2025 Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat NZ Regional Winners Announced: Sam Kissell and Emily Morgan

Jun 27, 2025

Two of New Zealand’s brightest emerging chefs have earned national recognition, securing their spots in the grand final of the 2025 Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award – Australasia’s premier culinary competition for young professionals.

Invercargill’s Sam Kissell and Titirangi’s Emily Morgan were recently crowned the South and North Island regional winners respectively, after excelling in high-stakes cook-offs judged by industry experts from the NZChefs Association. Their wins secure them coveted places among 12 finalists who will compete at Sydney’s Fine Food Australia this September.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary and five years of New Zealand involvement, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award is a launching pad for future foodservice leaders, offering unmatched hands-on experience and industry recognition. This year’s competition saw 33 talented young chefs compete in regional heats held at Ara Institute of Canterbury and Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

Sam Kissell impressed the judges with a refined two-course menu featuring seared beef rump with horopito and cumin croquette, glazed brussels sprouts, and MAGGI Jus Lié Mix red wine jus, followed by a vibrant dessert of shortbread, poached rhubarb, and Nestlé DOCELLO Snowcap White Chocolate crema. A return competitor, Sam shared that he aimed to surpass his previous performance: “This time, I really wanted to push myself. Making the finals is a major step forward, and I’m excited to take my skills to the next level.”

Meanwhile, Emily Morgan, in her second win of the competition, captivated judges with her sous vide beef rump, duchess potatoes, and mushroom jus, alongside a creative tamarillo soufflé with Nestlé Docello French Vanilla Mousse and a quinoa crumble. “I entered to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself against the best in the North Island,” Emily said. “The finals represent an incredible career milestone.”

Both chefs were commended for their bold flavours, precise techniques, and attention to detail. Nestlé Commercial Advisory Chef judge Karl Seidel remarked, “Sam and Emily’s passion really came through on every plate. They embody the spirit of this competition, which for six decades has helped elevate and support the next generation of culinary leaders.”

In addition to the regional wins, Paige Hutchinson and Java McRae were each honoured with the new Best Signature Dish Awards in their respective regions. Sponsored by Robot-Coupe, this award recognises each chef’s unique style and creativity.

Finalists will compete across two intense heats in front of a live industry audience in Sydney. The winner will be crowned the 2025 Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year and receive a 14-day international culinary experience in Singapore and Thailand, valued at AUD $12,000. The total prize pool exceeds $38,000 and includes awards for creativity, best savoury and dessert dishes, and even the most Instagram-worthy plate.

For more information, visit: www.goldenchefs.com.au