Home > Competitions and Key dates > NZ Chefs 2026 Championshops introduction
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NZ Chefs 2026 Championshops introduction
Dear Colleagues, Sponsors, and Competitors
NZ Chefs is delighted to host the NZ Chefs Championships 2026 at Manukau Institute of Technology [MIT]. Many thanks to MIT for hosting these competitions this year. The venue and facilities provide a professional, yet relaxed, atmosphere which will encourage competitors to perform at their highest levels.
This year’s event includes our premium competitions, along with extra competitions for young chefs: NZ Trainee Chef of the Year, NZ Chefs Emerging Pastry Chef of the year, Live Celebration cake, and back by popular demand, an old favourite, the Decorated Cake.
This three-day event would not be possible without the generous and loyal support of our sponsors and the dedicated efforts of our incredible team of volunteers. We are grateful for their contributions and hope you will enjoy and benefit from this event.
Competitions have long been vital stepping stones on the path to culinary success, and NZ Chefs is proud to continue this popular tradition. Many of our esteemed judges began their careers by competing in these very events, and I’ve seen the remarkable journeys of chefs who started as students in these competitions and went on to achieve international acclaim. As we celebrate their achievements, we also acknowledge the members behind their success.
Over the years, NZ Chefs as been shaped by countless selfless members who have devoted their time and energy to nurturing young chefs and advancing the culinary profession.
Shannon Fryer, President, NZ Chefs 2026
A Message from the Chief Judge
Dear Competitors
It is an honour to be the Chief Judge for this year’s NZ Chefs Championships; three days of competitions to showcase talent, skills, innovation, and pride.
Each year this event holds a special place in New Zealand’s culinary stage and this year is extra special as it is being held at MIT, my workplace!
Together with deputy Chief Judge, Matt Shuker, we will be leading our team of respected Judges to ensure all competitors are greeted with enthusiasm and judged professionally using the Worldchefs Judges criteria and competition guidelines.
We are delighted to see the increasing numbers of young chefs competing in these annual competitions and this year we have added extra competitions for NZ Chefs’ Trainee of the Year, Celebration cake – Junior and live, Decorated cake- static, and NZ Chefs’ Emerging Pastry Chef of the Year. These have been added following evaluation and requests from competitors, judges, and sponsors.
I would also like to thank our generous sponsors and our volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
All the best with your training and looking forward to welcoming you all to the 2026 event and to MIT.
Craig Lucas, Chief Judge, NZ Chefs Championships 2026
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