A conversation between neighbours, a talented chef, a bounty of local produce and a community hub on the horizon has culminated in the Wakefield Harvest Long Lunch in March.
Community facilitator for the Wakefield Community Hub’s fundraising project, Ruth Collingham, describes it as a “celebration of who we are as a community”, with every ticket sold helping to bring the hub one step closer to reality.
The idea sprouted during a chat between some neighbours, including local chef Volker Marecek, who recently made Wakefield home.
“They decided they could do something really cool with food and wine and bounty and celebrate the countryside and fundraise for the hub. It’s going to be fabulous,” Ruth says
“We want to showcase what Wakefield has to offer to people who don’t usually come here.
“A lot of people think Wakefield is only the bakery. The bakery is famous, but there are other things we’d like people to come and see. Wakefield is more than a place to stop for a pie.”
The long lunch will be held in a marquee at the Wakefield School and will feature three courses of shared platters that focus on locally sourced food.
Volker, a five-star chef who previously worked in Auckland restaurants before heading south, will be the culinary lead. He says the lunch will showcase the “incredible flavours of our region” and more importantly, will bring people together around the table.
“Food has the power to build community,” he says, “and I’m honoured to help create a menu that celebrates both our land and our people.”
New Zealand celebrity chef, food writer and television personality, Simon Gault, will be a special guest at the lunch which takes place on 29 March.
Ruth says 2026 will be a massive fundraising year for the hub which is why “we’re going to hit 2026 running”. The community has to raise an estimated $2.5 million for its share of the total cost of the community hub and has until mid-2027 to achieve its target.
Volunteers will be needed for the lunch and other fundraising events and Ruth says it is a great opportunity for young people to gain experience and get involved with the community.
Tickets for the long lunch can be purchased online at https://wakefield-harvest-long-lunch.raiselysite.com/
