A contingent from Central Otago has been spreading a little Kiwi magic in Spain ahead of next year’s World Gold Panning Championships in Cromwell.

Terry Davis, who is part of the crew charged with hosting the event, said the delegation’s mission at this year’s international competition in Navelgas was simple: “We had to feed them all, and we had to give them a taste of New Zealand”.

The “taste” came in the form of chicken and pork tacos, rubbed with a classic Kiwi barbecue mix, and topped with a vibrant kiwifruit salsa made from 500 Zespri kiwifruit. 

“People were blown away. Kiwifruit salsa…honestly, red onion, garlic, lemon juice, a wee bit of chili and fresh coriander. Beautiful,” Terry said.

The team even turned sparkling Spanish wine into a Kiwi-inspired cocktail, adding crushed ice and chopped kiwifruit. The reception, he said, was overwhelming. 

“They were genuinely impressed. It was a beautiful thing.”

Alongside the food, the Cromwell delegation showcased slides and images of Central Otago, featuring cycle trails, wineries, and heritage precincts, giving competitors and supporters a real sense of the region. 

Five-hundred kiwifruit were turned into salsa and cocktails. Image: Supplied

Some of the organising committee didn’t just promote - they panned. 

Terry and colleague Odette Hopgood took part in multiple events, putting their skills to the test. 

“I qualified fourth fastest into the semi-finals,” Terry said. 

“Odette did really well too. We didn’t podium, but we were in the mix.”

Goldpanning at a world championship is straightforward: competitors are timed on how quickly and accurately they can find tiny gold flakes in 15-kilogram buckets of sand and gravel. 

Past championships have attracted close to 500 participants from more than 20 countries.

Next year, Cromwell will host the 2026 World Gold Panning Championships at the town’s racecourse from September 26-30. 

Terry said the organising committee is gearing up for volunteers and sponsorship. 

“We’re going to need about 40 to 60 volunteers a day for seven days…and there’s going to be plenty of opportunities for sponsorship and signage up. We’re really excited for a good competition next year.”

The Spain trip gave the team a head start in connecting with international competitors. 

“Several of them have already booked their accommodation,” he said. 

“It’s kicking off.”

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