Big announcements for huge community supporter and renowned local festival

AMY RUSS

What began in 2004 as an appreciation of the humble native Green Shell Mussel, the annual Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival has long been a celebrated event on the local calendar.

Coming up to its 20th anniversary, the not-for-profit organisation has donated over $300,000 over the years and has done so again. A registered charity, the team announced this year’s grant recipients at last week’s AGM. Festival contractor Kara Fielding says 13 local organisations have received vital donations.

“One of the objectives of the festival is to support charitable causes within our community.

“We are incredibly thankful for the ongoing support from our sponsors and the community which has allowed us to make a profit, giving back $10,500 to various community groups.

“We shared the donations as best we could and to whittle them down to a specific few was very hard in itself, given the number of great applications. It really drove home what we are trying to do.”

Sales to the 2023 event were similar to pre-covid, says Kara.

“Which is phenomenal, and most of our sponsors from previous years all came back on board along with some new ones as well.

“Through the introduction of new initiatives, and thanks to our generous supporters, we were able to donate over $5000 to the Cyclone Gabrielle Flood Response, helping Aquaculture industry-specific towns in Coromandel and Gisborne. It showcases how important the seafood industry is to each community.” Whilst the Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival gives back local- ly, there are other organisations that use the event as a platform for further fundraising.

“The festival offers groups the chance to fundraise through volunteering or hosting a stall.

“Stalls by Sanford and NZ King Salmon are just two examples of the domino effect the festival has of further community support, as well as generating spending in the town.

“It feels fantastic to give other groups and organisations the opportunity to pay it forward, connect and use the festival to fundraise for their chosen charities. You cannot put a monetary value on that.”

Planning is well underway for the next festival scheduled for March 16 with tickets going on sale in November.

“Looking ahead it’s our 20th anniversary, which is a milestone in itself. It is exciting times!

“We look forward to building on the 2023 event, introducing more new initiatives and continuing our efforts to be more sustainable through reusable cups, and better waste management.

“The 2023 festival cemented how important it was for the community to get together. Not having an event in 2022 was a tough gig, so it was awesome to come back with a bang, and even better to be able to give community grants.”