More Than Cooking: Community Cooking Group Builds Skills and Connections

For more than five years, Community Link's Community Cooking Group has been bringing people together around food, conversation, and friendship.

Held every second Friday in the commercial kitchen at the Wānaka Community Hub, the group welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and cooking abilities. Some participants have been attending since the group began, while others might join just once while passing through town.

Current coordinator Diana Manson says the group is as much about connection as it is about cooking.

"It's a safe place to try something new, ask questions, and learn from each other," she says.

Participants work together to prepare a recipe before sitting down to share lunch. Over the years they've tackled everything from sushi making to decorating cakes with piping bags, often with plenty of laughter along the way.

The group has evolved to reflect the interests and cultures of those who attend, and occasionally things don't go exactly to plan. Recently, when a recipe went missing, participants simply searched online for something that matched the available ingredients and created a successful lunch together.

"It's amazing to see the confidence people gain around food and the friendships that form," says Diana.

The Community Cooking Group meets every second Friday from 11.30am to 2pm.

To join, email mansondiana@gmail.com

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