Kaihaukai Collective: Simon Kaan and Ron Bull

In Kāi Tahu custom, mahika kai guides the gathering and preparation of food from the land and the sea. Kaihaukai is the cultural practice of sharing and exchanging food, underpinned by the values of kaitiakitaka, manaakitaka and whanaukataka, honouring the balance of the ecosystems and communities that sustain us.

Kaihaukai Collective projects are centered on customary Kāi Tahu practices and values related to mahika kai. By preparing, gathering, eating and sharing traditional foods, the Kaihaukai Collective provides a way to learn about and connect with whenua, awa, roto and moana, supporting the continuation of cultural practices and transfer of knowledge.