When it comes to looking for inspiration for her dishes, chef Monique Fiso "goes bush".
"A lot of people think I run around planning dishes in the bush," Fiso said.
"I mean, it is that, but it is also a spiritual connection and mindfulness. It's good to get out of the city and the kitchen, to take a step back and breathe."
Fiso led a foraging walk through the Puketoki Reserve on her recent visit to Tauranga for the Escape! Arts Festival.
She said sourcing ingredients in the wild gave her a deeper respect for her ancestors.