106 | Bracu T T Sue Russell Olive grove perfect venue for events Seven areas are dedicated to events, with the largest the Pavilion. Bracu’s preferred supplier for Print and Design. Located in Kingsland, Auckland We offer a professional service with over 30+ years experience. Our state-of-the-art technology and experienced team will help bring your vision to life. www.fuzed.co.nz EVENTS Hidden among the rolling Bombay, just south of Auckland, is Bracu Estate, where 30,000 olive trees grow happily, producing award winning oil processed and packaged on site. Bracu Estate though is much more than an olive oil producer. It is also where weddings, family and corporate events both large and small take place and where guests find unique places to stay and enjoy the surrounds. Brittany Edwards is Bracu Estate’s marketing manager. She says working at the estate is an absolute joy as the team all share the same vision of providing guests with really memorable experiences. “I wanted a role I could be creative in and that’s what I’ve found. The owners and managers are very open to exploring new ideas and ways to add value for visitors. It’s an exciting and engaging place to work,” Brittany says. The history of Bracu Estate goes back to 1999 when Croatian-born Ivan Simunovich planted the first rows of olive trees in what would become New Zealand’s largest privately owned olive grove. Fast forward two plus decades and the 257ha site now offers guests fine dining, bespoke venue options for celebrations, accommodation and recreational activities. Ownership of the estate changed two years ago, heralding in a new era of development. In all, seven areas are dedicated to events with the largest the Pavilion. Other reception areas include Bracu Restaurant, while for more intimate gatherings, the Wine Library offers guests a unique space to enjoy their meal. “We also hire out the Wine Library for corporate events. It’s a beautiful space where guests are surrounded by fine wines. We also have a marquee all weather-venue with cascading white draps fall from the ceiling.” Beretta at Bracu provides guests with shooting experiences, including clay target, air rifles, archery and knife throwing. A range of activity options are offered, followed by the opportunity to dine at Bracu Restaurant. “These activities are really good for team building and for those wishing to stay at the Estate, we offer three fully set up houses.” Estate House sleeps up to 12 people people while Olive House sleeps six. Come July Franklin H0use will open capable of hosting eight guests, with a pool and large outdoor deck. Bracu Estate is a very popular wedding venue with bookings secured through to February 2025. When Business North spoke with Brittany a special winter wedding package was about to be released. “For more intimate weddings winter is a perfect time.” By May, harvesting of olives was well underway. It’s an exciting time as the olives are cold pressed the same day they are harvested. A range of oils are also infused with lemon, rosemary, garlic and truffle. Brittany says having a role which allows her to imagine new ways to promote the Estate, with special events, is a part of her role she really enjoys. “We have events and wedding management teams and we’re always looking at other ways this lovely Estate can be enjoyed. We’re about to host one of our regular Corporate Open Days, to show businesses just what we have to offer here.” Brittany says they are also keen to promote Bracu Estate as a Funeral venue and are hosting an open day around this on 5th August.” “We have events and wedding management teams and we’re always looking at other ways this lovely Estate can be enjoyed. “We’ve just hosted one of our regular Corporate Open Days, to show businesses just what we have to offer here. With another set for July”. Twice a year Bracu Estate hosts an Opera Evening, in April and again in October. On Saturday August 12th their ‘Gatsby Glamour & Glitz’ event will be held. For those wishing to buy Bracu olive oil an online shop is accessed from the website. “We also hire out the Wine Library for corporate events. It’s a beautiful space where guests are surrounded by fine wines.”
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