Originally from Canada, Jodi found herself longing for the warmth of family traditions and the flavours of home after moving to New Zealand. Missing her role as an auntie and baking family treats, she tried to recreate her favourite recipes abroad. And so Auntie Jodi’s Baking Co. was born.

Finally the mystery of what or who would replace Plume Café in the heart of Matakana Village has been solved. A Polish family has made the move across the country to follow their heart and passion and open Goose Bakery & Café.

A welcome addition to Matakana Village, Zen Den is a charming blend of café, retail store, and bookshop that embraces wisdom, wellness, and woo.

Fabiana Reis has a very deep and personal relationship with food, one that she’s passionate about recreating for others to enjoy. Everything has to be taken into consideration when deciding on the perfect meal, including the weather.

The Barbecue Hut is nestled in down-town Mangawhai Village and has set local food options on fire.

Te Arai Organics is a small, family-run organic market garden, run by husband and wife, Sascha and Maddy. Te Arai Organics grow a wide range of seasonal produce, in organic soil at Te Arai. They supply their delicious salads, cult-favourite microgreens, juicy carrots, colourful beetroot and other seasonal produce to Kakariki Health & Wellbeing in Mangawhai, and some local restaurants. Sascha, the driving force behind the operation, talks about how it all started and their hopes for the future.

Following the challenges of the summer, many vineyards are taking stock and salvaging what they can, hoping to still produce a vintage. David Hoskins, co-founder of Heron’s Flight, speaks about his experiences.

Salash proudly uses dry-curing methods for their meat that has remained unchanged for over 300 years.

Passionate about real, good-quality and organic wholefoods and drinks, Nectar Café at Morris and James has recently opened its doors.

Bohemian Cider founders Justin and Cynthia Oliver say cider culture in New Zealand is on the rise, thanks to the increasing number of passionate small producers out there.