Cookoff's almost too tasty to call

The hotly contested Master Marae Cookoff 2012 was won by the slimmest of margins by Parawhenua Marae near Ohaeawai.

Inspired by the TV series MasterChef, the annual contest is organised by Maori health provider Te Hau Ora o Kaikohe to promote healthy cooking.

Each marae taking part has to prepare a three-course lunch for kuia and kaumatua enrolled with Te Hau Ora's AgeWell programme. The meal has to be nutritious, suitable for the elderly, include fruit and vegetables, and have a traditional Maori element. The kuia and kaumatua are the judges, rating each marae on taste, presentation, healthiness, entertainment and other criteria.

This year's contestants were Okaihau College, Kohewhata Marae and Parawhenua Marae, with Parawhenua named the winner in Kaikohe last Friday.

Te Hau Ora operations manager Erena Kara said scores were so close staff had to check and re-check the totals. Just 0.4 points separated the top two.

While all the outings were enjoyable and the meals excellent, Parawhenua appeared to have got the edge with the festive atmosphere the marae created.

The festivities included Maori tourism leader Hone Mihaka - better known for leading the Waitangi waka pageant every February 6 - putting in an appearance as Santa Claus.

The winners get $1500 for the marae project of their choice.

Ms Kara said she hoped the competition would be back next year, but it was in doubt because it was funded by the Government's Heha (Healthy eating, healthy action) programme, which was ending this year.

Te Hau Ora was looking at partnering with other organisations to keep the cookoff going.