Riverton's Te Hikoi museum has welcomed a new business to the area that gives tourists the opportunity to practice Te Reo Maori.

“Nau mai, haere mai ki ‘te kai a te rangatira'" are the words coming from Riverton business owner Pip Hakopa, which translates to “Welcome to the fruits of our ancestors”.

Her new business, which launched this week, has stemmed from her passion to revitalise and maintain Te reo Maori me ōna tikanga -- the Maori language and its customs.

Through the cart, visitors to Riverton will be able to order a coffee or food in Te Reo Maori. And if they don’t know how, they can learn while they are there. 

They will also be able to try a number of locally sourced traditional foods such mussel fritters and (weather permitting) creamed pāua in a fry bread.

“This is all about giving locals and visitors an opportunity to speak the language with the hope of it being normalised in the community, homes, work space and of course around something we can all relate to, kai”, Ms Hakopa said.

Te Hikoi operations manager Karyn Owen said she believed "Te kai a te rangatira" had some great synergies with the museum.

“It is awesome that after learning about historical resource use in our area, visitors will get a chance to try some local kai in a way that offers a very unique experience. It is not very common for visitors

to New Zealand to have an experience with Te Reo Maori, so we think this has potential to become a great attraction for the area”.

The “Te kai a te rangatira” food cart has been designed to be mobile o its message and purpose can have a wider reach than just Aparima.

Venture Southland tourism and events manager Warrick Low said "Te kai a te rangatira" offered a new cultural activity for visitors to Southland.

“We know visitors to New Zealand are looking for unique, authentic experiences and by learning how to order a drink or something to eat in Te Reo Maori they’re able to engage with locals and learn more about our cultural make-up and heritage.”

Mr Low didn't see only visitors benefiting either. Locals were also able to share in the initiative that celebrates New Zealand's cultural heritage and increase their own command of Te Reo Maori.

The "Te Kai a te rangatira" Facebook page will list where they will be next.