We couldn’t live without them, yet to most of us they’re a mystery.

The first-ever Fungi Fest NZ Community Day is being held in Tauranga on Sunday and aims to entertain and educate locals on the fascinating world of fungi.

“Most people don’t know that fungi are a vast network of root-like mycelium that run under the ground and mushrooms are the fruit they produce,” says event organiser Bobbi Summers.

Her charity, EcoSci Creative Events, created the festival to raise awareness through fun.

“Fungi are the great decomposers of the forest,” says Bobbi.

“They break down fallen branches and trees, putting the nutrients back into the soil. They can even break down plastic and some vegan leathers are made from fungi. It’s a hugely undervalued resource.”

The community day will feature a bioluminescent space where mushrooms glow in the dark, pottery making, painting, food and live entertainment. Scientists will be there to teach about fungi and attendees have the chance to win prizes with raffles and a dress-up competition.

Fungi Fest NZ Community Day – Sunday, July 21, 10am-2pm, at Envirohub BOP, 31B Glasgow St.

- SunLive