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The Big Buzz festival will highlight the importance of bees and other pollinators. Photo Fabian Keller.
A new environmental festival based around bees and honey will be held in Matakana in February, with live music, food trucks, displays and workshops.
The Big Buzz is a free event being organised by two local beekeepers, Isabella Sullivan and Grass Esposti, to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators with talks, stalls, entertainment and children’s activities.
Highlights will include a cooking with honey workshop led by Michelin-star restaurant chef Cory Campbell, Andrea Reid discussing her Pollinator Paths concept and bee project displays from five local primary schools – Matakana, Leigh, Pakiri, Ahuroa and Wainui. There will also be workshops on natural fabric dyeing with flowers and creating handmade books using recycled paper and beeswax.
There will be a diverse range of stalls offering everything from honey tastings to cosmetics, natural health and garden products, plus eight gourmet food and coffee trucks.
Isabella Sullivan told last month’s Rodney Local Board meeting that this would be New Zealand’s first ever public event dedicated to bees and honey.
“There has never been a festival of this type before,” she said. “It is free, family friendly and has three purposes — to create awareness of bees and pollinators, to engage the community with live entertainment, food stalls, talks and workshops, and to run an educational programme that’s very strong.”
She said funding was needed to pay for three bands, a PA system, and a stage and marquee for live music and entertainment. Organisers are currently looking for backing from the Local Board, ATEED and local businesses.
The Big Buzz will take place at Matakana Primary School on Sunday, February 14 from 9am to 4pm.
Info: thebigbuzz.nz
