2023 A Taste of Matarangi Festival Breaks Attendance Records and raises a Whopping $25,000 for Local Charities

If you’ve had the opportunity to experience the vibrant A Taste of Matarangi Festival you’ll know that this beloved local event has become a magnet for food enthusiasts, music lovers, and families seeking a unique community beachside celebration. The 2023 festival was no exception with the community coming together to enjoy the festival and bringing a spirit of generosity as attendees supported auctions, participated in raffles, and contributed to the event's fundraising bucket drops.

Volunteer and community support making a difference 

At a recent post event meeting, A Taste of Matarangi Festival committee members allocated the $25,000 of event fundraising donations to five deserving charities and individuals including:

• $10,000 Kuaotunu Search and Rescue
• $10,000 Te Rerenga School
• $2,000 Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust
• $3,000 will be dedicated to supporting the education of two special high-needs children in Matarangi, with Te Rerenga School overseeing the management of these targeted funds.

The donated funds will ensure that these local organisations and their essential work and educational initiatives continue to thrive. 

The resounding success of A Taste of Matarangi 2023 would not have been possible without the invaluable support of sponsors, volunteers, and the community. Their collective contributions, time, and dedication played an integral role in making the festival a day to remember. The organisers extend their heartfelt thanks to the musicians, stallholders, FENZ Matarangi, St Johns, prize donors, KSAR, Te Rerenga School, and the volunteers who selflessly devoted their time to bring this community event to fruition.

– Bronwyn Ririnui, A Taste of Matarangi Festival Coordinator

The Committee also made special note that they wanted to express their utmost gratitude to Katja (Health and Safety Officer), Gay (Sign Coordinator), John Chapman (for the generator), Puku and Kerre, Bronwyn, Maureen, Mary, Danielle and Chrissy who volunteered so many hours over the last 12 months to make the event happen. Their commitment, passion, and countless hours of volunteering embody the true spirit of community and serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.

A Taste of Matarangi Festival –  local festival with a history of supporting local 

Since its inception in 2013, the festival has not only delighted attendees with great music from NZ bands, local delicacies, craft beers, and wines but has also raised over $115,000 to support various local charities. Among the beneficiaries are the Kuaotunu Land Search and Rescue (KSAR), Te Rerenga School and the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter, which all play vital roles in ensuring the well-being of the community.

The Kuaotunu Land Search and Rescue team consists of dedicated individuals who tirelessly venture into remote areas at any given hour to search for lost persons. Their professionalism and extensive training make them an invaluable asset to the community. The funds raised by A Taste of Matarangi contribute to the ongoing operations and training of this remarkable group.

Te Rerenga School, the local Year 1-8 school for the Northern Mercury Bay, is another beneficiary of the festival's fundraising efforts. The school is a quintessential country school that nurtures happy and engaged children from families who have chosen the lifestyle of living and working in this breathtaking region. With a growing roll and a commitment to excellence in learning, Te Rerenga School actively embraces the well-being and educational opportunities provided by the local environment of beach, bush, and nature.