NZ Chefs' Junior Competitions 2026

NZ Chefs' Junior Competitions

Draft as of 10 April 2026. Competition will be confirmed by 30 April 2026

 

Class 2620: Junior NZ Apple Dessert

Time: 1 hour | 60 minutes

Sunday 4th October

Baking Kitchen 9 am - 10 am | 60 minutes

Competitors must be enrolled in a recognised programme of tertiary study

Competitors are to prepare and present two identical, individually plated desserts with NZ Apple as the hero ingredient, which should be suitable for service in an upmarket restaurant.

Any or all dairy used must be from the Anchor Food Professionals range, competitors are to bring in all other ingredients required.

The dishes must be completed and served in 60 minutes.

TWO (2) recipe cards and ONE (1) description card are to be provided

Competitors should read the full criteria for more information on judging, hygiene, kitchen layout etc.

As spaces are limited one competitor per establishment will be allowed in the first instance. A reserve list will be kept if spaces become available.

Application form available.

Please apply by 15 July 2026

Confirmed competitors will be advised by end of July 2026

Awards/Medal Ceremony at approximately 4:30 pm on 4 October 2026

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Draft as of 10 April 2026. Competition will be confirmed by 30 April 2026

 

Class 2616: Junior NZ Beef Burger

Monday 5 October 2026

Prep Kitchen 1 pm - 1.45 pm | 45 minutes

Competitors must be enrolled in a recognised programme of tertiary study.

Competitors are to prepare and present two identical, individual NZ Beef Burgers.

Each burger must contain 1 x 130-150 gram pattie to be made from New Zealand beef, a bread-based bun, plus choice of vegetable/salad, and a minimum of 1x sauce and/or 1x salsa/chutney, which are made during the competition.

Competitors will be provided with 300 grams of prime NZ beef mince from Gilmours.

Any or all dairy used must be from the Anchor Food Professionals range, competitors are to bring in all other ingredients required.

The dishes must be completed and served in 45 minutes.

TWO (2) recipe cards and ONE (1) description card are to be provided.

Competitors should read the full criteria for more information on judging, hygiene, kitchen layout etc.

As spaces are limited one competitor per establishment will be allowed in the first instance. A reserve list will be kept if spaces become available.

Application form available.

Please apply by 15 July 2026

Confirmed competitors will be advised by end of July 2026

Awards/Medal Ceremony at approximately 4:30 pm on 5 October 2026

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Draft as of 10 April 2026. Competition will be confirmed by 30 April 2026

 

Class 2617: Junior NZ Chicken Main Dish

Monday 5 October 2026

Prep Kitchen 11 am - 12 noon | 60 minutes

Competitors must be enrolled in a recognised programme of tertiary study.

Competitors are to prepare and present two identical, individual NZ Chicken main dishes.

Competitors will be provided with 1 large or 2 small chicken breasts.

Any or all dairy used must be from the Anchor Food Professionals range, competitors are to bring in all other ingredients required.

The dishes must be completed and served in 60 minutes.

TWO (2) recipe cards and ONE (1) description card are to be provided.

Competitors should read the full criteria for more information on judging, hygiene, kitchen layout etc.

As spaces are limited one competitor per establishment will be allowed in the first instance. A reserve list will be kept if spaces become available.

Application form available.

Please apply by 15 July 2026

Confirmed competitors will be advised by end of July 2026

Awards/Medal Ceremony at approximately 4:30 pm on 5 October 2026

 

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