Eating and living tend to go together. Hatting and sensible rating don't necessarily. Most New Zealanders, especially students, are about as conservative as........when it comes to cooking (Fill in pip, best entry wins a mashed potato, cold mutton and tomato sauce meal). Pity really. In Wellington it is possible to prepare simply and cheaply a wide range of foods from different countries, to provide nutritious alternatives to our meal and bread (well thats what its called) dominated diets, and maybe in the next twenty years, possibly get a reasonable meal on campus in the evening.

Once a month folks this column will feature the vegetable of the month. Whenever possible buy your vegetables just before you use them. Don't buy in the main downtown area it you don't want to be ripped off. Kelburn generally has cheaper and fresher veges. Even more fun (and still cheaper) buy in bulk from either the Open Market (Tory St) or Turners and share with another flat. If you're flat broke or really keen, try growing your own.

Please, please don't boil veges to a pulp. They should be cooked as little as possible.