Fishing by the Maramataka
The Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) from which Matariki exist within was, and still is relied upon heavily when it comes to harvesting kai (food) from Tangaroa’s fresh waters – which is cared for by Waitī, and his oceans – which Waitā watches over. Some nights are indicated as good times for line fishing by the ocean, whereas some are better for fishing from the rivers by torchlight.
For this week’s tunu kai, we have two recipes which cater to both options. If you enjoy trout fishing on the ocean, give Paula’s Trout Shepherd’s Pie ago. If you prefer freshwater kaimoana however, watch our Salmon Fillet step by step video and recreate your own.
Growing up, my Nana and Grandad loved to go fishing for Trout. They would take their boat to Lake Tarawera and fish for the weekends, sometimes I would go with them when I was up in Tauranga on holiday.
With the trout that she caught, she would take it home and bake it mainly into a Trout Shepherd Pie. These days, I don’t eat fish myself, but I remember staying at Nana and Grandad’s and eating a tiny helping of her Trout Shepherd’s Pie.
Check out the recipe.
Share your kai creations with us on Instagram @taurangacitylibraries #Matarikitauranga2020 or email us matarikingakurahuna@gmail.com