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Image 24

Maori have adopted a European diet. But they still love their traditional foods, some of which have become scarce and are considered great delicacies. Traditionally they gathered their food from the forest, the sea, and their gardens. At Maori gatherings (hui) many traditional dishes may be served.

A traditional method of cooking used by Maori is known as a hangi. A typical style of hangi is an earth oven. First, stones are heated over a fire, then the ashes are taken away, and the food placed in baskets over the hot stones in a hole in the ground. Finally, this is covered over and left to cook.The food which is steamed in these ovens has a distinctive, delicious flavour. Fish, seafood, poultry, and sweet potatoes and other vegetables are cooked in the hangi.

Maori people who live close to geothermal energy (eg. Rotorua’s geysers and hot pools) utilise the steam as a traditional way to cook their food above ground or in hot pools.

These traditionai cooking methods are still used in New Zealand today Sometimes modern methods are incorporated, for example, a hangi with the food cooked above the ground to shorten cooking times. But you can be sure the food still tastes delicious.

Image 23 - Preparing a hangi
If you take the opportunity to visit a marae during your stay you will be able to sample food cooked in a hangi. In the old days, this food was served in simple woven flax baskets. People now use plates, knives an.d forks.

Image 24 - Fresh from the hangi

Na tau rourou na taku rourou ka ora ai te manuhiri.
By your food basket and my food basket, the visitors will be nurtured.