Kiwi Kai

Reni Wereta-Gargiulo, Owner and Business Manager

Profile Update: March 2024

Humble beginnings and a love for Kai brought my father’s beautiful Raw Fish signature dish to the forefront of our Kiwi Kai business. Wind the clock another few years and Atutahi Natives is also an integral part of our business. Atutahi (my Koro) Natives now lead the way with our mahi.

Whilst our Kiwi Kai Seafood business is strong Atutahi Natives are alongside. We immerse our Native Rongoa throughout our kai with Native chutneys, Native Seafood Dukkha & Indigenous Kai moana. Also, super proud that Atutahi innovation awarded myself Māori Business Woman of the Year Award 2022, plus the Māori Business Innovation Award 2022!

~~//~~

Reni Wereta-Gargiulo (NZ DipBus) has a diverse background in marketing, promotion, business administration and tourism to mention a few.  Entrepreneurial skills inherited from ancestors on her mother’s side (O’Carroll) coupled with her Maori values and heritage of Ngati Ruanui, Ngati Rarua and Te Atiawa on her father’s side are the strong foundation that drive her passion for business. These two lineages together and a love for seafood have developed Kiwi Kai.

Encapsulating 30 years of skills into a seafood business has been beneficial in securing strong relationships with core seafood suppliers, buyers and advisors.  Reni’s marketing and promotional expertise has enabled the business to grow into retail, local markets, online sales and catering.   Kiwi Kai catering is enjoyed by local business and many National and International groups from Government organisations, Maori Corporations, Cricket World Cup, Nelsons Sister city Huangshi guests and more.

Kaitiakitanga – Sustainability is very important to Kiwi Kai and it sits at the forefront of all decision making within the business. Reni is currently developing a new sustainability document for Kiwi Kai which will weave throughout the business.

Today Kiwi Kai offer a range of products and services with a kaupapa Maori influence through their indigenous fusion of kai for your palette.

Kiwi Kai Services

• Retail products
• Tikanga Maori Event planning
• Catering services
• Wholesale supply

Kiwi Kai Awards

• Winner “Best From The Water Section” FMNZ Awards 2016
• Winner “People’s Choice Award” Marlborough Wine & Food Festival 2015
• Highly Commended “Best From The Water Section”  FMNZ Awards 2015

Contact details

M. 021 029 86209
T. 03 546 4400
E. info@kiwikainz.com
www.kiwikainz.com