Fungi enthusiasts and nature lovers are gearing up for an immersive experience at the highly anticipated Fungi Fest NZ 2024. This will be a first-of-its-kind festival for New Zealand – a whole month of creative and educational events culminating with a large, koha/donation entry, community festival day on Sunday 14th April, 10am – 3pm at the University of Waikato Tauranga Campus. It’s about time New Zealand had a Fungi Festival!
Fungi Fest NZ aims to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world of fungi, showcasing the diverse and vital roles these organisms play in our global ecosystem.
“Most people would be aware that New Zealand has unique birds and trees, or more technically, unique flora and fauna. However, most people would be unaware of the remarkable and unique indigenous fungi,” says David Whyte, council member of the National Executive Fungal Network of New Zealand (FUNNZ). “New Zealand indigenous fungi are the ‘poor cousin’ in ecological research and education.”
Due to take place at the start of the main fungi season in NZ, people can go exploring their local bush and fungi finding with their newfound knowledge. The festival will bring together leading experts, artists, enthusiasts, and curious minds to participate in over 27 engaging events and activities over the 4 1/2 weeks.
This unique celebration of mycology will captivate attendees with a blend of education, creative workshops, artistic entertainment and exploration. With a jam-packed calendar of events unfolding from the 14th March, Fungi Fest NZ is sure to have something for everyone! From embossing your own mushroom metal artwork with metal Artist Ninette Kruger, to knowledge filled walks at Aongatete Education Centre led by renowned biologist Shirley Kerr, it will be an unforgettable event for all!
Highlights of Fungi Fest 2024 include:
● Expert Talks: Amature mycologists and experts in the field will lead thought-provoking discussions on topics such as mushroom identification, the vital role fungi play in environmental conservation and the exciting but time consuming world of fungi photography.
● Guided Walks: Embark on guided forays into local bush, reserves and gardens to discover the rich fungal diversity that New Zealand has to offer. Experienced guides will lead nature walks, pointing out various mushroom species and sharing insights into their ecological roles.
● Creative Workshops: Explore the unique formations and vibrant colours of fungi and mushrooms with creative workshops in a range of mediums including metal work, pottery, wood work, textiles, painting, clay and pyrography! Go home with your own fungi work of art, inspired by the essence of these extraordinary organisms.
● Culinary Delights: Excite your taste buds with an array of delectable mushroom and fungi-inspired dishes prepared by local chefs and venues, including mushroom coffee’s and
mousse.
● Enlightening film: ‘Fungiphilia Rising’ (2015) by Madison McClintock and the New Zealand premier of ‘Fungi: Web of Life’ (2024), featuring the author of bestseller book ‘Entangled Life’, Merlin Sheldrake, and narration by Bjork. Discover the mysterious world that exists between and connects all life on Earth.
The peak of the festival will be the Community Festival Day. This will include an education hub and creative zone where families can learn all about amazing fungi and mushrooms while colouring in or painting their own unique mushrooms to take home. The dark zone will be filled with glow-in-the-dark and UV reactant fungi-themed sculptures and artworks that will be based on the idea of bioluminescent fungi and mushrooms. This will be a quiet space where families can wander through a garden-like layout, with small UV lights, to find hidden treasures and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience. With a fungi forest photo wall, photography and film, an array of stalls & food vendors selling their mycological wares and a stage with fungi centered live music and performance, this will be an event unlike any other!
Tauranga City Libraries are getting on board too with fungi-based book displays, hosting expert talks and being home to the Fungi Fest NZ all-ages colouring in competition created by avid fungi finder and mushroom Artist Julie Davies of JoolzArt Aotearoa. “I’ve been fascinated by fungi for many years and I’ve been finding, photographing and learning about the fungi of Aotearoa New Zealand for the last 16.” says Julie. Last year Julie created the ‘Fungi of Aotearoa New Zealand Colouring Book.’ based on her paintings and the Fungi Fest NZ team were delighted when Julie agreed to design a colouring-in competition for the festival. Julie is currently working on her first ‘Illustrated Fungi of Aotearoa New Zealand’ Calendar which will be available later this year.
Fungi Fest 2024 promises an inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere, encouraging attendees of all ages to explore the fascinating world of fungi. Whether you are a seasoned mycophile or a curious newcomer, this festival offers something for everyone.
For general information and workshop bookings, visit the official Fungi Fest 2024 website.
