The Grandmothers of Pikitea Street Billingual

Scents of lemongrass, garam masala, baking and smoked meat drifted down the street as the children's grandmothers made food for their lunchboxes.

Maori, Ethiopian, Samoan, NZ European, Indian and Chinese grandmothers share traditional stories and recipes with their grandchildren as they get ready for bed - explaining how the food will benefit the children at school the next day.

The grandmothers aren't cooking only for the children.
They are also making dishes for their monthly gathering at one of their homes, where they continue to share their traditional dishes and stories, crossing cultural boundaries.

Renisa Maki tells a beautiful story of connection between cultures, and nanas and grandchildren, sumptuously illustrated and with a fine te reo translation.

Renisa Viraj Maki is a Kiwi-Indian leadership consultant and artist who is dedicated to writing stories that reflect cultural diversity.

She lives in Auckland. Nikki Slade Robinson is an award-winning illustrator and author who has published numerous children's books internationally; she lives in Opotiki. Kanapu Rangitauira (Te Arawa, Ngati Porou, Te Whakatohea) is a registered translator and teacher of te reo. He lives in Rotoiti, Rotorua.