EDIBLE AOTEAROA - AN INTRODUCTION TO NZ FORAGING

with MAMAKAN

Wednesday 19 February - 1:30pm to 3:00pm (1.5 hours) [Afternoon Session]

Do you see food when you stroll through the bush? Did you know that native New Zealand plants are a rich source of food and flavour? This introductory foraging course is designed to bring you closer to the seasonal flora of New Zealand and uncover the edible environment unique to Aotearoa.

Join Mamakan, your guide for this workshop at Kelmarna Gardens, to learn about native plants, what parts we can eat, and how to identify and engage with them in nature. In getting to know the world of edible native flora, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the bush with a new lens, take care to notice the stand-outs of the season, and retire to the farm to enjoy a variety of tastings to explore and indulge in the bounties of our native bush.

What to expect:

Begin your session in the gardens with a discussion around species identification, edible elements, and responsible foraging practices. Then take off on a group wander through the riparian bush of our neighbouring Ōpoutūheka Cox’s Creek to look out for some of the native plants you’ve talked about and to connect your knowledge with practical experience in nature.

Following your exploration, you will return to the gardens to debrief the experience and delve into the culinary side of how to use the plants and what they actually taste like. Mamakan will guide you through a selection of recipes and a generous assortment of tastings that highlight the range of flavours endemic to our beautiful Aotearoa. This way you can follow up your trek with a sensory morsel of what you've seen and experience in the environment.

What to bring:

a refillable water bottle (to stay hydrated)
weather appropriate gear (to keep comfortable)
a face covering or mask (to stop the spread)
your valid My Vaccine Pass (to take part)
a pen and notepad (to take notes, if you like)

Mamakan is a botanical artist working with art, cuisine and nature. She is originally from Aarhus, Denmark of nordic Vølve-Viking descent and has deep Scandinavian roots.

Today, Mamakan is based in Parau, a forested area west of Auckland, New Zealand, where she creates contemporary fine art photography and multi-sensory art+food installations and exhibitions.

Mamakan's art practice is best described as 'GastroGeography' - the taste of a place. Her sensory artworks and collaborative projects amplify nature and aim to create a sense of belonging and well-being. Find out more about Mamakan on her website, mamakan.com.

IMPORTANT: This workshop takes place during the COVID-19 Traffic Light System, which means proof of vaccination is required to take part. Please review our workshop vaccination requirements, and you will need to certify your understanding of these terms before purchasing your tickets. Kia ora.