Feast Matariki 2023: Mahika Kai

Posted by —
eatnewzealand

Published —
13.06.2023

Eat New Zealand and Ngāi Tahu whānau are proud to present Feast Matariki again this year from the 9th to the 23rd July, focussing on a series of Mahika Kai workshops across the Ngāi Tahu takiwā or region.

Mahika Kai can be translated as ‘to work the food’ and relates to the traditional value of food resources and their ecosystems, as well as the practices involved in producing, procuring, and protecting these resources. Iwi throughout Aotearoa have a version of this concept, sometimes called Mahinga Kai or Mahi Kai. In Ngāi Tahu dialect it’s Mahika Kai. It’s an essential part of Ngāi Tahu’s culture, and is one of the pillars of their settlement with the crown.

Eat New Zealand’s mission is to connect people with our land and our water through our food. It’s easy to see the connection. These stories and practices are an intrinsic and important part of our food story, so we’re embracing the Matariki values of wānanga (learning), mana taiao (environmental awareness), tohatoha (sharing) and manaakitanga (hospitality) to bring you a series of workshops and celebrations around Mahika Kai.

Our Kaitaki (or young food leaders) are an important part of Eat New Zealand, and you’ll see this reflected throughout Feast Matariki. As such we wanted to introduce you to Reese Harrison (Ngāi Tahu) who will be leading these activations. "Born and Raised in Bluff, Awarua, Mahika Kai is an integral part of our whānau wellbeing. I am excited to be part of a movement to raise awareness of our Māori New Year, and the importance of Mahika Kai."

Ngā mihi, Angela Clifford, CE Eat New Zealand.
@eat.newzealand

#KnowYourFarmer #KnowYourFisher #EatNZGrains #GrowFoodCommunities #EatNZKaitaki #RepurposeTheSurplus #LotOfLittle #Biodiversity #FeastMatariki

Take me to the Feast Matariki 2023 events

Mahika Kai Workshops

Below is a brief outline of our Feast Matariki 2023 Mahika Kai events so far, presented in collaboration with Ngāi Tahu whānau. Stay tuned for more events as they are confirmed.

Ōtautahi / Christchurch - Sunday 9th July at Ilex Café

An afternoon series of four Mahika Kai experts including Makarini Rupene and Joseph Hullen, MC'ed by Dr. Hana O'Regan and supported by kai. Get tickets.

Awarua / Bluff - Sunday 9th July at The Tari

Two workshops, one targeted at Rangatahi, as we hear from Mahika Kai experts Dan Tarrant and Steph Leith from across the Ngāi Tahu tākiwa. MC'ed by Dr. Keri Milne-Ihimaera with kai served alongside by our Eat NZ Kaitaki chefs Ethan Flack and Haylee Simeon. Get tickets.

Murihiku / Invercargill - Thursday 13th July at Miharo

Two workshop sessions, including one targeted at Rangatahi, as we hear from Mahika Kai experts Dan Tarrant and Steph Leith and others to be announced soon. MC'ed by Dr. Hana O'Regan with kai served alongside by our Eat NZ Kaitaki chefs Ethan Flack and Haylee Simeon. Get tickets.

Rakiura / Stewart Island - Friday 14th July at The Traill

A day of Mahika Kai workshops on Rakiura, including one with Nate Smith of Gravity Fishing that covers how to process Ika. Further sessions to be announced soon. Get tickets.

Ōtepoti / Dunedin - Saturday 22nd July at Waitati

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

Show me the other Mahika Kai events

See highlights from our Feast Matariki 2022 events

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