ŠÓMap

What a gathering to celebrate International Women's Day and the vision of editor Kelli Brett to celebrate inspiring and influential women in New Zealandā€™s Food and Drinks sector.
 
With a luncheon of 240, mostly women, at Soul Bar and Bistro in the Viaduct, Auckland applauded the achievements of 50 women as well as the Hall of Fame 2023 with six notable women nominees. I was fortunate to be included in the list of 50. 

Kelli Brett and the team from Cuisine Magazine of Tracey Whitney, Ginny Grant, Fiona Lascelles, Fiona Smith and Sarah Meikle from Wellington on a Plate.

Kelli Brett's goal is to build a new network; Women in Food & Drink Aotearoa New Zealand to connect women in food and drink across the country, to educate, support and share ideas and knowledge.

Hall of Fame Nominees
* Dame Alison Holst
* Julie Dalzell - founder of Cuisine Magazine
* Lois Daish - chef, restaurateur, food writer
* Fleur Sullivan - chef, restaurateur
* Katherine Rich - NZ Food and Grocery Council
* Judith Tabron - chef, restaurateur
 
Lois Daish was the successful nominee appointed to the Hall of Fame.

At the table - Vanessa from Cuisine Magazine, Fleur Sullivan (standing), Plabita Florence from , Julie Dalzell, founder of Cuisine Magazine (1987), Siobhan Wilson of The Ned Wine, Samantha White, Tabitha Harris and Rachel Taulelei from .

Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga // Ngāti Rārua // Ngāti Koata) with Kelli Brett of Cuisine Magazine.

Supreme Woman in Food & Drink 2023 was awarded to Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga // Ngāti Rārua // Ngāti Koata) of Oho // Business and Brand Strategy
Evolving Woman in Food & Drink 2023 was Awarded to Plabvita Florence of Forest Restaurant.

Celia Hay, Charlotte Read, Marketing Director of ŠÓMap Growers, Catherine Bell of Garden Trust, Candice Chow, wine writer.

Judith Tabron with Nicola Richards, Vicky Roberts and friends

Marisa Bidois with Nicola Waldren and Sara Beillard of Becky Erwood, Karen and Louise Hearn.

Suzanne Slocombe and the team of Linda Kruger, Rebekah and Rianne Walker.

Executive Chef Gavin Doyle with Geeling Ching, Bailey Mullin and the team from

of Cusine's mose influential and inspiring women.

Celia Hay, March 2023