We are so proud to announce that our talented students, Kate and Georgia Sole, have won the prestigious New Zealand Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge (NSSCC) 2025! The twin sisters wowed judges with their exceptional skills, creativity, organisation, hygiene, and teamwork, taking out the top spot in this highly competitive national event.
The NSSCC is an annual competition that brings together the best young culinary talent from across Aotearoa. Teams of two students compete in regional heats, preparing a restaurant-quality entrée in just 45 minutes. This year’s challenge featured Silver Fern Farms lamb loin and New Zealand-grown kumara as the hero ingredients, they must have also included a Kapiti branded product, one NZ grown green vegetable, one Rescued Kitchen, Kapiti and Anchor branded product, with a strong focus on sustainability, seasonality, and presentation. For the national final, they add a dessert dish featuring a choice of Kiwifruit or Apple, a sauce that includes another fruit, Whittaker’s peanut chocolate, and a Kapiti and Anchor branded product. They must prepare four portions of each dish in 100 minutes.
Kate and Georgia’s winning entry into NSSCC not only impressed the judges with its flavour and finesse but also demonstrated their deep understanding of culinary techniques and local produce. Their victory earned them a prize package valued at over $12,000, including professional kitchen equipment, scholarships, and industry experiences.
As national champions, the twins also took part in the NZ Culinary Journey, a unique opportunity to learn from top chefs, explore professional kitchens, and gain insight into careers in hospitality. Their success is a testament to their hard work, passion, and the support of our Food Technology department.
Congratulations Kate and Georgia—you’ve made us incredibly proud!
~ Mrs A Thomson, Head of Food Technology