Expression of Interest – Mobile food and beverage operators on Council reserves

Overview Hauraki District Council is seeking expressions of interest from mobile food and beverage businesses interested in operating from one of two newly consented sites on Council reserves in the Hauraki District, as part of a new economic development pilot initiative. About The two sites, the Karangahake Recreation Reserve and the Ōhinemuri Reserve (next to the L&P bottle), are key attractions in the Hauraki District, attracting locals and visitors from the surrounding regions of Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland, as well as international tourists. This is the first year Council is providing this opportunity to businesses, using two newly consented sites. Purpose This opportunity is intended to allow local businesses to reach a new customer market, increase weekend trading, promote their business to visitors, establish a regular trading location, and contribute to Hauraki as a tourism destination. The first round is a pilot running from December 2026 to June 2027, allowing Council and participating businesses to test whether the model works. If the pilot is deemed successful by Hauraki District Council, this opportunity will be offered again, with licences to operate likely available for multiple years. Final operating arrangements will be developed in consultation with participating businesses and in line with the guidelines. Scope The scope includes: Operating a mobile food and/or beverage business from one of two newly consented Council reserve sites: the Ōhinemuri Reserve (L&P bottle area) or the Karangahake Recreation Reserve Coffee carts/beverage stands Food trucks/trailers Contractor Requirements Must be an established mobile food and beverage business, or able to be established by December, that is reliable and passionate about providing quality food and hospitality to visitors and locals Must meet applicable requirements, such as food registration Must supply their own power, as power will not be provided by Council Must provide a rubbish bin for customers and dispose of this waste appropriately, as additional rubbish bins will not be provided by Council Contract Terms and Conditions Council will provide designated vendor areas, vehicle access, and customer parking Hard-stand parking will not be provided at the Ōhinemuri Reserve, as this is a grassed area A fee is payable to use the site; the amount offered is up to the vendor Offers under $1000 for the pilot period (1 December 2026 to 30 June 2027) will not be considered This minimum fee will be subject to change after the pilot, based on the learnings of the trial How to Apply Applicants may be requested to meet with the decision-making panel in person to discuss their applications. Please complete the expression of interest form and send it to the attention of Project Manager Dave Locke and Community Development Advisor (Economic) at info@hauraki-dc.govt.nz.