Tastes of global culture at kai festival
Culture and cravings combined on Waitangi Day as crowds got their fill at Nelson’s International Kai Festival.
Whakatu¯ Marae and Founders Heritage Park had no boundaries between 10.30am and 3.30pm yesterday, becoming one site with dozens of food stalls offering flavours from around the world.
Thousands grazed from stalls offering Cambodian, Japanese, Sri Lankan, Indonesian, Samoan, Tongan and Filipino food, as well as the everpopular ha¯ ngı¯, and many other ethnic cuisines.
Festivalgoer Annette Smith said she got there early, ‘‘before there’s hordes of people’’.
She said she attended most years and had seen it grow into a much bigger, fuller event.
The most popular stall was the ha¯ ngı¯, with a constant queue waiting for the earthy flavours of a traditional Ma¯ ori meal.
One of the organisers, Jason Sam, said a crowd watched as the ha¯ ngı¯ was lifted at 12.30pm. ‘‘It’s a cultural experience for those who have never seen it.’’
He said much of the food ran out within an hour, as people from all over the globe wanted a taste.
‘‘Good food is universal.’’ Vietnamese English student Hoa Nguyen took the chance to try ha¯ ngı¯ food and said it was ‘‘really delicious’’.
A main stage hosted cultural acts including Made in Bahia, Kahurangi Irish Dance School and Free Church of Tonga.
Congregational Christian Church of Samoa performer Nuria Lefale welcomed the chance to perform. ‘‘It’s a great opportunity for us to share our culture – we’re proud of who we are.’’