About Us

Wild Food Lovers

Embrace you inner hunter & gatherer!

The Local Wild Food Challenge Ruapehu has been proudly hosted by the dedicated Raetihi community team for several years.

Throughout this time, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing, tasting, and celebrating an incredible array of high-quality culinary creations from both local and visiting competitors.

This event thrives thanks to the generous support of local businesses, whānau, and the wider community, through sponsorship and volunteer efforts. Each year, an esteemed panel of local and national judges evaluates an ever-evolving selection of innovative and exceptional dishes.

More than just a competition, this fun-filled family event has music, demonstrations and highlights the incredible skills within our community.

What is the Challenge?

Create an entry featuring at least one wild ingredient.  Entries maybe hot, cold, frozen, liquid – anything you feel like creating!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. SOURCE

  • Get out into your natural environment!  Dive, Walk, Climb, Fish, Forage, Hunt, Barter, Gather.
  • More Effort = More Points.

2. HARVEST

  • Beach, Bush, Mountain, River, Forest, Ocean, Lake. Your Garden or Someone Else’s
  • More Local Ingredients = More Points

3. PREPARE

  • Shuck, Slice, Marinate, Chop, Smoke, Bake, Ferment, Pickle, Distill, Brew.
  • Bring Most of Your Dish Prepared in Advance.

4. ENTER

  • Write a  story about your dish.  What happened on your culinary adventure.  Tells us about the ingredients, what was the inspiration…
  • Fill out the Registration Form.