flavours of plenty

Quest Mt Maunganui Announced as Accommodation Sponsor for Flavours of Plenty Festival.

Quest Mt Maunganui is proud to announce its partnership as the official accommodation sponsor for the 2026 Flavours of Plenty Festival, a standout celebration of creativity, culture, and culinary excellence across the Coastal Bay of Plenty.

The annual festival brings together chefs, producers, eateries, and food lovers for a vibrant programme of events, spotlighting the region’s finest flavours. Each year it kicks off with crowd favourites such as the Battle of the Snack, where talented local chefs go head-to-head to create the tastiest bite, and the Plates of Plenty Challenge, which tasks eateries with crafting an exceptional dish using a set list of ingredients curated by festival judges.

The 2026 festival theme, “Pushing the Palate,” champions fearless creativity, unapologetic innovation, and boundary-breaking food experiences. Participants are encouraged to reimagine tradition, experiment boldly with local ingredients, and celebrate the region’s unique food identity in new and exciting ways.

“For us, supporting Flavours of Plenty was an easy yes,” says Tere (Tez) Strickland, Owner of Quest Mt Maunganui. “When the opportunity was presented, I saw more than a food festival. I saw something that unites people - a platform showcasing discipline, devotion, community, and courage. Those values align perfectly with what we believe in at Quest.”

This partnership reflects Quest Mt Maunganui’s broader commitment to the community - a mission focused on creating opportunities, supporting local talent, and elevating the region through meaningful, purpose-driven collaboration.

“Our vision for Quest is to keep lifting the standard of service and connection - not just being a place to stay, but a hub for people coming through the Mount, whether they’re here for work, sport, or to simply recharge,” says Strickland. “Supporting an event like Flavours of Plenty fits naturally with that. When Tauranga thrives, we all thrive - and we want to be right at the heart of that momentum.”

As one of the region’s newest and most innovative accommodation providers, Quest Mt Maunganui offers 40 modern serviced apartments, local chargeback partnerships, EV charging, sustainability initiatives, and a team dedicated to delivering outstanding guest experiences. The sponsorship will support the 2026 festival in growing its reach, impact, and ability to showcase the very best of the Bay of Plenty’s culinary story.

Submissions for the Battle of the Snack and Plates of Plenty Challenge are now open, with the festival set to deliver its boldest programme yet. As Flavours of Plenty Festival Director Rae Baker describes it:
“An unmissable celebration of our region's best flavours. Every dish told a story and we loved tasting them all!”

The 2026 Flavours of Plenty Festival promises to redefine expectations - pushing the palate, celebrating regional identity, and inspiring both locals and visitors to see, taste, and experience the Bay in a whole new way.