boutique celebration of food, entertainment and craft gin – distilled from a small number of artisan producers, gin masterclasses and local food.

Wellington Wine & Food Festival, Waitangi Park. Sat 13th February Local cuisines, wineries and breweries brought together with great music. Affordable food options provided by top local restaurants with a $12 limit.

Sunsetter Food, Wine and Music Festival, Takapuna, Sat 13th February Some of NZ's top wineries, breweries and eateries will dish up all the goods at Smales Farm in Takapuna, alongside an impressive selection of music.

Big Buzz Festival, Matakana, Sunday 14th February A festival to celebrate all things honey and bees from the plate, to the health shop, to the garden, to cosmetics, conservation and beyond.

Banks Peninsula Festival, Lyttelton, Saturday 20th February, Orton Bradley Park Nestled on the sun drenched side of Lyttelton Harbour, you'll find a vibrant showcase of music, food, beverage and culture from around the region.

Twizel Salmon & Wine Festival, Saturday 27th February, Lake Ruataniwha In it's 16th year, will host a day of tasting local salmon, plus beer and wine from a collection of the South Island's best craft breweries and boutique wineries.

Essence of Tairāwhiti, Saturday 27th February, Gisborne 3pm - 8pm. A festival experience that includes a large array of local growers, producers and entertainment alongside educational masterclasses and demo's by chefs, hunters, gatherers and artisan winemakers.

Motueka Kai Fest, Sunday 28th February, Goodman Reserve A celebration of kai with a focus on connecting the Motueka community, building resilience and coming together to appreciate local water, soil, climate and people.

If you have a food-centric event you'd like to added to the list, let us know by emailing: kate@eatnewzealand.nz