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

Contact the host of Toikupu, Toiora with Kasey and Kārena Bird