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Tohunga Tūmau
For five 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.
Ten of Aotearoa’s most decorated chefs, 948 prep hours, over 500 ingredients, 4,860 plates, and six Māori-owned wineries – these are just some of the numbers behind this year’s biggest Matariki Hākari, Tohunga Tūmau.
A proud showcase of kai Māori, the event is steeped in tradition but also embraces innovative cooking techniques and event production. The menu was a unique collaboration between chefs Rewi Spraggon, Rex Morgan, Peter Gordon, Kasey & Karena Bird, Tama Salive, Monique Fiso, Joe McLeod, Maia Atvaars and Nancye Pirini. Together they represent 13 Iwi from across Aotearoa. Diners enjoyed dishes such as kina nigiri, tītī spring rolls and pork belly with hāngī pāua hua chilli xo. Local ingredients included Ngati Whakaue truffles, smoked clams, kōura, puha and pikopiko. Sommelier Raukura Huata presented the wines.
This Puanga Matariki event is staged annually in different locations around Aotearoa and the star-studded event took place this year at the Energy Event’s Centre in Rotorua.
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Taupō-nui-a-Tia 2024
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Christchurch 2023
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Wellington 2022
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Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 2021
We’ve built strong, lasting partnerships with collaborators who share our vision: to showcase Aotearoa’s customs and heritage on the world stage alongside the great culinary nations, and to inspire our youth to follow the path our ancestors have carved. Being part of such a culturally significant event is an honour. From booking the band and photographer to designing the floor plan and coordinating tables, we handle every detail. The Tohunga Tūmau team is also proud to partner with local accommodation providers to support this kaupapa.
With your dedicated Lemongrass Productions team at the helm, you can focus on connecting with your guests while we bring your vision seamlessly to life.
Ready to see what the right team can do for your next event?