Savour Northland: A Culinary Celebration
Words Olivia Freestone
This spring, Northland will come alive with flavours, stories, and traditions. From Mangawhai to the far north, and coast to coast, Savour Northland is set to be a month-long celebration of the best local flavours the region has to offer.
From October 4 to 28, Savour Northland has an exciting lineup of events ready to be discovered. With unique dining experiences, pop-up markets, food tours, and interactive workshops, all designed to connect people with local ingredients. There’s something for everyone, whether a dedicated foodie or family looking for a relaxed experience.
Lesley, one of the event’s co-producers, explains that Savour Northland was founded to put Northland on the culinary map. “The mission is to showcase local food, beverages, and produce, and to celebrate the unique stories and flavours of Northland,” Lesley says. “We want to bring the community together, involving both locals and visitors in a fun and exciting way.”
A local highlight in Mangawhai will be Brooke Lane Vineyard, which is hosting several events, including their 80s BBQ Bonanza on Saturday 12 October. This event promises 80s-themed fun with a tasty BBQ feast from The Barbeque Hut, live music, and a chance to win prizes for best dressed and best dancer. Nicky from Brooke Lane Vineyard notes, “It’s great to see all the foodie places around here getting involved.” She adds, “It’s been a really tough year for everyone, so this event will be a fantastic way to bring people to the area and lift local spirits.”
Origin Northland, a boutique grocery in Waipu, will be hosting ‘A Taste of Cool Kai’ on the first weekend of the celebrations. They have invited their suppliers to this market-style event, where many vendors will participate in the ‘Savour North Challenge.’ The competition challenges local eateries to create unique dishes using Northland’s exceptional produce.
Jennifer from Origin Northland shares that they will have three Savour Challenge dishes available for tasting and voting. “Our entry, the ‘Hula Hoof,’ is a toasted sandwich with goat's cheese and pineapple-habanero jam, with optional rocket and prosciutto. This combines Northland-based products, including Belle Chevre Creamery cheese, Northland-grown pineapples, habanero chillies and bread from Pine Nut Bakery,” she says. They’re also entering the ‘Northland in a Glass’ challenge with ‘The Orange Nutted Goat’, a cold coffee drink made with local coffee, orange syrup, and a goat cheese macadamia foam.
Savour Northland invites everyone to experience the region’s diverse food and beverage scene. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support local industries while trying new culinary delights. Whether enjoying local options in Mangawhai and Waipu or taking a broader Northland road trip, make the most of this delicious celebration. Plan your experience and discover all the events on the Savour Northland website.