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Cultural Food Traditions in a Changing Environment

At HGHS, we are incredibly lucky to have a broad range of cultures that come together to form our community. Each of these groups have their own traditions that make their culture so important to our kura. Cuisine is a great way to bring different cultures together, and it is important that we share beautiful kai with each other. Food brings people together, and allows the current generation to connect with their ancestors before them.

Thirty years ago most meals, especially dinner, were eaten and handmade at home. The gender roles during that time meant women were expected to be in the kitchen cooking for their whānau. In today’s society people tend to lean towards convenience. Whether this is fast food, or simple repetitive dishes thrown together quickly, the meals we eat rarely have cultural importance. As gender roles changed and our society evolved, more women entered the workforce. This meant the roles of women in the home changed and they are no longer expected to serve as a housewife. Perhaps people do not have time in their day anymore to spend cooking and sharing food with loved ones as a result of demanding work schedules.

An article from Stats NZ states “New Zealanders are spending relatively more on restaurant meals and takeaways, and less on grocery items.” It is understandable that we as students are busy with school and extracurricular activities and do not always have time to prioritise the meals we eat. It can be hard to find time to go grocery shopping, meal plan, and cook at home. However, it is important that we make time to sit down with our whānau or friends and share a meal.

Food is seen as part of the cultural experience. Those who travel to new places want to be immersed in the culture by trying local cuisine. Sharing kai with your peers can form a sense of community and bring you closer to those around you. To all of you, students, teachers and our wider HGHS community, get involved with food preparation. Our generation needs to make a change before it is too late and cultural food traditions have been left behind.


Some of HGHS’s favourite cultural recipes:

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)

https://www.themediterraneandish.com/gambas-al-ajillo-spanish-shrimp/

Pa amb tomaquet (Tomato bread)

https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/tomato-rubbed-bread-pa-amb-tomaquet-pan-con-tomate/

Croquetas

https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/croquetas-de-jamon/

Coconut buns/Pani Popo

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/eatwell/recipes/seta-rijkhoffs-panipop-sweet-coconut-buns/F6V2AOFEY36Z5PJKGCJIXLT6NU/

Fried bread

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTXwDdqsKMDZ06anxBx_JVg8hHM_ZFam6mK1RjC_bMk/edit?usp=sharing

Raw Fish

Tip: make a little bit more juice than what the recipe says

https://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/marinated-raw-fish-20111018-29wmz