In Waipu village, Origin Northland is redefining what a local grocer can be. This isn’t just another place to pick up supplies. It’s a carefully curated showcase of New Zealand’s best food producers, with an emphasis on products made as close to home as possible.
The specialty food store stocks hand-picked items from local and seasonal growers and producers around New Zealand, with a particular focus on the lowest possible food miles. Walk through the door and you’ll find fresh bread from Pinenut Bakery in nearby Ruakaka, award-winning Belle Chevre Creamery goat cheeses made just 5km away, produce from Left Field, tropical fruit from Aotearoa Grown, venison from Wild Hinds, smoked salmon and mussels from Tasty Tucker, and olive oil from Olives Up the Hill. The shelves are filled with organic options, artisan products, and specialty items you won’t find in chain supermarkets.
Owners Jennifer and David Rodrigue opened Origin Northland in August 2023, driven by a passion for supporting local producers and creating a foodie destination in Waipu. The store occupies part of a new block they built on The Centre, Waipu’s main street, which also houses other local businesses and the town’s only ATM.
What sets Origin Northland apart is the genuine knowledge and care behind the products. The team knows their producers personally and can tell you the story behind almost everything on the shelves. Whether you’re after specialty cheeses, fresh seasonal produce, or unique pantry staples, they’ve done the sourcing work for you.
The store is located at 1/51 The Centre in Waipu, making it an easy stop whether you’re stocking up for a beach holiday at Waipu Cove or looking for quality ingredients to take home. It’s proof that shopping local doesn’t mean compromising on choice or quality.
