Nuka Opening in Ruatoria

In collaboration with Nuka Charitable Trust, and on behalf of Dr Kiri Dell in support of the University of Auckland Business School, we are pleased to invite you to join us in celebrating the opening of Nuka, a Ruatoria-based enterprise commercialising kanuka plants, on 20 March 2026, in Ruatoria.

Nuka (aka Nuka Charitable Trust) is a Māori-led, place-based enterprise developing commercially viable products from native kānuka through sustainable, science-informed, and kaupapa-led value chains. The initiative translates research and community partnership into market-ready products, expected to activate innovation, boost regional employment, and export potential.The venture is a result of a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering, Uniservices, the Faculty of Business, the Ministry for Primary Industries and the whanau of Whareponga Valley. The opening will involve taking people through

• Kanuka harvesting of wood and leaf process and processing of raw materials site at Kahuitara A2E2B3
• Recovery of raw materials (wood-chipping and leaf separation)
• Our new pyroflash and related processing equipment and fit out in the Ruatoria township
• Our new portable food grade facility and office
• Some taste testing and samples of our food ingredients and products!

This event will start at 11:30am with Hakari at 1.30pm

Please RSVP your attendance by . We need to know accurate numbers for catering and will need to share more information about travelling to the event. Marae accommodation will be avaliable.

We hope you will join us for this special opportunity to connect with fellow academics and whanau.

We look forward to celebrating with you in 20 March 2026 in Ruatoria.

Iti te kopara kai takirikiri ana i runga i te kahikatea

Even a small bird can reach the heights of the greatest tree

Info: Kick back and celebrate

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Gisborne.