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Kia ora e hoa, we’ve got food on our mind – adverts for meat plus an early Anzac Biscuit recipe. We also share some classic New Zealand music videos and footage of a DIY tank.

Choice Cuts – Advertising New Zealand Meat

Nō mua tata nei i puta tētahi rangitaki e tiro ana ki ngā hua whenua me ngā hua mīti o Aotearoa. Kātahi nei te ranea, me te rahi hoki o ngā hua mīti ka whakatupua i te whenua nei. I kimihia i ngā pūranga tēnei kohikohinga pouaka whakaata pārekareka (i ētahi wā he tauhara) nō mai rā anō e hāngai ana ki ngā takakau uhi, te poaka, te pēkana, te rēme, te heihei me te hōtiti.

A recent blog looked at fresh fruit and dairy from the fields of New Zealand. A real cornucopia, the country also creates a wide range of meat products. We checked through the Archive to find this fun (and occasionally odd) collection of retro television adverts for pies, pork, bacon, lamb, chicken and sausies.

Tracking the Original Anzac Biscuits

With Anzac Day on the horizon, here’s something to chew over. The original Anzac biscuits may have been more of a gingernut, as described in this classic blog from 2014. Archivists drew on a 1965 recording of 100-year-old Helena Marion Barnard to discover what at least one prolific baker really sent to the Front. You can even try Mrs Barnard’s recipe for yourself.

The Bob Semple Tank

Speaking of the front lines, this item has proven popular with both military historians and Kiwi DIY types alike. The Minister of Works Bob Semple designed a tank based on an American postcard which used limited materials – in fact a modified tractor with corrugated iron plating. We have footage of the tank – which never saw action – rolling around Burnham Military Camp.

Playback – Te Rongotuaruatanga

Ka aro tēnei whakakitenga tuihono ki ngā kiriata puoro nui whakaharahara o te motu. Mai i a Split Enz tae atu rā ki a Pātea Māori Club me Fat Freddy's Drop. E kore e roa, ka pato mai ō matimati i tēnei kohinga.

This online exhibition looks at some of the country’s most iconic music videos. From Split Enz to the Patea Māori Club and Fat Freddy’s Drop – this collection will get you tapping your toes.

News briefs

• We were saddened to hear of the passing of broadcaster, historian and author Peter Downes last week. Peter had a long association with radio and was extremely generous with his insights. We had the pleasure of hosting him in 2016 for a presentation on early radio, filled with recollections from his career. Our thoughts are with his whānau and friends.

• Yesterday (28 March) was the 18th birthday of Māori Television 🎂 In November last year, Ngā Taonga and Māori Television signed a strategic alliance for ensure the safe archiving of broadcast content. Hari huritau!

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