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Paul Walker wants more local businesses to support the Matakana Wine and Food Festival.
Despite losing tens of thousands of dollars on the inaugural Matakana Wine and Food Festival, organiser Paul Walker is determined to make this year’s event, on March 4 and 5, a success.
The Mahurangi-based events company director says he is passionate about the project, but is frustrated at the lack of support from some local businesses.
“The biggest kick in the guts is when business owners tell me it’s too expensive,” Mr Walker says. “I make no money on stalls or equipment. The festival is purely a vehicle for developing local business and promoting the wider area.”
The basic cost for a food stall is $250 for the weekend. Additional cost options include tents, power and chilled storage facilities. Last year, 32 stallholders served 2000 visitors. Mr Walker says the festival can accommodate 80 stalls and around 7000 visitors. He says he has had over 50 enquiries from stallholders outside the Mahurangi region, but would prefer local producers.
“We only want food and beverage providers from this area but we’re not getting enough. I have crunched the numbers and the festival has the potential to inject $250,000 into the stallholders alone.”
Omaha Bay Vineyard owner Hegman Foster had a stand at last year’s festival that was profitable, but he thinks the reluctance of some local producers is due to a previous festival in 2010.
“I think it’s a lingering legacy from that old festival that has made people cautious, especially food providers, but I know several that did very well at last year’s event,” Mr Foster says.
Mr Walker says changes this year include a marquee to provide shade and shelter, plenty of complimentary water, and a children’s entertainment area. Sunday is designated family day, with free entry for children, face painting and bouncy castles. Adult tickets are $25 and include a festival tasting glass.
