Young pâtissier back for second helping in Ara’s Young Chef competition

_{Ellouise Day in action at the 2025 Waitaha Young Chef of the Year event}

She took top honours in the Young Pastry Chef division of the Waitaha Canterbury Young Chef Awards last year - now Ellouise Day is eyeing the overall prize.

The Ara-trained chef wowed judges last year with her layered walnut and maple syrup dessert with spiced apple compote, chocolate and walnut crumb, apple cider gel and chocolate ganache.

Now working as sous chef at Christchurch’s OGB restaurant, Ellouise is preparing to line up against competitors from all over Te Wai Pounamu to prepare two winning courses for the overall Young Chef of the Year title.

“Doing these competitions is such fun and provides a real opportunity for growth, especially now that I’m not in the classroom anymore,” Day said.
“They provide a chance to really stretch that muscle of working under pressure.”

The Ara Waitaha Canterbury Young Chef Awards, presented in partnership with the Ara Foundation, made a strong debut in 2025 - with 36 young chefs battling it out for top honours and standout prizes.

Competitors from leading Canterbury restaurant kitchens worked with premium sponsored ingredients against the clock, showcasing individual flair and technical skill.

The overall Young Chef of the Year was won by Canterbury chef Clover Lippe while the trainee division of the event (which attracted an impressive 20 entries) was won by Gabriel Flower.

The 2026 event will be held on campus on Monday 15 June.

Ara Department of Hospitality and Service Industries portfolio manager Ryan Marshall said the event was now a firm fixture on Christchurch’s culinary calendar.

“It’s great to see young chefs like Ellouise come back for another crack at the top award and we’re seeing fantastic interest from newcomers to the competition too.”

Marshall said the excitement around the Young Chef Awards reflected the wider energy in the department as it prepares for mid year course intakes.

“There is space at Ara for new learners to get their start and mid year is a great time to do it with certificates, diplomas and short courses all on offer.”

Organiser, Ara tutor Mark Sycamore, said key sponsors were back in the mix for 2026.

“We’re delighted to have our prize sponsors Silikomart, Catering Hardware and Akaroa King Salmon back on board this year, as well as newcomers Barkers,” he said.

Sycamore is no stranger to the buzz and excitement of cheffing competitions. Recently named a Worldchefs Certified Continental Judge - a qualification that enables him to judge at internationally certified competitions - he knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest level and what the experience means for young chefs' careers.

“Stepping up shows that you’re ready to put yourself on the line. As a chef, they’re the people you want on your team,” he said.

For the top Ara performers, the competition could open doors well beyond Waitaha Canterbury. Thanks to the Ara Foundation, a new National Pathway Scholarship will provide flights, accommodation and entry into a national competition in Auckland this October, along with mentoring from Sycamore and other leading local chefs.

“They’ll be able to head into national level competition with a competitive edge,” Sycamore said.

Coming from someone who’s competed and coached at the international level, these young chefs will certainly be in safe and supportive hands.

Ara’s Department of Hospitality and Service programmes deliver hands on bakery, culinary and hospitality education designed in partnership with industry. Supporting learners from foundation level through to advanced professional training – several course options begin mid-year. Find out more here: Food, Hospitality and Tourism - Ara