Supreme Woman In Food & Drink 2024
Nadia Lim

Nadia is the real deal having blossomed from her start as a young winner of New Zealand’s MasterChef competition to becoming a cook recognised in almost every household in the country. She has had her own cooking show and numerous TV appearances including as judge of MasterChef New Zealand and has authored many well-loved cookbooks as well as heading her own magazine. Co-founder and the face of My Food Bag, her most recent venture, with husband Carlos Bagrie, is the ownership and daily running of Royalburn Station in Central Otago. It is one of only two certified on-farm abattoirs in New Zealand and the pair run an inspiring farm shop in Arrowtown. Their genuine farm-to-plate operation produces premium-quality food that is sympathetic to their animals and the environment, and their lamb was recognised at the New Zealand Food Awards 2023, winning the primary sector award. Nadia’s energy, enthusiasm and leadership for the New Zealand food story are exemplary and she is an inspiration for so many across her diverse platforms in regards to what we eat and the consequences of the choices that we make. We are thrilled to recognise Nadia’s authentic and respected voice, incredible talent, passion and influence with this award.

Global Ambassador 2024
Jess Murphy

As the winner of our inaugural Global Ambassador for Women In Food & Drink Aotearoa New Zealand award, Wairoa-born Jess is an inspiration to all of us. Her world-renowned and award-winning restaurant Kai in Galway, Ireland is a World’s 50 Best Discovery restaurant and holds a Michelin Green Star. At Kai she uses local, organic produce, and 75% of all waste is recycled with the remaining 25% used to produce energy. She also works closely with Food Cloud, a zero-waste community which drives awareness of food-waste issues. Jess takes a slow food, farm-to-fork approach to her menu in a kitchen that is staffed 50% by women. She also finds the time to mentor emerging female chefs as well as working closely with the UN Refugee Agency. We could not be more proud of this impressive Kiwi woman who is an influential and inspirational international voice in the telling of our New Zealand food-and-drink story.

Evolving Woman In Food & Drink 2024
Aroha Jakicevich

Emerging spirits judge and liquor retail specialist, Aroha has risen to the management and board of family-owned Glengarry Wines (and Hancocks) through hard work and valuable experience on the floor. Her ability to shepherd and shape emerging brands has become an incredibly important source of feedback and insight for the New Zealand spirits industry. Her leadership and strategic input to the future of the business is seeing Glengarry on a path to a fourth generation of success, where her presence as a young Māori leader is also a significant part of her contribution. In an industry that presents great challenges for women to push to the fore, what will the conversations for the beverage industry look like over the next few years? Aroha is gaining respect and applause as she steps into the spotlight to lead us toward a more equitable future.

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Hall of Fame Recipients 2024

Annabel Langbein

Joyously celebrated by New Zealand foodies far and wide, it would be fair to say that Annabel is a true queen of Cuisine. The very first edition of this magazine in January 1987 showcased her already-impressive repertoire across al fresco summer eating, picnics with panache, getting moreish with mussels, festive with nibbles and bringing us the scoop on homemade ice creams and sorbets. Her love of good food has resulted in more than 30 cookbooks and three seasons of an award-winning television series sharing no-fail recipes on a national and international stage, and motivating us to cook simple, healthy meals.

Fleur Sullivan

The journey of this magnificent woman has been inspiring: from wild culinary adventures across the pubs of the West Coast; the glamorous 1970s hospo life in Queenstown; the establishment of the much-acclaimed Olivers in Clyde; and, of course, the now-legendary Fleurs Place where she drew the eyes of the world to the tiny town of Moeraki. Fleur has been instrumental in transforming two sleepy regional towns into international destinations and is instantly recognisable as one of our most-loved New Zealand restaurateurs with a career spanning well over 40 years. Fleur’s legacy is the story of her deep connection to the landscape around her, that of a charismatic woman steeped in unshakeable southern spirit. Fleur is what great and true hospitality is all about.

Alison Holst

A former columnist, radio host, food stylist and celebrity chef, Dame Alison passionately promoted New Zealand ingredients by showcasing them on her programmes. She has been a household face since the early days of television, has sold more than 4.5 million copies of her vast range of cookbooks and has taught thousands of New Zealanders to cook family-friendly food. Her influence was so effective that she was recruited by the Fishing, Dairy and Meat Boards to travel the world promoting the flavours of Aotearoa in overseas markets. Her service was recognised with several honours including being appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2011, and her cookbook Meals with the Family is held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.