Capsicums from the Matakana food basket

For almost 40 years, horticulturalist Hamish Alexander has been growing capsicums in at Omaha Flats and now employs more than 150 people. His business, Southern Paprika is one of many food producers featured in a new book from food writer Lauraine Jacobs. It takes a village, a guide to Matakana and its surrounding districts - showcases the local artisans, food businesses, wineries, breweries, restaurants, cafés and boutique accommodation. Matakana is well known for its Saturday morning market and the area is not just a bounty of food, but is a leisure mecca with beautiful beaches including Omaha and Tawharanui, regional parks and cycle trails. Hamish Alexander and Lauraine Jacobs talk to Kathryn about all the area has to offer and Lauraine has a recipe for making fritters out of Mahurangi oysters.