GastroGeography x Auckland Central: Auckland University of Technology

On the 27th of July 2022, representatives from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, two universities, a council, and a botanical artist went on a foraging walk together at Pukekawa Auckland Domain.

This botanical art installation continues a multi-year-long exploration of GastroGeography, and it's the first of its kind within Auckland Central.

The challenge was this: "Create immersive and experiential drinks that embody the taste of place".

How does Auckland Central taste? Cars and petrol fumes? Vast buildings of grey concrete with blackened glass? Tidy parks full of colourful, exotic flower displays, like Albert park? The shops upon shops on busy Queen street?

Or could a drink embody the flavour of a sunny stroll on a crisp winter day around the park at Pukekawa Auckland Domain?

The installation is a work of three parts: the drinks in your glasses are made with foraged native botanicals from Pukekawa Auckland Domain infused in spirit according to my ancestor's tradition of making Scandinavian snaps.

The visual artworks are made from the botanicals we made the drinks from. The floral art on your tables is created with native plants from my forest in Parau. Everything will be returned to their place in nature after our dinner.

Only the memories of this special evening will be yours to keep forever...

REVIEWS

 I was amazed at the diversity of flavors you can create. Karolina Brock

 

We truly enjoyed your wonderful presentation of the taste of central Auckland’s plants. What an amazing and unusual idea. It was so beautifully and sustainably presented in all these little glasses.Your photographs were so artistic and your introductory words were spoken so well. Nicole Veith

Thank you

You are inspirational and unique. Without any of you, this work would not have been possible.

Pukekawa Auckland Domain Park and Velskov Forest, Parau, we are grateful for your beauty, trees, birds, and all living beings. Thank you for sharing your treasures and abundance.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Tangata whenua of central Tāmaki Makaurau. The ancestors, present people, and future generations who guard this land. A special note of gratitude to Tom Irving, Wendy Watts, Marie, and Oki for your help with foraging.

Auckland University of Technology | AUT
You have all been immensely inspiring and supportive, especially Tracy Berno, Robert Richardson and John Kelleher.

Manukau Institute of Technology | MIT
Lisa Gilmour, Lynette Gumm, and students for bush walking, harvesting, and creating the floral art.

Auckland University
Luke Liddell, Danarta Sanyata and your team: keep on going with your mission on making native forests more financially sustainable.

Mentors in botany and ecology, you are always there with ideas and companionship: Chris Ferkins and Riki Bennett.

Auckland Council
Eveline Perl, thank you for sharing your knowledge and time.

Thank you to Absolut Vodka Sweden and Scapegrace New Zealand for supplying the spirit base - skål!