UNPACKING KIWI
PICNICs A visual history of picnicking in New Zealand
Rebecca O'Shea C URATOR & DESI GNER
In loving memory JESSI E CROTHERS 1918- 2 010
TABLE OF CONTENTs Introduction
10
The Landscape
15
Picnic Taxonomy
20
Picnic Memories
51
Picnics Unpacked
75
Picnic Glossary
78
INTRODUCTION from the everyday routine and spend some time to de-stress and connect with their surroundings. Current kiwiana motifs no longer reflect these aspects of our culture. They have merely become cliche’s of a past commonality we can no longer relate to. Using picnics as a vehicle of visually expressing our cultural development, we can identify and relate to the more subtle reflections of ourselves. These new elements will stimulate fond memories, and experiences to make us further pin point who we are. As a visual narrative we will unpack the picnic’s motifs, and objects of distinction. Many of these objects many be simply an adoption of other artifacts and trends from around the world. When do these objects become known as a New Zealand icon? This book should leave the reader questioning current representations of New Zealanders in comparison to the memories that this document stimulates. What is the kiwiana we remember? What is the relevance of kiwiana today? What is kiwiana?
Origins of the word picnic comes from the French word - piquenique signifies an outing with food similar to the word’s meaning in English. Pique may mean one of the following: leisurely eating (picking) or the delicacy of food. Nique was selected as a rhyming compound. Historians have found this French word in references outside of the France as early as 1748 and into English by around 1800. Picnics of the early 19th century were described as an occasion where food was jointly contributed and enjoyed outdoors. A picnic is described as a fashionable social entertainment in which each person present contributed a share of the provisions; now, a pleasure party including an excursion to some spot in the country where all partake of a repast out of doors: the participants may bring with them individually the food and means of entertainment, or the whole may be provided by someone who “givesthe picnic”. For New Zealand in the 20th century, picnics connected us with the people we love, the food we eat, and the land we live. Picnics bring family together, as well as allow people to withdraw themselves
10
By the sea JESSI E CROTHERS Jul y 1984
The
yOUNG Land
Marlbourough Sounds 1998
Our relationship with
THE LANDsCAPE It’s used dominantly throughout most of
Zealand Artist Turi Park’s artworks are an
our marketing and tourism, hence why New
exploration of how we perceive landscapes.
Zealanders we are often identified with the
In particular our regard for the ideals of
landscape globally. English immigrants
“the picturesque” that led us to preserve
when arriving to New Zealand quickly
areas for their scenic beauty; and to
developed a fondness to the landscape and
re-create country scenes so similar to the
expressed a sense of its superiority to the
European landscapes of our predecessors.
old country. New Zealand gave opportunity
The landscapes ability to provide
for the beginning of a new world, enriched
essential resources to New Zealanders,
with resources. New Zealand has often
gives people an attachment to it, as well as
referred to as the ‘Eden’ of the world.
an admiration for it. The outdoors also
Although we sometimes take advantage
provides a lot in terms of recreational
of its beauty, it has always been an subtle
activities. It’s no doubt that we associate a
underlying influence towards our cultural
lot of our memories and similar experiences
activities and ways of living.
within these places.
The landscape is emphasised in our family photos time and time again. New
15
/ PICNIC The
Ta X O n O M Y
"What a great childhood we had. Tea parties on the lawn to pass the time on a sunny afternoon." JESSI E CROTHERS
Dorene Russ
1933
1
2
3 4
5 6
22
The
VICTORIAN TRADITIONAL PICNIC Indulging in the summer sun, surrounded by luxuries such as scones, danishes, cheeses and fresh bread. All surrounding a pot of tea amongst the flowerbeds.
A
traditional picnics were an occasion
POT OF TEa
for the rich to indulge in fine food, wine and the scenery. large picnic baskets were brought, packed with fine china, and silverware, along
with
with fresh breads, fruit, pastries,
C ream n& es Jam
delicatessen foods and wine. these traditions originated in france in
19th century, and were adopted by english and western cultures.
Sco
the
A WICKER BASKET WITH PLATES & ALL 1. Victorian picnic basket 2. Material napkin 3. Tea cup 4. Tea pot 5. Fresh berries 6. Scones with cream and jam
23
Christchurch Botanical Gardens
2009
Christchurch Botanical Gardens
2006
1
2
3
4
6
5 7
The
ROmANCE PICNIC FOR TwO
Romantic picnics require a bit more thought. Choosing an appropriate location will ensure the best and most comfortable atmosphere. picnic chairs or blankets
this type of picnic is
are brought along,
commonly placed in
with wine or champagne,
a park, or botanical
fresh fruit bread and
gardens. a bottle of
cheeses. traditionally a
bubbles can also help
basket would be brought
calm the nerves. the
along with sandwiches,
romantic picnic has
wine and perhaps even
been depicted in many
a bouquet of flowers of
famous paintings such
some gifts. the chosen
as le déjeuner sur
location is preferably to
l’herbe (luncheon on
being more private and
the grass) by manet.
from
mEAL matE to
Soul mate
isolated from the public.
PATÉ | GRAPES | CHEESE | CRACKERS | WInE 1. New Zealand wine 2. Fresh bread 3. Selection of cheeses 4. Grapes 5. Paté. 6. Selection of crackers (Vita Wheat, MealMates, Water Crackers) 7. Wheat grains.
27
Orton Bradley Park
2006
2
3 1
4 6
5
7
30
The
F E A s T xmAs LUNCH
Being in the summer months, Christmas dinner would be replaced with a lunch, accompanied by both family & friends.
the christmas picnic is common in new zealand. family and friends would all meet together at their favourite sunny spot; the beach, the park, even someones' backyard. the arrangement
mmmm‌
would be similar to the traditional potluck style picnic. christmas cake was a must as well as meats, chilled
WatERmELON BOOZY TRIFLE
beer and wine, salads, fresh bread and summer fruits. the christmas chook is shredded for do it yourself sandwiches. outdoor activities like
GRANS FRUIT CAKe
cricket, rugby and soccer were brought along for the children. the
PaVLOVa WaRS
beach would allow a cooling swim after eating. pavlova and trifle with cream and kiwifruit; both popular desserts to finish off the feast.
PICNIC FOOD IS TO BE CONSUMED AT RANDOM 1.Traditional roast 2. Cricket set 3. Champagne with strawberries 4. Fruit cake 5. Pavlova 6. Fruit mince pies 7. Kiwifruit
31
Kaiteriteri
1972
Plimmerton Beach
2008
33
2
1
3
4
6
5 7 8
The
sEAsIDE fISH AnD CHIPS on THE BEACH
BEACH PICNICS ARE OFTEN AN EASy OPTION FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS. GRAB A CRICkET SET OR RUGBy BAll AND SIT OUT ON THE BEACH AS THE SUN SETS. fish n chips on the beach
TARTARE SAUCE
- a concept
new zealanders have become well known for. accompanied by the every popular watties tomato sauce and a can of fizz. sporting activities such
t O m a t O
as pétanque, cricket along with beach balls, rugby balls and alike
S a U C E
A SIDE OF LEMON
are also brought along. fish and
"CHOICE"
chips is often followed by scooped ice cream from the local dairy.
AfTER EATInG WAIT 1HR BEfoRE SWImmInG 1. Fish&Chips in newspaper 2. The Longest Drink in Town 3. Lemon&Paeroa 4. Tomato Sauce bottle 5. Pétanque 6. Tip Top ice cream 7. Fresh fish 8. Mussels
35
Wanganui
2009
Wanganui
2009
36
Nelson Caves
1976
37
1
2
3
4
7
5
6
The
CAmPFIRE " CooK – oUT " Picnics are traditionally meant to occur during daytime hours. However campfire ‘cookouts’ are very popular in the summer months.
BARBEQUE
the ‘cookout’ is where food is cooked outdoors at the picnic sight via the form of a fire, gas cooker or bbq. the campfire provides cooking facilities
SAUSAGE SIZZLE
to prepare hot food, and sausages are often placed on twigs from the bush. salads and breads were also brought, with beers, wine, and fizzy
DON'T FORGET TO BRING:
for thekids. thermoses were also brought along for hot drinks and
• TORCHEs FOR sPOTLIGHT • mATCHEs FOR THE CAmPFIRE • TwIGs FOR mARsHmALLOws
soups. marshmallows for an easy dessert, crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.
SHARInG SToRIES BY THE fIRE 1. Watties Tomato sauce 2. Tip Top white bread 3. Steaks 4. Sausages 5. Twigs for skewers 6. Beehive matches 7. Marshmallows
39
40
Botanical Gardens, Christchurch
2005
41
1
2
3
5
4
6
7
8
9
The
TEDDyBEAR P I C n I C
THE "TEDDy BEARs' PICNIC" Is A sONG CONsIsTING OF A mELODy COmPOsED By JOHN wALTER BRATTON IN 1907.
If you go down in the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise. If you go down to the woods today, you’d better go in disguise.
well known for the song, this type of picnic is often associated with
For ev’ry bear that ever
children’s birthday parties and local
there was, will gather
charity events. children were invited
there for certain, because.
to bring their favourite toys to the
Today’s the day the teddy
picnic. these picnics provided parents
bears have their picnic
with a good opportunity to mingle with other parents.
fUn foR THE WHoLE fAmILY 1. Teddy bear 2. Cancer society sunscreen 3. Watermelon 4. Fresh 'N Fruity yoghurt 5. Marmite & cheese sandwiches 6. Apple 7. Fairy bread 8. Butterfly cakes 9. Daisy chain
43
Somewhere in the South Island
1984
Lewis Pass
2007
45
1
2
3
5
4 6
The
PITsTOP on THE R oAD TRIP
minCE f rom the
piE
Time To sTreTch your legs and Take in The scenery. grab some packed sandwiches and pies from The local peTrol sTaTion and cross The road To The river.
DA I R y aNd a
Can of Coke
new zealand's state highway one is often taken for granted. there is an array of picnic spots to be discovered on the way to your final destination.
taKE a bREaK fROm thE ROad 1. CocaCola 2. Cream donut 3. Bluebird chips 4. Moro chocolate bar 5. Mince and cheese pie 6. Masterfoods tomato sauce
47
/ PICNIC Our
MEMORIES
Shelly Bay 1969
The importance of
mEmORIEs Our memories form who we are both
The majority of the recollections associated
as individuals and as a collective culture.
with picnics involve the people we spend
The objects we commonly share in our
time with in these environments, generally
upbringing and day to day lives, carry
those we feel most comfortable with.
subtle traces of a time, place or memory.
Picnics are a time of relaxation, frequently
The objects from picnics as a collective,
taking place in the festive summer months,
will often stimulate similar memories. A
a time of leisure, to indulge in good food
thermos may carry tea, soup or milo, and
and reconcile with others. These positive
is more used for its function in transporting
qualities stimulate conversation others who
contents to a particular place. However
have had similar experiences.
a specific thermos may remind you of
These memories fuel longevity in the
its original owner, or a time when it was
practice of picnics. They not only stimulate
shared with a loved one; carrying personal
conversation, but forms the visual elements
values beyond function.
of its surroundings. This engages us with
The visual comparison of picnics and
the subtleties of New Zealand culture.
the memories evoked through multiple
It also creates familiarity and a sense of
generations helps to define distinct
belonging. This familiarity can then
cultural trends. It's these trends that allow
become evident within our contemporary
us to relate with one another; creating
surroundings, allowing a comparison of
a sense of belonging and community.
how we were, to how we are today
Picnics are sustainable memories as they are often derived from a repeated event.
51
"wE'D
SIt
on a
woolen blanket
AmonGST THE TUSSoCK GRASS and sip a
Thermos of tea
&
SKEtCh
Birds
TOGETHER" Anonymous
23yrs
53
"HAD smoked fish
a few HEINEKEN's ALL ON A
hOt
mmmm… WITH
Summers Day
Avocado & Pesto Crackers
FOLLOWED BY A SWim" Claire
20yrs
55
" i REmEmBER A TimE WHERE WE'D GO tO pLAy IN thE
creek
the local park
&
ON thE
FlyING FOx
Have tomato soup out of a flask with
GRAnDmA'S SALADS " Stephanie
18yrs
57
"WE ALL LOVED The annual church picnic HElD IN
A great place for
SPoRTS
Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekaeriki.
Races, lolly scrambles, sandcastles‌
pADDLEBOATS & SWimminG" Jessie
90yrs
59
"I REmEmER Gathering as a family
on CHRISTmAS DAY WIth XmaS
VARIoUS
cake
Salads
Deli
foods
Sometimes mum would make bacon and egg pie
EsPECIALLy" Anonymous
23yrs
61
"AT
Lake
WAIkAREMOANA
WE CAUGHT SomE fISH
We
Pulled into the, Bay made a fire
AnD COOkED THEm " James
34yrs
63
" What
wONDERFUL p i c n i c s w e h a d a s a fa m i ly TO THE
OftEN taKINg OUR
BEACH
Hot Meal
GiVinG US A LOnG AFTERnOOn
IN thE SUN" Jessie
91yrs
65
"wHEN wE WERE DRIVInG RoUnD the
SoUTH ISLAnD
We had our gas cooker by the sea saomewhere, so we had
BURGERS
Flew Kites" Donna
27yrs
67
"WE WEnT Up hE MADE thE
sandwiches
thE cAbLE cAr tO thE GArDENS
+ I brOUGht DEssERT
After the picnic we trekked up to the top of the hill to see
THE AmAZinG ViEW" Kierra
21yrs
69
"THERE WAS A DAIry NEAr thE pIcNIc everyone ended up buying an ice cream on a
RiDiCULOUSLY HOT DAY" Phillip
21yrs
71
/ PICNIC The
U n PaC K E d
Queen Victoria Park 1972
What do we make of
KIwIANA? When unpacking the artefacts, locations
is now clear that picnicing is a sustained
and timeless memories of picnics we can
occurance in New Zealand cultural history.
see that New Zealand culture can not be
The memories associated with picnics
sollomly based the tacky motifs of our
span through multiple generations. But
souvenier stores. Nor the landscape seen
how much will stay the same, and how
in our marketing campaigns. But the
will it evolve in the future?
memories and experiences of the people
The issue we have today, is whether or
that live here.
not we still have time for picnics? Will
This visual interpretation of kiwi
the picnic die out due to mass consumption
culture through the means of picnicing
and convienience? Perhaps picnics will be
allows readers to at least recognise the
lost due to the increasing strains of time
subtle entities of their own culture. It may
starvation in everyday living. Will we
allow society to further embrace these
surcome to the pressures of our careers
objects and aesthetics of signifiance. Thus
for the sake of lessening leisurely activities
developing a new understanding of what
and relaxation?
makes us who we are as New Zealanders
It is a case of individual choice to decide
beyond cliche. A more enriched culture
whether or not they wish to emerce in
of adjacent personal experiences, which
the effortless scenary that surrounds us.
express characteristics that typical motifs
Reconsile with loved ones. Endulge in the
no longer achieve.
simple luxuries. Can New Zealanders
Where does this leave us in the future
avoid becoming trapped in the ever rapid
of picnicing in New Zealand culture? It
economic cycles and keep picnics alive?
75
/ PICNIC A
gLOSSaRY
b BAsKET (pg, 22) A picnic basket is a basket intended to hold and transport food and
The term "cupcake" was mentioned first in 1828 in Eliza Leslie's Receipts cookbook. UNITED STATES
many Commonwealth countries like
A basket is an essential item at any
(pg, 42)
picnic. EUROPE
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is the leading organisation dedicated
Beehive matches were made by Bryant and May popular in New Zealand have a logo based on the traditional skep beehive design. NEW ZEAlAND
BLUEBIRD CHIPs (pg, 46) Bluebird Foods ltd is a division of the U.S. based PepsiCo corporation that manufactures snack foods, cereals and muesli bars in New Zealand. The original potato chip recipe was created in Saratoga Springs, New york on August 24, 1853. UNITED STATES
BUTTERFLy CAKEs (pg, 42) A butterfly cake is a variant of cupcake. The top of the fairy cake is cut off or carved out with a spoon, and cut in half. Then, butter cream, whipped cream or other sweet filling (e.g. jam) is spread into the hole. Finally, the two
Christmas cake is a type of fruitcake Ireland, Japan, Philippines and
eating utensils to a desired location.
(pg, 38)
(pg, 30) served at Christmas time in the Uk,
c CANCER sOCIETy
BEEHIVE mATCHEs
CHRIsTmAs CAKE
New Zealand.
COCACOLA (pg, 46)
to reducing the incidence of cancer
Coca-Cola Company claims that
and ensuring the best cancer care
the beverage is sold in more than
for everyone in New Zealand. Their
200 countries. It is produced by
sunscreen is a must have item at
The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta,
picnics. NEW ZEAlAND
Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke (a registered trademark of
CHAmPAGNE
The Coca-Cola Company in the United
(pg, 30)
States since March 27, 1944).
Champagne is a sparkling wine
UNITED STATES
produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of the wine to effect carbonation. It is produced
CREAm BUN (pg, 46)
exclusively within the Champagne
Cream bun is a type of Chinese pastry.
region of France, from which it takes
It is one of the most standard pastries
its name. FRANCE
in Hong kong. CHINA
CHEEsE
CRICKET sET
(pg, 26)
(pg, 30)
Cheese consists of proteins and fat
Cricket was first documented as being
from milk. It is an ancient food whose
played in southern England in the
origins predate recorded history. There
16th century. By the end of the 18th
is no conclusive evidence indicating
century, it had developed to the point
where cheese making originated, either
where it had become the national sport
in Europe, Central Asia or the Middle
of England. UNITED kINGDOM
East. UNkNOWN
cut halves are stuck into the butter cream to look like butterfly wings.
78
CRIsPs (see Bluebird Chips)
FREsH 'N FRUITy (pg, 42) A 20year old New Zealand yoghurt
d
l
brand. Using fresh New Zealand
LEmON & PAEROA
milk and fruit. NEW ZEAlAND
(pg, 34) lemon & Paeroa, also known as l&P,
DAIsy CHAIN
is a sweet soft drink manufactured
(pg, 42)
FRUIT mINCE PIE
in New Zealand. Traditionally
A garland created from the daisy
(pg, 30)
made by combining lemon juice with
flower, as a children's game.
A mince pie is a British festive sweet
carbonated mineral water from the
pastry, traditionally consumed during
town of Paeroa, it is now manufactured
the Christmas and New year period.
by multi-national Coca-Cola.
UNITED kINGDOM
NEW ZEAlAND
k
THE LONGEsT DRINK IN TOwN
f FAIRy BREAD (pg, 42) Fairy bread is sliced white bread cut into triangles, spread with margarine
(pg, 34)
or butter, and covered with hundreds
KIwIFRUIT
and thousands which stick to the
(pg, 30)
giraffe image has appeared on the
spread. The origin of the term is not
Also known as the Chinese gooseberry,
side of paper cups used by dairies
known, but it may come from the
the fruit was renamed for export
and icecream parlours for milkshakes.
poem 'Fairy Bread' in Robert louis
marketing reasons in the 1950s; briefly
NEW ZEAlAND
Stevenson's A Child's Garden
to melonette, and then later by New
of Verses, published in 1885.
Zealand exporters to kiwifruit. This
AUSTRAlIA / NEW ZEAlAND
name "kiwifruit" comes from the kiwi
Since 1968, an iconic blue and red
— a brown flightless bird and New
FIsH AND CHIPs (pg, 34) Fish and chips (sometimes written
m
Zealand's national symbol, and also a
mARmITE
colloquial name for the New Zealand
(pg, 42)
people. NEW ZEAlAND
The distinctive product was originally British (1902), but a version with
"fish 'n' chips") is a popular take-away
a different flavour which has been
food that originated in the United
manufactured in New Zealand since
kingdom in 1858 or 1863.
1919, and this is the dominant version
UNITED kINGDOM
in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. NZ/UK
79
mARsHmALLOws (pg, 38)
New Zealand dairies, bakeries and petrol stations. NEW ZEAlAND
The root has been used since Egyptian antiquity in a honey-sweetened confection useful in the treatment of
sAUsAGE sIzzLE
p
(pg, 38) A sausage is a food made from ground
sore throat. The later French version of the recipe, called pâté de guimauve (or "guimauve" for short), included an eggwhite meringue and was often flavored with rose water. Pâté de guimauve more closely resembles contemporary commercially available marshmallows, which no longer contain any actual marshmallow. FRANCE
mEAL mATEs CRACKERs
s
meat, and, usually, salt, herbs, and
PAVLOVA
spices. Sausage sizzles were developed
(pg, 30) The dessert is believed to have been created to honour the dancer Anna Pavlova during or after one of her tours to Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. Where it was created and the nationality of its creator has been a source of argument between the two nations for many years, (the Pavlova Wars) but research indicates
for fundraising and social gatherings.
sCONEs (pg, 22) The scone is a small British quick bread (or cake if recipe includes sugar) of Scottish origin. On certain occasions the scones will be filled with cream and jam. SCOTlAND
(pg, 26)
New Zealand as the source.
Created by the Griffins Biscuit
NEW ZEAlAND
T
PATÉ
TEDDy BEAR
(pg, 26)
(pg, 42)
Pâté is a mixture of ground meat and
The name Teddy Bear comes from
company located in Papakura and Wiri in Auckland New Zealand. NEW ZEAlAND
mORO CHOCOLATE BAR
fat minced into a spreadable paste.
former United States President
(pg, 46)
Common additions include vegetables,
Theodore Roosevelt, whose nickname
Made by Cadbury in New Zealand
herbs, spices, and wine. FRANCE
was "Teddy". The name arose through
and the Uk. The Deep-fried Moro Bar is sold by New Zealand Fish and chip shops as an alternative to the Deep-fried Mars Bar, particularly in Dunedin. It is now claimed to be New
the tale of the bear shooting in 1902. UNITED STATES
PÉTANqUE (pg, 34) Petanque is a form of boules where the goal is, while standing inside a
TIPTOP TUB ICECREAm
starting circle with both feet on the
(pg, 34)
ground, to throw metal balls as close
Fonterra Brands (Tip Top) ltd or
as possible to a small wooden ball
commonly known simply as Tip Top
(pg, 46)
called a cochonnet or jack. The game
ice cream, is now a subsidiary of the
Mince Pies are pastries made with
originated in 1907 in Southern France
Fonterra Co-operative Group based
Zealand's 4th favourite bar.
mINCE PIE
ground meat. They are common in
in Auckland, New Zealand. The brand
80
originated in 1936 Albert Hayman and Len Malaghan opened their first
wATTIEs TOmATO sAUCE (pg, 38)
Ice Cream parlour in Manners Street,
Wattie's or Heinz Wattie's Limited
Wellington, New Zealand.
is a New Zealand-based food
NEW ZEAlAND
producer of frozen and packaged fruit,vegetables, sauces, baby food,
TIP TOP BREAD
cooking sauces, dressings and pet
(pg, 38)
foods. Founded in 1934 by the late
Tip Top Bakeries is an Australasian
Sir James Wattie. NEW ZEAlAND
manufacturer of bread products owned by George Weston Foods, a subsidiary of multinational food giant Associated British Foods. AUSTRAlIA
TOmATO sAUCE CONTAINER (pg, 34) An iconic item of New Zealand kitsch. The container has links with Watties Tomato Sauce brand. UNkNOWN
w wATERCRACKER (pg, 26) Water biscuits are baked using only flour and water, without shortening or other fats usually used in biscuit production. Originally produced in the 19th Century as a version of the ship's biscuit, water biscuits continue to be popular in the United kingdom. UNITED kINGDOM
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