Toikupu, Toiora with Kasey and Kārena Bird
Description
Ngā Āhuatanga o Te Kai in collaboration with Rangipare Belshaw-Ngaropo (Creative Director) are proud to deliver Toikupu, Toiora with Kārena and Kasey Bird; the world's first iwi-inspired six-course degustation experience. Toikupu, Toiora is a hākari for all the senses — an immersive celebration of creativity, connection, te reo Māori and whakapapa featuring original Ngāti Awa poetry, live performance, visual art and cuisine woven into a single evening. Now in its second year, it will be held at Mataatua Wharenui, Whakatāne, on 30–31 October 2026, hosting 200 manuhiri across the two nights.
Over these two nights, celebrated chefs Kasey and Karena Bird have created their first iwi-inspired menu, interpreting six poems from Raised by the Renaissance through the reo of kai. Each toikupu was selected for it’s thematic hononga to Ngāti Awa. And each dish embodies a theme drawn from te reo ake o Ngāti Awa, our wāhine, our taiao, and our ahurea.
As the evening unfolds, you’ll be guided through toikupu, short visual insights into the creative process, and a carefully curated dining experience. Every element — from oro to scent, from kupu to flavour — has been designed to nourish both tinana and wairua.
Toikupu, Toiora is a love letter to our whenua, our people, and the pūrākau that live within us. It is a space to experience the wairua of creativity — together.
Join the Facebook event page, "Toikupu, Toiora with Kārena and Kasey Bird", for regular updates on the event.
For any tono (requests) or pātai (questions) please contact us directly.
Julia Kihi-Coates
julia.coates@kaiinstitute.co.nz
Rangipare Belshaw-Ngaropo
rt.ngaropo@gmail.com
FAQs
- What is Toikupu, Toiora?
A six course degustation experience celebrating toikupu, kai, te reo Māori, whakapapa, Ngāti Awa creatives and te ira wahine.
- Who is organising the event?
Created in partnership with Ngā Āhuatanga o Te Kai, creative directed by Rangipare Belshaw-Ngaropo and cuisine by Masterchefs Kasey and Karena Bird.
- How does seating work?
Seating is banquet style - everyone will be seated on 2 long tables. Rangipare and Julia will coordinate the seating chart and arrange groups and individuals accordingly. If you have any seating requests or preferences, please let us know.
- What is the dress code?
DIVINE DINING! As fabulous as you can muster.
- Can I take photos and videos?
Āe - just be respectful of others and the flow of the evening. We will also have a photographer on both nights.
- What beverages will be available?
A wine pairing option is available to purchase in advance with your ticket. There will also be wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages for sale on the. night. Water will be readily available on the tables throughout the night.
- Does Toikupu, Toiora cater to special dietary requirements?
Āe, we have vegetarian and gluten free options. Unfortunately due to the nature of the menu we cannot offer other dietary variations. Please state your dietary needs in the checkout or contact us if you have any questions regarding the menu.
- Will there be taonga for purchase?
Yes, pukapuka, artwork and jewellery will be available for purchase on the night.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
