Source: Whitireia and WelTec
Eisha Scerri has won the inaugural Hemi Tahu Memorial Trophy Awarded for Excellence at a Whitireia and WelTec cooking competition.
Ten talented Whitireia and WelTec cookery ākonga (students) qualified to participate in the competition, in which they had to prepare and present a dish originally developed by the late Hemi Tahu.
Judge Steve Morris said the competition was very close, but ultimately Eisha’s dish stood out for being technically excellent and exceptionally delivered.
“This competition is a tribute to one of Wellington’s special culinary masters,” says Steve.
“ Hemi Tahu was an innovative, creative and talented chef and we hope this competition inspires the next generation of chefs to carry on his legacy.”
Eisha was presented with the Hemi Tahu Memorial Trophy and received a prize from sponsor House of Knives. Ben Shadbolt, Special Projects Lead at Whitireia and WelTec, says the trophy carries special significance with symbolism and meaning within the carving.
“The trophy is called ‘Kairangi’ which means excellence, and someone held in high regard. That is extremely appropriate because Hemi was widely known and connected through Wellington’s culinary community,” says Ben.
“Eisha’s connection with Whitireia and WelTec started through the Wellington Trades Academy, and she is now about to graduate in the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4). In winning this competition, she has been recognised for reaching high standards of competence and skill.”
“We are very pleased to be able to create this opportunity to recognise a great chef from our past, and to encourage and inspire great chefs of the future.”
