A journey of quality, community, and convenience
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

A journey of quality, community, and convenience

The Superette team, under the guidance of new owner Gretchen Young, is on a mission to elevate the beachside grocery shopping experience at Omaha Beach. Their vision is to offer the local community a compact supermarket experience, with a focus on local suppliers and fresh produce.

Read More
Crafting culinary excellence beyond borders
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Crafting culinary excellence beyond borders

Ranked an impressive eleventh worldwide on TripAdvisor's 2023 Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Restaurants list, The Grove, nestled in the vibrant St. Patrick's Square of Auckland, is undeniably a culinary gem. What makes this establishment even more remarkable is their ability to bring the fine dining experience directly to your doorstep through 'The Grove At Home.'

Read More
Dress up your condiments selection
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Dress up your condiments selection

After decades of providing fresh, natural meals as a chef, predominantly in France and Italy, Lara Hayes immediately saw a gap in the market upon returning home to New Zealand. Where were the premium salad dressings, condiments and vinaigrettes made with healthy seed oils and zero nasties or refined sugars?

Read More
Olive oil for the win
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Olive oil for the win

Sally and Derek Holland have been involved in the olive oil business since 1998, growing, harvesting and marketing their own extra virgin olive oil. After 25 years working in the EVOO industry in New Zealand they continue to gain recognition for their talents, as their latest win for Duck Creek Olive Oil reflects.

Read More
A busy year for the Warkworth Wine Academy
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

A busy year for the Warkworth Wine Academy

The Warkworth Wine Academy (WWA) is dedicated to sharing its passion and enjoyment of wine and promoting the Matakana Wine Trail through educational talks and shows. This year the best way to do this was to take the show on the road; and enjoy a full weekend retreat!

Read More
Cream of the crop
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

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.

Read More
Spreading the goodness
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Spreading the goodness

The Hemp Butter Co was founded in 2019 by food lovers and good friends Hasanthi and Leigh. They started The Hemp Butter Co when they were each on a journey to find healthy food alternatives that were also tasty, and were one of the first businesses to create a hemp seed spread in New Zealand.

Read More
Where art meets Allpress coffee
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Where art meets Allpress coffee

The Warkworth hospitality scene is humming in every form, as newcomer ‘elemento’ has landed with alternative concepts to the conventional coffee shop.

Read More
A taste of home
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

A taste of home

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.

Read More
Polish goodness
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Polish goodness

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.

Read More
More than just a café
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

More than just a 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.

Read More
The food alchemist
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

The food alchemist

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.

Read More
Fire in the hole
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Fire in the hole

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

Read More
Feeding the future
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Feeding the future

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.

Read More
Saving grapes
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Saving grapes

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.

Read More
Keeping it in the family
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Keeping it in the family

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

Read More
Conscious catering
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Conscious catering

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

Read More
In cider knowledge
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

In cider knowledge

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.

Read More