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
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2
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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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5
6
7
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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
1 2
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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
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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
45
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
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