About /
Tuakiri
Toa Matauranga, which means wisdom warrior, emerged from an unwavering vision to combine our lifestyle with our work. We wanted our mahi to reflect our values and ideals.
To be a warrior not a worrier, in relation to our environment, health and people.
Our Kaupapa (Initiative & Purpose) aligns with self-care, seeing a greener future and adapting to our changing environments, using and giving back to Papatūānuku (Earth).
We are finding, sharing and using new ways of making, offering, eating and self-medicating, by using what we are surrounded with and are most inspired by.
Toa Matauranga is Mikassa & Mahi Mains a team of makers, and sustainabilists.
Mikassa, an experienced chef, food stylist and menu & recipe designer. A born vegetarian and indulgence queen. She pairs her expert palate and instinct of flavours, with her knowledge in plant-based cuisine without sacrificing the decadence of eating or the way the food is experienced.
Her work, predominantly plant based and locally sourced gets lovingly turned into what is on your plate, with an added flair of native New Zealand foraged Kai & Rongoā (Food & Medicine).
Mahi, a self-taught and instinctual tohunga whakairo of pounamu and rakau (wood and greenstone taonga (treasure), carvings, art and furniture pieces) is inspired by the land rivers and maunga of the southern Alps in Te Wai Pounamu (The South Island), where he comes from. The life forces and energy within these parts and the treasures they possess. He works his pieces to maintain and cherish the integrity of the raw piece, harnessing the spirit and energy within, that the object holds.
Together they craft precious taonga (treasure), incredible dining experiences and polished food styling and recipes.
What we offer /
Ta mātou mahi
Taonga (Treasure) & precious carvings of wood and greenstone found by our hands that comes from Te Wai Pounamu (The South Island). Hand woven harakeke (flax) hats and mantelpiece ornamentals. See the Shop page for products.
Contracting for food styling & recipe design. Cookbooks, commercial products, film shoots, products/companies, web & social media content. Contact us to book.
Food for you, your loved ones, friends or strangers. We cater events, dinner parties, birthdays, and offer private dining, as well as our pop up supper clubs and long table dining experiences.
Carve your own pounamu in our workshop space in beautiful Waitakere - workshops are held on sight but can be held at different locations on request. Maximum 2 spaces per class
Private cooking lessons & workshops
Mikassa also offers Private cooking lessons or group cooking classes and communal dinners, you might be looking to improve your vegetarian repertoire, or get some new inspiration and knowledgeable tips, hacks and recipes. Her aim is for you to leave with confidence, a kete (basket) full of worthy recipes and ideas that you will be able to master and a rich new understanding of plant-based food.
Please note, we don't just cook with plants! We will happily incorporate free range or ethically and locally sourced, organic high-quality meats and seafood to feature in your cooking. Just ask..
There is a range of ways to approach a class's content. Cook a 3-7 course meal of your choice, cook a feast from a specific regionality of food, learn to cook a bistro type tapas spread, practice and try out plant-based food, Make a whole batch of medicinal and gut friendly ferments such as bone broths, sourdough, kombucha, fire cider, coconut yoghurt, nut milks and butters, cashew cheese and more! Please contact us to book in.
