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2022 Youth Cacao Innovators Award GOLD: Ngaiwi Kahukoka


Sponsored by Ao Tiakarete, Ms Sunshine
Organic Farms, Taumeasina Island Resort Samoa

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Our Rangatahi Innovators
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2022 Youth Cacao Innovators 
Award


GOLD: Ngaiwi Kahukoka

Ngaati Te Ata


 

Pacific Cacao & Chocolate 2022​

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This one was a biggie for me. I competed in the Youth cacao innovators competition showcasing Pacific cacao - 76%, hosted at Mount Smart Stadium in Taamaki. The winner of this competition would receive a week’s trip to Samoa at Taumeasina Island Resort, touring cacao plantations on the island and training with expert chocolatier Tom Hilton that could potentially lead to an apprenticeship.

 

I presented nine BonBons, Kawakawa and horopito infused duck fat ganache with a strawberry center and one plated dish

 

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76% flexi chocolate ganache with mandarin segments and gel, half roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut sponge and crumb, finished with pieces of chocolate tuile. I couldn’t have done it without the support of some amazing people. Arno Sturny, my mentor and teacher. My family who came to support and my partner Trent who has been supportive of this dream since day dot.

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Reiko, my friend and fellow contestant who is just so talented, I am honoured to have stood beside her. The Maessen family who I met working as a waitress - Paul who gave me my first mini chocolate lessons and Whitney who gave me the inspiration for this plated dessert. A dessert that will also be featured in a three course winter series banquet, held at AUT for 200 guests.

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I’m proud of this one,

A true labour of love.

Samoa in 2023

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Peter Gordon

Chef, restaurateur, writer and fusion pioneer

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Lyall Minhinnick

2021 Beef + Lamb 

Young Ambassador Finalist

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Thomas Hilton

Thomas Hilton of Ao Cacao, the Maaori chocolatier creating beautifully crafted bonbons and bars infused with indigenous flavour.

SUPPORTED BY

THANKS TO:

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Beef and Lamb

Bay View Hotel Kaiaua

Ratahi Cruises

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