Lakeside was abuzz last month as it hosted its very first Food Truck Nights event! Organised by Kāinga Ora and the New Zealous Music Community group, the night market transformed the town into a foodie's paradise.

​​From 5 to 8 pm, a diverse array of food vendors set up shop, offering a delicious mix of savoury and sweet delights. Whether you craved crispy dumplings, delectable doughnuts or authentic South African street food, there was something to satisfy every palate.

Designated seating areas were set up where attendees could comfortably enjoy their culinary finds. The Lakeside Village Centre playground provided plenty of entertainment for the little ones, and there was even face painting on offer for extra fun!

“The best part was seeing people turning up for some yummy food, kids having a great time at the playground and getting their face painted.” says Tofeeq Ahmed, Programme Manager for Placemaking in Lakeside.

“So many happy faces and full tummies!”

“The event also provided an opportunity for people to come together and connect. In our past interaction with the community, we received a lot of feedback that suggested the need for more food, hospitality, and activity options in the area.”

“We were blown away with the turnout at the event. The positive feedback and requests from the community have encouraged us to organise these events more frequently. We are planning to make this a monthly event.”

The inaugural Food Truck Nights event was a resounding success, drawing a crowd of around 700 people. The vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly community vibes created a memorable experience for all.

If you missed out on this culinary extravaganza, don't worry! Planning for the next Food Truck Nights event on Saturday 21 September is already underway. For the latest updates and information, be sure to follow the Lakeside Facebook page.