Beer: as Kiwi as ‘fush and chups', crafting the perfect ale has been as popular a pastime as drinking the finished product for New Zealanders.

To celebrate this home hobby, local brew supply shop Beer Necessities is holding a community event designed to unite homebrew enthusiasts.

Hamish Jellyman and Ian O'Malley.

The Tauranga shop is hosting its first-ever Driveway Brew Day, a day-long get-together for homebrew enthusiasts to unite over a few beers, understand more about the brewing process and ingredients, and share tips of the trade with likeminded brewers-to-be.

Beer Necessities co-founder and director Ian O'Malley says with the growth in the craft beer scene around the country, there has been increased interest in beers and brewing.

'The homebrew scene in the Bay of Plenty is developing rapidly. With six craft breweries alone in our region, people are starting to get a taste of beers beyond the big commercials and are keen to make their own quality brews.”

Fellow co-founder and director Hamish Jellyman adds that the event is a chance to bring the homebrew community together.

'There are plenty of homebrewers creating awesome beers. This is a chance for them to meet other people who have been doing the same thing and maybe learn some new recipes along the way.”

Driveway Brew Day runs from 8am-4.30pm on Sunday September 11, held at Beer Necessities at 8/94 Birch Avenue, Tauranga. All are welcome to pop in at any time throughout the day, and snacks will be available.

For more information, visit the Facebook page; search ‘Beer Necessities NZ' on Facebook.