Farmers' market has the best ingredients

GOOD OIL: Robin and Margaret Irwin of Kilrae Olives.

Destination Wairarapa's Katie Farman uncovers some of the region's hidden gems.

A sense of community is set to grow at the relocated Farmers' Market, which is now conveniently tucked in behind the brand new Farriers Bar and Eatery at the northern end of Masterton.

With the smell of freshly-baked treats and European breads wafting out from under the market's canopy, it was hardly surprising to discover my 8-year-old had sniffed out the chocolate brownie before he could see it.

It is 9.30am too early to be eating brownie? We discuss this question as we walk under the purpose-built canopy that provides shade and shelter to some of Wairarapa's top food producers who will be meeting here every Saturday morning selling fresh vegetables, herbs, cheese, wine, free range eggs, flowers, plants, artisan products, arabica coffees, olive oil, meat, and more.

Musician Nick Willsden is strumming Bob Dylan on his guitar, helping to create a terrific atmosphere.

Similar to other farmers' markets around New Zealand, this one is about celebrating what is grown locally.

At various times of the year, you will find Henson's Garden, Kingsmeade Cheese, Lavender Magic, Machiatto Coffee Roasters, Maureen's Crafts, Mole Green, Paulownia Estate Wine, Rose Cottage, Seaweed Man, Superior Meats, Te Manaia Organic Farm, Valley Olive Oils, Wakelin House, Water Mill Bakery and Wee Red Barn all supplying their products directly to us, their customers.

But the thing I enjoy most, in addition to the site's convenient location, which has lots of parking, is the sense of community.

We bang into a neighbour tasting some of the first strawberries of the season and discuss how the wild nor'west winds are driving everyone a little mad.

We speak to Dot from the Wee Red Barn and hear about the developments happening at her Opaki berry farm, including how the planting area for strawberries has been extended, new tunnels have been erected and new varieties sourced.

We weigh up the options of buying fresh loaves of ciabatta or lamen brot for lunch with Bolly and Gerlinde Bolliger of Watermill Bakery and chat with Rob Irwin of Kilrae Olives about the groundswell of cycling initiatives happening in the region.

We bang into Jon Kari, head chef at the neighbouring Farriers who is passionate about using the best Wairarapa ingredients for his menu and sample some of his delicious strawberry, rose water and cinnamon sorbet. So refreshing.

Looking around others are doing the same ... chatting, relaxing and mingling. It was a lovely way to start a Saturday morning and, after enjoying a coffee on one of the picnic benches, we take our leave. The chocolate brownie long gone.

- The Wairarapa Farmers' Market, Saturday mornings 9am-1pm, now at 4 Queen Street, next to the Farriers Bar and Eatery