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Regional | Christchurch

Ngāi Tahu to prepare "Feast of the Century"

7000 plates of food are being prepared for what Ngāi Tahu are calling the "Feast of the Century" tomorrow with produce being trucked in from up and down the South Island.

But kitchens throughout the local marae are just as busy.

Putting the muscle into hospitality.  Ngāi Tahu is opening its menu.

Stan Tawa describes, "There's pāua, mutton birds, crayfish, flounder, mussels, lamb, pork and beef."

Local iwi chefs are using the South Island's delicacies to create their own special flavour, with a pinch of pride.

Tawa says, "This is a Māori gathering.  Here's our theme - kindness.  That's the main thing, kindness."

The meat is almost ready.  From the kitchen to the dining hall, Ngāi Tahu has its own recipe for success.

There'll be no sleep for the locals.  24 marae, schools and centres have been billeted out to host the visitors with 500 volunteers all working toward the same goal.

The main thing for us is that Te Rōpū Manutaki enjoys our hospitality.

That's our main focus no matter what, for them to enjoy their stay.  This is our gift to those who come.