MARKETS & DISTRIBUTION

From Matakana To Tauranga Moana

Connecting Producers With Communities

Growing food is only one part of the journey.

The ability to move produce efficiently from growers to consumers is equally important.

Throughout history, successful communities have relied upon strong connections between production, transport, trade and local markets.

Every harvest needs a pathway.

A Strategic Location

Matakana occupies a unique position within Tauranga Moana.

Its proximity to Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Katikati and the wider Bay of Plenty places it within reach of significant population centres and commercial markets.

These connections may provide future opportunities for local producers, enterprises and community initiatives.

Potential Markets

Future producers may choose to supply a variety of customers including:

• Local households
• Community markets
• Schools and educational facilities
• Restaurants and cafés
• Retail outlets
• Hospitality providers
• Food processors
• Specialty food producers
• Regional distributors

Multiple markets can create resilience and reduce dependence upon any single customer or industry.

Adding Value

The greatest opportunities are not always found in raw production alone.

Communities often create additional value through processing, packaging, branding and direct relationships with customers.

Honey, preserves, seedlings, flowers, specialty products and premium produce may all offer opportunities to create value beyond the farm gate.

The Matakana Story

Consumers increasingly seek to understand where their food comes from.

They are interested in people, places, heritage and stewardship.

Matakana possesses a unique story shaped by whenua, harbour, community and culture.

That story may become one of the island’s greatest strengths.

Food with a place.
Food with a story.
Food with a future.

Building Connections

Successful distribution relies upon relationships.

Growers, transport providers, retailers, restaurants, schools, community organisations and consumers all play important roles within a healthy food system.

Te Kete Hua encourages discussion about how those connections may continue to strengthen over time.

A Future Worth Exploring

This page does not attempt to predict future markets or determine commercial outcomes.

Instead, it recognises that Matakana’s location, people and productive potential may create opportunities worthy of consideration.

Future generations will decide which opportunities are pursued.

Growing food.
Connecting people.
Nourishing communities.