An aspirational foodie collective in the Coastal Bay of Plenty has earned a New Zealand Tourism Award for its outstanding collaboration and alignment efforts.

Judges at the Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) event praised Flavours of Plenty for being "a strong example of an exciting vehicle to elevate New Zealand cuisine, with the potential to 'awaken a sleeping giant' within Aotearoa New Zealand tourism".

Flavours of Plenty was first launched in June 2021 as the core of Tourism Bay of Plenty’s new culinary tourism strategy.

On Wednesday, the collective won the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust (TINZT) Industry Collaboration and Alignment Award for its foodie community connections, brand, funding platform, and food festival.

A flashback to the launch of the Flavours of Plenty collective, in June 2021.

The win comes a year after the Flavours of Plenty Festival was named Best Lifestyle Event and co-winner of the Best Local Government Event at the New Zealand Events Association awards.

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan said his team’s latest TIA win exemplifies what it takes for tourism to flourish.

“This award category is all about collaboration and alignment.

“It’s the magic that happens when everyone works together - how communities, councils, and a whole range of visitor sector businesses can make a real impact as we support and celebrate our people, produce, plates, and place.

Flavours of Plenty Festival. Photo supplied.

“Local growers, artisans, producers, restaurateurs, chefs, and event organisers are working together across our region to align their offerings to create an award-winning festival and platform that support each other.

“Together, we’ve put the Coastal Bay of Plenty on the map as a must-visit food destination.

Flavours of Plenty wins national tourism award. Photo supplied.

“I’d like to acknowledge our essential funders and supporters and all the other amazing New Zealand Tourism Award finalists.”