Pier Italiano is one of New Zealand’s most exciting emerging culinary talents, bringing creativity, precision and an unmistakable artistic touch to every plate. As the former culinary director of Toast & Oak in Queenstown, he has helped shape a dining experience built around bold flavours, refined technique and genuine hospitality. Having previously worked across Europe and Australia, Pier combines international experience with an innovative mindset, further strengthened by his studies in Harvard University’s Science & Cooking programme. His approach balances technical excellence with imagination, ensuring every dish is beautifully executed while remaining approachable and deeply satisfying. Behind every service is Pier’s unwavering commitment to quality, leading the kitchen with confidence and inspiring his team to deliver consistency at the highest level. Every plate that leaves the pass reflects his passion for exceptional ingredients, well-honed expertise and creating memorable moments around the table. While working in Queenstown, Pier has pushed boundaries while celebrating the region’s outstanding produce and vibrant dining scene. His ability to combine artistry with precision, alongside his dedication to nurturing his craft, marks him as a chef with an incredibly bright future. It is his talent, vision and relentless pursuit of excellence that makes Pier Italiano a well-deserving recipient of the Rising Talent Award for 2026.