Five Māori chefs will be brought together by Brew Union head chef Grant Kitchen to showcase modern Māori cuisine in a fundraising event for Youthline. The Palmerston North event, Matariki Hākari, will pair the chefs’ offering with beer and wine from New Zealand’s top producers, and feature songs and storytelling.
Grant Kitchen said the event was designed to showcase Māori cuisine, and put Manawatū on the culinary map. Though the region is known for its excellent produce, it is often overlooked as an eating destination despite its excellent chefs and restaurants.
Chefs to be in attendance include Boulcott Street Bistro head chef Rex Morgan, Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel executive chef Nancye Pirini, and Jeremy Rameka, whose Napier restaurant Pacifica was judged the best restaurant in New Zealand at the 2017 Cuisine awards. Some chefs will employ traditional Māori cooking methods like hangi, whereas others will adopt a more international approach.
Youthline offers a helpline for young people in need, as well as providing counselling and outreach services. Proceeds from the event were donated to Youthline’s Central North Island branch in Palmerston North.
