Rewena and Rabbit Stew: The Rural Kitchen in Aotearoa, 1800-1940 - Paperback

by Katie Cooper (Author)

Discover the heart of early Aotearoa through its kitchens. Katie Cooper's Rewena and Rabbit Stew offers a unique glimpse into rural New Zealand from 1800 to 1940, exploring the foodways of Māori and Pākehā settlers. What did they eat? How did they cook? And what can their kitchens tell us about their lives?

From hāngī stones to coal ranges, this book uncovers the social practices, cooking technologies, and gender roles that shaped rural communities. Explore the impact of colonization on food production, the importance of manaakitanga, and the diverse experiences of those who called Aotearoa home. Perfect for history buffs and food lovers alike, this book brings the past to life through the smells and tastes of the rural kitchen.

Author Biography

Katie Cooper grew up on a small sheep farm just out of Gore and is the daughter of an agriculture teacher and a history teacher. She completed her PhD in history at the University of Otago, and since 2016 has been a curator at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Katie's research focus is the social and material history of nineteenth-century New Zealand, and she has been working to highlight women's histories in Te Papa's collections.