Punnet of grey oyster mushrooms with a black label, next to a loose cluster of mushrooms. Locally grown in Plimmerton, Wellington, NZ.

Established · 14 signalsgrower

The Mushroom Man

Name: The Mushroom Man
Address: Waikato, NZ
Telephone: 021 206 2045
Location: The Mushroom Man
Rating: 4.9

4.9(14 reviews on Google)

Thomas Brain's journey into mushroom farming is a story of radical career change and deep personal commitment.

“Oak and Spore offers a range of mushroom-related products beyond just fresh mushrooms.” · “In addition to fresh mushrooms, Oak and Spore also provides:” · “Physical Locations/Markets:** He sells his fresh mushrooms at the Lyttelton Market.”

Craft ObsessionOperator PassionAuthentic SourcingPersonal ConnectionMoment of CareStory RichFringe CultureArtisan QualityEmerging momentumCommunity tractionOriginal SourceHidden DiscoveryLocal SecretUnusual Location

About

The Mushroom Man, Thomas Brain, brings his gourmet and specialty mushrooms from Oak and Spore to the Te Awamutu Produce Market. Expect delicious varieties like Italian Oyster, Shiitake, and Coral Tooth, cultivated with a unique blend of science and art.

Their Story

Thomas Brain's journey into mushroom farming is a story of radical career change and deep personal commitment. After serving seven years in the Air Force and five years in the police force, Thomas transitioned to mushroom cultivation. His initial ambition was a truffle farm, but the high risks and…

What They Make

Fresh gourmet mushrooms (Italian Oyster/Phoenix Oyster)
Fresh gourmet mushrooms (Shiitake)
Fresh gourmet mushrooms (Coral Tooth)
Fresh gourmet mushrooms (Button)
Fresh NZ native mushrooms
Other unusual gourmet mushroom varieties
Mushroom grow kits (Italian Oyster)
Mushroom grow kits (Button)
Mushroom spawn
Mushroom substrates
Mushroom cultures
Mushroom growing equipment/supplies

More from The Mushroom Man

Mushroom growing workshops/tutorials (via YouTube)Online mushroom farming coursesMushroom growing information/guides

How to Get Their Products

Farmers' Markets

Te Awamutu Produce Market

Waikato·Thu 1:30-5:30pm (Sep-Mar)

Found while researching this market · Jul 2026 — not yet confirmedDiscovered Jul 2026 · Enriched Mar 2026

Online

["Nationwide shipping (for kits/supplies)","Lyttelton Farmers' Market (fresh mushrooms)","Direct sales/delivery (fresh mushrooms, contact for details)","Wholesale supply (NZ restaurant industry, stockists)"]