Origin Story

In 2022 David and Jennifer Rodrigue saw a need for a “full time” Farmer’s Market type store to serve the Waipu community following the pandemic restrictions on markets and extreme weather events that made outdoor shopping unpleasant for the vendors and customers. 

Their farm produces beautiful goat milk products and is appropriately named, Belle Chevre Creamery.   They along with other local producers were
part of a Roving Rural Market which operated in the Bream Bay Area bringing seasonal freshly harvested produce and locally handcrafted artisanal foods (like the goat cheese) direct to the consumers once a month.   As the producers grew and demand increased, a more regular method of moving the goods to the customers was needed.  

A section in the township was purchased and
the shops at 51 The Centre were built over the first part of 2023.   Origin Northland opened its doors on 17
August, 2023.  

Choosing suppliers as close to Northland as possible is a priority ensuring low food miles and the management looks for sustainability adherence when choosing products to stock.   Going beyond the standard green grocer, Origin Northland has become a one stop shop for both special occasion cakes and platters of NZ Cheeses and charcuterie to mid-week meals with organic sourdough bread (including GF), organic meats, spray free vegetables, local pasture-farmed eggs, and a great variety of dairy options to suit a variety of dietary requirements.  

In late 2024 the team decided they had such a complete complement of ingredients that the shop started offering ready to eat options.  Starting with the finest locally roasted coffee served with the largest variety of milks in town, then moving on to gourmet cheese toasties featuring Organic sourdough slices slathered with a variety of NZ specialty cheeses, free range pastrami, prosciutto and salami, local chutneys and hot honey.  Fresh cut seasonal salads, sweet treats and freshly made biscuits are also available.

 

The locally roasted coffee beans are also sold retail and customers or staff can freshly grind the beans to suit their coffee system at home.  Local olive oil is sold from a stainless steel fusti and customers can bring their own bottles to fill or buy one onsite.  Kombucha is also sold from a fountain, making the shopping experience very interactive.  

 

Producers delivering their bounty are as common as courier deliveries and customers interacting with the growers and makers is common. 

 

Special events such as participating in the first ever Savour Northland food and beverage festival take place in the courtyard with covered and uncovered seating. 

 

It’s Waipu’s Cool Kai Community
hangout.  Come check it out yourself!