Matakana Markets has taken out first place in their category at Life and Leisure’s Outstanding New Zealand Food Producer Awards.

The awards were decided by popular public vote; Coast people’s choice for outstanding farmers’ market was the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market. The zero-waste market celebrates the Matakana region’s natural bounty and creative, entrepreneurial spirit every Saturday.

The awards that celebrate Kiwis who harvest, grow and make food and drinks were first held in 2017. Each year a team of specialist judges assess around 200 products, awarding the best products with an outstanding food producer gold, silver or bronze medal. Products can then wear their medal sticker as an independent endorsement of quality.

“We are absolutely delighted to win this award, but a lot of thanks goes out to all our amazing local makers and producers who work so hard to deliver the goods every Saturday. Thank you to everyone who voted and who visit our market”, says market manager, Fiona McGeough.