Cooking Timeline

Today in cooking class we where to complete a timeline from the past on the topic of food in New Zealand. I have selected the dates below.

1800s the first signs of an established NZ eating pattern became evident Meat and 3 veg. The tradition of Sunday Roasts begun.

1840 food supplies were limited depending on the region in which you lived.

1870 first coal range was made locally which was larger the method for cooking in the day.

1882 Tea Examination Act was developed to ensure the quality of tea sold was pure. Became an essential part

of workers day “smoko” a break hard fought by the workers.

1882 morning teas needed to keep the manual labourers well energized and often consisted on baked goods like scones.

1900s baking had begun to be more lavish with such items as sponges, pikelets, ginger kisses, afghans and gems.

1920 most homes were equipped with the first electric or gas ovens.

1930s  ladies afternoon tea parties were in full swing during the Depression as a cheaper alternative to dinner parties 

the 1930's came with the great depression – shortage in jobs meant people had little money to buy food. Soup kitchens were started and such dishes as the Shepherds Pie came about as a way to use leftovers

1950 NZ did a lot of bottling chutney and preserve making

1950 Watties canneries began operating and is still a major manufacturer today.

The 1958 first supermarket opened in Auckland with the second one opening in 1961.

1971 first KFC opened in Auckland 

1980’s technological advances in equipment and in the processing and packaging of food had a huge influence on hour diet. 

1990 due to greater communication and scientific research there was a greater consciousness about food related

to health issues and Vegetarianism was now firmly 

established as a way of eating and widely accepted.