Innovative appetisers at TALA, blending S\u0101moan textures and techniques with contemporary flavour. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t even know if we were going to get a knife or not. Usually, just being invited was a huge thing for us. So when the one knife was announced and we got one, like, it was such a surreal moment… it\u2019s very humbling.\u201d<\/p>\n
To make the trip, the couple approached T\u0101taki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), the Auckland Council\u2019s economic and cultural development agency, which provided a $2000 travel grant covering part of their costs.<\/p>\n
One of TALA\u2019s signature dishes, presented in a coconut shell with smoke – a nod to traditional S\u0101moan cooking and storytelling through food. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cWe reached out to a few agencies and TAU was one of the only ones that helped,\u201d he says. \u201cIt gave us confidence that someone saw value in what we were doing, that telling stories through food can actually be good for the economy, bringing people into the city and into New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Karen Thomson-Smith, TAU\u2019s head of tourism, says the support recognised how TALA promotes Auckland\u2019s identity abroad.<\/p>\n
\u201cT\u0101taki Auckland Unlimited made a small contribution ($2000) toward Henry\u2019s travel to Milan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe saw this as an opportunity to support a chef whose work strongly aligns with promoting Auckland\u2019s story on a global stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cT\u0101maki Makaurau is the world\u2019s largest M\u0101ori and Pacific city, and people are increasingly travelling here specifically to experience its restaurants and food scene.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thomson-Smith says TALA\u2019s recognition shows how Auckland\u2019s creative and cultural sectors can drive tourism.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough initiatives like Iconic Auckland Eats<\/a>, we highlight the people and flavours that make the city unique,\u201d she says. \u201cPasifika flavours play a vital role in shaping Auckland\u2019s food identity.\u201d<\/p>\n Support from TAU is both practical and symbolic for Onesemo.<\/p>\n \u201cThey see the value in investing in a food scene that, if it thrives, could make Auckland an amazing food destination.\u201d<\/p>\n He says many chefs overseas have strong backing from tourism boards and local governments.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of these chefs have full backing from their boards of tourism and media travelling with them.<\/p>\n \u201cSeeing TAU\u2019s support gives me hope that Auckland can become that kind of food destination too.\u201d<\/p>\n Lotu Fuli, a Manukau ward councillor, says TALA\u2019s global recognition shows how local government investment can elevate Pacific excellence.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so proud of them. They\u2019re very grassroots, the chef is S\u0101moan-born and has worked his way up.<\/p>\n \u201cTALA probably speaks to a certain audience, but big ups to him because that puts our cuisine on the global stage.\u201d<\/p>\n