Te Kai a te Marama - Dining with the Moon with Kārena and Kasey Bird

Join us for Te Kai a te Marama, an intimate tasting experience rooted in the rhythms of the maramataka—the Māori lunar calendar, which guides the way food is grown, gathered, and shared. This special event celebrates Taranaki’s seasonal abundance, connecting you to the land through flavour, story, and tradition.

Led by award-winning chefs Kārena and Kasey, this experience weaves together the wisdom of lunar harvesting, the significance of native ingredients like Pikopiko and Kawakawa, and the deeper connections between kai, wellbeing, and the environment.

As part of the experience, you’ll be invited to engage in a simple, participatory moment—enhancing your dish and your connection to the seasons.
More than a meal, this is a moment to pause, taste, and reflect on the stories held in the ancestral knowledges of the land. Limited spots available – book now.

Kārena and Kasey Bird are renowned culinary experts and co-authors with a commitment to promoting Te Reo Māori and Māori culture through innovative cooking and storytelling. Raised in the culturally rich beachside community of Maketū, they draw deeply from their Māori heritage in their culinary creations. Winners of Masterchef New Zealand 2014, they have since hosted the award-winning TV series "Karena and Kasey’s Kitchen Diplomacy," travelling to over 50 destinations globally to explore food and culture. Their best-selling cookbooks, "For the Love of…" and "Hungry," highlight their expertise and passion for New Zealand cuisine. Currently, they are working on their next cookbook, which will be entirely in Te Reo Māori. They also host pop-up dinners specialising in Māori storytelling, bringing their unique culinary experiences to different locations throughout Aotearoa.