Matariki Kai Celebrations & The Shortest Meal

We’re so excited about our upcoming Matariki celebrations starting on Sunday 9th July in Ōtautahi / Christchurch. A chance to understand more about some of our most important food species and places through the stories of those who hold this knowledge.

This understanding will be shared alongside food prepared by some of our most exciting chefs, a genuine collaboration that we know will leave you satiated, but keen to continue a delicious journey.

Our Feast Matariki events are priced to be inclusive at a time when things are tough and we know some joy and celebration is what we all need.

Join us!

Speaking of joy and celebration we encouraged people to share their shortest food miles meal on the shortest day of the year, which was also World Localisation Day.

This movement celebrates local food systems globally and boy oh boy, did you all come to the party! There was a huge response celebrating small food producers, retailers, farmers and fishers with some amazing meals and conversations. This is clearly something we need to put on our annual calendar.

You can check out some of the deliciousness on our IG stories here.

Kia mahana,

Mahika Kai Workshops

Introducing our Feast Matariki 2023 Mahika Kai events presented in collaboration with Ngāi Tahu whānau.

SUNDAY 9TH JULY

Ōtautahi / Christchurch at Ilex Café

An afternoon series of four Mahika Kai experts including Makarini Rupene, Joseph Hullen and Kaitaki Ngaio Cowell. MC'ed by Dr. Hana O'Regan and supported by kai from Chef Adam Harrison. $45 for the whole afternoon. Get tickets.

Awarua / Bluff at The Tori

Two Mahika Kai workshops

12pm - 2.30pm A special tutorial for Rangatahi from Demelza Tarrant (Ruapuke Uncut) about their Mānuka Honey.

6pm - 9pm A session for Adults with Mahika Kai experts Dan Tarrant, Steph Leith & Corey Bragg. MC'ed by Dr. Keri Milne-Ihimaera and kai served by Ethan Flack & Hayz Simeon. Get tickets.

THURSDAY 13TH JULY

Murihiku / Invercargill at Miharo

Two Mahika Kai sessions:

12pm - 2.30pm A special tutorial for Rangatahi from Demelza Tarrant (Ruapuke Uncut) about their Mānuka Honey.

6pm - 9pm A session for Adults with Mahika Kai experts Dan Tarrant (Ruapuke Uncut) Steph Leith & Corey Bragg. MC'ed by Dr. Hana O'Regan with kai served by Ethan Flack & Hayz Simeon. Get tickets.

FRIDAY 14TH JULY & SATURDAY 15TH JULY

Rakiura / Stewart Island at Traill Park

Two days of Mahika Kai workshops & dinners on Rakiura. Sessions with Nate Smith of Gravity Fishing around how to process Ika/fish and the Davis Sisters, Petra and Natalia - on how to process Tītī. Get tickets.

SUNDAY 22ND JULY Ōtepoti / Dunedin at Waitati

'Once Were Gardeners', hosted by Eat NZ Kaitaki Fi Clements. A workshop filled with delicious, handcrafted cacao, time in the Māra kai, Hua Parakore, mahika kai, Chocolate tasting, and storytelling. Pay what you can. Get tickets.

Don't forget to sign!

Sign the petition here (it takes less than 5 seconds!), and if you'd like to do more you can join other NZ businesses by signing up as a supporting organisation here.

We're proud to be working on this campaign alongside Freedoms Farms and Vets for Animal Welfare Aotearoa.