Devonport
Food and Wine Festival
In association with
Columbard
MEDIA RELEASE
19th February 2006
17th Iconic Festival a Success
The iconic Devonport Food and Wine Festival is now over for its 17th consecutive year. With over 10,000 people attending
over the two days, Devonport Rotary Club, the hosts of the Festival, and event organizers, empire PR and Events are
extremely happy with the outcome.
Gavin Busch, Devonport Rotary Club President, says “The Devonport Food and Wine Festival is such an iconic event and
wouldn’t be possible without the over 50 volunteers during the weekend donating their time. The great turnout over the
Saturday and Sunday will ensure we can give so much more back to the community as a result, including to the two main
beneficiaries of this years Festival, The First Tee and The Michael King Writers’ Centre.”
Over 30 wine and food stalls offered patrons some of the best products in their field from throughout New Zealand. Some
of the highlights included Northland Naturally’s stall where a selection of Northland food and wine providers shared a
space that was transformed into a sub-topical theme, complete with wooden dingy filled with Northland produce and the
fantastic selection of seafood from Paua of Nelson; Delking prawns and Whitebait fritters plus mussels and oysters
galore!
Leading other attractions was the fantastic addition to the festival of readings, from some of New Zealand’s most
respected novelists, poets and celebrities. Continuous entertainment on two stages from dDub; Tom Sharplin; The
Specifics, AK Samba and many more also kept the crowd invigorated.
All the profits from the Festival go to national and local community and charity organizations. In 2006 the main
beneficiaries are The First Tee and the Michael King Writers’ Centre with further donations being received upon
application to the Devonport Rotary Club. Over $1.5million has been raised since they beginning of the Festival in 1990.
The Devonport Food and Wine Festival will be back in 2007 on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th February. Kathy Cunningham,
Event Management Director says “We are really excited about more surprises in 2007 that will only increase the quality
and full sensory experience of the Devonport Food and Wine Festival.”
www.devonportwinefestival.co.nz.
www.columbard.com
www.northshorecity.govt.nz
ENDS