More than 200 kaumātua and pakeke in Tauranga Moana are about to receive a rēwana bread parcel as part of an initiative that supports older people living alone during the lockdown.
A team of eight Ngāti Ranginui bakers combined their powers in what they've called the "Rēwana-thon", baking more than 200 rēwana bread in 48 hours.
Former Marae Kai Masters chef Charlie Rahiri has led the initiative.
It's part of our values to look after our treasures, our elders,” says Rahiri.
Rahiri rallied his whānau to make the bread for their kaumātua saying they were missing their marae kai.
They started cooking at Rahiri's house and then moved to the marae in Wairoa, the place where the seed of those values was nurtured by his nan, he says.
He explained how the stove was named 'Edith' after his nan and another was called 'Puti'.
A total of 140kg of flour, 10kg of sugar and water was used to make the bread. But, above all, the secret to rēwena is a whole lot of love, says Rahiri.
A true heart, filled with love and caring. It's in your hands to use those inherent values for the power of good explains Rahiri.
In total, 235 rēwana were baked over the weekend and ready for drop off to kaumātua on Monday.