New cookbook of the year has Rarotonga links

A cookbook written by Paddy Walkers daughter Michal McKay has been awarded Cookbook of the Year at New Zealands Gourmand Awards, making it a contender for the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris in March.

Yesterday McKay, who is holidaying with her mum for the festive season, received advice that the book has been shortlisted in the final 12 books for the world awards.

The book is entitled Wanaka and is a peek into the region, its residents and its recipes.

McKay, whose public relations firm is contracted to Cook Islands Tourism, did much of the final editing and proofing of the book while visiting the Cook Islands.

The publishers media release explains its back-story:

It was more than 25 years ago that Wanaka cast its spell over philanthropists, art patrons and great outdoor enthusiasts Martyn and Louise Myer, who hail from the Australian department store family.

Not only did they continue to return year after year with their kids to ski, run, kayak, mountain bike, climb and hike, such was their spiritual connection with this delightful alpine community that they then went on to build their beloved and elegant Whare Kea Lodge, and later their mountain Chalet high in the Southern Alps.

Being two of lifes great enthusiasts, the couple felt that the Wanaka region deserved a book that really celebrated the community, their stories and, of course, its spectacular surroundings which would also provide another platform to promote Wanaka to the high-end holiday market and attract more tourism dollars to the region.

Martyn and Louise engaged Michal McKay, former magazine editor and publisher, to write the Wanaka story; and Kieran Scott, one of the countrys top photographers, is responsible for the absolutely breathtaking pictures on occasion capturing dramatic shots while hanging out of the helicopter on a harness.

Their stunning new book, Wanaka: Earth to Heaven at Whare Kea is the couples gift back to the community. Its a celebration not only of the magical part of this world, but also a celebration of what makes Wanaka so unique.

...The book reveals a cast of characters typical of those who have made Wanaka their home. They are rugged, entrepreneurial, adventure-loving and down-to-earth Kiwis, many of whom have become the Myers friends. Most Wanaka businesses are owner-operated, and theres a real sense of belonging and pride among their owners, a feisty spirit that permeates the book.

The book is divided into four parts to reflect the four seasons, and each section details seasonal activities, profiles of notable people and seasonal recipes from Whare Kea chef James Stapley.

The book was released on September 16 and is selling for $75 per copy.

Pacific cookbook Mea Kai, written by Robert Oliver and featuring recipes from local Cook Islanders, won Cookbook of the Year at the awards last year.