Ngā Kai a Matariki – The Foods of Matariki Competition

To celebrate Matariki and highlight fantastic indigenous food created by several local hotels and caterers we are proud the host the second Ngā Kai a Matariki (The Foods of Matariki) Competition.

Following on from a successful and delicious first year this year’s competition will take part on Sunday 30 June at the Rotorua Farmers Market. Several caterers will be creating bite sized canapes using indigenous ingredients in a contemporary way. The canapes must include at least two indigenous items from this list: pikopiko, horopito, kawakawa, rīwai, kumara, rēwena paraoa (Māori bread), tuna, kōura, tītī, kina, tarakihi, kuku, moemoe, mānuka, pāua.

To judge the winning dish we will be recruiting 15 community judges to taste all dishes and vote for their favourite. Judges must commit to being available from 9.50am until 11.30am on Sunday 30 June 2019, and must be open to eating all types of food with no dietary requirements or allergies. Follow the Rotorua Farmers Market facebook page for more information on how to be a judge.

The winning business will receive a unique trophy, sponsored and created by Toa architects and engraved with their name, to have on display for one year until the next competition. They will also receive $1000 local media package from More FM to use on radio or digital advertising.

Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster known as Pleiades. When Matariki reappears in our dawn skies, around June or July each year, it heralds the start of Te Tau Hou Māori – the Māori New Year.

Matariki is a time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

Rotorua is celebrating this special time, with a range of free events around the region. From family events to craft days, talks to musical performances, there’s a lot to love and learn about Matariki – visit www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/matariki for information about other events.