Young Chefs' Club

Worldchefs: Igniting Passion in Young Chefs Across the Globe

At Worldchefs, we believe that the future of the culinary industry starts with young chefs—nurturing their talent, broadening their horizons, and connecting them with a global network of mentors, competitions, and cultural experiences. Our Young Chefs Clubs are at the heart of this mission, built on four key pillars: Friendship, Education, Cuisine, and Culture.

Through initiatives like the Young Chef Culinary Culture Exchange Program and the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, we offer mentorship, world-class education, and opportunities for young chefs to showcase their skills on an international stage.

And here in New Zealand, we're turning up the heat! 🔥

The Young Chefs Movement in New Zealand

The NZ Chefs Board is dedicated to making Young Chefs Clubs an exciting, inspiring, and valuable space to grow—not just in the kitchen, but in leadership, teamwork, and cultural appreciation. Since 2023, with a Director of Youth Development on board, we've been hard at work creating new opportunities for young chefs to learn, compete, and connect.

What’s Cooking? 🍽️

✅ March 14 – “Open your eyes to competitions”
Live Webinar 1:30pm Friday March 14.  Log in to hear Dr Rick Stephen (Chef, Vice Present World Chefs and Competition Committee chairman.  Chef Rick will share his top tips and secrets on how to prepare and get perfectly set up for your first competition.  Over many years of competing, coaching and judging at the world’s highest level Rick has seen it all. 

✅ Plan ahead and Register
Get your diaries out.  Junior competitions this year start early.  Here are the key dates.

May 28 Manukau Institute of Technology

Jun 14 Nestle Golden Chef Hat, Auckland University of Technology

June 30 – July 2 Fine Food - The NZ Chef Challenge, Auckland Showgrounds

 

✅ Competing on the World Stage
New Zealand’s young chefs are making waves in both national and international competitions:

• Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Awards (Australia 2024): Two of our young chefs reached the final—one secured 2nd place overall, while the other took home a special award.
• Bocuse d’Or Team 2025: The top two winners of the NZ Chefs Emerging Chef competition earned a spot on this prestigious team, representing the future of fine dining.
• NZ Chefs Championships (June 2025, Fine Food NZ): A lineup of junior competitions and the coveted Emerging Chef of the Year title are up for grabs!

✅ Inspiring Through Education

• Young Chefs Seminars (New for 2025!) – Regional morning sessions featuring six top local chefs sharing their stories, insights, and practical demonstrations. A strong coffee to start, a delicious lunch to finish, and plenty of inspiration in between! ☕🍽️
• Winter Webinar Series (Starting April 2025) – Open to young chefs and teachers nationwide. Whether you're tuning in from a kitchen, classroom, or couch, you'll get access to industry leaders sharing their expertise. (P.S. We won’t turn away ‘gate-crashers’—seasoned chefs, you’re welcome too! 😉)

On the Road to Wales 2026 🇬🇧

Looking ahead, the Worldchefs Congress in Wales (May 2026) is a must-attend event for young chefs. Some are already rolling up their sleeves for fundraising efforts to secure their spot at the Youth Forum, where they’ll meet peers and mentors from around the world.

Meanwhile, the NZ Chefs Board is working hard to attract even more competitors from across the country, ensuring our young talent gets the chance to shine on the world stage.

To the students: This is your moment. Get involved, compete, learn, and push your limits.

To the experienced chefs: Your mentorship can shape the next generation. Get involved in seminars, competitions, and events.

To potential sponsors: These young chefs are the future of our industry. Your support can help them represent New Zealand at global events, bringing back fresh ideas, skills, and inspiration.

Let’s cook up something amazing together! 🔪🔥

Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, competition details, and event announcements.

#YoungChefs #Worldchefs #NZChefs #FutureOfFood

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Thank you to our sponsors

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Geoff Scott
NZ Chefs' Youth Development Director

Young Chefs' Competition Workshop