Food with thought at first Whangarei vegan festival

Ashlee Smith, Dimitri and Barnaby Frost, Mark Fuller and Chloe Alderton gear up for Whangarei's first vegan expo this weekend. Photo / Tania Whyte

In a region where beef cattle outnumber people three to one, a group advocating peaceful eating habits are organising Whangarei's first Vegan Expo.

Billy Leonard, member of Whangarei Vegans group which organised the expo, said veganism was becoming more well-known in the city and that having Mayor Sheryl Mai opening it would lend more gravitas.

"I think a lot of people will come along out of curiosity, who aren't necessarily vegan," Mr Leonard said.

Vegans do not consume, use or wear any products produced from animals or containing animal by-products and avoid products tested on animals.

They do not eat meat, fish, eggs, dairy, honey, gelatine or use leather, fur, wool, cosmetics or soaps derived from animal products.

These consumption habits go hand-in-hand with a shunning of all types of violence and cruelty.

Mr Leonard said Whangarei would be the only regional centre to have its own vegan event, with highlights including presentations from 2013 MasterChef New Zealand winner Aaron Brunet, vegan triathlete Alaina Brent, US health advocate Dr Michael Klaper, four-time Mr NZ Natural Dusan Dudas and clinical microbiologist David Hammer.

The expo was pitched as "delicious and informative".

The Gaya Tree will provide live music, while there will also be an art exhibition honouring animals, cooking demonstrations and vegan food on offer.

- Tickets $5, see veganexpo.nz for details. The Expo is Saturday, October 29, 10am-4pm at Whangarei Intermediate School.