Good vibes at Big Buzz
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Grandma bee Carol Smith, from Helensville, with her grandchildren Felix and Elodie.
From left, ApiNZ chief executive Karin Kos had nothing but praise for festival organisers, Grass Espoti and Isabella Sullivan.
Every now and again, a working bee just has to take a break. Pictured at the Big Buzz Festival is Matakana School student, Hunter Murray.
Organisers of what was believed to be New Zealand’s first honey and bee festival could not have got their timing more perfect last month.
The Big Buzz was held at the Matakana School on Sunday, February 14 and wrapped up just hours before torrential rain hit the district and the announcement of the level 3 lockdown.
Honey festival creating a buzz
Artists, authors and a world-renowned chef will be among the attractions at what is thought to be New Zealand’s first festival to celebrate honey and bees, which takes place at Matakana Primary School on Sunday, February 14.
The Big Buzz Festival runs all day, from 9am to 4pm, and will feature free talks, workshops, demonstrations, tastings and exhibitions. There will also be market stalls, live music, children’s entertainment and at least nine food, drink and coffee trucks.
Highlights include a cooking demonstration from noted Australian chef Cory Campbell, who has moved to the region after spells at top restaurants including the two Michelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen, Vue de Monde in Melbourne and Sydney’s Barangaroo. Rachel Weston, author of Bumble Bees Have Smelly Feet, will give readings from her latest book, while award-winning beekeeper Andrew Cory will talk about his journey from buying the Niue Honey Company on a whim in 1999 up to hi