Plans are very much underway to stage the first ever New Zealand Olive Festival which will be based in Hawke’s Bay. It has been confirmed the event will run on the 18th September at Sileni Estate.
The Olive Festival committee have appointed Food Hawke’s Bay to manage the event.
Geoff Crawford, Director at Telegraph Hill Olivery and organiser of the previous regional Hawke’s Bay Olive Festival said “we are delighted the festival is to go ahead and has the support of regional funding agencies this is now firmly on the Hawke’s Bay event calendar. This festival is a “must do” for New Zealand and International foodies.”
The NZ Olive Festival will this year be held at Sileni Estate in Hastings. This venue lends itself to an event like this, with added facilities, such as the permanent marquee that Orton Catering has constructed onsite.
Jane Libby, Food Hawke’s Bay General Manager is excited about the organisation’s involvement in the festival. “Collectively, Hawke’s Bay is the best food and wine region in New Zealand. By frequently adding fantastic events to our calendar we continue to build on this reputation.”
The Festival will include children’s activities, olive oil tastings and olive appreciation workshops, cooking demonstrations, olivegrower stalls, food and entertainment. An important aspect will be the educational workshops on how to easily use olive oil in your everyday cooking. Chefs will be demonstrating and visitors will be able to taste the difference in everyday dishes. Those that view the everyday cooking workshops will learn how to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, EVOO, which will change the way they cook forever.
