Napier's Perfume Point reserve in Ahuriri on Saturday November 13 2010 will play host to the inaugural 'Kai in the Bay' festival, a celebration of traditional Maori and Wild Food. There you will be able to sample such delicacies as huhu bugs, wekas or the lesser known titi and parengo.
Organising the one-day festival has been a labour of love for Henry Heke and Robert Whaitiri who wanted to create a fusion of Hokitika's Wild Food Festival and the Kawhia Kai Festival in Waikato while thinking outside of the square.
A variety of mouth-watering treats including whitebait fritters, pig on the spit and crayfish delights will be presented by over fifty original food traders and, in addition to tasting the food, learning from the exhibitions and sampling the free food, 'Kai in the Bay' will also provide a stage for talented Maori and Pakeha chefs to demonstrate their culinary abilities with some of these largely unknown ingredients.
Heke has a passion for food and educating people about our choices for a good lifestyle and he has ensured that, not only is the festival about showcasing traditional and contemporary food but it's also about educating people to think about what they put in their mouth.
"Most people don't realise that traditional Maori food is far healthier than eating fast foods, and if we all ate more like our forefathers, basic food from the land and the sea, we wouldn't have issues like diabetes and heart disease," said Heke.
As part of encouraging people to think about their lifestyle choices, Health organisations will be involved in the festival and free testing for diabetes will be available, as well as displays by One Heart Many Lives. Both diabetes and heart disease are prevalent amongst Maori.
Patron for 'Kai in the Bay' is former All Black captain Taine Randell who says the festival is a 'fantastic concept'. He is especially enthusiastic about the focus on education and health.
"Food is medicine and the more we can eat fresh and nutritious food, the less health problems we will have in the future," says Randell.
As is usual with a traditional Maori feast, there will be entertainment during the day to enjoy including kapa haka groups and main acts to be announced soon.
'Kai in the Bay' is an alcohol and smoke free festival and open for the whole family to enjoy. Children under the age of 16 are free. Tickets for 'Kai in the Bay' are $15 for adults and are on sale nationwide through www.ticketmaster.co.nz. Tickets will also be sold through local outlets in the Bay including East Pier.
Event manager Christine Shanahan hopes the demand for tickets will be high and that eventually 'Kai in the Bay' will draw international tourists to New Zealand every November.
"This festival is the only opportunity in the Bay to taste unique treasured foods in a stunning location. It promises to be a special celebration bringing together people from different walks of life, an educational opportunity and a chance to taste yummy kai, infused with quality New Zealand entertainment. Importantly, it's up to us to retain the cultures and customs of our forefathers, otherwise traditional food will become a myth." says Shanahan.
