Just about a year ago I lost my wife, just recently I have met a new lady friend, who just over a week ago moved in for mutual company. What has happened in those few days has been one of the biggest learning curves of my life.

I need to start the tale by reporting my new partner is Asian, Chinese to be exact, a race that probably understands food far above most others. The first, most important and only rule regarding food is 'No Waste'. I could relate many incidents, most quite humorous, where my education has been considerably extended, but none more so that the following.

Could I ask for a better partner? Yesterday morning it was suggested (I was told) we were going fishing, surely the dream of most males. I packed the car and headed toward my virtual 'never fail' standby spot of Marine Parade, and so it proved to be. As reported elsewhere we landed one medium sized Kahawai, it could have been a gift from the Gods.

After the obligatory photos, I scaled and gutted the fish of the beach, as is usual this kept the local gulls happy. When we got home my partner treated the fish with reverence, a joy to watch.

I was surprised at the method of cooking, I would never dream of steaming a Kahawai, but I am always willing to learn. Various vegetables were placed in the steamer, these included onions, carrots broccoli and surprisingly, cos lettuce, once the brew was simmering the fish was introduced, this had been cut into cross sections, about six, and then given a twelve minute spa bath.

So far so good. Most of us when eating have signs of approval for a good meal, usually a broad smile and a satisfied look is enough to show the chef your appreciation ... my partner did that and much more.

I watched as each part of the fish was devoured with the thoroughness of a commercial cleaner. Each bone, fin and even the meat contained in the head was removed and eaten with whole hearted approval and words that described the fish as simply magnificent ... we are talking about a Kahawai here, not a fresh Atlantic salmon.

More than satisfied, my partner sat back with a look of total contentment. In front of her there was a fish frame that even a professional taxidermist could not have faulted, it was stripped quite literally to the bone.

I have often had complements on my knife skills, however I am now afraid to fillet a fish because I know I will be told I am wasteful: belly flaps, heads and the small cut to remove the pin bones all go in the bin leaving only the prime cuts. I know this is something I will be paying particular care with in the future, but for the present I have learnt one valuable lesson: 'No waste'.

Having seen the joy on my partner's face, I will view the humble Kahawai in an entirely different light. I have no recollection of ever eating steamed fish but I have a suspicion that on my next successful visit to the beach the steamer may get further use.

Never was a small Kahawai ever such a valuable teaching aid; one I feel all the richer for witnessing.

I have said it before and I will probably say it again, but here in New Zealand we are so lucky.