Serving up opportunities

In its second year, the competition is open to ‘absolutely anyone’ and is split into two divisions: under 18 and over 18.

Chris wants to encourage not just chefs, but anyone who is passionate about cooking to enter.

“We want to encourage amateurs, young chefs and professionals to put forward their best kai moana dish,” he says.

The only expectation is the dish should highlight NZ King Salmon and/or NZ Green-Shell Mussels.

The winner of each division will take out the 2024 Te Pūkenga Festival Chef title, be awarded the annual trophy and take home a selection of prizes.

All contestants will benefit from the guidance and encouragement of Chris and Master Chef NZ Chef of the Year, Zennon Wijlens, who are this year's judges.

“The festival is such a great opportunity to learn from people like Zennon,” Chris says.

Chris Fortune is a renowned New Zealand chef, author and educator who brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to NMIT’s Culinary Arts and Cookery programmes.

At NMIT, we offer a range of different hospitality programmes, from foundation skills through to the Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service(external link) and the Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Cookery(external link).

For more information about our culinary arts and cookery programmes, visit our website(external link).

To take part in the 2024 Te Pūkenga Festival Chef Competition, please follow the application process found on the Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival(external link) website.

The festival is held in the Havelock Memorial Park, 16 March 2024.