Kia Kanuta is the Head Chef and Owner of Ada Restaurant in Grey Lynn, where he brings traditional Māori cooking methods, like the stove top hāngi, into his modern kitchen. Recently named Auckland’s "Outstanding Chef" for 2024, Kia’s culinary journey has seen him working in some of New Zealand’s top restaurants, including Prego, Café Hanoi, Mudbrick, and Pici. As a father of two beautiful girls and a dedicated community worker, Kia’s passion goes beyond the plate - he’s all about creating connections through food. “The kitchen saved my life in so many ways. Feeding people is my love language, and the sense of belonging is what kept me there,” he says. His approach to cooking reflects his love for community, culture, and the power of food to bring people together.
