The North Island's rising young chefs step into the spotlight to go head-to-head in a career-defining cook-off in Auckland.
As New Zealand’s hospitality industry continues to evolve, clear career pathways and hands-on experience have never been more critical. Now, the new generation of chefs will go head-to-head in a high-stakes, career-defining cook-off.
Since 1965, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award has provided a springboard for more than 8,000 young chefs to advance their careers in foodservice. With a new cohort looking to build skills, Nestlé Professional will host the North Island cook-off this Saturday, 13 June at AUT, bringing together the region’s most promising young chefs for a day of high-energy culinary competition.
The cook‑off will give young chefs the chance to progress to the Grand Final of the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award, where finalists will compete live at Fine Food Australia in Melbourne this September in the hopes of taking out the title of Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year.
More than 300 young chefs aged 18–24 are expected to compete this year across New Zealand and Australia, highlighting the depth of rising talent entering the culinary industry.
During the North Island cook-off, each competitor will have two and a half hours to prepare and present two covers of a main course and a dessert. Dishes will be assessed to globally recognised standards, with chefs judged on technical skill, creativity, presentation and flavour, and the opportunity to earn medals at each stage.
Ahead of the heat, competitors developed and submitted their own original recipes, demonstrating their ability to plan, execute and perform under pressure in a professional kitchen environment.
Nestlé Professional’s Executive Chef and Commercial Development Chef, Elke Travers, said she is excited to see the competition return to the North Island.
“Each year, the standard of dishes continues to rise, and it’s always inspiring to see the level of creativity and skill these young chefs bring to the kitchen,” she said.
“The cook-offs are not only about competition but about creating a platform where emerging chefs can challenge themselves, gain real-world experience and take meaningful steps in their careers. At a time when many young chefs are looking for more opportunities to develop their skills and progress, competitions like this play an important role in supporting the next generation of talent.”
Last year’s Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year was 19-year-old Titirangi culinary star, Emily Morgan. She said the win was a milestone moment and hoped there would be many more to come as she looks ahead to new opportunities and travel through food.
Building future‑ready chefs
The top scorer from the North Island cook‑off will progress to the grand finals, competing against the other competition finalists from the South Island and Australia.
During the Grand Final at Fine Food Expo, competitors will be vying for a share of over AUD 28,000 in prizes, including the top prize of a seven-day international culinary trip to Singapore, valued at AUD 10,000.
Now in its seventh decade, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award has helped to launch the careers of some of New Zealand and Australia’s most respected chefs who have worked in world-renowned restaurants, represented the nation on international culinary stages, and pushed the boundaries of modern cuisine.
For more information on the North Island cook-off, please visit goldenchefs.com.au or follow on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube.
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