Big turnout at Whangarei vegan expo gives organisers food for thought

At least 700 people turned up for Whangarei's first Vegan Expo at Whangarei Intermediate on Saturday, ensuring the event will be held again. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A bumper turnout to a meat-free Vegan Expo in Whangarei surprised the organisers and ensures the event will be held again.

More than 700 people turned up to Whangarei Intermediate School on Saturday for the inaugural Vegan Expo, and organiser Cathy Duffield of Whangarei Vegans said the number was pleasing, especially because organisers did not know how well it would be received.

"We had no idea how many people would come along, being the first time, but we are very happy with the turnout and the stallholders were happy as a result."

Ms Duffield said the expo would definitely return, but whether it was every year or every two years was still being worked out.

"There's a group of only seven people who did all the planning for it, and we will do it again, it's just we're still working out when."

She said the group, which meets once a week, would decide at a later date when to hold the next expo, but people wanting to have input could contact the group via www.whangareivegans.co.nz.

Mayor Sheryl Mai opened the event and Ms Duffield said one of the aims of the day was to attract plenty of non-vegans and that had been achieved.