Media Statement

Friday 17 May 2013

Local identities tame the flame!

Come and have steak for lunch on Monday as Te Karaka, Whatatutu, Matawai and Motu celebrities face health centre staff in a ‘Cook Off’ promoting healthy eating.

Tongs, spatulas and basting brushes will be brandished by the locals who include community Constables Paul Cleaver and Mutu Noanoa, and Whatatutu School principal Ihipera Whakataka.

Turanga Health event coordinator Dallas Poi says the sizzling hot lunch time cook off will be outside Waikohu Health Centre in Te Karaka 11am-2pm. It’s a fun and tasty way to remind patients how easy it is to cook delicious healthy food.

“Eating healthier often sounds more complicated than it needs to be. There are plenty of common sense tips can help make your food choices easier

“For example choose lower fat cooking methods like grilling, boiling, baking or steaming rather than roasting or frying. And choose small servings of leaner cuts of meat. You can fill your plate with more vegetables. This will save you money as meat is generally the most expensive part of the meal.”

Other local identities include Kaumātua Dolly Houia, and Buddy Smith, successful businessman Jamie Simpson, Te Karaka Area School student Tyler Godley, Rangatira Motors petrol station and store owner Sue Clayden, and staff member Robin Peach.

Waikohu Health Centre chefs on the day will include Reweti Ropiha, Dwayne Tamatea, GP, Anahera Mita, Sue Andrew, Robyne McKeague, Sarah Brown, Shane Luke, Darryn White, and Christine Nepia.

Each chef will have half an hour to cook steak and create a marinade, rub or dipping sauce. Participants can bring a homemade marinade, rub or dipping sauce from home. Onlookers can sample the culinary delights and be in to win a wok and utensils by answering a simple questionnaire.

“The Cook Off is a chance for Turanga Health and the Waikohu Health Centre to connect with patients in a fun and educational way,” says Ms Poi. Turanga Health staff will use the event to check members of the public and their whānau are up to date with CVD risk assessments, she added.

Ends

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