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Kaipara impresses at Auckland food sceneKAIPARA FOODIES: From left, Sally Taylor (Long Flat Bacon Co.), Ross Millar (Millars Vineyard), Dorothy Freeman (Mangawhai Information
Centre), Les & Liz Holsted (Tara Lodge), Verity & Barry Barnes (Chapel Olive Oil), Simon along with Brent King (Purple Monkey Finger vodka).
The Taste of Auckland expo is the time when the doyens of the food industry ply their trade and display their wares to educate and tempt the public to their establishments with their weird and wonderful gastronomic creations. The recent expo gave Kaipara an opportunity to present itself and its producers to the Auckland ‘foodie’ public and was certainly not overawed. Represented by Lochiel and Millars wineries, the Long Flat Bacon Company, Chapel Olive Oil, Tara Lodge Tamarillos and Purple Monkeyfinger Vodka the six producers were constantly answering questions, explaining where Kaipara was and selling product to the 18,000-plus visitors who attended the three-and-a-half day event at central Auckland’s Victoria Park. Many visitors said it was the best stand at the show. Volunteers from the Mangawhai Information Centre worked hard drawing in the crowds which worked well. Visitors were given the opportunity to complete a competition form to be in the draw for a weekend for two at Mangawhai, and the information gathered is now being put into an extensive database for participants to use collectively in the future. “We had an absolutely awesome time, albeit tiring and very busy,” said Liz Holsted, the coordinator of the stand. “The feedback from the public was very positive and... while short term benefits were forthcoming in sales and contacts, we are sure that the region and the businesses attending will also benefit from the exposure in the long term. After a follow-up meeting, we are already planning next year’s stand,” she said. Layout, planning and merchandising of the site was the work of artisan Mary Kelliher and drew a lot of favourable comment from many who were unaware of where the Kaipara is and what it has to offer. Participation at the expo was assisted by Kaipara District Council, the Mangawhai Business Development Association and the Mangawhai Golf Club. |
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