A visual history of picnicking

in New Zealand

Rebecca O'Shea

CURATOR & DESIGNER

UNPACKINGK I W I

PICNICs

In loving memory

JESSIE CROTHERS

1918-2010

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15

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Introduction

The Landscape

Picnic Taxonomy

Picnic Memories

Picnics Unpacked

Picnic Glossary

TABLE OF CONTENTs

10

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

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?

INTRODUCTION

By the sea

JESSIE CROTHERS

July 1984

yOUNGL a n d

The

1998

Marlbourough Sounds

15

It’s used dominantly throughout most of

our marketing and tourism, hence why New

Zealanders we are often identified with the

landscape globally. English immigrants

when arriving to New Zealand quickly

developed a fondness to the landscape and

expressed a sense of its superiority to the

old country. New Zealand gave opportunity

for the beginning of a new world, enriched

with resources. New Zealand has often

referred to as the ‘Eden’ of the world.

Although we sometimes take advantage

of its beauty, it has always been an subtle

underlying influence towards our cultural

activities and ways of living.

The landscape is emphasised in our

family photos time and time again. New

Zealand Artist Turi Park’s artworks are an

exploration of how we perceive landscapes.

In particular our regard for the ideals of

“the picturesque” that led us to preserve

areas for their scenic beauty; and to

re-create country scenes so similar to the

European landscapes of our predecessors.

The landscapes ability to provide

essential resources to New Zealanders,

gives people an attachment to it, as well as

an admiration for it. The outdoors also

provides a lot in terms of recreational

activities. It’s no doubt that we associate a

lot of our memories and similar experiences

within these places.

THE LANDsCAPEOur relationship with

/PICNICT a X O n O M Y

The

"What a great childhood we had.

Tea parties on the lawn to pass the

time on a sunny afternoon."

JESSIE CROTHERS

1933Dorene Russ

22

1

2

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5

6

4

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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.

1. Victorian picnic basket 2. Material napkin 3. Tea cup 4. Tea pot

5. Fresh berries 6. Scones with cream and jam

VICTORIANThe

TRADITIONAL PICNIC

A WICKER BASKET WITH PLATES & ALL

POT OF TEatraditional picnics were an occasion

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 fresh breads, fruit, pastries,

delicatessen foods and wine. these

traditions originated in france in

the 19th century, and were adopted

by english and western cultures.

with

A

Cream & Jam Scones

2009Christchurch Botanical Gardens

2006Christchurch Botanical Gardens

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4

5

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mEALmatE

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.

ROmANCEThe

PATÉ | GRAPES | CHEESE | CRACKERS | WInE

P I C N I C F O R T w O

picnic chairs or blankets are brought along, with wine or champagne, fresh fruit bread and cheeses. traditionally a basket would be brought along with sandwiches, wine and perhaps even a bouquet of flowers of some gifts. the chosen location is preferably to being more private and isolated from the public.

this type of picnic is commonly placed in a park, or botanical gardens. a bottle of bubbles can also help calm the nerves. the romantic picnic has been depicted in many famous paintings such as le déjeuner sur l’herbe (luncheon on the grass) by manet.

from

to

Soulmate

Romantic picnics require a bit more thought. Choosing an appropriate location will ensure

the best and most comfortable atmosphere.

Orton Bradley Park

2006

30

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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 would be similar to the traditional potluck style picnic. christmas cake was a must as well as meats, chilled beer and wine, salads, fresh bread and summer fruits. the christmas chook is shredded for do it yourself sandwiches. outdoor activities like cricket, rugby and soccer were brought along for the children. the beach would allow a cooling swim after eating. pavlova and trifle with cream and kiwifruit; both popular desserts to finish off the feast.

Being in the summer months, Christmas dinner would be replaced with a lunch,

accompanied by both family & friends.

1.Traditional roast 2. Cricket set 3. Champagne with strawberries

4. Fruit cake 5. Pavlova 6. Fruit mince pies 7. Kiwifruit

F E A s T

mmmm…

GRANS FRUIT CAKe

PaVLOVa WaRS

WatERmELON BOOZY TRIFLE

The

x m A s L U N C H

PICNIC FOOD IS TO BE CONSUMED AT RANDOM

1972Kaiteriteri

33

2008Plimmerton Beach

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35

TARTARE SAUCE

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.

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

sEAsIDE

"CHOICE"

The

t O m a t O S a U C E

AfTER EATInG WAIT 1HR BEfoRE SWImmInG

f I S H A n D C H I P S o n T H E B E A C H

fish n chips on the beach - 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 as pétanque, cricket along with beach balls, rugby balls and alike are also brought along. fish and chips is often followed by scooped ice cream from the local dairy.

A SIDE OF LEMON

36

2009

2009Wanganui

Wanganui

37

Nelson Caves 1976

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Picnics are traditionally meant to occur during daytime hours. However campfire ‘cookouts’

are very popular in the summer months.

1. Watties Tomato sauce 2. Tip Top white bread 3. Steaks 4. Sausages

5. Twigs for skewers 6. Beehive matches 7. Marshmallows

CAmPFIRE

BARBEQUESAUSAGE S I Z Z L E

The

" C o o K – o U T "

TORCHEs FOR sPOTLIGHT •mATCHEs FOR THE CAmPFIRE•TwIGs FOR mARsHmALLOws•

SHARInG SToRIES BY THE fIRE

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 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 for thekids. thermoses were also brought along for hot drinks and soups. marshmallows for an easy dessert, crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.

DON'T FORGET TO BRING:

40

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Botanical Gardens, Christchurch 2005

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96

43

THE "TEDDy BEARs' PICNIC" Is A sONG CONsIsTING OF A

mELODy COmPOsED By JOHN wALTER BRATTON IN 1907.

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

TEDDyBEARThe

P I C n I C

fUn foR THE WHoLE fAmILY

well known for the song, this type of picnic is often associated with children’s birthday parties and local charity events. children were invited to bring their favourite toys to the picnic. these picnics provided parents with a good opportunity to mingle with other parents.

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.

For ev’ry bear that ever

there was, will gather

there for certain, because.

Today’s the day the teddy

bears have their picnic

1984Somewhere in the South Island

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2007Lewis Pass

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minCE piEDA I R y

a N d a

f r o m t h e

Can of Coke

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.

1. CocaCola 2. Cream donut 3. Bluebird chips 4. Moro chocolate bar

5. Mince and cheese pie 6. Masterfoods tomato sauce

PITsTOPThe

taKE a bREaK fROm thE ROad

o n T H E R o A D T R I P

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.

/PICNICM E M O R I E S

Our

1969

Shelly Bay

51

Our memories form who we are both

as individuals and as a collective culture.

The objects we commonly share in our

upbringing and day to day lives, carry

subtle traces of a time, place or memory.

The objects from picnics as a collective,

will often stimulate similar memories. A

thermos may carry tea, soup or milo, and

is more used for its function in transporting

contents to a particular place. However

a specific thermos may remind you of

its original owner, or a time when it was

shared with a loved one; carrying personal

values beyond function.

The visual comparison of picnics and

the memories evoked through multiple

generations helps to define distinct

cultural trends. It's these trends that allow

us to relate with one another; creating

a sense of belonging and community.

Picnics are sustainable memories as they

are often derived from a repeated event.

The majority of the recollections associated

with picnics involve the people we spend

time with in these environments, generally

those we feel most comfortable with.

Picnics are a time of relaxation, frequently

taking place in the festive summer months,

a time of leisure, to indulge in good food

and reconcile with others. These positive

qualities stimulate conversation others who

have had similar experiences.

These memories fuel longevity in the

practice of picnics. They not only stimulate

conversation, but forms the visual elements

of its surroundings. This engages us with

the subtleties of New Zealand culture.

It also creates familiarity and a sense of

belonging. This familiarity can then

become evident within our contemporary

surroundings, allowing a comparison of

how we were, to how we are today

mEmORIEsThe importance of

53

Anonymous 23yrs

"wE'D

TOGETHER"&

on a

Birdsand sip a

w o o l e n b l a n k e t

Thermos of tea

SIt

S K E t C h

AmonGST THE TUSSoCK GRASS

55

smoked fish mmmm…

Claire 20yrs

"HAD

FOLLOWED BY A SWim"

HEINEKEN's

a few

Avocado & Pesto Crackers

W I T H

ALL ON A hOt

SummersDay

57

Stephanie 18yrs

GRAnDmA'S SALADS "

" i REmEmBER A TimE WHEREWE'D GO tO the local park

pLAy IN thE creek

ON thE FlyING FOx&

Have tomato soup out of a flask with

59

Jessie 90yrs

pADDLEBOATS & SWimminG"

"WE ALL LOVEDT h e a n n u a l c h u r c h p i c n i c

Races, lolly scrambles, sandcastles…

HElD IN

Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekaeriki.

A great place for

SPoRTS

61

Anonymous 23yrs

" I REmEmER

EsPECIALLy"

cake Salads foodsW I t h X m a S V A R I o U S D e l i

o n C H R I S T m A S D A YGathering as a family

Sometimes mum would make bacon and egg pie

63

James 34yrs

"ATWeAnD COOkED THEm "

WAIkAREMOANA

Lake

W E C A U G H T S o m E f I S H

Pulled into the, Bay made a fire

65

Jessie 91yrs

wONDERFUL

Hot MealOftEN taKINg OUR TO THE

GiVinG US A LOnG AFTERnOOn

I N t h E S U N "

BEACH

"What

p i c n i c s w e h a d a s a f a m i l y

67

Donna 27yrs

"wHEN wE

Flew Kites"BURGERS

SoUTH ISLAnD

WERE DRIVInG RoUnD

We had our gas cooker by the sea saomewhere, so we had

the

69

Kierra 21yrs

THE AmAZinG ViEW"

"WE WEnT Up thE cAbLE cAr tO thE GArDENS

hE MADE thE sandwiches

I brOUGhtDEssERT+

After the picnic we trekked up tothe top of the hill to see

71

Phillip 21yrs

RiDiCULOUSLY HOT DAY"

"THERE WAS ADAIry NEAr thE pIcNIc

everyone ended up buying an ice cream on a

/PICNICU n P a C K E d

The

1972

Queen Victoria Park

75

When unpacking the artefacts, locations

and timeless memories of picnics we can

see that New Zealand culture can not be

sollomly based the tacky motifs of our

souvenier stores. Nor the landscape seen

in our marketing campaigns. But the

memories and experiences of the people

that live here.

This visual interpretation of kiwi

culture through the means of picnicing

allows readers to at least recognise the

subtle entities of their own culture. It may

allow society to further embrace these

objects and aesthetics of signifiance. Thus

developing a new understanding of what

makes us who we are as New Zealanders

beyond cliche. A more enriched culture

of adjacent personal experiences, which

express characteristics that typical motifs

no longer achieve.

Where does this leave us in the future

of picnicing in New Zealand culture? It

is now clear that picnicing is a sustained

occurance in New Zealand cultural history.

The memories associated with picnics

span through multiple generations. But

how much will stay the same, and how

will it evolve in the future?

The issue we have today, is whether or

not we still have time for picnics? Will

the picnic die out due to mass consumption

and convienience? Perhaps picnics will be

lost due to the increasing strains of time

starvation in everyday living. Will we

surcome to the pressures of our careers

for the sake of lessening leisurely activities

and relaxation?

It is a case of individual choice to decide

whether or not they wish to emerce in

the effortless scenary that surrounds us.

Reconsile with loved ones. Endulge in the

simple luxuries. Can New Zealanders

avoid becoming trapped in the ever rapid

economic cycles and keep picnics alive?

KIwIANA?What do we make of

/PICNICg L O S S a R Y

A

78

b

BAsKET (pg, 22)

A picnic basket is a basket intended

to hold and transport food and

eating utensils to a desired location.

A basket is an essential item at any

picnic. EUROPE

BEEHIVE mATCHEs (pg, 38)

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

cut halves are stuck into the butter

cream to look like butterfly wings.

The term "cupcake" was mentioned

first in 1828 in Eliza Leslie's Receipts

cookbook. UNITED STATES

c

CANCER sOCIETy(pg, 42)

The Cancer Society of New Zealand

is the leading organisation dedicated

to reducing the incidence of cancer

and ensuring the best cancer care

for everyone in New Zealand. Their

sunscreen is a must have item at

picnics. NEW ZEAlAND

CHAmPAGNE (pg, 30)

Champagne is a sparkling wine

produced by inducing the in-bottle

secondary fermentation of the wine

to effect carbonation. It is produced

exclusively within the Champagne

region of France, from which it takes

its name. FRANCE

CHEEsE (pg, 26)

Cheese consists of proteins and fat

from milk. It is an ancient food whose

origins predate recorded history. There

is no conclusive evidence indicating

where cheese making originated, either

in Europe, Central Asia or the Middle

East. UNkNOWN

CHRIsTmAs CAKE (pg, 30)

Christmas cake is a type of fruitcake

served at Christmas time in the Uk,

Ireland, Japan, Philippines and

many Commonwealth countries like

New Zealand.

COCACOLA(pg, 46)

Coca-Cola Company claims that

the beverage is sold in more than

200 countries. It is produced by

The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta,

Georgia, and is often referred to simply

as Coke (a registered trademark of

The Coca-Cola Company in the United

States since March 27, 1944).

UNITED STATES

CREAm BUN(pg, 46)

Cream bun is a type of Chinese pastry.

It is one of the most standard pastries

in Hong kong. CHINA

CRICKET sET(pg, 30)

Cricket was first documented as being

played in southern England in the

16th century. By the end of the 18th

century, it had developed to the point

where it had become the national sport

of England. UNITED kINGDOM

79

CRIsPs (see Bluebird Chips)

d

DAIsy CHAIN(pg, 42)

A garland created from the daisy

flower, as a children's game.

f

FAIRy BREAD(pg, 42)

Fairy bread is sliced white bread cut

into triangles, spread with margarine

or butter, and covered with hundreds

and thousands which stick to the

spread. The origin of the term is not

known, but it may come from the

poem 'Fairy Bread' in Robert louis

Stevenson's A Child's Garden

of Verses, published in 1885.

AUSTRAlIA / NEW ZEAlAND

FIsH AND CHIPs (pg, 34)

Fish and chips (sometimes written

"fish 'n' chips") is a popular take-away

food that originated in the United

kingdom in 1858 or 1863.

UNITED kINGDOM

FREsH 'N FRUITy(pg, 42)

A 20year old New Zealand yoghurt

brand. Using fresh New Zealand

milk and fruit. NEW ZEAlAND

FRUIT mINCE PIE(pg, 30)

A mince pie is a British festive sweet

pastry, traditionally consumed during

the Christmas and New year period.

UNITED kINGDOM

k

KIwIFRUIT(pg, 30)

Also known as the Chinese gooseberry,

the fruit was renamed for export

marketing reasons in the 1950s; briefly

to melonette, and then later by New

Zealand exporters to kiwifruit. This

name "kiwifruit" comes from the kiwi

— a brown flightless bird and New

Zealand's national symbol, and also a

colloquial name for the New Zealand

people. NEW ZEAlAND

l

LEmON & PAEROA(pg, 34)

lemon & Paeroa, also known as l&P,

is a sweet soft drink manufactured

in New Zealand. Traditionally

made by combining lemon juice with

carbonated mineral water from the

town of Paeroa, it is now manufactured

by multi-national Coca-Cola.

NEW ZEAlAND

THE LONGEsT DRINK IN TOwN(pg, 34)

Since 1968, an iconic blue and red

giraffe image has appeared on the

side of paper cups used by dairies

and icecream parlours for milkshakes.

NEW ZEAlAND

m

mARmITE(pg, 42)

The distinctive product was originally

British (1902), but a version with

a different flavour which has been

manufactured in New Zealand since

1919, and this is the dominant version

in New Zealand, Australia and the

Pacific Islands. NZ/UK

80

mARsHmALLOws (pg, 38)

The root has been used since Egyptian

antiquity in a honey-sweetened

confection useful in the treatment of

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(pg, 26)

Created by the Griffins Biscuit

company located in Papakura and

Wiri in Auckland New Zealand.

NEW ZEAlAND

mORO CHOCOLATE BAR(pg, 46)

Made by Cadbury in New Zealand

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

Zealand's 4th favourite bar.

mINCE PIE(pg, 46)

Mince Pies are pastries made with

ground meat. They are common in

New Zealand dairies, bakeries and

petrol stations. NEW ZEAlAND

p

PAVLOVA(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

New Zealand as the source.

NEW ZEAlAND

PATÉ (pg, 26)

Pâté is a mixture of ground meat and

fat minced into a spreadable paste.

Common additions include vegetables,

herbs, spices, and wine. FRANCE

PÉTANqUE(pg, 34)

Petanque is a form of boules where

the goal is, while standing inside a

starting circle with both feet on the

ground, to throw metal balls as close

as possible to a small wooden ball

called a cochonnet or jack. The game

originated in 1907 in Southern France

s

sAUsAGE sIzzLE(pg, 38)

A sausage is a food made from ground

meat, and, usually, salt, herbs, and

spices. Sausage sizzles were developed

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

T

TEDDy BEAR(pg, 42)

The name Teddy Bear comes from

former United States President

Theodore Roosevelt, whose nickname

was "Teddy". The name arose through

the tale of the bear shooting in 1902.

UNITED STATES

TIPTOP TUB ICECREAm(pg, 34)

Fonterra Brands (Tip Top) ltd or

commonly known simply as Tip Top

ice cream, is now a subsidiary of the

Fonterra Co-operative Group based

in Auckland, New Zealand. The brand

81

originated in 1936 Albert Hayman

and Len Malaghan opened their first

Ice Cream parlour in Manners Street,

Wellington, New Zealand.

NEW ZEAlAND

TIP TOP BREAD (pg, 38)

Tip Top Bakeries is an Australasian

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

wATTIEs TOmATO sAUCE(pg, 38)

Wattie's or Heinz Wattie's Limited

is a New Zealand-based food

producer of frozen and packaged

fruit,vegetables, sauces, baby food,

cooking sauces, dressings and pet

foods. Founded in 1934 by the late

Sir James Wattie. NEW ZEAlAND