Sponsored: Sunshine, Seafood & Sounds

Havelock prepares for its biggest celebration yet

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

Prepare your tastebuds for this year’s Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival at the Havelock Domain on Saturday 14 March. Now in its 22nd year, this is one of the region’s most exciting festivals.

It is an opportunity to connect directly with local producers and experience Marlborough’s thriving aquaculture industry up close and personal, bringing together growers, chefs, musicians, families and visitors for an afternoon that celebrates this important industry’s remarkable growth and its respected standing on the international stage.

Food stalls will feature everything from steaming bowls of mussels and freshly shucked oysters to inventive seafood street food and premium salmon dishes. The focus is firmly on fresh, local ingredients prepared with care, allowing the natural quality of Marlborough seafood to speak for itself.

Inside the NZ King Salmon Culinary Tent, festivalgoers can enjoy a full programme of free cooking demonstrations and competitions. Returning to the stage are celebrity chefs Michael Van de Elzen and Ganesh Raj, both familiar faces from Eat Well for Less. Michael is known for his practical, family friendly cooking style, while Raj brings bold flavours and a passion for food education that inspires home cooks to try something new.

The ever-popular NMIT cooking competition will once again see local home cooks and emerging culinary talent battle it out in a live MasterChef style showdown. Industry demonstrations from Marlborough Oysters, Mills Bay Mussels and New Zealand King Salmon will also offer insight into the journey from ocean to plate, combining education with entertainment in lively festival style.

Good Vibes
While seafood provides the heart of the festival, music provides its underlying beat. This year’s headline act is iconic Kiwi electronic band Shapeshifter, who will close the day on the Gascoigne Wicks Stage. Renowned for their explosive live performances and genre blending sound, Shapeshifter will turn the Domain into an open-air dance floor as the afternoon builds toward its grand finale.

Earlier in the programme, the Wellington Sea Shanty Society will bring stirring maritime harmonies that perfectly echo the region’s seafaring heritage while local talent also takes pride of place. Tom Knowles returns, this time backed by The Full Noise Boys, delivering high energy crowd favourites and Marlborough singer/songwriter Ellie Brooke will add her signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and distinctive vocals.

The programme is relaxed and family friendly before building into a full festival vibe as the sun lowers over the Marlborough Sounds.

Two children under 16 enjoy free entry when accompanied by an adult, and the Marlborough Lines Kids’ Zone is returning, bigger than ever.

Alongside face painting and interactive activities, youngsters can hop into mini jeeps or take part in the newly introduced Young Fish Mussel Games, hands-on challenges designed to connect children with the region’s seafood story in an engaging way. The aim is simple: Create a space where parents can relax, children are entertained, and everyone feels part of the celebration.

For those seeking a premium experience, Johnston Associates R18 VIP area tickets offer hospitality, comfort and prime viewing areas.

A visit to the MFA Industry Zone, hosted by the Marine Farming Association, will provide a fascinating behind the scenes look at the sector driving the region’s economy. From virtual reality vessel experiences to equipment displays and conversations with growers, the zone highlights the innovation and sustainability practices underpinning modern aquaculture. It is a reminder that the festival is as much about celebrating industry as it is about enjoying its produce.

Ripple Effects
No mussel festival would be complete without the unmistakable crack of shells and the buzz of competition. The high stakes mussel shucking contest will see seasoned professionals, the industry’s speed guns, race the clock in a display of precision and skill. Bragging rights are firmly on the line as the crowd counts down.

Later, the Mills Bay Mussel Shuck will invite a wider mix of participants to give it a go to the delight of cheering spectators.

As an event built around the ocean, sustainability remains front and centre. Reusable cups return in 2026 thanks to sponsor Aimex, reducing single-use waste. Envirohub Marlborough will again be onsite washing dishes, while improved waste sorting and composting systems will help ensure the festival reflects the environmental values of the region.

The festival draws visitors from around New Zealand and beyond. Many guests extending their stay to explore local wineries, hospitality venues and the Marlborough Sounds, creating an economic ripple effect that flows well beyond festival day.

With free buses from Picton and additional services from Blenheim and Nelson, travel is made easy and safe.

SHAPESHIFTER set to ignite Havelock
Quick-fire questions with P.Digsss

Ultimate festival survival kit:
For me, I’ve just got my shoulder bag with my gel hand sanitiser, some wipes and obviously my cell phone, and my girlfriend, with all that, we can take on anything!

If Shapeshifter were a flavour of mussel dish, what would it be?
Whoa! Well, it’s got to be like some flaming chowder, right? With some cognac! Or some of that old wok-style cooking with white wine, cream, and mussels, I love it all!

Best post gig feed?
Oh wow, there’s been a few amazing ones but the ones that have stood out, back in the day were at Rippon Festival, they always looked after you. That was our first kind of experience in Aotearoa, going through the years where you got bloody looked after. I always make a point to be friendly with the chefs, the catering crew, and the security. I always like to introduce myself at gigs that I’m a part of. I thank them for being on our side and looking after the people. I believe that’s good practice.

A Shapeshifter set isn't complete without:
Me! What does that mean? Nah, it’s not all about me! I always think it wouldn’t be the same without an amazing crowd singing in high voices! We can’t do it without our people and our fans; we truly give thanks back to our people that support us and help us stay alive and exist as artists. It’s a tough round out there but our fans truly make Shapeshifter. They amplify us to that level.

Book your tickets today here and get ready for a stunning day out at this year’s Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival.