Tropical feast at Niue food fest

And for foodies, there’s even more reason to plan to escape the end of another Kiwi winter. The island’s cuisine will be showcased at the third annual KaiNiue food festival for five days in September.

The festival promises guest chefs, cooking masterclasses and cultural community food events, including village feasts and a junior chef challenge for the local kids.
“We can’t wait to show off Niue’s Pacific flavours, our amazing island and unique culture,” says Niue Tourism chief executive Felicity Bollen.
The inaugural KaiNiue was held in 2014, the brainchild of the Premier of Niue, Toke Talagi, who wanted to showcase Niuean food to the world, as well as expand the culinary repertoire of Niuean chefs with the help of guest chefs.
As well as a tourism boost, the event benefits local businesses, farmers, growers and fishermen, giving a boost to the island’s economy.
This year’s star line-up includes Yael Shochat, from award-winning Auckland establishment Ima’s Cuisine, Villa Maria executive chef Rob Baxter, Lou and Ant Bentley from Akaroa Cooking School, and Wellington chef Martin Bosley, all of whom will be taking masterclasses and creating menus for the festival’s gala dinner.
Wellington chef Martin Bosley will be one of the guest chefs at the KaiNiue Festival. Photo