Celebrating a Long-Standing Partnership with NZ Chefs

For more than 20 years, Southern Hospitality has proudly partnered with NZ Chefs, helping to support the annual NSSCC competitions through equipment loans, sponsorship, and industry collaboration.

As one of New Zealand's most respected culinary competitions, the NSSCC provides a platform for talented chefs, pastry chefs, trainees, and emerging professionals to showcase their skills, gain industry recognition, and advance their careers.

Over Two Decades of Support

Southern Hospitality's involvement dates back to the competitions held in the purpose-built kitchens at Auckland's Logan Campbell Centre. Over the years, the NSSCC has also been hosted at venues throughout South Auckland and Henderson before moving to a rotating format between Fine Food New Zealand and hospitality training establishments across Auckland from 2023 onwards.

Throughout this time, Southern Hospitality has supplied loan equipment, including stainless steel work benches and double glass door chillers, helping create professional competition environments for competitors and event organisers.

Investing in Hospitality Talent

Supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals is an important part of Southern Hospitality's commitment to the industry. Alongside equipment support, Southern Hospitality contributes prize vouchers that are awarded to top-performing competitors across several NSSCC categories.

These prizes are highly valued by recipients, providing winners with access to quality hospitality equipment and supplies that help support their ongoing professional development.

At the 2026 NSSCC competitions, held at MIT from 3-5 October, Southern Hospitality proudly provided prize vouchers recognising excellence across key competition categories, including:

• NZ Chef of the Year
• NZ Pastry Chef of the Year
• NZ Emerging Chef of the Year
• NZ Trainee of the Year

A Partnership That Benefits the Industry

The relationship between Southern Hospitality and NZ Chefs is built on a shared commitment to developing talent, promoting professional standards, and strengthening New Zealand's hospitality sector.

Through the NSSCC, chefs have the opportunity to test their skills in a competitive environment, learn from industry leaders, and gain recognition among their peers. Southern Hospitality is proud to play a supporting role in helping these valuable opportunities continue.

The partnership also provides opportunities to connect with hospitality professionals through event presence, industry communications, winner presentations, and championship photography, further strengthening relationships across the sector.

Looking Ahead

As the New Zealand hospitality industry continues to evolve, Southern Hospitality remains committed to supporting the people behind it. Our long-standing partnership with NZ Chefs reflects our belief in nurturing talent, celebrating achievement, and investing in the future of the industry.

We are proud to support the NSSCC and look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.