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Traditional Maori Food On Menu At Waikato Museum's Kai Festival

Friday 9 September 2011, 4:45PM

By Hamilton City Council

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HAMILTON

Hangi, raw fish, fermented corn and raupoo cakes will be among the dishes on
offer when the Kai Festival is held at Waikato Museum on Saturday, 17
September from 10am-4pm.

The event – part of Hamilton’s River Festival – will be a scaled-down version
of the Kawhia Kai Festival, which has been held annually in the west coast
township of Kawhia since 2001 and is listed in the Lonely Planet Guide’s Top 10
list of indigenous events for overseas visitors and tourists to attend.

Organisers of the annual Kawhia Kai Festival, Lloyd and Te Whiu, have worked
with Waikato Museum staff to coordinate this month’s Kai Festival. The event
will include traditional food with an emphasis on local produce and specialties,
and a series of cultural performances.

Waikato Museum Director Kate Vusoniwailala said as well as inviting local
residents to enjoy food and performances, the event will give international
visitors in Hamilton for Rugby World Cup 2011 an opportunity to experience
Maori culture firsthand.

“The Kai Festival will be an opportunity for both residents and visitors to
experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Maori culture,” she said.

Entry to the Kai Festival is free, with food available for purchase.