Feast Matariki 2022

As the days shorten and we start to turn inwards, we begin to contemplate the significance of Matariki. For Eat New Zealand this is an incredibly important time of year. If being tangata tiriti (people of the treaty) is our vision, then our food story has to reflect that. Feast Matariki is an opportunity to hold space for, and support, our indigenous food stories, practices and people.

We’re incredibly proud to work on specific Feast Matariki events with Ngāi Tahu across their takiwā, but we also encourage everyone else throughout Aotearoa to connect kai and Matariki in ways that have meaning for you.

We’ve come up with some kaupapa for Feast Matariki events if you’re looking for guidance and encourage you to connect with us if you’d like be part of the programme.

Matariki Ahunga Nui

Matariki, provider of plentiful food.

Angela Clifford, CE Eat New Zealand.

What's on: 13th - 26th June

See below a programme of events that will be taking place throughout Aotearoa. Each is designed to bring people together to celebrate our kai at this important time of year for our culture and our country:

• The Realness 'Kaihaukai' ~ Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland

Monday 13th June Ima Cuisine The Realness and Eat New Zealand come together to celebrate the connection between food and Matariki on Monday 13th June. It will be an evening of story-telling by Arataki, wānanga (learning) and enjoying the warmth of each other’s company. Get your tickets here.

• Feast Matariki Ōtautahi / Christchurch

Saturday 25th June Botanic Gardens There will be story-telling and kai presented by Māori chefs and presenters including Jonny Schwass, Josh Hunter (Whakapapa of Your Kai) and Junior Tana from Pūmau Productions, supported by Mat Johns and Rod Thomson of Base Food By Fire. Get your tickets here.

• Feast Matariki Awarua / Bluff

Friday 24th June Te Rau Aroha Marae A special opportunity to celebrate Matariki at the incredible Te Rau Aroha Marae. The meal with be coordinated by marae food expert Mali, supported by Eat NZ Kaitaki chef Ethan Flack and Eat NZ Kaitaki Mahika Kai expert Dan Tarrant. More details to follow.

• Mana Moana: Ōtepoti / Dunedin

Friday 24th - 26th June Steamer Basin Wharf A spectacular, immersive show on the Otago Harbour waterfront presented over three nights, water and light will combine in a breath-taking and poignant cinematic experience for the whole family, created by Māori and Pāsifikā artists. Complemented by a food night market and hospitality offerings from established eateries. This is a free public event. More details to follow.

• Feast Matariki Community Festival Tākapõ

Saturday 25th June Tākapō Includes presentation by Mahika Kai experts and supported by Eat New Zealand Chef Giulio Sturla. More details to follow.

For more updates on events happening throughout the country, follow us on social media at both @eat.newzealand and @feastmatariki.

Introducing Tori Campbell

We're very fortunate to be working with Victoria Campbell, the General Manager for Te Rūnanga o Moeraki.

She worked for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu in the language team and Kotahi Mano Kāika, for several years. Victoria is passionate about mātauraka Māori, mātauraka Kāi Tahu including tātai aroraki – astronomy, and te reo me ōhona tikaka – the Māori language and customs.

She is also a member of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve Board and was a member of the Government established Matariki Advisory Group, who provided recommendations to determine when and how Aotearoa will celebrate Matariki together as a public holiday from 2022.

How to Feast Matariki in 2022

Are you celebrating Matariki with kai this year? If you’re creating an event we thought it might be helpful to share our learnings and understandings from the work we have been doing, supporting mana whenua and tangata whenua whānau;

E-Tipu: The Boma Agri Summit

Aotearoa's biggest food and fibre sector summit is taking place in Ōtautahi and virtually on Tues 21st - Weds 22nd June.

This two day gathering brings together speakers and changemakers to ignite vital conversations, share mind-blowing insights, and help shape the future of NZ's primary industries.

Access Tickets to the E-Tipu Boma Agri Summit here.

Special rates are available for farmers, not for profits, startups, groups, students and youth.

Follow the action over on social media @etipunz to find out more.

Watch the Hui/Grains Recording

If you still haven't got around to viewing the Hui or Grains Day recordings, there's still time to purchase a ticket to watch them at a time that suits you.

View the Eat NZ Grains Day here.

View the Eat NZ Hui 2022 here.

We've also shared a summary of our speakers and topics over on our social media (@eat.newzealand) - so make sure you check that out.