Firm hit by lockdown pivots to offering ‘ha¯ng¯ı to go’
doors to visitors on March 23.
Business owner and cultural identity Wetini Mitai-ngatai said his staff were keen to work and they wanted to do their best to capture the domestic market.
“We don’t want to sit around here looking like a carving. It’s a new thing for us but everyone’s excited,” he said.
Mitai-ngatai said the hangi was particularly sought after because it was cooked the traditional way — in the ground using heat from ha¯ng¯ı stones
He said he and the proud of their ha¯ng¯ı .
“I enjoy it because it’s a real fullflavoured ha¯ng¯ı.”
Those who have pre-booked on the website are given a pickup time, and an area in the village has been created for customers to drive in, turn around, get their ha¯ng¯ı brought out to them and leave. Mitai Ma¯ori Village was also offering free delivery for orders of 10 or more ha¯ng¯ı.
staff were
● Side of re¯ wena bread
● Dessert of steamed pudding with custard
As a further extension to their business, they also plan to launch their new food truck business where they will sell paleo and veganfriendly ha¯ng¯ı from different locations around Rotorua.
Mitai-ngatai said they were hoping to tap into the expected influx of visitors this long weekend.
He said the paleo ha¯ng¯ı would
include gluten and dairy-free options and the vegan hangi would have root vegetables and no meat.
He said it was a definite testing of the market and a way to help his staff.
“We have a staff of 75 to 80 people. We haven’t let anyone go and we don’t intend to. They are keen to work and want to get out there and do something.”