When I think of Christmas, I think of the traditions which we continue today – the tree, the cake, the roast all have their origin in Germany, the place
I was born.
Celebrations need food and Christmas foods are some of the most treasured food traditions in any family. In our bakery we focus on the traditional recipes and baking traditions of New Zealand and Germany by making things like Christmas mince tarts and Christmas cakes, but also the classic German marzipan stollen, gingerbread houses, and, for the first time this year, a selection of my family’s Christmas cookies. Having these treats only at certain times of the year is what makes them so special in our hearts.
What is ironic to me is that the people preparing these ultimately quintessential European treats are by and large not of European descent, since many of the workers that prepare food in New Zealand are recent migrants from the Asia-Pacific rim. So, although the religious relevance of Christmas is ever diminishing, in the spirit of Christmas we should spare a moment to consider those less fortunate, those who might be far away from their families and friends at this special time of the year.
With the ever changing rules of Immigration NZ, the future for many hospitality workers is far from certain. Can they stay here or will they have to leave next year? This is a very stressful situation for employees and employers and it puts a huge strain on the sector as a whole. Perhaps when you go out to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the coming weeks, take a moment to thank the person serving you as well as the team in the kitchen. Wish them a Merry Christmas and for them to be rewarded for their hard work. And maybe take the time to write an email to your local MP about the value of having good food and how it brings people together and how valuable the people that work in this sector are? Merry Christmas. (ISABEL PASCH)
To read more about the employment crisis of migrant workers in hospitality, go to www.breadpolitics.com
Isabel Pasch is the owner of Bread & Butter Bakery & Cafe and the author of the www.breadpolitics.com blog