Cream of the crop
David and Jennifer Rodrigue milk a small herd of goats in the rolling hills of Waipu, and Jennifer makes award-winning goat cheese under the label, Belle Chevre Creamery.
Until recently, Belle Chevre Creamery products have been locally distributed, mostly through farmers’ markets. But owners Jennifer and David had their hearts set on a retail space. “We wanted a place to retail our products that would serve, package, and present them as we ourselves would do at the markets, making sure they arrived home looking just as gorgeous as they did when the artisan producer made them,” says Jennifer.
Jennifer recalls the days of trying to find space in the village of Waipu, but nothing was available or it just wasn’t right. David suggested they build. It was then the section at 51 The Centre, Waipu, was purchased and so began the design and build stage. During this time, the couple had the section tidied up to be used to host the Roving Rural market for several months in a row last winter and spring.
Origin Northland is named based on trying to source as many products as possible from Northland. “We will go further afield throughout the country to bring Waipu shoppers what we think is the ‘best of show’ for its category, with every product having a point of difference.”
Back on the farm, they are also completing an expansion of the cheese processing room. The expansion is much needed but isn’t on a massive level. “We had to make a decision as to just how big we take our paddock-to-plate business, with demand increasing around the country after each year’s NZ Specialist Cheesemakers’ Champion of Cheese Awards. We decided to keep it a small family business and make the cheese available first and foremost to the local community through Origin Northland. We wish New Zealand had more village cheesemakers, however if you don’t have fabulous local goat’s cheese near you, we are happy to courier our beautiful goat milk products to you.”
Origin Northland will focus on “shop by lifestyle”, catering to all manner of food choices, reducing waste (allowing customers to bring their own container), and very tempting treats. Store manager, Mini Winters, says the shop is still on the lookout for locally grown or produced products.
The building project at 51 The Centre includes five other businesses that each will be opening in the months ahead. “Special mention to local artist Amy Evergreen for the illustrations capturing the feel of the shop before it is furnished and thriving.”
09 432 0931 | hello@OriginNorthland.co.nz