There was a time when it was commonplace for New Zealand families to grow their own produce and eat from their gardens.
In these tightening economic times, MAARA KAI is a new series that looks at ways families can restore that connection between the garden and the plate, and premieres on Maori Television on Sunday April 12 at 5.00 PM.
“Many of us come from parents or grandparents who gardened, or used what was available to feed the family, and this is a way of life that still appeals to many people,” says MAARA KAI producer Te Hira Henderson. “Many people want to be more sustainable and self-sufficient in how they eat and feed their families. This show encourages people who are keen to make changes to go out and do it.”
MAARA KAI – eating from the garden – has two presenters, each with their area of expertise.
Riki Bennett is a long-time ranger who grew up learning about the bounty of the forest, and with particular interest in rongoa – traditional Maori medicine.
Rewi Spraggon is a trained chef with a passion for indigenous cuisine. He says:
”We see lots of people using certain ingredients, but they don’t know what it looks like in the bush. Many don’t realise the implications of what they’re using.
“For example, the horopito – which is like chilli – was traditionally used to improve heart function. If you knew what you were doing, you might match that up with gamey-type foods, or to counteract products that are higher in cholesterol.”
The programme also profiles people who are already creating their own produce on their own land, from orchardists to honey farms and organic vegetable growers.
MAARA KAI is made by White Gloves Productions, the makers of popular gardening show KIWI MAARA.
Be inspired to reconnect with healthy food, from our gardens to our plates – MAARA KAI premieres on Sunday April 12 at 5.00 PM.
kai time sunday 12th april cooking venison to-night
Tino aatahua to korua mahi. He patai taaku i te reo tuarua. Have you any photos of the different variety of Maori rewai and their names plus the kumara and rekamauroa. Also photos that we can use as a project to educate our whanau rawa kore me nga whanau kore mahi.
How do we get copies of your TV Maara Kai and can we use them to educate the whanau in Tamaki Makaurau and invite you both to be guest speakers.
Nga mihi nunui ki a korua.
Naaku na.
Whaea Wai Mason.
I missed the address of the place in Tauranga where people can order copies of the booklet on Rongoa Maori. I would love to buy one and would be grateful for the address.
I really enjoyed the programme and look forward to seeing more. It is such a great idea to make this knowledge available again; and just what people are needing for health and well-being. Thank you!