Behind THE MARKET WORDS VICKI RAVLICH-HORAN
Long before they appear at Tauranga Primary school ladened with beautiful goods, the stallholders of the Tauranga Farmers Market have already been working hard growing, maturing, making and baking. We thought we would take a look at what you don’t see at the market to truly understand the love, passion and work that goes into the goods you buy each Saturday morning.
On the farm Jersey Girl Milk Also caring for their animals being at the core of their business is Jersey Girl Organics. For over 100 years, the Vosper family have worked the land at Cleavedale Farm in Matamata, and it's this history that plays an important role in defining how they operate. Committed to achieving circular sustainability, they are leaders in organic, sustainable dairy farming, something you can taste in the milk. Nicki’s Eggs Before they roam free in the paddocks, Nicki McLeay’s hens have been raised from baby chicks. This really is love and care for their beautiful hens, resulting in wonderful free-range eggs.
Harbourside Macadamias Another family owned orchard is Harbourside Macadamias who have 940 macadamia trees just outside of Katikati. Having farmed this plot for 40 plus years, the multi-generational business is also committed to producing sustainable and ethically produced nuts. With this in mind, Wyn says dry shells are burnt to generate heat with which to dry the nuts. While most of our nuts are harvested mechanically, both grandchildren have learned to walk while pushing the little hand harvesters and are enthusiastic about returning to the orchard to be involved in the harvest. Did you know this is what a macadamia flower looks like?
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