International Chefs Day: Te Pae Christchurch General Manager, Ross Steele

As we countdown to Christmas, it is great to see our city buzzing with national and international delegates attending a variety of events we’ve hosted in our venue recently.

With that comes the opportunity for our chefs at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre to showcase Canterbury’s finest food and beverages to the world and to form meaningful partnerships with these local businesses to support our community.

In celebration of International Chefs Day in October, our chefs hatched a plan with our local free-range pig farmer from Poaka to invite Cholmondeley Children’s Centre tamariki for a fun day out to meet the pigs and explore the farm. For our chefs Des, Courtney, and Nick, this was the ideal way to share their passion and give back to a wonderful charity that works directly with families and children in the Canterbury region to provide short-term respite care at times of stress or crisis.

This day was an opportunity to learn how a free-range pig farm runs, sustainable farming practices, and what their pigs are fed, including acorns and sweet chestnuts. Highlights for the tamariki were riding in the trailer around the farm and meeting Boris, the farm’s largest pig.

It was a pleasure for our chefs to share this farm experience with these children and to prepare and enjoy a delicious lunch together. It’s heartwarming to see our team are genuinely dedicated to making a positive impact in our community.

Christmas is a time of giving, and volunteering time, talent, and resources can truly make a difference. On behalf of the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre team, I wish you and your loved ones an enjoyable and safe festive season
– Meri Kirihimete!