Kasey's favourite spot in Maketu is Newdicks Beach. "You have to drive down a private road and it costs $3 to visit but it's worth it."
Karena agrees Newdicks is a must do. "If you go around the corner of Okurei Point... then turn left, that's where you get all the big horse mussels. They're enormous." Handily, the new book has a couple of super mussel recipes, including burgers and fritters.
When they're not cooking up their own dishes the girls admit they're partial to the occasional Maketu Pie -- a well-loved brand in the Bay of Plenty and beyond, but it's the fish and chips that really take the cake.
"Maketu isn't just famous for pies," Karena says. "We have the best fish and chips in the world. You can't beat eating them down on the beach. The fish is so fresh, but it's really all about the batter. They've been using the same recipe since the shop opened, but they won't tell us the secret recipe."
Lately, work has taken the sisters away from Maketu, which means they relish time at home more than they ever used to, agreeing there's nothing quite like driving home. "After being away for a long time, when you drive into Maketu, you drive towards the coast and you can see all way to Papamoa and The Mount and it's so quiet.
"Maketu has stayed the same since we were born -- that's the most special thing," Kasey notes.
"I live right across the road from the beach, and if I don't feel like cooking at home I'll cook on the beach barbecues, then there's no dishes," says Karena. "You can go to the estuary, which is right next to the park and, at low tide, you can get pipi, bring them back in salt water and cook them straight up on the barbecue. All you need is a little sweet chilli sauce."
Fond of hunting and gathering, Kasey has fish tales most people only dream of. "When I was growing up I loved fishing at the mouth of the Kaituna River. I'd catch a fish, gut it and scale it then cook it on a bonfire and eat it -- caught, cooked and eaten within the hour."
Karena suggests another spot. "We'd also fish off what people call The Cut. It's not a wharf, it's just concrete. You can throw your line over and get kahawai and snapper. Some people have been catching big kingfish lately."
But Kasey's favourite thing about her town is the sense of community. "I think the thing I love most about Maketu [is], it's traditional. When you get fish you share it, or when you've grown a good crop. We have garlic wars, who can grow the biggest. Same with kamokamo, people grow them so well they stick them out on the road in wheelbarrows."
And what you can't grow or catch you can pick up at Maketu Farmers' Market. "It's on the last Sunday of every month. They have the best fried bread, sausages, fruit and vegetables, knick-knacks. There are these fried bread sandwiches with steak, onion and egg, so bad for your arteries but so good for your soul."
"It's just cool here," says Karena. "Our whole family lives here, except for two aunties. We know everyone and everyone knows us. It's beautiful, it's quiet and everyone is really friendly."
"When you're here 24/7, you can take it for granted," says Kasey. "But when you're away and you're really busy you appreciate how special it is. I think, if you come to Maketu, yes, you can do stuff, but the best thing you can do is relax and do nothing."
Fresher than fresh
Newdicks Beach: On the southeastern side of Okurei Point. $3 user charge.
Maketu Fish and Chips: 1 Little Waihi Rd, Maketu.
Maketu Farmers' Market: Maketu Village Green.
