Twin Sisters Triumph in New Zealand Culinary Challenge 2025

Talented twin sisters from Botany Downs Secondary College in east Auckland have clinched the title at the 2025 New Zealand Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge (NSSCC). Year 13 students Kate and Georgia Sole showcased their culinary talents, impressing judges with their exceptional skills and creativity during the national event held on August 28.

The NSSCC is an annual competition that highlights the best young culinary talent from across Aotearoa. According to Angie Thomson, head of food technology at Botany Downs Secondary College, teams of two students compete in regional heats to prepare a restaurant-quality entrée in just 45 minutes.

This year’s challenge featured Silver Fern Farms lamb loin and New Zealand-grown kumara as the primary ingredients. Competitors were also required to incorporate a Kapiti-branded product, one New Zealand-grown green vegetable, and an ingredient from the Rescued Kitchen, with an emphasis on sustainability, seasonality, and presentation.

For the national finals, the competitors added a dessert dish that must feature either kiwifruit or apple, a sauce made from another fruit, Whittaker’s peanut chocolate, and additional products from Kapiti and Anchor. Each team was tasked with preparing four portions of each dish within a time limit of 100 minutes.

Thomson noted that Kate and Georgia’s winning entry not only impressed the judges with its flavor and finesse but also highlighted their thorough understanding of culinary techniques and local produce. Their outstanding performance earned them a prize package valued at over $12,000, which includes professional kitchen equipment, scholarships, and valuable industry experiences.

As national champions, the Sole sisters participated in the NZ Culinary Journey, an opportunity to learn from top chefs, explore professional kitchens, and gain insights into careers in hospitality. Thomson expressed pride in the twins’ accomplishments, saying, “Their success is a testament to their hard work, passion, and the support of our food technology department. Congratulations Kate and Georgia – you’ve made us incredibly proud!”