First ever pavlova recipe found in Rangiora?

Pavlova, a Kiwi Christmas favourite. Photo / Steven McNicholl

The origins of the humble pavlova are once again up for debate.

Rangiora Church believes it has uncovered the first published pavlova recipe.

Reverend Christine Allan-Johns says the recipe was published in the Rangiora Mother's Union cookbook in 1933, two years before a similar one was printed in Australia.

She says the recipe is only a little different from today's.

"Quite small, small pavlova cakes they call it, and there's no vinegar so it's just egg whites, sugar, and a bit of cornflour, really," she says.

Ms Allan-Johns says they have re-published the recipe in a cookbook to raise funds for the church.

- Newstalk ZB