I am Jaz Mathisen – mother, farmer and cook and I call Awakino Station, a farm set in the heart of the Waitaki Valley, New Zealand home.
Since becoming a mother, I have taken a slight step back from the physically demanding role on-farm to slot into more of a homesteading mama’s duty. I cook for our shepherds daily and enjoy the challenges of growing, harvesting, foraging and preserving our food.
Smoko (morning tea) and lunches are supplied to the six full time workers on Awakino, who help tend to the fine wool sheep, cattle and deer that roam the 20,000 acres. I am extremely passionate about utilising what we can grow here on Awakino. Creating nutritious meals to sustain our family and farm staff is extremely important to me. The meals I create can often find their origins on our farm with lamb, beef, pork and venison.
Featured In
I’m honored to have my journey and passion for homesteading and farm life featured in several publications. These articles highlight the heart of life at Awakino Station, our sustainable practices, delicious farm-to-table recipes, and the joys of raising a family in the beautiful Waitaki Valley. Check them out to learn more about my story and the inspiration behind our homesteading adventures.
The food I make is more than just what is on the plate – it is about where it came from, the work that went into producing it and the livelihoods that circle back to that delicious home cooked meal. At Awakino Station, it is often a sit-down meal at that, served at the kitchen table big enough for many.
Recipes
Explore my collection of seasonal recipes.
