what is the puku?

the puku is the belly. the word is te reo Maori the language/tongue of my homeland and one part of my whakapapa (ancestry).. it is an affectionate term – food is very important in Maori culture, and bellies are not frowned upon! (when someone is tubby, they are pukunui – belly+big).

this blog is about ‘what’s inside’ – or soon to be inside – the puku: food!

I come from a food loving family – made up of generous cooks, (sometimes professional) chefs, bakers, winemakers, gardeners, food teachers.. and of course enthusiastic and involved eaters! I was born in Gisborne (wine country) on the East Coast of the North Island of Aotearoa / New Zealand, also living on Waiheke Island, in the Far North and Wellington before embarking on a ill-planned (there was a boy) OE (overseas experience) which has led to over 10 years in Australia – mostly in Nelson Bay, Townsville and now Sydney.

I am currently living in Inner South Sydney, and doing my Ph.D in Anthropology, as ridiculous and sublime as that seems sometimes, and I am also a (now very part time) public servant. I love what I do.

the creation of this blog was a result of inspiration from the many wonderful food blogs I read from the global food blog community (wow, internet is SO great for procrastinating), questions from and discussions with friends about food and recipes, and the desire for a creative outlet over which I will have complete artistic and content control, without sharing, or being given endless edits and requests by a supervisor! horray!

you can email me at: zoembaker{AT}gmail{DOT}com : )