Three Little Birds take off
Debbie Haldane, left, and Moana Christensen tackling the Matariki-themed macaroon tower. Photo: Neil Wilson.
Caterers Debbie Haldane and Moana Christensen are Three Little Birds – go figure.
“We wanted a name that was a bit quirky. The name and our logo are important parts of the way we brand and present our business,” explains Debbie.
The two friends are passionate about food and say they have gone into business because of the sheer enjoyment they get out of preparing and serving great food for others.
Their first gig was the enormously successful Adopt a Christchurch Family Dinner and Auction last month. On that occasion they worked in with another caterer, Tash Batten.
“The charity dinner and auction was a great way for us to make a contribution,” says Moana. “I was talking to Deb on the phone and asking what she thought we could do to help. She thought we could maybe run a cake stall or something but we settled on the idea of a dinner. We had lots of help of course and it was awesome.”
Debbie and Moana say that the charity dinner also gave them the chance to launch their business to the Golden Bay dining public.
“We’ve been thinking about doing the business idea for quite a while,” says Debbie. “There’s a lot involved in getting the transportable gear you need and of course everything has to be prepared in a registered kitchen that’s subject to inspection and so on.”
When The GB Weekly called by, the two foodies were experimenting with probably the world’s first Matariki-themed macaroon tower. It was destined to be a family treat. The tower was inspired by the final episode of Masterchef and, seeing what could go right and wrong, the pair wanted to rise to the challenge while adding their own touches.
“Masterchef to us is like the World Cup to the boys,” says Debbie. “Matariki (Maori New Year) is now; this is time for new beginnings. It was only natural that our first macaroon tower would be decorated with the seven stars of Matariki.”
The two caterers professed themselves pleased with the results and another possible dish was added to the bill of fare of Three Little Birds.
Contact Moana on 525 8711 or Debbie on 524 8432.
Neil Wilson
