#lifestyle:Why We Love Our Kaimoana So Much

There’s something about kaimoana that goes far deeper than taste for New Zealanders. It’s memory. It’s place. It’s whānau. And for many of us, it’s identity.

From the rocky shores of the East Coast to the deep waters of the Chatham Islands, kaimoana connects us to the moana in a way few other foods can. It’s gathered, shared, argued over, gifted, and treasured. It shows up at tangi, birthdays, Christmas tables, and roadside stops that become legendary in their own right.

For me, that connection runs along State Highway 35, where a simple paua pie can carry the flavour of the coast, the salt air, and the stories of those who’ve harvested the sea long before us. Anyone who’s driven that road knows the feeling – you don’t just stop for food, you stop for a moment. A moment to remember where you are, and where you come from.

Kaimoana has always been more than kai for Māori. It is taonga. It comes with tikanga, with aroha, with knowledge passed down through generations. You learn when to take, when to leave, and how to respect the ocean that feeds you. That relationship – one of care rather than consumption – still shapes how many New Zealanders think about seafood today.

And then there’s the crayfish.

Chatham Islands crayfish, in particular, hold a special place in our national imagination. Pulled from cold, clean waters, they represent both abundance and restraint – prized not because they are everywhere, but because they are not. When crayfish appear on the table, it means something. It usually means celebration, or generosity, or someone cared enough to share something special.

Across Aotearoa, whether it’s pipi gathered with mokopuna, mussels steamed on a beach burner, or fish wrapped in newspaper after a long day on the water, kaimoana brings people together. It slows us down. It reminds us that food has a story – and that story often begins with the sea.

In a country surrounded by ocean, it’s no surprise we love what it gives us. But our love for kaimoana isn’t just about being a maritime nation. It’s about belonging. About knowing that the tides, the reefs, and the coastline are part of us – just as much as we are part of them.

So whether it’s a paua pie on SH35, a feed of cray shared with friends, or a simple plate of seafood eaten with sand still on your feet, kaimoana reminds us who we are.

And that’s something worth holding onto.

Whats your Favourite?

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