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News/Events/Updates
Events
2025
16 September: NZ Chefs AGM at Moffat, 4 Waipuna Rd, Mt Wellington, 5pm for 5.30pm
4 and 5 October: Global Chefs Challenge Pacific-Rim semi-finals, Rarotonga
12-14 November: International Culinary Competitions, Shanghai, China
4 and 5 October: Global Chefs Challenge Pacific-Rim semi-finals, Rarotonga
12-14 November: International Culinary Competitions, Shanghai, China
2026
16-19 May: Worldchefs Congress and Expo, Newport, Wales
16-19 May: Global Chef Challenge Finals, Wales
3, 4 and 5 October: NZ Chefs Hospitality Championships at MIT, Auckland
16-19 May: Global Chef Challenge Finals, Wales
3, 4 and 5 October: NZ Chefs Hospitality Championships at MIT, Auckland
Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award
Congratulations Chef Emily!
Graduating from Auckland University of Technology last month, Chef Emily has officially been recognised as one of Australia and New Zealand's most promising young talents at the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award.
Chef Emily said: “Competing in the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award is about expressing who I am as a chef and what I can contribute to the hospitality world moving forward in my career. It’s been an honour to share the stage with such talented chefs, and I am so grateful to each of the finalists for their ongoing support and friendship throughout this experience. This is certainly a milestone moment, and I hope there will be many more to come as I look ahead to new opportunities and travel through food.”
After winning the North Island heat in June, Chef Emily advanced to this week's Grand Final at Fine Food Australia in Sydney. At the two-day live showdown, she outcooked 11 of the industry's finest young chefs from Australia and New Zealand taking the top prize of a $12,000 AUD culinary experience.
In addition, Chef Emily won the Most Creative use of a Nestlé Product award, sponsored by SOLIDTEKNICS, receiving a $1,200 AUD SOLIDTEKNICS AUS-ION™ package. She was also awarded $2,500 AUD as part of the Nestlé DOCELLO Best Dessert Dish, bringing her total prize value to $15,700 AUD.
Judges from the Australian Culinary Federation, NZ Chefs, Nestlé Professional and industry professionals awarded Chef Emily's winning three-course menu a trio of gold medals. Chef Emily received top marks for showcasing remarkable creativity and skill, in what was a highly contested year with two other finalists also scoring three gold medals each.
The winning dishes included a mouthwatering vegetarian entrée of BUONDI coffee smoked baby beets, whipped ricotta, fennel, basil wafer, and pistachio. For the main, Chef Emily served a perfectly seared horopito spiced lamb rump, with Japanese squash, shallot crème, asparagus and sugar snap peas, savoury fig compote, and an innovative lamb floss.
Inspired by a personal visit to Thailand, Chef Emily’s dessert course comprised of a delicious white chocolate mousse, mango jelly, passionfruit curd, MAGGI Coconut Milk powder-coated puffed rice, and lemongrass meringue.
Nestlé Professional Commercial Advisory Chef and Golden Chef judge, Karl Seidel, said: “Chef Emily’s dishes demonstrated remarkable creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and highly technical skills. Each course told a story and showcased a deep understanding of flavour and presentation. Her approach on the day was stand-out, perfectly executing a range of complex elements under the pressure of the clock and live audience.”
This is the 5th Year New Zealand has been in the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Awards. This is the third time a New Zealander has won the top Award; previous winners were Sam Heaven and Gabby Sanders. The South Island competitor Sam Kissell came third in the competition setting him as one of the top three contestants. Well done chefs and all the members who have helped them reach this awesome standard.
2025 NZ Finalists
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North Island
Emily Morgan, from Titirangi  |
South Island
Sam Kissell, from Invercargill  |
NZ Chef of Year 2025Sam Gradowski-Smith
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NZ Pastry Chef of Year 2025Chef Achira Kularatne, Fairlee Bakehouse
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NZ Emerging Chef of Year 2025Chef Blake Cranch, NZDF – Linton, with Shannon Fryer
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International Day of the ChefEach year on 20 October we celebrate International Chefs Day.
Since its creation by the Late Chef Dr. Bill Gallagher in 2004, Worldchefs has committed to using International Chefs Day to celebrate our noble profession. Chefs have a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact in our communities by celebrating this special day with children. Every October, Chefs come together to inspire and educate the next generation about the joys of cooking, healthy eating, and the importance of sustainability. |
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Contact usNZ Chefsinfo@nzchefs.org.nz |
