The Cook Islands Chefs Association is proud to announce the hosting of the Semi-Finals for the Pacific Rim Young & Global Chefs Challenge 2025, a prestigious biennial competition for emerging talent in the culinary arts. For the first time, the Cook Islands will welcome chefs from across the Pacific Rim—New Zealand, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands—to compete for medals, recognition, and the chance to represent their country at the finals held at the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) event in Newport, Wales.

After 16 years of traveling to compete, the Cook Islands Chefs Association is excited to bring this world-class event home. The competition will take place over two thrilling days at the Tereora College technology block, where the public is invited to witness the culinary action firsthand. Spectators will also have the unique opportunity to taste the chefs’ incredible creations, crafted using both local fresh ingredients and those from the global competition.

This event will be judged by international WACS judges and will be attended by the WACS Continental Director, marking a significant milestone for the Cook Islands' culinary community. Follow the Cook Islands Chefs Association’s Facebook page to stay updated on training sessions, teasers, and exciting events leading up to the competition. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the culinary talent of the Cook Islands and the Pacific, as we showcase our local genius on the world stage!