The Kitchen: Press release

For immediate release, 15th Feb 2019

Celebrating our relationship with food and stories, The Kitchen will bring communities and writers together from March this year.

Supported by Albert-Eden and Whau Local Boards, The Kitchen is a series of free events bringing people together in neighbourhood kitchens. Writer Renee Liang explains, “Food is central to all the cultures that call Tāmaki Makaurau home. The stories we tell around food are really about family, love, history and identity.”

The idea for The Kitchen grew out of an earlier initiative, initiated by local writer and foodie Renu Sikka, who brought together a group of women to cook together and share stories. Liang led writing exercises and marvelled at how the group gelled and became each other’s confidantes.

The Kitchen aims to bring communities together by the simple act of sharing food in home kitchens. “It’s something we want to bring back, neighbours wandering next door for a chat and a cuppa,” says Hannah May Lee, one of the organisers.

Participants are invited to bring a dish to share and the small group sessions will be attended by a NZ writer who will encourage the sharing and writing of stories. The kitchen sessions will be complemented by more traditional writing workshops. “As the icing on the cake, we want people to share their stories and recipes with the community,” says Makyla Curtis, who is leading design. Stories will be displayed on posters in shop windows and published in a free ebook.

Writers confirmed to lead sessions include Vivienne Plumb, Sharad Paul, Paula Morris, Ant Sang, Andra Jenkins, Ruby Porter, Michelle Powles, Albert Belz, Anne Kennedy, Serie Barford, Rosetta Allan and Karlo Mila.

The Kitchen is open to anyone with a connection to the Albert-Eden and Whau areas, whether they live, work or play there, or have a past association. It welcomes everyone over the age of 15, and parents with babies are especially encouraged. “If you love food or like to tell stories, please come!” says Liang. No experience in writing is needed. There is a special call-out for anyone who would like to host a session in their kitchen. Further details and sign-up can be found at www.thekitchennz.wordpress.com.

Supported by Albert-Eden and Whau Local Boards.