Food festival at Lake Ngatu given a trial run

A festival celebrating local food, art and beverages is to be given what Transition Town Kaitaia describes as a trial run at Lake Ngatu on March 25.

Earlier this week the organisers launched a "brainstorming session" to sort out what will work for a major festival in 2018.

"One thing we will be pondering is why similar projects haven't worked for more than a couple of years in the past," secretary Asta Wistrand said.

"Churches used to have harvest festivals, but there is no evidence of this locally now."

Thought would be given to how the likes of the northern hemisphere's Terra Madre Day and Thanksgiving, and New Zealand's equivalent, Matariki, could be combined in Kaitaia, and the appropriate time of year.

The options could be one day for everything or one feast day a month in April, May and June, one central event or an event in each area - Kaitaia, Pamapuria. Peria, Takahue, Herekino, Waipapakauri and Pukenui.

"Will we make it a tourist event or something for locals to celebrate [and own], with tourists welcome to join in? Are commercial/chemical growers welcome, or do we want only local organic/spray-free produce? What are our boundaries - Te Hiku ward, a 100km radius of Kaitaia?

"Should Kaitaia, Kaikohe and Kerikeri co-operate? Who needs to be invited for the trial run outside our immediate group? Do we want to commercialise it? What fresh produce will be available?

"All ideas will be welcomed," Asta added.

"Details of where and when will be broadcast soon. Watch this space."