Growing Nelson Tasman’s reputation as a ‘foodie paradise'

The Nelson Regional Development Agency’s (NRDA) mission is to unlock the economic potential of Nelson Tasman and enable its people and places to thrive. The NRDA leads inclusive economic development, supporting Nelson Tasman to grow while attracting more business, investment and people to the region.  

One of their recent initiatives is the launch of a Food and Beverage Partnership Programme to support one of Nelson Tasman’s most thriving and exciting sectors by assisting local growers, producers, creators, hospitality providers and food innovators to secure a strong, connected, and prosperous future.  

The programme has been designed to further a common goal – growing Nelson Tasman’s reputation as a ‘foodie paradise’, a region where we achieve everything from growing and sourcing primary produce to developing innovative food and beverage products and providing exceptional culinary experiences.   

It includes regular networking, shared problem solving, access to upskilling and capability improvement, featured website listings, hosting of media and VIPs, availability of mentoring and participation in promotional campaigns.   

The Food and Beverage Partnership Programme is designed to use Nelson Tasman’s collective strength to take this productive, abundant, creative region forward. Meet some of their members: 

Neudorf Black  

Neudorf Black is one of New Zealand’s leading black garlic producers nestled between the sea and mountains in Tasman. Owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Noel and Teena Jelsma, their locally produced gourmet black garlic range captures natural nutritional benefits while delivering a wonderful and unique taste experience.  

Black garlic is ordinary garlic that becomes ‘black’ when it is heated at a medium temperature for up to two months, so the enzymes within the garlic transform to create a cured or aged product that no longer has the highly astringent characteristics of fresh garlic.  

Noel and Teena were introduced to the superfood that is black garlic while living in Asia, where it has been enjoyed for centuries as a health product. They have helmed Neudorf Black since 2019, operating on a sustainable, carbon-neutral basis that aligns with their values and the holistic nature of the products they sell.  

The couple make their product on their property, Tinaku Farm on Neudorf Road, and have found black garlic to be a wonderful addition to seafood dishes – which you can try with their online recipes.   

The Mussel Inn  

Located halfway between Tākaka and Collingwood, the Mussel Inn offers relaxed family-friendly dining, beverages from their onsite brewery, and live musical and theatrical events. If you’re looking for rustic, fresh, wholesome food, this is where you need to go.  

Locals and visitors head there for the music, the mussel chowder and the steamed mussels, not to mention the craft beers. A crowd favourite is the Captain Cooker – flavoured with mānuka leaves – as first brewed by Captain Cook to combat scurvy amongst his crew.  

You will also find a good range of other menu items including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The Mussel Inn is truly known as a local gem. 

Recent events include a summer singalong evening with the Wellington Sea Shanty Society and a rousing gig by New Orleans-style Mardi Gras band Richter City Rebels.  

Beachside Nelson  

Beachside Nelson is fully equipped to meet all your corporate event requirements. Just minutes' drive from Nelson airport and 10 minutes from the city centre, the venue comprises three well-appointed conference rooms, and can accommodate up to 200 people. Most importantly, they offer a catering service that takes full advantage of our local seafood offerings.  

Carol Shirley, owner of Beachside, has spent almost three decades in the hospitality industry and is at the forefront of Nelson’s catering and events scene. She is known for delivering superb customer service, incredible food options, and continues to delight private and corporate clients with innovative cuisine at affordable prices. She runs Gourmet Catering from the Beachside venue, offering canapes through to formal plated menus.  

Her menus have a strong emphasis on local products, taking full advantage of seafood offerings such as salmon and whitefish. And it’s always delivered with positive and infectious energy. Nothing is impossible for Carol!  

For more information on the food and beverage collective here in Nelson Tasman, or how the NRDA can assist your business to thrive, please don’t hesitate to contact melissa.munro@nelsontasman.nz.