Kotahitanga Marae ringa wera (“hot hands”) from left, Bing Waitai, Nellie Para and head chef Victor Waitai prepare their entry in last year’s Master Marae Cookoff.
A marae cooking competition inspired by the TV series Master Chef is returning to Kaikohe.
Organised by Te Hau Ora o Kaikohe to promote healthy cooking, the Master Marae Cookoff sees six Mid North marae compete to do the best job of hosting a group of kuia and kaumatua for lunch.
Last year’s inaugural contest was won by Te Huruhi Marae at Awarua, 20km south of Kaikohe.
Competing marae have to prepare a three-course meal which is healthy, makes use of fruit and has a traditional Maori element.
The judges are Kaikohe kuia and kaumatua enrolled in the Agewell programme run by Te Hau Ora o Kaikohe.
Marae have to be in the wider Kaikohe area to take part. For more information call Erena Kara on (09) 405 2647 or email her onerena@thook.co.nz.Entries close on March 16.
The winning marae wins $1500. The contest starts on April 4.
