Meet Makere: Budget-Friendly Meals and Proud Māori Māmā
Makere, our ‘Budget Bestie’ is sharing the real side of whānau life - the chaos, the budgeting and the little joys in between ✨
Food is at the heart of Makere’s world. She started creating content during a time when her family was feeling the pressures around the cost of living. Her recipes show that eating well doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive 🍽️
Makere’s honesty, warmth, and authenticity have made her a trusted voice for parents across Aotearoa, by reminding her audience that small steps and simple meals can make a big difference 👏
What kind of content do you create and why do you enjoy it?
I create budget friendly lifestyle content from affordable meals and groceries to everyday family life.
I love showing people that you don't have to spend a fortune to live well! From glowing up my rental on a budget, Christmas restock on a budget – anything that I can do on a budget, that's me.
Where does your passion for food and cooking come from?
My passion for food and cooking comes from watching my nanny cook as I was growing up! I was raised around a very big whānau who loved cooking and loved sharing kai together.
Where do you find your recipe inspiration?
A lot of my inspiration is passed down by my whānau. I also find a lot of ideas by scrolling through social media!
There are so many other incredible creators out there, and I like to take what I can from some of their content and turn it into something budget friendly.
“I love showing people that you don't have to spend a fortune to live well.” - Makere
What are your top tips for making delicious kai while staying on a budget?
Start by playing around with what you already have at home! Shop the specials if you can and don't be afraid to keep things simple.
Good food doesn't have to be expensive!
You could watch some of my videos where I show you how I do my grocery shop through the supermarket, how I look for specials, and also how I plan my meals for the week.
What does community mean to you and how do you incorporate kaitiakitanga into your everyday?
Community for me is about looking after one another.
I incorporate kaitiakitanga by sharing affordable meals that genuinely help whānau while encouraging people to waste less and make the most of what they have.
How did you begin your content creation journey? What advice would you have for others wanting to start too?
It all started because I was struggling in this cost of living crisis. I wanted to help other families around Aotearoa by showing them how I was getting through.
To be where I am today, I feel so incredibly grateful. I love my community. I love this online space, and I love that I have all the opportunities I get to do every day.
My biggest advice is just start. Be yourself, stay consistent, and don't wait until everything is perfect.
“Good food doesn't have to be expensive!” – Makere
To see more of Makere, visit them on social media or check out their talent page.
