Reni Gargiulo

Nelson, Aotearoa New Zealand

Reni Wereta-Gargiulo (NZ DipBus) has a diverse background in marketing, promotion, business administration and tourism to mention a few.  Entrepreneurial skills inherited from ancestors on her mother’s side (O’Carroll) coupled with her Maori values and heritage of Ngati Ruanui, Ngati Rarua and Te Atiawa on her father’s side are the strong foundation that drive her passion for business. These two lineages together and a love for seafood have developed Kiwi Kai. Encapsulating 30 years of skills into a seafood business has been beneficial in securing strong relationships with core seafood suppliers, buyers and advisors.  Reni’s marketing and promotional expertise has enabled the business to grow into retail, local markets, online sales and catering.   Kiwi Kai catering is enjoyed by local business and many National and International groups from Government organisations, Maori Corporations, Cricket World Cup, Nelsons Sister city Huangshi guests and more.

Overview of products/services

Kiwi Kai is an indigenous business with a small cafe, a food cart for festivals and markets and have developed the drink Atutahi which sits alone and is marketed separately.  Kiwi Kai itself sells and specialises in Maori kai and Kaimonana (seafood) and now native drinks made from NZ native leaf sustainably grown and harvested from their lands.