My father was of Scottish and my Mother was of Maori descent. My family Marae is Ngararatunua at Pipiwai near Whangarei. I have been a qualified Chef now for 25 years. As a youngster the traditional hangi was always present in my life, usually when there was a big event on such as a wedding or a tangi. The smell and flavour of hangi has been infused into my DNA, and the feeling of community and fa
mily that was associated with each hangi made it not just a meal, but a special and quite spiritual event. Some of my best childhood memories come from times when the hangi was the central focus point of any large gathering. I remember the men would cut up the beasts, dig the holes and heat the rocks in preparation for the hangi (while enjoying the rewards of the amber ale) and the women would clean and prepare the vegetables and decorate the tables while talking and laughing out loud, and the kids would run riot, always trying to sneak a bit of something sweet to eat. Nowadays, I do not have automatic access to such events; however, I have had the opportunity to purchase a business of which the hangi has once again become a big part of my life. Hell of a Hangi is my mobile food trailer where I sell prepared hangi meals of which I cook in a Multi-Kai-Cooker. I have been honing my skill and have managed to produce an authentic tasting, quality hangi meal of which I am able to supply to anyone whom, like me, enjoys a hangi meal but rarely has the opportunity to have one. An enormous part of my philosophy of cooking is the Aroha and Mana that goes into it. I shall always remember and respect where the hangi came from and understand it's spiritual significance. As it evolves into modern society I am proud to be part of the evolution of the hangi. I believe that this technique of cooking and the flavours and textures that are unique only to the hangi, deserves a prominent place in our multi cultural culinary world. Hell of a Hangi will guarantee to fill your puku and put a smile on your face!!!
