Where wild kai meets world-class events.
What started as a small gathering at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae has flourished into a nationally celebrated festival sensation, with the Whakatāne Local Wild Food Festival claiming the Community or Not-for-Profit Event of the Year (under 3000 attendees) award at the New Zealand Events Association awards ceremony.
A festival that began with a handful of passionate kai enthusiasts and a cooking challenge, has now captured the hearts of judges and festival-goers alike, proving that authentic events with soul can rise to national stardom.
"We're absolutely stoked with this result," says Events Team Leader Kim Fort.
"It's an acknowledgement of nine years of incredible mahi from our local foodies, community, organisations and partners."
The award recognises the events team's execution in delivering an ambitious vision – to be recognised as a premier local wild food destination in Aotearoa, creating a festival experience that celebrates abundant natural food, sparks learning opportunities and builds fierce local pride.
Judges praised the festival as an event that "connects to the past and the present, and the future through food and culture, with an elevated programme, and strong leadership was really key, along with their focus on sustainability. This is what drives engagement, celebrates local identity and clearly it leaves a lasting legacy."
The festival story begins in 2008 with Bill Manson's international wild food movement but found its true home in 2013 when Whakatāne District Council embraced the concept.
Bill's mission to celebrate communities living close to nature was perfect for a district where fishing, diving, hunting and growing runs through the DNA of its people, enriched by a 50% Māori population with deep knowledge of kai Māori traditions.
"The Local Wild Food Festival has truly distinguished itself by creating an event that attracts local, national, and international interest, establishing itself as an iconic regional showcase of excellence," says acclaimed Māori chef Joe McLeod (Ngāi Tūhoe), who has been instrumental in the festival's development alongside founder Bill Manson.
The 2025 festival marked a breakthrough year.
Through strategic pre-event engagement with demonstrators, food vendors, iwi/hapū, sponsors and community groups, the team delivered a festival where every element aligned perfectly with the event's purpose.
Every food vendor incorporated at least 40% wild food into their offerings, while new foraging experiences and a smoky-zone showcasing traditional cooking methods created truly immersive programming.
"It started off quite small at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae and outgrew that space after two or three years," Mrs Fort says.
"Every year since the event has been at Ōhope, it has gone from strength to strength. This award will boost growth as we prepare to celebrate our milestone 10th anniversary in 2026."
The festival's authenticity stems from genuine partnership with mana whenua.
"Ngāti Hokopū are proud to stand alongside Whakatāne District Council in celebrating this recognition," says William Stewart, Ngāti Hokopu.
"We've worked closely with the Council to weave our cultural values into the heart of the event, creating a truly unique experience that honours both te taiao and our shared community spirit."
Mrs Fort said the economic impact was impressive, 50% of attendees travel from out of town, delivering an estimated $450,000 economic impact.
Since inception, more than 12,000 people have experienced this festival magic, yet it remains accessible with low-cost admission.
The festival delivers on its niche positioning, not designed to become a mass market event, but rather a cherished and financially sustainable celebration that proves meaningful events grow from authentic connection to land, culture, and community.
"It aligns so beautifully with the natural environment and our community," Mrs Fort concludes, capturing the essence of an event that has grown from local gathering to national treasure.