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Hastings gears up for food and wine street party

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 21:12 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Taste Hastings: City Gears Up for Food and Wine Street Party

The historic port town of Hastings, tucked between the Wairoa and Ngaruroro rivers, is buzzing with anticipation as the city prepares for the 11th annual Food and Wine Street Party. Scheduled for the weekend of 4–5 September, the event promises a vibrant mix of local produce, gourmet bites, craft cocktails, and live entertainment that showcases the best of Hawke’s Bay’s culinary scene. The initiative, spearheaded by Hastings City Council in partnership with the local business community, aims to boost tourism, support small‑scale farmers and vintners, and foster a sense of communal pride.

A Heritage Celebration

The Street Party has evolved from a modest gathering of a handful of stalls at the town’s historic Market Square into a multi‑day, multi‑venue festival that attracts visitors from across New Zealand and beyond. According to council spokesperson Anna McLeod, the event “has become a cornerstone of the Hastings community, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage while providing an accessible platform for emerging chefs and hospitality entrepreneurs.”

In its early days, the event was largely a food‑centric affair, featuring stalls from local bakeries, but it has expanded over the years to include artisanal cheeses, locally brewed beers, and boutique wines from the surrounding vineyards. The addition of “Wine and Dine” nights, where visitors can sample a range of Hawke’s Bay wines paired with dishes from participating restaurants, has become a staple.

Planning the Party

Organisers are coordinating with over 50 vendors, including renowned Hawke’s Bay producers such as the Brancott Estate, which has a dedicated stall offering a tasting of its flagship Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Local pastry chef Lani Ruru, owner of the popular “Baked in the Hills,” will showcase her signature sourdough bread with locally sourced honey, while the celebrated “Fish & Chips” stall by the waterfront will highlight the region’s prized Pacific salmon.

“We’re excited to see how the Food and Wine Street Party continues to grow,” said Hastings Mayor Christopher J. McCormack. “The event not only showcases our culinary diversity but also underscores our commitment to sustaining the local economy.”

The city council’s website provides detailed information on the event’s logistics. The “Event Management” page notes that organisers will work closely with the Hastings Police to ensure crowd safety and traffic control. Additionally, the council’s “Community Events” section outlines the volunteer support required, encouraging residents to sign up through an online portal.

A Touristic Magnet

Beyond food and drink, the festival includes live music, cooking demonstrations, and family‑friendly activities. Local musicians will perform at the open‑air stage, while culinary schools from the nearby Hawke’s Bay Institute of Technology will host interactive workshops on topics ranging from artisanal cheese making to fermentation science.

The festival also aligns with Hawke’s Bay’s larger tourism push. “Taste Hastings is part of our broader ‘Hawke’s Bay – The Taste of New Zealand’ campaign,” explained tourism officer Dr. Fiona Mitchell. “We want to draw visitors who appreciate food culture, and the Street Party is a perfect entry point.”

Visitors will also find a “Hawke’s Bay Wine Growers” booth, which offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the region’s winemaking process. The winemaker behind the booth highlighted that Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its vibrant, fruit‑forward wines, with a particular emphasis on the cooler climate varieties that thrive in the area’s unique terroir.

The Road Ahead

The 2024 iteration of the Food and Wine Street Party is slated to run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a lineup of over 70 vendors and entertainment acts spread across the downtown area. In anticipation of the event, the city has rolled out a public transportation schedule that includes a special “Party Bus” route from the Hawke’s Bay Main Bus Station to the central venue, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the festivities without parking worries.

The council’s “City Council Services” page outlines the support structure for businesses. The local business association has partnered with the event organisers to offer marketing assistance, permitting guidance, and on‑site support staff. Furthermore, the council has introduced a temporary “Street Party Permit” that simplifies the process for vendors, allowing them to secure a stall within 48 hours of application.

Community Voices

The festival has received glowing reviews from the community. Local schoolteacher and lifelong resident Marjorie Houghton remarked, “I’ve watched the Street Party grow over the years, and it’s heartening to see so many of our neighbours take part. It’s more than food – it’s a celebration of who we are.” Meanwhile, small‑business owner Sam Patel, who runs the “Patel’s Organic Market,” praised the partnership, stating, “The Street Party has provided us with a platform to showcase our organic produce to a broader audience, and the support from the council has been exceptional.”

Where to Find More

• Hastings City Council Website: Provides comprehensive event details, permit information, and volunteer sign‑up forms.
• Taste Hastings Calendar: Offers a week‑by‑week schedule of activities, including cooking demos, wine tastings, and live performances.
• Hawke’s Bay Wine Growers Association: Features a virtual tour of the region’s vineyards and an educational guide on the winemaking process.

A Snapshot of Hawke’s Bay

The city’s proximity to the famed Hawke’s Bay wine region adds a layer of allure to the Street Party. With over 90 vineyards and a range of varietals that thrive in the cooler climate, Hawke’s Bay has earned a reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. The local “Hawke’s Bay Wine Growers” website offers a deep dive into the history, terroir, and production techniques that underpin the region’s success.

The Food and Wine Street Party is more than a festive gathering; it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of Hastings’ community. With a blend of culinary innovation, cultural expression, and economic vitality, the festival continues to cement the town’s reputation as a must‑visit destination for foodies and wine lovers alike. The anticipation is palpable, and the city’s streets are set to come alive with the aromas of fresh bread, roasted meats, and the crisp scent of local vintages, making the upcoming weekend an unforgettable celebration of taste and community.