What's the secret to the perfect whitebait pattie? Lemon salt, cornflour, a fresh squeeze of lemon and a level of secrecy.
That is according to the winner of the Haast Whitebait Festival and Market Day cook-off on Saturday.
Tanya Frisby, Haast River Motels and Holiday Park co-owner, scooped the prize from last year’s winner, Vicki Cain.
Mrs Frisby said it was "highly competitive" and those taking part were shy in revealing their techniques or ingredients.
"I have been trying to kick her butt for two years. But there is also a lot of fun in it all."
She described the festival as a "huge part of the community" and thanked the small group of volunteers who had pulled it together.
The annual event included more than 30 market stalls, numerous raffles, live music, kids games and adult and junior whitebait cook-offs.
Junior competitor Tyler Kerr (11) had four minutes to create his perfect pattie.
He had considered his approach ahead of time.
"I’m just going to make sure that I mix it properly, add some lemon and make sure there is a lot of whitebait in there. Then hope it all works out."
The youngster was one of 12 children taking part in the competition at the Heritage Park Lodge. Haast Promotion Group committee member Blair Farmer described it as a great community event.
However, he stressed it was more important than simply bringing neighbours together.
"The whitebait season is hugely important to the economy here. The population can swell by between 1000 and 1200 people. That is people spending money in the community over two and a-half months. This is whitebait city and we want to keep it that way."
That sentiment was echoed by Haast neighbour Robyn Hoglund.
She told the Otago Daily Times the small community had gathered earlier in the week to discuss the impact of Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage’s amendment to the Freshwater Fish Act.
She was concerned the Bill would impact on how whitebait was able to be fished in and around the Haast River by its community and visitors during the season.
"There has been no consultation. We are open to discussion but we do need to be part of the conversation if this could impact our way of life."
About 300 people attended the festival.
