Kava enthusiasts and researchers have gathered in New Zealand for a workshop to discuss challenges facing the kava kava crops.
The one-day meeting at The University of Waikato has attracted scholars, kava drinkers, staff and students.
A traditional kava drinking ceremony opened the event in true Pacific style to welcome speakers and guests.
Its use in social and formal settings has been going on for years in the Pacific and kava is gaining popularity among non-Pacific as an alcohol subsitute and sleep aid.
Source: Radio NZ