The stars will be shining brightly on the culinary scene in Rotorua this winter with eateries across the region entering the Matariki Dish Challenge.
The challenge runs from June 13 to July 17 and was officially launched at Peppers on the Point on Tuesday.
The launch was designed to both excite and educate local eateries before they set off to create their culinary creations.
More than 90 guests enjoyed the manaakitanga from Peppers on the Point, met an array of local producers, and learned more on the significance of Matariki.
Kingi Biddle, Rotorua Lakes Council Mātauranga Māori specialist and MC on the day, said, "Matariki shines on everyone. Matariki belongs to all of us, and seeing the smiles in the room, Matariki is grounded in the room."