Waikato’s very own Master Chef

Waikato’s very own Master Chef

Michelin starred chef and Masterchef New Zealand judge Josh Emett can now add honorary Wintec fellow to his list of impressive accomplishments.

The award – Wintec’s highest honour – was presented to Emett at a gala ceremony and dinner attended by 130 invited guests including past Wintec honorary recipients, local MPs and Mayors, representatives from the local food industry and Wintec Council members and staff.

Emett was thrilled to receive the prestigious award. “It’s fantastic, and I’m humbled to be recognised alongside some other amazing people.”

Fittingly the ceremony and dinner were held in Wintec House – the same building where Emett studied cookery, at what was Waikato Polytechnic, 20 years ago.

Before the award ceremony he put on a cooking demonstration for the newest generation of students at Wintec’s Rotokauri campus. The auditorium was packed and Emett told the enthralled audience about his humble beginnings peeling spuds on the Waipa Delta and washing dishes at a Hamilton rest home.

He quickly progressed to Auckland's Cin Cin on Quay and Melbourne's Est Est Est before joining Gordon Ramsay's team at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's in London.

As head chef at the world renowned The Savoy Grill, Emett then opened Gordon Ramsay restaurants in New York, Los Angeles and Melbourne. In this time he earned a total of four Michelin stars, making him one of New Zealand's most successful chefs.

On why he chose to study at Wintec, Emett said “Waikato Polytechnic focuses on getting students work ready through hands-on practical experience combine with necessary theory and also keeping a close connection with industry. This suited me perfectly as someone who just wanted to get on and get working”

Emett is back in New Zealand with his wife and two young boys for Masterchef commitments and to open his first restaurant Rata in Queenstown early next month.

Emett is one of three honorary recipients in 2012. Chengdu University president Professor Jiliu Zhou was made a Wintec Fellow in March this year and later this year netball legend Monica Leggat will be awarded a Master of Science (Sport & Exercise Science).

Wintec's honorary recipients must have made a significant contribution to Wintec, the region or the nation over a number of years through innovation in industry or business, scholarship and research, or enhancing New Zealand society.

Honorary fellows and degrees are approved by the Wintec Council following recommendations made by the Honorary Degree Nominations Committee which annually review honorary nominations from Wintec staff.

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