Welcome to Made in Manawatū - Plate of Origin 2023. The Manawatū Business Chamber is excited to announce the return of this revamped competition.  

Made in Manawatū - Plate of Origin 2023 brings together talented local chefs and cooks passionate about representing their region’s culinary heritage.

Made in Manawatū - Plate of Origin 2023 showcases the extraordinary culinary talents and flavours of this vibrant area known for its fertile farmland, growing scene and diverse cultural influences.

The competition aims to highlight regional ingredients, cooking techniques and dishes that make Manawatū a culinary destination worth exploring. It brings together locals and visitors alike, inviting them to indulge in the exquisite flavours of the region while supporting our local hospitality businesses.

Celebrating the region’s rich bounty of local products and producers with a strong emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, Chefs participating in the competition will be able to draw inspiration from the region's cultural diversity. Their dishes will showcase the region's many influences, creating a delightful fusion of taste that reflects Manawatū.

All finalists in the competition will be judged by two of New Zealand’s top celebrity chefs, Rex Morgan and Shaun Clouston.

The competition winners will be announced at the Made in Manawatū - Plate of Origin formal celebration on 11th October.

People’s Choice Award (voting now closed)

This is a chance to recognise and celebrate the region's food, talent and eateries.

  • Vote for your favourite dish and be in to win a  $300.00 Air New Zealand Travel Voucher.

  • Voting opens 1 September 2023 through to 30 September 2023.

  • Only one vote per dish per diner per visit.

  • Proof of purchase will be required - keep your receipt. 

  • The winner will be drawn from all entries received and announced on the 11 of October, 2023.

  • Arranged Marriage - Masala Fried Prawns

    Brew Union - Wild Venison Backstrap

    Dejeuner Restaurant & Bar - Lamb Rack

    Jimmy Cook's Kiwi Kitchen - White Chocolate Dome Surprise

    Little Savanna - Duck Two Ways

    Nero Restaurant - Coastal French Lamb Rack

    The Fat Farmer - The Beef Large Plate

    The Strongroom - Loaded Fries with Smoked Potato Foam

  • Aqaba Bar & Kitchen - Lu Pork Belly

    Backstage Cafe - South Pacific Sticky Chicken

    Beaver and Bear Kitchen & Bar - Venison Gnocchi

    E@tey 1487 at Feilding Golf Club - The Beef of Apiti-Land

    Indian 2Nite Bistro & Tandoor - Lamb Biryani, Kharhi Chicken

    Knead Bakery - Traditional Kiwi Lunch

    The Brewer's Apprentice - Cherry Wood Smoked Beef Short Rib

    Wildflower Kitchen - Steak & Cheddar Pie

The Plate of Origin preliminary judging has now been completed and 11 finalists have been identified.

Congratulations to these finalists, who Rex and Shaun will judge: 

Formal Dining

  • Arranged Marriage

  • Brew Union

  • Creative Catering ***

  • Nero Restaurant 

  • The Fat Farmer

  • The Strongroom

Smart/Casual Dining

  • Aqaba Bar & Kitchen

  • Beaver and Bear Kitchen & Bar

  • E@tery 1487 at Feilding Golf Club

  • The Brewer's Apprentice 

WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER

Plate of Origin Dinner

6 pm – 10 pm
Awapuni Racecourse Totara Road, Awapuni, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Join us for a mouthwatering culinary experience at the Made in Manawatū - Plate of Origin Dinner.

This is your opportunity to recognise and celebrate all things Manawatū. The event will highlight our unique region's food, businesses and people.

We will announce and celebrate the Plate of Origin competition winners.

Be informed, connected, and entertained by the one and only Te Radar.

Start the evening with bubbles on arrival and enjoy a delicious three-course meal with beverages on the table. A cash bar will be operating throughout the evening.

Tables of 8 are available. Tickets are strictly limited for this. Book your tickets now.

Contact us for more information

Please contact Liane Anderson
Manawatū Business Chamber

Liane@manawatuchamber.co.nz

027 337 6122