HEAR US ROAR
As we commemorate 125 years of women’s suffrage across New Zealand, it’s fair to say that our women in hospitality need a little bit of a boost. So we have introduced Sassy Chats to hear the voices of women in the industry.
the skills and strengths that women bring to the table in the many diverse roles that they fulfill within the industry, and help to build a community of like-minded females who can learn from each other and grow.
With this in mind Cuisine magazine joined forces with Accolade Wines to celebrate the release of their 2018 Madam Sass Pinot Noir Rosé from Central Otago, at a table filled with slick and sassy women, each of them pursuing their own unique journey within the world of hospitality. What emerged was an inspiring and insightful conversation about the many challenges faced on a day-to-day basis, and a sense of great pride and passion for an industry that can offer the opportunity to work in a creative and exciting environment where no day is ever the same.
The conversation was lead by Cuisine editor Kelli Brett and much-loved restaurateur and chef Fleur Sullivan from Moeraki, alongside Christchurch Energizer bunny and celebrity cook, Jax Hamilton. All of these strong women have travelled very different paths within the hospitality industry. Kelli has worked her way up through the international hospitality ranks across restaurant, bar and hotel development. Fleur has never strayed far from her rural New Zealand upbringing, and her restaurant Fleurs Place attracts diners from around the globe in search of an authentic taste of New Zealand. Jax grabbed the opportunities that a runners-up place in New Zealand Masterchef gave her and now runs her online kitchen providing recipes, recipe development and foodie tours.
Our guests at the art-filled atrium of Debretts Kitchen were women from all facets of the industry and professionals at every career stage. Gender equality was, of course, a part of this discussion that also touched on issues that affect both genders: salaries, flexible working hours, support for those with children and the perception of public value for a restaurant offering.
The take home from this inspiring lunch was the need for women to recognise the strengths they bring to NZ hospitality and to build a stronger network of likeminded mentors and role models to enable confidence along the road to professional development. We hope through creating these discussions, to inspire more young women to pursue a career in this challenging but glorious industry.
Stay tuned to the Cuisine social pages for the first of our series of ‘Sassy Chats’ creating a voice for women in hospitality across New Zealand.
For more inspiring women in this issue, see Ainsley Thompson’s great-and-goodfor-you approach highlighted on p88, visit Karina Quinlan at her Kawau Island retreat on p146 and talk beer with Jess Wolfgang on p136. We also feature recipes from Francesca Voza and James Stapley’s Francesca’s Italian Kitchen on p114.