Monique Fiso is an award winning chef and writer. She is known for her contribution to the revitalisation of Māori and Pasifika cuisine, and for breaking down barriers in the culinary world. Monique’s first book, Hiakai, is considered one of the most important cookbooks written in Aotearoa / New Zealand. She is currently working on her second book with her partner, Katie Monteith, which focuses on wild botanical kai / food. A formidable team, Monique and Katie regularly contribute to print and digital publications, and have gained an international reputation for their storytelling through food. Monique’s career has taken her all across the world. She has spent time cooking and living in the US, Mexico, Australia and Aotearoa. She is currently an ambassador for YETI and has worked closely with National Geographic, Veuve Clicquot, Penguin Random House and Phaidon. With over two decades of experience, Monique continues to elevate her craft. She is fiercely passionate about cooking with fire, foraging, food sovereignty and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Katie Monteith is the co-owner of Hiakai, a culinary creative based in Aotearoa New Zealand that specializes in storytelling through kai (food). She is passionate about the natural environment and applies the principles of permaculture to her life. She dreams of growing an abundant ngahere kai (food forest) capable of feeding her family and the wider community.