Wintec gets ready to serve up its 20th annual Waikato Culinary Fare

Culinary competitors from secondary and intermediate schools across the North Island are preparing to take on the Waikato’s leading hospitality competition at Wintec’s Rotokauri campus later this month.

Proudly hosted by Wintec in partnership with Cater Plus for 20 years, the Waikato Culinary Fare is the largest regional competition of its kind in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Each year, the event attracts hundreds of attendees, including budding hospitality talent, along with their whānau (family), kaiako (teachers) and supporters.

Joshua Kanara-Bailey, Wintec Team Manager for Hospitality, is looking forward to welcoming competing talent and is grateful for the support of key sponsors and the hospitality industry.

Joshua Kanara-Bailey, Wintec Team Manager for Hospitality

“We’re super excited to welcome our region’s emerging hospitality stars to our cutting-edge (excuse the pun!) training facility at Wintec.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to compete and gain valuable skills and experience by getting hands-on.

“The Fare is also a chance for the hospitality industry to come together under one roof and celebrate the sector and its future members.

“We wish all competitors the best of luck and look forward to seeing their skills and innovation shine through their efforts,” said Joshua.

The event will involve two days of fast-paced kitchen and restaurant action, starting Thursday, 26 June 2025, at Wintec’s Centre for Hospitality.

Plenty of culinary creations will be on the menu for the judging panel to assess, from tasty tacos and delicious dumplings to intriguing mystery boxes and mocktail challenges.

Judges will include a combination of Wintec graduates, tutors, local business owners and hospitality professionals.

Hamilton hospitality entrepreneur and owner of several successful restaurants, including Mr Pickles and Reggies, Mathew Pedley, is among the list of judges.

Mathew has a genuine passion for good food, service, and experiences, and is keen to see young people join and thrive in the hospitality space.

“My partners and I are deeply committed to seeing young people understanding and wanting to be a part of our industry,” said Mathew.

“I feel like lots of young people love the idea of working and earning money and are seeing hospitality as a viable career. But in a lot of instances, their first experiences in the workforce can be disheartening. I want to be that positive influence.”

Asked about his advice to emerging hospitality talent, he said: “If you have the right opportunities, motivation, and drive, this industry can help you see the world and provide a fun and exciting lifestyle”.

The Waikato Culinary Fare will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, 26 and 27 June 2025, at Wintec’s Centre for Hospitality in L Block at the Rotokauri Campus, Hamilton. For more information, click here.