For the second year in a row, NZChicken, the promotional entity of the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ), was a major co-sponsor of the National Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge (NSSCC). Funding from NZChicken assisted with nine regional competitions held since May from Whangarei to Timaru, and travel for the regional winners to the grand final in Auckland.
NZChicken also presented each of the 18 grand finalists with vouchers for the purchase of Tegel and Inghams products.
“We are very pleased at how the challenge has grown, with 50 schools across the country now taking part, and more set to participate in 2015,” said Michael Brooks, PIANZ executive director. “The challenge highlights the wonderful career paths available to young people in the hospitality industry, and offers them the opportunity to experience the quality and versatility of New Zealand chicken, the nation’s favorite choice of meat protein.”
Brooks said NZChicken has been very impressed by the skills, creativity and professionalism displayed by the students in all of the competitions, and by the fresh and innovative ways they have worked with the sponsors’ products.
“Judges who oversee the challenge say the standards match those of any professional competition,” he said. “NZChicken is very proud to be part of an event that helps identify some of the hospitality industry’s future stars. Look around the country and you’ll see they’re everywhere.”
