My mother was my inspiration. She was the head of our wharekai for many years and had a catering business. My siblings and I were fortunate enough to learn from her. I have been able to share my learnings around the world and through my TV shows to help bring Māori kai to the forefront of New Zealand cuisine.


It is my passion to hold true to the ancient traditions of Hāngi cooking. I was taught by my father who was taught by my mum’s father and ancestors before — Hāngi Masters of the past. Some of the rocks I use today have been in my family for generations and have fed thousands of people.


I was inspired to set Hāngi Master up to bring traditional Hāngi back to main stream Aotearoa. When Manuhiri (visitors) come to New Zealand the biggest thing missing is Māori kai. Not only for our Manuhiri, but for our own people of Aotearoa who are slowly losing their connection with the art of real Hāngi. Hāngi Master exists to remind people of the way we have cooked for centuries.