Slippery food treat

They're slippery, not particularly liked and always seem to be swimming up-river.

No, we're not talking about local government politicians, but eels - which will be on the menu in the form of a visitor-enticing smoked eel pate at the Northland Regional Council's marquee at next month's Northland Field Days

on February 21-23 in Dargaville.

In recent years, the council has served a variety of wild food treats made from pests as a fun way of attracting visitors.

This year's offering is not based on a pest - eels are our friends - although it does flaunt an environmental message: 1500-2000 crackers will be topped with pate made from sustainably sourced short-finned eel over the three days to reinforce the council stand's water quality theme, Waiora Northland Water.

Natasha Stubbing, events and partnerships co-ordinator, said Waiora Northland Water was a broad programme for improving water quality, quantity and management in the region.

"Through Waiora Northland Water, we're aiming to protect and maintain freshwater quality in Northland to suit a range of needs and values."

Ms Stubbing said a tuna (eel) trail around the council marquee would link a variety of water-related issues, including its importance to the region and cultural values.

Previous Field Days wild food temptations have included wasp larvae ice cream, possum and goat meat pies, possum pate and wild rabbit sausages.

The eel pate will come from Far North company Apatu Aqua, which provides fresh and smoked seafood to restaurants, cafes, delicatessens and supermarkets nationally.