LOCAL FLAVOURS
The Bay of Plenty hosts an increasing number of Māori producers who are passionate about creating food products using traditional practises or ingredients. We’ve handpicked a selection for you to sample, so be sure to give them a try.
Manawa Honey
Founded by the Tūhoe Tuawhenua Trust, Manawa Honey utilises traditional methods and places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Located right here in the Bay of Plenty, they produce exceptional honey that is considered among the best in the world. Their rewarewa honey even earned them the prestigious Grand First Prize for the Best Tasting Honey at the 2021 Black Jar International Honey Tasting Contest.
Wai Mānuka
Wai Mānuka is poised to become the next major sensation in the realm of non-alcoholic beverages, drawing inspiration from Māori culture and ingredients. Wai Mānuka combines water (wai) with mānuka honey to craft a high-quality non-alcoholic beverage. This brand was established in 2020 by three Māori boys from Whakatāne. Within just a few months of its launch, the brand was chosen as the designated non-alcoholic supplier for the America’s Cup, alongside Coca-Cola.
Whakatōhea Mussels
Whakatōhea is an iwi based in Ōpōtiki, and they are the proud guardians of a state-of-the-art mussel farm located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Spanning over 3,800 hectares of pristine ocean waters, the farm meticulously harvests mussels on a daily basis. Renowned for their exceptional purity and vibrant flavour, these mussels are highly regarded.
Ohiwa Black Diamonds
Ohiwa Black Diamonds is a truffle producer located in Whakatāne, which specialises in the production of truffle oil, salt, honey, and other truffle-based products. Husband and wife team Matiu Hudson and Annette Munday manage the truffière, which yields a higher quantity of Black Pèrigord truffles per hectare compared to any other truffière in the country. Matiu also supports Māori land trusts and farmers across New Zealand to cultivate truffles on unproductive land.