13 May 2025
Wellington’s top chef is collaborating with Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place to dish up a Matariki feast, along with the opportunity to learn more about the stars and support the next generation of scientists.
Max Gordy of Graze Wine Bar in Kelburn was named Wellington’s Outstanding Chef in The Welly Hospo Awards 2024. He and his partner Stina Persen opened Graze in 2022 and are known for their ethos of thoughtful, low-waste food and beverage.
Graze Under The Stars at Space Place on 9 June is a fundraising dinner to support educational initiatives to inspire the next generation of scientists, explorers and innovators. Guests will dine in the Space Place planetarium and listen to former NASA intern Daniel Wrench sharing insights into our explosive universe and the mysteries of space.
“We love Space Place”, says Max. “It’s such a feature of Wellington, with people taking the Cable Car up the hill, and we used to go on dates there so this was a no-brainer for us. It’s nice to be in a position to support the community and share some of our success”.
Max, who lived in Chicago before moving to Wellington when he was 14, says although he and Stina from
Napier didn’t grow up with Matariki, it is a celebration which reflects their values.
“We’re looking for a way to respectfully celebrate Matariki. We focus on making as little impact on our environment as possible and Matariki is very much an extension of this idea. We’re often asked if we are putting together a special menu for Matariki, which shows lots of people are looking for an opportunity to celebrate and learn more, so this is perfect.”
Max is planning a Matariki menu to acknowledge the nine stars of Matariki with seven courses and a couple of roaming canapes honouring the hard work of farmers and growers.
“Waipuna-ā-Rangi is associated with rain so we’re thinking about porcini mushrooms in the autumn rains and water droplets on nasturtium leaves. Ururangi connects to the winds, which is very true to Wellington, so that might be a light dish, something fluffy playing with pollen in the wind or maybe smoke.
“Tupu-ā-Rangi is linked to birds and other elevated foods like fruit and berries from trees and Tupu-ā- Nuku is connected with gardens and food grown in the earth which could be represented by corn reaching to the sky, avocados, berries and root vegetables.
“Waitī is freshwater and Waitā ocean life so we’re considering two seafood dishes, perhaps smoked eel served with bao buns like river rocks and butterfish.”
Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington Kaihautū Tānemahuta Gray says many iwi Māori celebrate
Matariki with the first new moon after the star cluster re-appears on the horizon.
“It’s a chance to slow down and reflect on your year and acknowledge those who have passed, to have kai with whānau and community and to look forward to the aspirations of what the new year will bring. “Matariki is in the month of Pipiri, June. I love that piri means to stick close, and this is the time when it’s cold and we come together in the warmth to reflect.
“Connecting dishes to the stars in the Matariki cluster offers us a way to bring traditional and creative elements together and experience the mauri and whakaaro of what these stars mean for us. Matariki is an opportunity for everyone in Aotearoa to partner together and understand more about this holiday that has been celebrated for 1000 years.”
Space Place is part-funded by Wellington City Council and is also a charity.