Stott, the head chef at the Old Packhouse Cafe in Kerikeri, tends to have Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, so he and his whānau can spend the next day at the beach. “It gives us the opportunity to be together ... and be grateful for everything.”Aqua Restaurant head chef Craig EstickAqua Restaurant head chef Craig Estick aims to keep things simple for the festive season. A few years ago, Aqua Restaurant head chef Craig Estick and his wife, Suzy, made two decisions to reduce Christmas stress. “I’d rather concentrate on downtime than be in the kitchen.”How to reduce Christmas food wasteShop smart: Make lists, estimate portions, and avoid impulse festive deals. Get creative with leftovers: Transform ham and turkey into new meals like fried rice, pies, frittatas, or soups.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 26, 2025 02:50 UTC