Wintec's Waikato Culinary Fare celebrates 21 years of inspiring future hospitality stars

More than 400 aspiring chefs and hospitality students put their culinary skills to the test as the Waikato Culinary Fare returned to Wintec for its 21st year, reaffirming its place as New Zealand's largest regional culinary competition.

Held over two days on 2 and 3 July at Wintec's Rotokauri Campus, the event welcomed intermediate, secondary and tertiary students from 20 schools and tertiary providers across the Waikato and beyond to compete in a range of live and static culinary events.

Hosted by Wintec in partnership with Cater Plus since the event began in 2004, the Waikato Culinary Fare provides emerging hospitality talent with the opportunity to develop technical skills, gain competition experience and connect with industry professionals.

Wintec Team Manager for Hospitality Joshua Kanara-Bailey said the standard of this year's competition was exceptional.

"I was really impressed by the quality and creativity of this year's entries. Students are thinking outside the box, challenging themselves and producing some incredibly innovative dishes and flavour combinations."

He said competitors demonstrated impressive technical ability, with some even making core ingredients of dishes completely from scratch in intense timeframes, such as mozzarella and tortillas.

"This competition gives students the confidence to test themselves in a professional environment while receiving feedback from some of the country's leading chefs. It's an invaluable learning experience and often the first step towards a career in hospitality."

To mark the event's 21st anniversary, Wintec surprised participating schools by waiving all entry fees.

"Our teachers are the unsung heroes who dedicate countless hours preparing students for the competition and supporting them through the event. Waiving the entry fees was our way of saying thank you and celebrating the event's 21st birthday with the schools that have helped make it such a success."

The competition featured popular returning categories alongside two new events for 2026: a Two-Course Menu challenge and the Volare Toastie Class, sponsored by Volare.

Competitors in the live kitchen events discovered their ingredients just one hour before entering the kitchen, challenging them to think creatively under pressure, while static categories showcased carefully refined dishes prepared in advance.

The event also welcomed first-time entrants from Matamata Intermediate, alongside returning schools and institutions including Waikato Diocesan School, Massey University and Waihi College.

Strong industry partnerships continue to be at the heart of the event, with experienced chefs and hospitality professionals volunteering as judges and mentors.

Kanara-Bailey said those partnerships were fundamental to the event's success.

"The Waikato Culinary Fare brings education and industry together. Our judges generously volunteer their time and expertise, giving students real-world feedback while strengthening connections between education and the hospitality sector. That support is what makes this event so special."

Cater Plus founder and former owner, Paul Hodge MNZM, whose involvement dates back to the inaugural event in 2004, said the competition continues to play an important role in developing the industry's future workforce.

"Opportunities like this do more than showcase talent—they help shape futures," Hodge said.

Joshua Kanara-Bailey (Centre left), Wintec Team Manager for Hospitality, is joined by event partners from Cater Plus, (left to right) Mathew Shuker and Ash Aishwaryas, event judges, and Paul Hodge, founder and former owner.

"Over the past two decades, thousands of school and hospitality students have participated in the Waikato Culinary Fare. For many, it has inspired careers in hospitality, built confidence and provided achievements they proudly include on their CVs.

"The event also brings together the wider hospitality community under one roof, creating opportunities for business owners, chefs, educators and sponsors to support and encourage the next generation.

"Reflecting on the past 22 years, I believe the event has exceeded its original vision and remains the envy of the nation as the largest event of its kind in New Zealand."

The Waikato Culinary Fare continues to be made possible through the support of Cater Plus, dedicated event sponsors, volunteer judges and the wider hospitality industry, providing a platform for emerging talent to develop the skills, confidence and connections needed for successful careers in hospitality.

Students achieving the highest scores in each category were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, with many now progressing to the New Zealand Hospitality Championships.