This week (14-21 September) is Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) and the theme for this year is “Ake ake ake — A Forever Language.” Symbolising hope, unity, and the resilience of te Reo Māori, this year’s theme reflects the native ake ake tree, a tree that survives even the harshest climates in Aotearoa.
Like the tree, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori reminds us of the resilience and importance of te Reo Māori in our communities. We’ve rounded up the Urban List edit of our top picks of Māori-owned kai pakihi (food businesses) across the motu where you can show your support—and practice your kupu (words)—this Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and beyond.
Here are 21 Maori-owned eateries you should know about.
Ada
The Convent Hotel, 454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn*, Tāmaki Makaurau
Image credit: Ada | Dave Murano
Kia Kānuta (Ngāpuhi, Scottish whakapapa) is the head chef and part-owner of Ada, which you'll find inside The Convent Hotel. Growing up, hospitality was a means to make money for the whānau. After leaving school to wash dishes at Avondale RSA, he worked his way through the hospitality rounds after receiving a scholarship to study at the Tāmaki hotel training kura (school) back in the day. Today, Kia runs the ship at Ada, with a menu that highlights Māori kai in a modern and accessible way. We’re excited for his latest dish—wheke (octopus) ragù—made with wheke heads sourced in the Chatham Islands, coming to the menu this week. Keep an eye out for his take on toroī, a classic Māori dish with pickled mussels and pūhā.
*There is no te Reo Māori name for Grey Lynn, but it was included in an area historically referred to as Opoutukēha (Poutukēha’s Place) after Tainui whātua (ancestors) arrived by waka (canoe).
Mt Atkinson Coffee
44B Portage Road, Te Rewarewa (New Lynn), Tāmaki Makaurau
Emily Parsons (Ngāpuhi, Ngātiwai, Ngāti Pūkenga) and Jacob Parsons are passionate about transforming lives through coffee and, together, they've built meaningful direct trade coffee partnerships. Not only do coffee growing communities get a better deal for their mahi, but their profits go directly towards supplying water tanks for vulnerable families in Uganda, Africa. As the whakataukī (Māori proverb) goes, Ko te wai te ora ngā mea katoa / water is the life-giver of all things.
Pop into Mt Atkinson Coffee for Emily’s favourite, the Piha blend. Being their Rāhina ata kawhe (top-selling Monday morning blend), we cannot recommend it enough. Swing by early to get your mitts on a caramelised onion and cheese takakau (scone) before they sell out.
Morell Bistro
91/95 Upland Road, Remuera, Tāmaki Makaurau
Sarah and Daniel Morini have had this cozy spot on the corner of Upland and Benson Road since 2017. Having been in hospitality stints overseas, Morell is a wharekai not only about kai, but a space inspired by family and manaakitanga (hospitality). Chef Daniel is Maori (Tainui) and Italian, and his nonna’s famous Bologna meatballs are a hit on their menu, alongside smoked kahawai rillette. Get both, mopping up the sauce with focaccia or homemade pasta.
Beau
265-267 Ponsonby Road, Te Rimu Tahi (Ponsonby), Tāmaki Makaurau
Image credit: Beau | Instagram
Diva Giles (Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei) is the woman behind Beau, where the essence of manaakitanga is felt as soon as you step foot through the door, thanks to a vibrant team. We love the wairua (restaurant spirit a.k.a good vibes) of this wharekai with their tino reka te kai (yum shared plates) and winelist supporting local winemakers and featuring locally-sourced ingredients. They’ve just opened up a deli next door, so you can get your kawhe fix too.
Fantail & Turtle
Goodside, The Avenue, Smales Farm, Takapuna, Tāmaki Makaurau
Whakapapa to Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Arawa and Ngāti Rongomai, Fantail & Turtle started off as a venture between best friends Travis (Fantail) and Troy (Turtle) and, earlier this year, won the Aotearoa Gastropub Award. Troy’s final gift was a Pikorua (single twist) carving symbolising their friendship, and is the logo seen throughout their wharekai. Grab a bite of their Jalapeño wontons (one of Tamaki’s Iconic Eats this year) and stay for the warm manaakitanga.
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Hāngī Master
12 Tasman View Road, Te Henga (Bethells Beach)
Hāngī Master Rewi Spraggon (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Maniapoto) has travelled across the world with the kaupapa of making hāngī accessible to everyone through custom hāngī pits, events and catering. His latest project is in collaboration with Hells Pizza, launching the world’s first hāngī pizza for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori—Hell’s Unearthed. Available across the motu from 20 September, Unearthed Hāngī pizza will have shaved pork belly, kumara, kawakawa-pumpkin purée and the essential smokey Hāngī stuffing. Definitely a pizza flavour to kōrero about (and then shove in your face).
Groove Bar
487 New North Road, Ngā Anawai (Kingsland), Tāmaki Makaurau
Bailey Mackey (Ngāti Porou, Tūhoe, Rongowhakaata) and Joe Whitehead (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa) work together at Pango Productions making television shows by day and entertaining the neighbourhood by night at Groove Bar. This is the go-to local neighbourhood spot for old school RnB (andbottomless fried chicken, just sayin'.) For those who managed to get tickets to their sell-out Pō Kai Roro (Quiz Night) run by Kura Pō tutors Tama and Stacey, it’ll be guaranteed bilingual fun for all levels of reo with $8 smashburgers (on homemade fry-bread buns) and drinks specials.
Blue Rose
414 Sandringham Road, Hanaringihama (Sandringham), Tāmaki Makaurau
Image credit: Blue Rose | Instagram
Robbie and Lenny (Ngāti Porou) are bringing taha Cook Island and taha Māori (Cook Island and Māori heritage) to their iconic Auckland cafe, Blue Rose. Famous for their pies, they’ve got hāngī pork filling with potato, pumpkin and kūmara, as well as palusami (corned beef with taro leaves and coconut) and beef brisket cooked in Koko Samoa with cheese. Finish with their iconic Koko Samoa chocolate cake and a kawhe. They also do catering, so make sure you hit them up for your next hākari (celebration feast).
Kings of the Coast
Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) and various locations
The late Jena Eyles (Ngāti Porou) started their food truck journey in 2021. Last year her cousin, John Hammond (Ngāti Porou, Rongomaiwahine) and partner Ashley King (Ngāti Kahungungu, Ngāti Pahauwera), picked up Jena’s legacy, selling her signature creamed paua dumplings alongside fresh kina and the occasional sweet treat for events. Keep an eye on their socials to stay in the know about where they'll pop up next.
Natalia’s Food Journey
Currently at Goodside, The Avenue, Smales Farm, Takapuna, Tāmaki Makaurau
Natalia Herewini (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi) started her food truck dream following her passion as a chef and being her own boss. As a talented keke baker too (she used to make custom cakes to order), crowds flocks from all over Tāmaki for Natalia’s signature savoury kai. Crowd favourites are the fried chicken (available two ways) and the loaded fries. She's currently at Smales Farm for the rest of Mahuru (September).
Ao Cacao
Tāmaki Makaurau and online
Thomas Netana-Wright (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whatua, Whakahōtea) brought his Pâtisserie and science background to Aotearoa with his new venture Ao Cacao. After working overseas for Michelin star kitchens, he started Ao Cacao in 2021, in a chocolatier flex. The Ao Cacao crew are currently working on tiakarete (chocolate) bars that showcase local producers from across the motu, celebrating our whenua (land) and te tāngata (the people). Treat yourself to bonbons with flavour combinations inspired by his restaurant days, with flavours like clotted cream and mānuka smoked caramel, a goats cheese course and espresso-tonic. Ao Cacao is currently available online and soon at the tiakarete shop (reopening just in time for Kirihimete).
Harlan Pepper Food Co.
317 New North Road, Ngā Anawai (Kingsland), Tāmaki Makaurau
Image credit: Harlan Pepper Food Co. | supplied
When Hemi (James) Gibson opened Harlan Pepper Food Co. a little over seven years ago, he wanted to bring his personal journey with kai—the experience of aroha and manaakitanga instilled in him by his whānau and iwi—to his café for Māori and Pākehā alike. For Hemi, kai is more than just sustenance, it's a means of whānau connection, nurturing hapori (community) and an expression of his Māori culture. Think of everyday brunch (plus modern additions like soft shell tacos and roti rendang), with what he describes as the “heartiness of Māori hospitality.” Arohanui to that.
Pici
Shop 22, St Kevin's Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Tāmaki Makaurau
Jono Thevenard (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Rangiwewehi) is part-owner and chef of Pici, a pasta and wine bar in St Kevin’s Arcade. Inspired by his travels overseas, especially in Italy, this wharekai’s namesake is a nod to their signature dish. Pici cacio e pepe is a thick hand-rolled spaghetti cooked in cheese and pepper (with a little pasta water, of course). For Jono, Italian cuisine represents what all kai should be about: the sheer passion and pride people have for their kai and where it comes from. The way delicious meals were whipped up simply from what was growing in the māra (garden) resonated with how his whānau grew up with kai and approached food. The kaupapa for his kai is simple—to use local, fresh and seasonal produce, honouring the kaimoana and produce we have in our backyard.
Jono also co-owns Tappo next door and Ooh-fa on Dominion Road.
Coco’s Cantina
374 Karangahape Road, Tāmaki Makaurau
Founded by sisters Renee and Damaris Coulter (Ngāti Kahu), this iconic blue cantina is now owned by Renee Coulter and head chef Emile Bennington. Inspired by the cantinas in Cuba, Coco’s feels like you’re having a dinner party at your mate’s whare. Their 18-hour Goat Ragù is a favourite on the menu—and don’t forget to check out their exciting events line-up as part of their birthday month celebrating 15 years! Hari Huritau ki a Coco’s Cantina! (Happy Birthday Coco’s Cantina!)
Pacifica
209 Marine Parade, Ahuriri (Napier)
Jeremy Rameka (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi) is the chef and co-owner of Pacifica, wth his partner and maître’d Natalie Bulman. They’ve been running this 25 seat blue bungalow for over 18 years, winning many Aotearoa cuisine whakamanahau (accolades) and providing diners with an intimate and well-thought out dining experience. Their degustation menu is fairly mysterious simply claiming to highlight Aotearoa kaimoana and meat (or offal), a true testament to the adage "trust the chef" (and you absolutely should).
Karaka Cafe
Odlins Square, Taranaki Wharf, 2 Taranaki Street, Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington)
Image credit: Karaka Cafe | Facebook
Karaka Cafe is owned and operated by Keri Retimanu (Ngāpuhi) and Paul Retimanu (Samoa), and is located inside the ground floor of Te Raukura, te Wharewaka o Poneke / Wharewaka Function Centre owned by the Wharewaka Charitable Trust (Atiawa). Since opening in 2011, their Eggs Bene on Hãngī hash has been a crowd favourite, combining an old cafe favourite with flavours of traditional Māori hāngī. Their oven-steamed hāngī is the most popular item, with their nod to authentic Māori cuisine by replicating the flavours in a modern oven setting. During Matariki they regularly sell over 1,000 hāngī!
Kai Fusionz by Kiwi Kai
149 Vickerman Street, Port Nelson, Whakatū (Nelson)
Reni Wereta-Gargiulo (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru Kitahi, Te Atiawa) started Kiwi Kai 15 years ago, showcasing Māori kai and kaimoana at the local markets (and online). Kiwi Kai is now catering for events and markets across the region, and you can grab their Kiwi Kai signature marinated raw fish in stores. They also have a range of inu (drinks) called Atutahi Natives using native ingredients with flavours like Kawakawa Lemon Lime—perfect for a summer cooldown.
FUSH, Joe's Garage & Tātou Tātou Catering
Multiple locations, Ōtautahi (Christchurch)
Anton Matthews (Te Rarawa) is the face behind Hustle Group in Ōtautahi—delivering hospitality venues and education workshops normalising te Reo Māori and making it accessible for all people. Through Hustle Hospitality they're changing the scene with their kaupapa and kai. The Hustle Hospitality arm includes wharekai such as FUSH (for the best fish and chips Ōtautahi ways), friendly neighbourhood eatery Joe’s Garage and Tātou Tātou Catering.
Hayz @ the Anchorage
86 Gore Street, Motupōhue (Bluff)
Image credit: Hayz @ The Anchorage | Facebook
Haylee-Chanel Simeon (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kauwhata) has grown up with a passion for knowing where her kai comes from and being from Motupōhe, kaimoana is a staple in the diet. After working in hospitality for over a decade, she was frustrated by the lack of variety in Southland’s wharekai scene. She started Hayz @ The Anchorage in 2020, where kaimoana was celebrated with a modern Māori touch, and putting Motupōhue on the map. Their signature kai includes a modern take on creamed pāua on toast with their Creamed Pāua Wontons, using pāua sourced right from the Southland waters.
Honourable mention: Whānaukai
Online
While technically not a wharekai, Naomi Toilalo (Ngāti Porou) is the author of Aoteaora’s hottest bilingual pukapuka tunu kai (cookbook) Whānaukai. Her pukapuka tunu kai started from making Instagram videos in lockdown combining te Reo Māori and baking together—a stunning combo and a kaupapa we're here for.
Honourable Mention: Kārena & Kasey Bird
Pop-Ups
Image credit: Kārena and Kasey | supplied
Kārena and Kasey (Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manawa) are sisters who are well-known for incorporating te Reo Māori into their passion for cooking. Since winning Aotearoa Masterchef in 2014, the pair have gone on to travel the world with their own TV series (Kārena and Kasey’s Kitchen Diplomacy), cooking for dignitaries across the world, and completed a year-long immersion reo Māori course at the University of Waikato. Te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) has always been first and foremost in their lives, and the key element they incorporate into their dinner events. Their latest pop-up “Maumahara, Edible Nostalgia” with Kitchen Takeover for Wellington on a Plate interwove stories of cultural resistance, language reclamation and the power of remembering where they come from as they look to the future.
Want more food-spiration? Check out:
- The Feed | The Aotearoa Food News You Need To Know
- Tāmaki's Top 50 Bars
- Where To Eat In Tāmaki On A Monday
Main image credit: Ada | supplied