<P> Most New Zealanders eat their main meal--known as dinner, or sometimes tea--in the evening . Most families living in one household try to eat dinner together several times a week . The formality and structure of these meals varies from family to family . Although, a few New Zealanders cook most things' from scratch', most New Zealand home cooks are dependent to some extent on pre-made ingredients (in particular, packaged soup and sauce mixes). Cakes are very rarely made from packet mix - this has never really taken on in New Zealand . Most families eat takeaways (take - out), such as fast food, fish and chips, Chinese food, or pizza about once or twice a week . In flats (households shared by a group of unrelated young people), flatmates will generally either take turns cooking or each cook and eat individually . </P> <P> In the summer, the barbecue is common, generally as a social event . Guests will usually be invited to bring beer (or wine), and on occasion meat, which the host will cook . Sometimes guests contribute a salad to the gathering instead . It is traditional for the men to cook the meat, and for the women to do everything else, although these patterns are changing . Similar Māori gatherings will often feature a hangi (pronounced hung - ee), a pit in which meats or fish are cooked with vegetables . A deep hole is dug in the ground, lined with red - hot stones and covered with vegetation . The food is then placed on top . The whole oven is sprinkled with water and sealed with more vegetation . The hole is then filled with earth and left to steam for several hours . Traditionally, men dig and prepare the hole, and women prepare the food to go in it . All members of an extended family (whanau) help out for such a feast . The occasion is relaxed, friendly and fun, with people often eating the meal under a marquee . </P> <P> Many New Zealand gatherings feature a custom known as' bring a plate' or' potluck' in which each guest will bring a plate of food to share . This allows people to host large groups without incurring serious expense . Similar customs include guests bringing salads or meat to a barbecue . Most New Zealand parties are' BYO' (bring your own alcohol), but in this case the drinks are not usually shared . This is especially the case with parties hosted by young people, who cannot usually afford alcohol for more than a few people . One exception is sometimes the 21st birthday party, which will often be funded by the host's family . Weddings are also normally catered for by the hosts and their family . </P> <P> New Zealand's eating out culture has developed strongly after the mid-1970s, thanks partially to the liberalisation of liquor licensing laws and popularisation of cafes and other similar casual dining establishments . It is common for people to visit cafes regularly for lunch or morning or afternoon snacks . On the other hand, visits to restaurants are still regarded as special occasion treats for most of the population . </P>

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