NZ Chefs Trainee Chef of the Year 2026

Class 2605: NZ Chefs Trainee Chef of the Year

Saturday 3rd October 2026
2 hours | 120 minutes

2 Heats:
Heat 1: 8 am - 10 am
Heat 2: 11 am - 1 pm

Please note competitors must be under 25 years of age on 1st July 2026. This is a live cooking event that may consist of three heats. The competitor with the highest score across all heats will be awarded the title of NZ Trainee Chef of the Year 2026.

Competitors are required to prepare and cook a TWO Course menu for two (2) covers served within 120 minutes under Worldchefs competition guidelines. The menu should be suitable for serving in an upmarket restaurant.

1st Course – to be presented between 80 and 90 minutes into the competition

Competitors are to produce two (2) identical, individually plated portions of a main course which must feature Waitoa Chicken Breast and be complemented by at least two (2) vegetables and appropriate starch with sauce/garnish.

2nd Course - to be presented between at 110 and 120 minutes into the competition

Competitors are to produce Two identical, individually plated portions of a dessert suitable for an upmarket restaurant.  They must feature two (2) Nestlé products from the provided list.

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

Plated Dessert Regulations

The desserts must show different elements of skills involved in the pastry kitchen, be seasonal, and suitable for an upmarket restaurant.

It is recommended that the dessert contain at least 3 main components

• One of these components should be served chilled
• One should be frozen
• One of the components should be served warm or hot

Sponsors Product

On the day each contestant will be supplied with 2 small or 1 large Waitoa Chicken breast at the competition.

Sponsors Information

Akaroa Salmon connect here

Nestlé Products:

• Buitoni sugo al pomodoro (tomato coulis)
• Maggi classic gluten free mashed potato mix 4kg
• Maggi coconut milk powder mix
• Nestlé royal chocolate couverture
• Nestlé docello snowcap white compound chocolate
• Nestlé docello french vanilla mousse mix
• Kitkat spread
• Carnation creamy evaporated milk
• Nestlé sweetened condensed milk
• Uncle Tobys traditional oats
• Buondi steady state coffee beans
• Maggi vegetable booster
• Maggi jus lie
• Maggi demi glace sauce mix

Heats: Competitors will be allocated to two heats.

Application form available (limited to 4 applications per training establishment)

Please apply by 15 August 2026

Confirmed competitors will be advised by end of August 2026.

Medal/Award Ceremony approximately 4:30pm