Kiwi Kai in quest to win Maori food market over

MEAN FEED: A new Maori takeaway store, Kiwi Kai, has opened in Rotorua. Pictured is Kiwi Kai co-director Chris Poipoi.

The owner of a new takeaway store in Rotorua, specialising in hangi and rewena bread, hopes to turn his business into the "McDonald's of Maori takeaways".

Kiwi Kai officially opened yesterday on Amohau St, at the site formerly occupied by Joe's Diner, selling a selection of Maori food including boil-up, hangi and fried bread.

Kiwi Kai co-director Chris Poipoi said it was more than just a new shop in town.

"Our plan is to open Kiwi Kai around New Zealand and Australia. The goal is that we become the McDonald's of Maori takeaways," he said.

"There are places around the country which have small versions of this but my opinion is there is no-one doing it to this capacity."

He said all the recipes at the store were from his late mother, Aroha Poipoi, who originally sold her food at the Kuirau Park markets.

"What we are doing is taking that food and putting it into this environment," he said.

"That is why we branded the food Aroha Maori Food. It acknowledges her history and it is her recipes."

Mr Poipoi said anyone could go into the store and buy Aroha products like rewena bread or chocolate brownies.

The feature food on offer at Kiwi Kai includes hangi and rewena bread, which is used in their burgers.

He said rewena bread was made using potatoes. Mr Poipoi said the store was owned by five friends and relatives including himself, Maurice Pomare, Rangi Pomare, Charlotte Pomare and Moe Tansey.

He said he hoped tourists would also be attracted to try the food, as well as Kiwis.

Kiwi Kai's opening hours include 10.30am to 7.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 5pm to 7.30pm on Saturday.