The Matariki Organic Feast
He hākari nō te whenua, he hākari nō te moana - a feast from the land and sea
An evening dedicated to reflection, celebration, and connection through exceptional food, delicious wine, and meaningful conversation: The highly anticipated Matariki Organic Feast, held on the second night of the conference, will acknowledge Matariki and celebrate the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing conference.
Matariki marks the Māori New Year and is a time for whānau, friends, and communities to gather—honouring the past, celebrating the present, and looking ahead to the future. It is a season of remembrance for those no longer with us, of gratitude for the bounty we have harvested, and of anticipation for the year to come. True to this spirit, our Matariki Organic Feast will be an opportunity to come together, share in a beautifully curated meal, and enjoy the warmth of good company.
We are thrilled to welcome Auckland’s “Outstanding Chef” for 2024 - Kia Kanuta as our guest chef this year. Kia will craft an extraordinary menu inspired by Matariki and the seasonal bounty of Aotearoa. With a deep respect for indigenous food traditions and a passion for showcasing the flavours of organic and locally sourced ingredients, Kia Kanuta’s culinary artistry will bring the essence of Matariki to life on every plate. Each dish will reflect the themes of harvest, sustainability, and renewal.
This year’s theme, "A Touch of Sparkle," is inspired by the seven stars of the Matariki constellation—Matariki, Pōhutukawa, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī, Waitā, and Ururangi—each representing elements of the natural world that nourish and sustain us. Guests are encouraged to embrace this celestial inspiration by incorporating a touch of shimmer, sequins, or sparkle into their attire.
In the spirit of togetherness and celebrating the Māori New Year, we invite each guest to bring a favourite bottle of wine to share. This gesture embodies the essence of Matariki—gathering, generosity, and connection—creating an evening of storytelling, discovery, and appreciation for the wines that bring us joy.
Beyond being a time of celebration, Matariki is also a reminder of our deep connection to the environment and our responsibility to care for it. As we honour the land, its cycles, and the bounty it provides, we acknowledge the importance of sustainability and kaitiakitanga (guardianship), values that align with the very essence of organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking. This event is not just a feast—it is a celebration of our role as stewards of the land and a commitment to protecting it for future generations.
Join us as we gather beneath the stars to reflect, reconnect, and raise a glass to the year ahead, all while experiencing an unforgettable feast by Kia Kanuta.
Tickets to the Matariki Organic Feast are primarily for conference delegates.
Hauhake tū, ka tō Matariki - The harvest ends when Matariki sets.
Date: Tuesday 17 June 2025, 6.30pm-12am
Location: Trade Hall, Marlborough Events Centre
Dress Code: A Touch of Sparkle
Kia Kanuta
Recently named Auckland’s Outstanding Chef for 2024 at the Lewisham Awards, Kia Kanuta’s journey into cooking was a tempestuous one, but one that ultimately saved his life and determined his future.
Kia grew up on the poverty line, and when he was 14, both his parents tragically died. This left him struggling with teenage anger and personal pain which led him to drop out of school as soon as he could.
Kia’s first kitchen gig was washing dishes at the Avondale RSA. After being nurtured by two welcoming, warm and accepting head chefs in the kitchen, Kia worked his way up in some of New Zealand’s top restaurants, including Prego, Café Hanoi, Mudbrick and Pici. He was most recently head chef at Ada Restaurant.
Kia’s passion for food and time spent cooking has been a healing process for him. He’s grateful for his connection with food and considers the kitchen “a gift that keeps on giving”. Kia says, “The kitchen saved my life in so many ways. Feeding people is a love language for me, and a sense of belonging is what keeps me there.”
Kia loves creating Māori-inspired menus and brings a modern twist to traditional Māori cooking methods.
