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Food, fashion and fun fill PowercoTaranaki Garden SpectacularSpring blossoms aren’t the onlycolourful things to be found in thegardens for this year’s PowercoTaranaki Garden Spectacular,visitors can also find celebrity chefs,comedians, spring fashion, and evenTai Chi classes!Celebrity chef Brett McGregor willbe sharing his passion for food thathelped him win the first New ZealandMasterchef competition in 2010, as wellas catching up with his mum who livesin Taranaki and runs a café in the ruraltown of Eltham.“Since winning Masterchef mylife has completely changed – it’smagnificent,” says Brett. “It’s all aboutfood and I want to share how to makesimple, tasty food that’s affordable –which is important when we’re timepoor and being hit in the wallet.”Brought to Taranaki withsupport from the South TaranakiRhododendron Group, Brett hintsthat he’ll be demonstrating some ofhis signaturedishesinvolving tuna or chicken – but he’s notgiving any more away!“I love coming back to Taranaki andseeing my Mum, family and friends- it’s always a blast,” says Brett. “Thetrouble is Mum doesn’t cook for meanymore – I have to cook for her –although I love her café pies!”For the serious gardeners, there’llalso be an impressive line-up for theNewstalk ZB garden speaker serieson numerous topics from alternativegardening systems, to floral design –and even how to grow the perfect roseor lawn.For the not so serious,the award winning satirist,documentary maker, writer,stage/screen directorand self-confessed failedgardener Te Radarwill be presentinga must-seeshow.Two local fashion stores, et vous andKudos, have joined forces for a springfashion show in the park-like settingof Ratanui garden. With bubbles anda goodie bag on arrival this springcatwalk sensation will be sure to sellout!For the more spiritually conscious,that’s a free event for all, local Tai Chiexpert Judi Lee will be holding a classon this ancient practice in the ChineseKunming Garden in New Plymouth aswell as Openlands garden in Manaiawhere just a $4 garden fee entrance isrequired.Art in the garden is also on thefestival agenda as Govett Brewster ArtGallery’s artist-in-residence, ReubenPaterson, hosts “High Tea” at BoxwoodGarden and talks about his artisticinspiration.The international movement calledFrocks on Bikes will also have a themeof “roses and pearls” this year as itpedals its way from Pukekura Park toLa Rosaleda for bubbles and canapés.“With food, fashion, art,inspiration and fun on the eventmenu – as well as guided walksthrough some of the 46 premiergardens in the festival – this year’sGarden Spectacular will appeal toall palates,” says Lisa.Kingfisher Cafe open 10am-4pmduring the festival only4 Book ahead for Ploughman’s Lunch4 Fresh asparagus or salmon quichewith garden salad4 A selection of homemade sweetand savoury treats – changes daily4 Ozone espresso coffee, beer & wine4 Dine alfresco overlooking thegarden or inside the cosy cottage4 Cottage open for viewing.483 Skeet Road, Matapu. P. 06 278 8603E. info@kingfishercottage.co.nzwww.kingfishercottage.co.nz30 I LIVE MAGAZINE I SPRING 2013