Event recognises Māori agriculture opportunity Meat, fruit, vegetables and seafood produced by Farmlands’ shareholders took centre stage at a new event designed to showcase Māori cuisine. Tohunga Tūmau held its inaugural event in Auckland on 1st July, followed by a second evening in Russell 9 days later. Uniting a collective of nationally recognised Māori chefs, the event celebrated the start of Puanga Matariki, which will be recognised as New Zealand’s newest public holiday from next year. As principal partner of the event, Farmlands took the opportunity to introduce the 200 Māori business leaders and guests in attendance to Kāuta (Kitchen), an indigenous supply chain database. This unique database unites Māori farmers, growers and
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producers with businesses looking to develop an offer that is distinctly New Zealand.
Tohunga Tūmau included Peter Gordon,
“Farmlands is passionate about kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and doing our best to maintain the land for the next generation of shareholders,” Farmlands Director - Marketing, Nick Baylis says. “We want to connect our Māori shareholders with Kāuta so they can leverage the business opportunities that follow.
Grant Kitchen and Nancy Pirini.
“Whether it is hospitality, marae or anything relating to Te Ao Māori, we want our Māori shareholders to unite and grow their reach. This database delivers a market proposition that cannot be matched internationally.”
“Tohunga Tūmau is about celebrating
A six-course menu was provided to guests at both events, with a focus on Māori grown and prepared produce. Culinary Masters preparing food at
Māori-led entities, every aspect of this
Joe McLeod, Anne Thorp, Rex Morgan, Rewi Spraggon, Kārena and Kasey Bird, With the first event now complete, Puanga Matariki is planned to be staged annually in a different location around New Zealand. Nick Baylis says Tohunga Tūmau provided a window into the amazing work being done by Māori agribusiness. what makes the primary sector’s role with Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) unique,” he says. “By bringing together like-minded farmers, producers, kaumātua and venture has been distinctly New Zealand and showcases the breadth and strength of New Zealand’s supply chain.”
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