Gourmet night food market set for Whangarei

Leanne de Vries is planning to open a Gourmet Night Market at the Whangarei Town Basin in October.

A taste for food and a love of different cultures is the driving passion behind Leeann de Vries' push to establish the Gourmet Night Market in Whangarei.

The Onerahi woman says it was time for vibrancy, colour and a variety of foods all in one place.

Up to 40 food vendors operating out of trucks, vans and tents from as far afield as Tokoroa are expected to sell food dishes from around the world on the Canopy Bridge.

Spanish, Mexican, Hungarian, Italian, American, Thai and Dutch cuisines are some of the food varieties on the menu, along with some good, old fashioned "Puha and Pakeha" dishes with more of a gourmet twist.

Some of the food that will be sold from the Cascade Cafe stall when the night market begins. Photo /Supplied

The launch of the market is on October 13 and the Friday night event will eventually take place every two weeks through to March next year.

To add to the vibrancy of the outdoor dining experience there will also be musicians playing.

"There are too many food options that are different around town. It's time for something like this in Whangarei.

"I want people to bring their families and have a picnic in the Town Basin. Bring your old blanket, bean bag or a chair and enjoy the atmosphere."

The former service operations manager for Mitre 10 Mega finished working in April and, after a few weeks of rest and recreation and mulling over the idea of a night market, things began to happen.

Mrs de Vries tested the waters by posting on Facebook to find out if there was a demand.

The response was massive and there were plenty of people supporting the idea. The search then began for vendors who also got behind the proposal.

"It started off small and has gone ballistic. There are over 3500 people who have liked the Facebook page and are wanting this to happen. The community is hungry for something different," Mrs de Vries said.

A goal was to eliminate greasy, deep fried food that could be found at a takeaway and offer up fresh, healthy alternatives.

Her objectives are to celebrate culture and creativity, support the local economy and businesses, ensure environmental sustainability and build the community.

"Food brings people together and forms an important part of our lifestyles," she said

Her research included speaking with others around the country who have started night food markets.

A plan was put to the Whangarei District Council which has allowed the market to go ahead on the Canopy Bridge.

Vendors are scrutinised before being allowed to sell at the market to ensure they met the gourmet standard.

"Being Maori I'd love to have hangi and boil up but it doesn't fit with the kind off food that is part of the gourmet market."

Vendors were also being encouraged to price for a Northland market.

Mrs de Vries said there would be tables and chairs dotted around the stalls and there would be a "dump station" for rubbish that would be sorted and recycled.