Manaakitanga

MANAAKITANGA (MAORI HOSPITALITY)

Every visitor who wants to get “under the skin” of Aotearoa-New Zealand should start their journey with an introduction to the Maori world view, what our place is here, and what our hopes and inspirations might be for our Whanau and for all New Zealanders. They should also gain an understanding of tribal Aotearoa and the unique partnership that exists between Maori and Pakeha New Zealanders.

There is simply no better place to gain these insights than at the dinner table in the company of articulate and informed Maori where humour, conversation and family atmosphere are combined with the best in contemporary Maori cuisine.

Two Maori proverbs speak to this combination of food and good conversation. The first states “He Kaikorero te Rangitira” - speech is the food of a Chief, while the second says “Ma roto hoki kia ora ka pai te korero” – if the inner man is refreshed, the conversation will be sweet.

Given the limited time that most visitors have in Aotearoa-New Zealand, Navigator has brought together the essential ingredients of this introduction to the country: interesting and informed Maori people and the skills of some of our best Maori chefs.

We have selected a small, representative group of friends to act as your hosts. They include businessmen and women, artists, academics, entertainers, musicians, artisans, historians, politicians, activists, publishers, and film producers.

We have made it easy for you to enjoy the company of these raconteurs, while also enjoying some fantastic cuisine. Our chefs will blend flavours, infuse and create exquisite dining, using our best home-grown produce or bounty from the sea. They will then ensure that the food is matched with some of Aotearoa-New Zealand’s fine wines. So whatever your particular interest, you can relax and enjoy traditional music, history and some fine dining.

The Manaakitanga experience

The customs governing the manner in which visitors are welcomed into Maori homes are central to the culture. This concept, called Manaakitanga, establishes our responsibilities as hosts. It implies guardianship - of the manuhiri (visitors), whenua (land), taonga (treasures), and tangata (the people). It requires us, as Tangata Whenua (People of the Land), to deliver our very best - it demands excellence.

Your Navigator guide will deliver you to your hosts’ doorstep in a comfortable MPV and return you to your accommodation after dinner.