Maketū author Angie Belcher will launch her latest book at Te Puke Library and Service Centre this week.

The Big Boil-Up (Te Kai Kōhua Nui) follows Bubba as she learns to carry on the tradition of preparing and sharing food with others.

The book has been published in English and re reo Māori.

While the boil-up continues its long slow simmer, Bubba realises the meal is not just about food, it is about resourcefulness, memory, togetherness and learning to care about each other.

Belcher said she hoped the book will allow readers to connect with the joy and togetherness created when whānau work and celebrate together.

“I also hope they will also reflect on other cultures that share communal, large-pot meals prepared in a simmering broth or cooked collectively for sharing.”

Belcher has Italian ancestry, so her connection to food and family is strong.

But she has always felt a deeper connection to Māori culture.

Perhaps, she said, it was growing up in the Wairarapa, or maybe something deeper still.

“Whenever I’ve been at an event at the local marae, I’ve always been fascinated by how everyone —no matter their age — works as a team to prepare, cook, and feed even the largest group.

“From a young age, children learn what is required of them, from washing potatoes to looking after the little ones while their parents prepare the kai.”

When she taught drama at Te Puke Intermediate School, teachers from the Māori department would use the kitchen in the performing arts centre to prepare a big boil-up.

“There was always much chatter and laughter, and everyone was welcome. However, I always felt a bit on the outer—as if I was missing out on something very special, it took a long while to realise that, of course it wasn’t just about the food, it was about connecting on a deeper level and once I got that, the experience was totally different.”

Many years later she saw people gathering watercress from a nearby stream, so decided to some research into making her own big boil-up.

“Of course, I never managed to recreate the flavours or the camaraderie of those first boil-ups I’d tried, but I did enjoy many gatherings where the boil-ups were memorable events full of laughter, friendship, and intergenerational togetherness.”

She said she thinks The Big Boil-Up story would really connect with Māori children because of its familiarity, especially the younger ones as they learn their roles in helping to prepare the kai.

Published by Scholastic, the book has been illustrated by Zak Ātea.

“I didn’t know Zak, nor was I familiar with her art, but Scholastic New Zealand couldn’t have chosen a better illustrator to bring the story to life.

“I wanted the images to reflect everything I love about Maketū. Zak’s integration of Māori design throughout the story, the many hidden elements, and her clear familiarity with the concept make the illustrations perfect.”

Ātea asked Belcher if there was anything special she wanted to include in the illustrations and suggested Angie send some photos of things around Maketū that inspired her.

“I knew exactly where to go: the marae, the estuary, the church, the playground with its big pōhutukawa, and of course, the old diving board in the estuary where the local children complete their rite of passage — jumping off with squeals and laughter.”

The launch will be after school on September 10, starting at 3.30pm.

It will include activities, prize draws, cake and a big boil-up.

Belcher will also be at Te Puke Library at 10am on September 18 and Ōmokoroa Library the following day as part of Te Wiki o Te Reo.

There will also be a guest reading Te Kai Kōhua Nui during the Te Wiki o te reo.