Stephen Harnett, Golden Mile Produce
A fresh way to shop More and more Marlburians are taking to rural shopping and markets to get their fix of the fresh, extraordinary array of produce and artisan food items that are now being produced here. Adrienne Matthews meets some of those makers. Sarah Brown/Supplied
W
hile Covid has caused havoc to communities in so many ways, there is a silver lining. It has heightened people’s
days, and this is an extension of that.” One of the first products to be made was their national medal-
determination to buy local as much as possible and
winning Kamokamo Pickle. Many relationships exist
Marlborough’s artisan food producers are seeing an
between local growers and producers in the region
increase in demand for their products as a result.
and Stephen Harnett from Golden Mile Produce grows
It helps that the region is a magnificent food bowl
many of the Kamokamo for Manaaki. “Our famous
with prime soils and growing conditions and has
ambassadors, the Aunties, come into their own when
many creative souls who have been willing to step
we are busy preparing the produce. They are always
outside of more traditional roles and establish food
there to support,” says Wendy. From small beginnings
businesses based on their passion for developing
the brand is now available nationally; showcasing
wholesome and exciting taste experiences that are
how traditional Maori ingredients can be infused with
an example to the rest of the country. There are few
modern day cuisine.
places that can have such an interesting mixture of gourmet delights being produced.
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for keeping the pantry full, a tradition from the old
Many of Marlborough’s growers and producers can be seen at the weekly Sunday Farmer’s Market. Managed
The brand Manaaki evolved six years ago as a social
by a committee, the market operates year round. Its
enterprise of Omaka Marae. Responsible for sales and
marketing manager, Sigrun Steinhagen, loves the
marketing, Wendy Rogerson explains, “It evolved
variety of produce sold. “The market has really come
from the idea of Manaakitanga, the showing of care
back now that Covid restrictions are gone,” she says.
and generosity toward guests. Our Aunties are famous
“The atmosphere is fantastic and it is good to see
August 2022
