PITOPITO KŌRERO

Community members came together last week for a special planting of kumara.

The planting ceremony of about 80 kumara, with different varieties, took place at Ohinemutu.

Kai Rotorua, formerly known as the Rotorua Local Food Network, are teaming up with Ka Pai Kai, Healthy Families, Rotorua Lakes Council and Toi Te Ora Public Health to grow kumara for a social enterprise.

Steve Chadwick and kaumatua were present…

A Rotorua marae has officially opened its maara kai (garden) to the community, inviting locals to come and grow their own food.

Apumoana Marae co-ordinator Hedi Symon said they had been working on the garden since April. "It was Bernard Hornfleck's idea, he has had a long association with the marae and he got on board to help with the garden."

Marae committee member Eraia Kiel…

A Rotorua chef is changing the way he caters on marae in an effort to improve the health of Maori.

Jermaine Webby (Ngati Whakaue, Tuhourangi ki Tarawera) has been catering for tangihanga, hui, and private functions at local marae for over 10 years, and says marae need to be setting examples for Maori in what they should be eating.

He says this means more fresh fruit…

The Waitaha Cultural Committee, which is hosting the event, vetted all of the food stalls during the application process to make sure customers would get a healthy meal.

While the main focus is on kapa haka, the festival also celebrates Maori culture and cuisine.

Waitaha Cultural Council chairperson Ranui Ngarimu said the council talked about what kind of kai they wanted their manuhiri to eat and…