For three years running, an all-star cast of Māori chefs have presented a menu totally indigenous to Aotearoa, heralding in Puanga Matariki – The Māori New Year.

​​

Held on the eve of New Zealand’s Matariki public holiday, the purpose of this event, run in conjunction with Kauta Ltd, is to showcase the rich depth of flavour and manaakitanga (hospitality) of Aotearoa as well as the skills of our leading Māori chefs.

​​

It's an evening staged for over 400 guests featuring six exquisite courses of outstanding kai, matched to wines from Māori wineries, waiata by top musicians, hosted by the elegant master of ceremonies, Miriama Kamo.

​​

The all-star line up of participating chefs included:

• Rewi Spraggon - Te Waiohua, Ngāti Hine

• Peter Gordon - Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu

• Kārena & Kasey Bird - Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manawa

• Rex Morgan - Te Arawa, Kai Tahu

• Joe McLeod - Ngāi Tuhoe

• Monique Fiso - Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui

• Tama Salive - Ngāti Maniapoto

• Nancye Pirini - Te Whānau-ā-Apanui

​

This Puanga Matariki event is staged annually in different locations around Aotearoa and the star-studded evening will return, taking place in Taupō-nui-a-Tia in 2024.