Free goat pies for field days

Free mini goat pies will be on the menu at the Northland Regional Council (NRC) marquee at the upcoming Northland Field Days.

About 20kg of goat meat sourced from Premium Game in Blenheim will be used by Whangārei’s Charlies Bakery to create pies which will be made available to visitors at the February 26-28 Dargaville event.

The council expects to give away about 1500 pies over the three days of field days from its usual site - I1 and I2.

Council Kaipara constituency representative John Blackwell says over the years the council has transformed a variety of pest animals, plants and even insects into an array of edible field day treats all designed as a fun way to spark added public interest in its broader work.

Last year the council gave away Tex-Mex wallaby quesadillas with parmesan mayonnaise.

Councillor Blackwell says for anyone keen to try the goat pies, the best time to visit is around 11:30am and 1.30pm each day.

He says the pies are a fun way to draw attention to the problems posed by feral goats which are a significant environmental and economic issue in New Zealand, including here in Northland.

"They cause substantial damage to native ecosystems by browsing forest understorey, contribute to soil erosion, and can impact agriculture and forestry."

Councillor Blackwell says both NRC and DOC consider feral goats a major pest, and both agencies are actively involved in efforts to manage and reduce their populations.

Meanwhile he says the council will have a strong field days focus on current biosecurity threats including Madagascar ragwort and the invasive freshwater clam.

"Our marquee will also feature pest plants, pest animals, biodiversity, climate action, and land management."

"We look forward to welcoming visitors to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic Northland event."