Traditional Maori Food On Menu At Waikato Museum’s Kai Festival

9 SEPTEMBER 2011 For Immediate Release

Hangi, raw fish, fermented corn and raupoo cakes will be among the dishes on offer when the Kai Festival is held at Waikato Museum on Saturday, 17 September from 10am-4pm.

The event – part of Hamilton’s River Festival – will be a scaled-down version of the Kawhia Kai Festival, which has been held annually in the west coast township of Kawhia since 2001 and is listed in the Lonely Planet Guide’s Top 10 list of indigenous events for overseas visitors and tourists to attend.

Organisers of the annual Kawhia Kai Festival, Lloyd and Te Whiu, have worked with Waikato Museum staff to coordinate this month’s Kai Festival. The event will include traditional food with an emphasis on local produce and specialties, and a series of cultural performances.

Waikato Museum Director Kate Vusoniwailala said as well as inviting local residents to enjoy food and performances, the event will give international visitors in Hamilton for Rugby World Cup 2011 an opportunity to experience Maori culture firsthand.

“The Kai Festival will be an opportunity for both residents and visitors to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Maori culture,” she said. Entry to the Kai Festival is free, with food available for purchase.

ENDS

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