Chef, entrepreneur and author Al Brown is trying to organise the biggest dinner party in New Zealand to raise money for communities devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle.
He’s asking restaurants around the country to "cook up a storm" for the cause and told Tova O'Brien they want to create a feeling of community and belonging.
"The idea came from trying to emulate what is actually happening in these regions where people that don't know each other are coming together, around a table enjoying a kai and sharing their stories," Brown said.
At 6:30 pm on Monday, March 20, all the participating businesses will open their doors for customers and serve the same meal, just like you might get at home.
Brown told O'Brien a number of different food and beverage companies have gotten on board to support local businesses, donating goods to the cause.
"We've got 100 wineries that are donating a minimum of 100 bottles so we matched them up with restaurants and cafés that come on board.
"It's gaining momentum and it's quite exciting."
He said the support they have seen from the hospitality industry shows the kind nature of Kiwis across the country.
"It's in our DNA really, that's what we love to do, we love to look after people and this is a real tangible way that we can do that.
"It's not just the restaurants, it's the producers, it's the suppliers, it's the wine growers etc."
He said anyone listening can ask their local café or restaurant whether they are participating in 'cooking up a storm' and, if they aren't, to encourage them to get involved.
Check out more information at their website cookingupastorm.org.
Listen to the full interview between Al Brown and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
