Chef battle ignites foodie festival
26 March 2025
A high-stakes culinary competition, to determine which chefs can produce the best canapés for 125 discerning ticket holders, marks the start of the 18-day Flavours of Plenty Festival this week.
Festival director Rae Baker says four culinary protégés will be mentored by some of the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s best chefs during the Battle of the Snack event at Saltwater, in Mount Maunganui. They’ll produce 12 different snack platters during the four-hour event.
“It’s the third year this flagship festival event has been held, and we knew it would be one of the first to sell out. It’s going to be a really fun and tasty evening, showcasing the beautiful flavours in our region and the super talented people who work in our hospitality sector,” says Rae.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming back Cuisine magazine editor and owner Kelli Brett, who’ll be tasked with selecting the Judge’s Choice winner on the night. This winner and their special snack will earn a highly prized spot in an upcoming feature article in Cuisine, which is definitely worth battling for.”
The annual foodie festival is a key project for Tourism Bay of Plenty. General manager Oscar Nathan says the Battle of the Snack event is specifically designed to support and celebrate the next generation of professional chefs as they are making their way up the ranks.
“Hospitality and special meals are often a key part of each visitor experience, so we want to showcase the excellence that’s happening behind the scenes at our top eateries.
“Diners will also get the chance to vote for their favourite snacks to determine the winner of the People’s Choice award on the night. It’s always a privilege to host this interactive and innovative event.”
Image: Battle of the Snack rising stars and mentors (from left) Jack Dunkerley, Malika Ganley, Richard Denyer, Nigel Reid, Rikayla Bridge-Zwezerynen, Shane Yardley, Paul Patterson, and Nathan Turley.
The rising star chefs who are preparing to compete on the night are Rikayla Bridge-Zwezerynen (who works at Solera), Richard Denyer (Fife Lane), Jack Dunkerley (Papa Mo’s), and Nathan Turley (Somethin’ Somethin’).
They’re being matched with mentors Shane Yardley (chef tutor at Toi Ohomai), Nigel Reid (executive chef at Pearl Kitchen & Tay Street Beach Kitchen), Malika Ganley (recipe developer), and Paul Patterson (chef and owner of Fisherman’s Wharf).
“I want to say a huge thank you to all of our incredible chefs who are donating their time to upskill our region’s rising culinary stars,” says Rae.
“We’ve also got some generous sponsors and supporters who are making this event possible – these include Saltwater, Bay Distilling, Mount Brewing Co., Leveret & Mills Reef, Herringbone Wines, and Southern Hospitality.”
The Battle of the Snack is one of more than 50 events being held over the next 18 days during the Flavours of Plenty Festival (27 March – 13 April).
For more information visit flavoursofplentyfestival.com.