Tauranga Vananga secretary Emile Kairua says that in today’s fast-paced world dominated by convenience foods and modern kitchen gadgets there’s something incredibly grounding and culturally enriching about teaching young people the art of cooking using traditional methods like the umu - the underground oven.

On Friday the first of the three Takurua events – the Secondary Schools Takurua Ta’u Umu kicked off at Te Puna Korero/National Culture Centre Grounds hosted by Tauranga Vananga/Ministry of Cultural Development.

This is to celebrate Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance celebrations, where Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism will present the culinary celebration of Takurua – Taste of the Season.

Five teams from Tereora College (four teams) and Titikaveka College participated in the Takurua event which included the Imene Kinura (string band), Rangaranga (weaving), Rore (stilts), Amo Taonga (food carrying race), Ta’u Umu (steam cooking with rocks), and Moina Tai (coconut cream) categories.

Kairua says that teaching young people how to prepare food in an umu allows them to reconnect with their roots and embrace their cultural identity.

“By learning the process, they gain a deeper understanding of 'how we did it', how our tupuna worked and their way of life, how they worked with the land, and how food was central to community and celebration.

“It’s a beautiful way to pass down not only recipes but also stories and traditions that might otherwise be lost in the rush of modern life.”

Cooking in an umu involves time, preparation, patience, and appreciation for the natural process. Stones are heated for the food to cook on.

“For young people accustomed to instant gratification, learning to cook with the umu teaches them invaluable life skills such as patience and appreciating age-old processes, focus, and mindfulness,” said Kairua.

“They learn to appreciate the time and care involved in creating a meal and, in doing so, cultivate a deeper respect for food itself.

“One of the most beautiful aspects of cooking with an umu is its emphasis on community. It’s rarely a solo activity. The process often involves multiple hands - whether it’s gathering the stones, preparing the food, or setting up the umu.”