Food Truck Friday brings Omihi community together

Omihi School is inviting locals and visitors alike to come together for an evening of food, connection and community when Food Truck Friday returns to Omihi Community Hall on Friday, March 6.

Now in its third year, the event runs from 5pm to 9pm and is designed as a relaxed community gathering rather than a fundraiser.

Principal Maree Lucas says the idea grew from a desire to reconnect people after COVID and create something welcoming for the wider rural community.

“It’s not a fundraiser, it’s about connection,” Lucas says.

“We’re very much the hub of the community here, and we wanted to create a casual Friday night event where people can come along, grab some food, and just have a chat.”

Families are encouraged to bring picnic rugs or chairs, along with their own drinks, and enjoy food from a mix of local food trucks. There’s no entry fee and attendees simply purchase their meals on site.

This year’s lineup features a wide mix of flavours, with returning favourites Big B’s Tucka, Sabaya with its popular Israeli street food, and Beans & Berries serving coffee, sweet treats and real fruit ice cream. They’ll be joined by One Scoop or Two ice-cream truck, Homestead Harvest with hearty seasonal fare straight from the farm kitchen, and Os’s Kitchen, offering Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

Entertainment on the night will be provided by local singer Kelly Fletcher-Jones, adding live music to the relaxed Friday evening atmosphere.

Omihi School principal Maree Lucas. Supplied.

 Lucas says the night regularly attracts both school families and members of the wider community – including former students’ families and locals who no longer have children at the school.

“It’s really nice seeing people come back,” she says.

“The school is still their school, and events like this help bridge that gap.”

Rural wellbeing organisation Farmstrong is supporting the event this year, with representatives on site to chat with attendees and share resources.

“As a rural community, that felt like a really good fit,” Lucas says.

“We talk a lot at school about wellbeing for our kids, but it’s just as important for adults too. Farmstrong brings that rural wellbeing focus and helps reinforce that this night is about looking after each other.”

Lucas says Food Truck Friday also plays an important role in reducing isolation, offering locals a chance to connect without needing to travel into town.

“There’s so much happening in the wider district, but it’s special being able to host something right here. People don’t have to drive to Christchurch or further afield, they can just come locally.”

The event is open to everyone, not just Omihi residents.

“Anyone’s welcome,” Lucas says.

“Last time we even had people coming over from Rangiora who’d heard about it.”

Food Truck Friday takes place Friday, March 6, from 5pm to 9pm at Omihi Community Hall.

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic rug, chairs and friends. Any weather updates will be shared via Omihi School’s Facebook page.