A life source for many, the Pacific Ocean has sustained communities for generations, shaping identity and culture throughout the region.
Next month’s Ocean of Flavours: One Ocean, Many Flavours celebrates the Blue Continent, showcasing Pacific culinary excellence, Pacific producers and chefs, while strengthening the economic and cultural connections that bind the region together.
Proudly presented by Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTINZ), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), and supported by New Zealand Chef Peter Gordon ONZM, Ocean of Flavours is set to take place on the 21st and the 22nd of September, at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Drawing inspiration from Kai Pasifika held in 2022, Ocean of Flavours will see renowned Pacific chefs from Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea travelling to New Zealand to join forces with some of New Zealand’s top chefs to demonstrate their culinary skills.
Pacific chefs invited to take part in Ocean of Flavours include:
-
Israel Gapi, Head Chef at Coral Seas Hotels (PNG)
-
Denzel Sumsum, Owner of Valin Kaba (Solomon Islands/Ni Vanuatu)
-
Ashim Singh, Executive Chef at Hilton Fiji Resort (Fiji)
-
Tracey Powell, Hospitality Consultant (Fiji)
-
Alphonse Ishice Kocé, Chef at K2 Gastronomie Locale (Kanak – New Caledonia)
-
Lynda Song, Chef at Hotel Koulnoué Village (New Caledonia)
-
Su’a Aukusitino Suifaatau, Executive Chef, Culinary Educator, Hospitality leader (Samoa)
-
Soane Fakatava, Head Chef at Seaview Restaurant (Tonga).
Along with a cohort of chefs from New Zealand, the group will take part in a high-energy culinary collaboration on day one and, with food writers, influencers, and industry stakeholders on day two, culminating in a dinner for the public on the 22nd of September.
Working with the Pacific chefs, Chef Peter will work together to develop the dinner menu, using Pacific-sourced products for guests as a way to showcase the flavours of the Pacific.
“Hosting this event again is important for PTINZ in our quest as we continue to look for opportunities that strengthen relationships between New Zealand and the Pacific, as well as build enduring relationships across the food, tourism, hospitality, and trade sectors,” said PTINZ Trade Commissioner Glynis Miller.
“A culinary event of this nature ticks all the boxes - it is a privilege to bring our Pacific chefs together for a day of cook-up, and I’m really excited to see and taste their craft.”
Director of Pacific Connections at MFAT, Felicity Bollen, said Ocean of Flavours is an event which is designed to strengthen connections between New Zealand and the Pacific region through expressions of food, storytelling, cultural exchange, and collaboration.
“Food is a great connector in many cultures, including Pacific,” said Bollen.
“The region is bursting with talent, and MFAT is proud to be part of this event to elevate Pacific cuisine and culinary leadership by providing a platform for chefs from the region to showcase their talent and their countries, share their stories and their unique cultures, and position Pacific food as a sophisticated, values-driven food system grounded in cultural expressions.”
Chief Executive at PCBL, Natasha Meleisea, added that Ocean of Flavours is a golden opportunity for Pacific stories to be heard beyond the coral reef.
“Food is a universal language, and culinary storytelling can turn a basic meal into a meaningful reflection of culture and community.
“All our chefs and producers have stories to be shared, and PCBL is proud to help make that happen on Pasifika TV, ensuring that the Pacific will get a taste of Ocean of Flavours on their screens.”
On the final day of Ocean of Flavours, the visiting Pacific chefs will explore a slice of New Zealand’s culinary landscape, touring farms and producers before they return home.
This unique event, showcasing Pacific cuisine, people, stories and livelihoods, is an opportunity for food-lovers and industry stakeholders not to be missed. ENDS
For more information, please contact Alex Stone, Marketing & Communications Manager, Pacific Trade Invest NZ
alex.stone@pacifictradeinvest.
021 91 7777
