MARY GARNER, Māpua Hall Committee member
Kalpana Laitflang's mother never actually taught her to cook. Brought up in a family whose love language was food, Kalpana learned by osmosis.
She grew up in the kitchen and was her mother's unofficial taster. Her father served in the Indian Army, so the family moved frequently and were exposed to a wide range of regional cuisines.
In India, food and cooking differ vastly from region to region, making the term "Indian food" something of a misnomer. While the family's home cooking was mostly basic, hearty Punjabi fare, Kalpana absorbed a wealth of knowledge about regional cooking traditions.
After moving to New Zealand, Kalpana began recreating those flavours in her own way. Dinner guests often arrived early just to watch her cook. Following her move to the South Island, she expanded into cooking classes, corporate events and team-building sessions.
Covid-19 proved a catalyst for innovation. During the pandemic, Kalpana decided to develop and launch a range of products that would be an extension of her own table.
The move paid off.
In October 2023, Kalpana won the Artisan category at the New Zealand Food Awards with her "Hot Stuff" curry oil. Often described as the Oscars of the food industry, the awards recognised both the quality and innovation behind her products.
Creating a new product is a detailed process. Many recipes feature whole spices, multiple textures and layers of flavour. The challenge, Kalpana says, is achieving consistency across multiple small batches.
Despite the success of Mixed Roots, the business remains largely a one-woman operation. Her husband, Andriano, leads the brand strategy and design, while Kalpana creates every product and takes it to market. Everything is made in small batches.
She currently produces eight spice blends, Bee Sting hot honey drizzle and two spiced honeys. Kalpana believes spice blends are the perfect solution for "lazy cooks", a label she happily applies to herself.
There is always something new at Kalpana's market stall.
This November, visitors can try her Yuletide Honey. Made with Nelson cranberries and honey, organic mandarins and Christmas spices, it is Christmas in a jar.
The honey can be drizzled over pavlova, added to eggnog, poured over desserts and scones, or stirred into mulled wine.
The Makers' Market is an eclectic mix of professional and amateur makers. Some are new to the market scene, while others are experienced stallholders.
As a fundraiser for Māpua Hall, the committee works to ensure a diverse range of crafts is represented, including textiles, jewellery, woodwork, homeware, clothing and toys.
Each maker is selected for the quality and individuality of their products. The emphasis is always on quality, handmade and local goods.
The popular hall-run café overlooking the Domain serves cakes, mini rolls and sandwiches alongside Pomeroy's coffee, offering shoppers a chance to relax and refuel.
All profits from stall hire, café sales and the entry koha go towards the upkeep of Māpua Hall, which is owned, operated and funded by the local community.
Makers from across the wider region who create contemporary, quality products are welcome to register their interest at mapuamakersmarket@gmail.com.
Timed perfectly for Christmas shopping, the November market offers visitors the chance to find unique gifts and special handmade items. While many favourite craftspeople will return, shoppers can also expect a range of one-off Christmas creations.
Māpua Makers Market Sunday, 15 November, 2026, 10am – 2pm
