The Green Room & Kitchen Takeover ‘Ki Tua’: New Zealand Native Oasis

Immerse yourself in the magic of Kitchen Takeover, an extraordinary themed pop-up restaurant that surprises you with secret locations across the Bay of Plenty. In March 2023, Kitchen Takeover delivered ‘Kia Tua’ with renowned NZ chefs Karena and Kasey. This event was a degustation dinner that transported diners into the immersive world of Maori Atua.

To assist with creating a natural forest aesthetic, we had the pleasure of supplying an array of native New Zealand plants from our NZ Native Event Hire Collection. From majestic Nikau Palms to lush Ponga, Ferns, Flax, and Grasses, we created a botanical oasis within the industrial setting in Tauranga’s CBD.

Planting the Scene

When planning for this event, we wanted to select plants that not only complemented the Maori Atua theme but also thrived in an indoor environment. Each plant was carefully chosen based on its visual appeal, maintenance requirements, and ability to transform the space into a natural haven.

Behind the Leaves: Our Featured Plants

The Nikau Palm, a distinct symbol of our NZ landscapes, took centre stage. Its tall and slender form brought an element of height and drama to our botanical arrangement. Alongside it, Ponga and Ferns provided a lush, green backdrop, while the Flax and Grasses added texture and depth to the decor.

Working with Kitchen Takeover

Collaborating with Kitchen Takeover and chefs Karena and Kasey was a unique experience. We worked closely to ensure our plant decor tied seamlessly with their culinary vision. The mutual respect for our native NZ heritage made the process even more rewarding. As the space transformed into a natural wonderland, the impact was immediate. The plant islands and grasses softened dark corners and walkways, lush planter bowls adorned the bar, and delicate moss pots with ferns added a touch of greenery to the shelves and fireplace.

Lessons from the Green

Every event presents its unique set of challenges. For ‘Kia Tua’, balancing the aesthetic appeal of our plants with the functional needs of a bustling event space was our main task. With careful planning and creative problem-solving, we were able to create an immersive and harmonious setting that was both beautiful and practical.

What’s Next?

This collaboration with Kitchen Takeover has left us excited for future projects. We’re currently working on some thrilling upcoming events, so stay tuned for more green transformations!

A big thank you to Kitchen Takeover for allowing us to provide our expertise in creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Follow them @kitchentakeovernz for updates on upcoming events.

And remember, if you’re inspired to transform your event with our botanical touch, reach out to The Green Room team or explore our NZ Native Event Hire Collection.

Stunning visuals captured by @ilk_nz and @thegreenroomnz.