Several local hotels and caterers are preparing to cook delicious dishes showcasing Māori indigenous cuisine for the Ngā Kai a Matariki – The Foods of Matariki Competition.
Last year's inaugural champion, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, will defend their title against Stolen Bike Catering, Sudima Lake Rotorua and Terrace Catering.
All participating businesses will create one bite-sized canape showcasing indigenous produce in a contemporary way.
The dish must include at least two indigenous items like pikopiko, horopito, kawakawa, rīwai, kumara, rēwena paraoa (Māori bread), tuna, kōura, tītī, kina, tarakihi, kuku, moemoe, mānuka and pāua.
![Ngā Kai a Matariki 2018 winning dish by Millennium Hotel Rotorua. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ZOOL33IKJ4MLPKKW4X7GGTC6LM.jpg?auth=6ce83a9607aad81d18b5295566db7929d13fe1088f4a918e242d201f2a72c522&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)