Fifty local judges voted for their favourite indigenous dish and announced Millennium Hotel Rotorua's creation the winner at a tasting at the Rotorua Farmers Market.

The dish was entitled Mōwaiwai - To make the mouth water and included tuna mousse with salt water kina topped with kawakawa infused rewena crumb.

The dish was served in paua shell and was created by Millennium Hotel Rotorua Chef de Partie Jim Tawa.

Millennium Hotel Rotorua General Manager Pipiana Whiston says she was very proud of her team and it was a great start to this new Matariki event.

'It was fantastic to get the community involved and receive the support from the local business community. We are looking forward to getting creative again next year”, says Ms Whiston.

The winning hotel received a unique trophy designed and created by TOA architects that embodies the spirit of Matariki.

The korūrū represents Matariki and on the forehead the pūhoro pattern symbolises how Matariki is used to guide us in life. Each layer of colour is a reference to each of the nine stars that make up the constellation of Matariki (also known as Pleiades).

Millennium Hotel Rotorua also received $1000 radio promotion package from prize sponsor Mediaworks.