The Pacific Ocean is home to diverse communities, cultures and traditions, many of which remain overlooked beyond their shores. Yet across this vast blue continent, food has long been a powerful expression of identity by carrying generations of knowledge, heritage and connection. Here in Aotearoa, there is an upcoming and highly anticipated opportunity to celebrate the richness of our Pacific neighbours and the culinary traditions that connect us across the ocean.

This September, those connections will take centre stage at OCEAN of FLAVOURS: One Ocean, Many Flavours, a two-day celebration bringing together Pacific chefs and producers with New Zealand’s food and hospitality community. Taking place from 21–22 September at the AUT School of Hospitality and Tourism, the event aims to strengthen the economic and cultural ties that connect Aotearoa with the wider Pacific through food, storytelling, cultural exchange and collaboration. Proudly presented by Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTINZ), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), and supported by New Zealand chef Peter Gordon ONZM, OCEAN of FLAVOURS will offer a unique opportunity to experience the Pacific through the people who know its food best. “The event is designed to strengthen our connections with the Pacific through expressions of food, storytelling, cultural exchange and collaboration,” says Felicity Bollen, Director of Pacific Connections at MFAT.

At the heart of the programme is a meeting of culinary minds, with a line-up of acclaimed Pacific chefs travelling to Aotearoa to join forces with leading New Zealand chefs. Representing Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands/Ni-Vanuatu, the visiting chefs include Ashim Singh, Executive Chef at Hilton Fiji Resort; Tracey Powell, Hospitality Consultant; Alphonse Ishice Kocé, Chef at K2 Gastronomie Locale; Lynda Song, Chef at Hotel Koulnoué Village; Su’a Aukusitino Suifaatau, Executive Chef, Culinary Educator and Hospitality Leader; Soane Fakatava, Head Chef at Seaview Restaurant; Israel Gapi, Head Chef at Coral Seas Hotels and Denzel Sumsum, Owner of Valin Kaba.

The first day will see the visiting chefs collaborate with New Zealand chefs, sharing techniques, ingredients and culinary perspectives. Day two will open the conversation further, bringing together food writers, influencers and industry stakeholders before culminating in a special dinner for the public on 22 September. For Natasha Meleisea, Chief Executive of PCBL, the event provides an important platform for Pacific stories to travel further. “Food is a universal language and culinary storytelling can turn a basic meal into a meaningful reflection of culture and community,” she says. “All our chefs and producers have stories to be shared, and PCBL is proud to help make that happen on Pasifika TV, ensuring that the Pacific will get a taste of OCEAN of FLAVOURS on their screens.”  Bring together a talented line-up of chefs, one fantastic menu and you have all the makings of a fabulous evening. The one-night-only dining experience, crafted by the visiting Pacific chefs is held under the guidance of Peter Gordon. Together, they will create a five-course menu inspired by the produce, flavours and culinary traditions of the Blue Pacific. Guests will begin the evening with a Pacific-inspired cocktail and canapés before taking their seats for a menu that celebrates the richness and diversity of the region. Across five courses, Pacific-sourced ingredients will be transformed through traditional techniques and contemporary creativity, with each dish offering a taste of the stories, heritage and places that shape Pacific cuisine.

For Glynis Miller, PTI NZ Trade Commissioner, the event is about creating connections that extend well beyond the dining table. “Hosting this event again is important for PTINZ in our quest to look for opportunities that strengthen relationships between New Zealand and the Pacific, as well as build enduring relationships across the food, tourism, hospitality and trade sectors,” she says.  OCEAN of FLAVOURS is, ultimately, an invitation to look across the ocean and celebrate the food, people and stories that make the Pacific such a rich and vital part of our shared culinary landscape. pacifictradeinvest.com