Te Waka Kai's busy CBD outing

Te Waka Kai – our mobile hospitality training initiative and food truck has been popping up all around the Taranaki region. Recently Te Waka Kai and the team were down at the Lalaga Pasifika Festival held outside the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre on 28 May. The community event was filled with live performances, Samoan weaving demonstrations, Ngatu-making, and great food, thanks in part to Te Waka Kai! 

Sally Ingham Te Waka Kai Chef said the team was flat out serving customers.

“The Lalaga Pasifika festival was a great day. It was the busiest event I have been to with Te Waka Kai since starting at WITT, and the sun beamed down all day which only attracted more people,” she said.

Sally prepared a menu for the event that incorporated traditional Pasifika food such as Faikaikai Tōpai and Fapafui.

“I had to do a bit of research before the event to find out what traditional dishes I could do and execute effectively in Te Waka Kai.”

“I ended up making a few dishes, Faikakai Tōpai, which was coconut dumplings with a coconut caramel sauce ans Sapasui, a dish similar to Choy Suey,” she said.

The day was a great success for Te Waka kai and the wider New Plymouth community.

Daniel Fuemana, Director of Trades, Training and Primary Industries, said the event was a great way to celebrate the Pasifika culture here in the Taranaki region.

“The day was filled with performances that showcased and highlighted the Pasifika culture from traditional art, dance, weaving and lei making.”

“It was an excellent opportunity for our students to go along with Te Waka Kai and get involved with events like this.”

“It’s also rewarding to help out the wider community and groups such as Vaimoana Charitable Trust and Govett Brewster Art Gallery to make events like this such a success and see the benefits for everyone, not just our students,” he said.

Where will Te Waka Kai be next? Head along to the TSB Festival of Lights Winter Pop Up event over Matariki Weekend and get your foodie fix from Te Waka Kai.