Pukekohe’s Italian Long Table Lunch

Pukekohe’s Italian Long Table Lunch – That’s What Community Is All About

On Sunday 28th September, our little corner of Pukekohe was transformed into something truly special. What’s usually our humble parking lot on Glasgow Road became a scene straight out of an Italian movie – one very long table stretching to seat 110 guests, neighbours shoulder-to-shoulder, laughter in the air, and food being passed around family-style.

This was the Italian Long Table Lunch, a fundraiser for Franklin Hospice, and it couldn’t have gone better. The weather cooperated perfectly (not a drop of rain!), and the atmosphere was pure magic. Tickets sold out quickly – 101 tickets plus 9 extra seats for special guests and family – making this possible the longest dining table Pukekohe has ever seen.

A True Community Feast

Events like this only work when people come together, and we were lucky to collaborate with some incredible local businesses:

• Pizzata was the driving force behind the event – from concept and planning, to organising and running the day. And of course, we served up over 100 pizzas from three ovens: Sirpa made classic Margheritas on our Everdure Kiln, Salaminos cooked by Brad on the new Ooni Koda 2 Max, and Diavolas & Pollos churned out from the big Moretti Forni by Taylor and Connie. We also poured a beautiful range of Italian wines from our sister company DiVino.

• Your Local Bakery kept everyone happy at the start with warm sourdough, olive oil, balsamic, and dukkah.

• Franklin Cake House blew everyone away with their show-stopper Limoncello Cake for dessert.

• Mr Consistent Cocktails served up cocktails that made the afternoon sparkle.

The Pukekohe Business Association backed the event, showing once again the power of local businesses working together.

More Than Just a Meal

While the food and atmosphere were unforgettable, the best part of the day was its purpose. Together, our community helped raise $2,000 for Franklin Hospice, supporting their vital work caring for families across our region.

Reflecting on the day, Brad said:

“I’ve always dreamed of creating an Italian-style long table feast – neighbours shoulder-to-shoulder, laughter in the air, and food passed around just like in the old country. To see our parking lot turned into something so magical, like a scene from an Italian film, was beyond anything I imagined. So many people have already asked us to do it again – I think we’ve just started a new annual tradition for Pukekohe.”

Until Next Time…

Seeing neighbours, friends, and families all gathered at one long table, sharing food and laughter for a great cause – well, that’s what community is all about.

We’ve already been asked by so many people to make this an annual tradition – and after such a joyful start, we think they might just be right.

From all of us at Pizzata, thank you to everyone who came along, supported, volunteered, or contributed in any way. This event showed the best of Pukekohe, and we couldn’t be prouder.