Kāpiti’s largest annual consumer event, The Kāpiti Food Fair, opened its gates at the Mazengarb Reserve and welcomed well over 10,000 visitors earlier this month.
Co-owners of the Fair, Helene Judge and Jeanine van Kradenberg, say “Today, we go quiet as we take a step back to enjoy the holidays and summer with our own whānau and friends. Time to reset, rest, and lock in some downtime so we can come back recharged and ready to plan next year’s Kāpiti Food Fair.”
Visitor Survey winners announced – “Congratulations Lee Hawkins of Whanganui and Derryn Hughes of Paraparaumu Beach – we loved hearing your stories of delight when visiting the Kāpiti Food Fair – Mark your calendars now for Saturday December 5, 2026.”
Organisers say the crowd featured an incredible mix of locals and more than 40% of visitors arrived from all parts of the motu which is a testament to the Fair’s marketing campaign and its appeal as a must-attend event on the region’s calendar. “With more than 250 vendors on display, the Fair offered an abundance of ready-to-eat options, alongside a tempting selection of packaged products to take home or gift, including a large range of boutique beverage products from the Liquor Zone that always attracts the crowds.”
The Tuatara crew kept the hydration going all day while the Thames Pacific Main Stage delivered an amazing range of musicians reliving an 80’s to 90’s revival party that had visitors dancing all day long. Thank you to the fabulous talent on stage, including Devon Welch, Intercite Music NZ, Jodie and The Stowaways, The Beat Girls, The Relatives, and Love Shack.
“A huge thank you to everyone behind the ANZ Kāpiti Kitchen Stage, bringing so much life, flavour, and fun to the Kāpiti Food Fair. Our wonderful MC, Kitty Fitton brought her usual sparkle, warmth, and effortless charm to this stage.”
“To our talented, professional and local to Kāpiti Coast demo chefs. Their passion, creativity, and willingness to share a few insider secrets truly elevated the day. Every bite was a masterpiece, and visitors savored every moment of their delicious creations: La Ficelle Bakery, Lustre Kitchen and Dining, Funk with Food, and The Bond Store.
“ZEAL Kāpiti, Terry Poko for being the MC and showcasing local rangatahi talent including rising star and entertainer, Tui, who captivates crowds with her soulful voice and charming stage presence. Colossal Productions for their uber amazing and daring professional street busking shows, plus Gold Coast Rock n Roll club for their slick dance floor moves, Wellington Tree (Jarrod Wood) for being the best dressed and the perfect selfie magnet, and the Kāpiti Coast Pipes & Drums for keeping us entertained all around the Site Map.”
Organisers also gave shoutouts to the teams from Kāpiti Rotary, No 49 Squadron Air Cadets, Organic Wealth, Work Ready Kāpiti, Paraparaumu College, Kāpiti Community Patrol, and the ANZ Kāpiti team for their continuous support and hard work in helping to deliver the brand of the Kāpiti Food Fair.
“A special mention goes to our tight-knit Fair Crew, often the unsung heroes carrying a massive workload behind the scenes as we lead into event day: AJ Crawshaw, Adrian Thomson, Anke Figur, Brendon King, Corran Crispe, Deb Martin, Hanna Rauch, Hayley Coetzee, Helene Judge (Co-owner), Jeanine van Kradenburg (Co-owner), Keith Wood, Kitty Fitton (and daughters), Louise Hinton, Lucy Ambrose, Marc Hamilton, Marina Thomson, Rachael Broad, Rob McCann, and Sonia Pratt.
“In wrapping, we couldn’t do it without our amazing sponsors. Their generosity helps us to bring it all together to deliver a memorable and exciting food festival that brings visitors back year after year.”
Photos by Jo Piatek of Captured by Friday