Thinking of a career in hospitality?  Come hear from a panel of local Taranaki hospo legends as we discuss the glory and reality of hospo life.

WEDNESDAY

2 OCTOBER

3:30 – 5:00pm

Tickets: FREE

This event will be held in collaboration with Zeal and Feastival and is geared to young people who are interested in hospitality.  We will tell great hospo stories and hear of career paths from those who have made hospitality their career and passion.

Come and hear from a panel of local Taranaki hospo legends as we discuss the glory and the reality of hospo life.  Panelists include:  Dylan Wilson, Head Chef at Frederic’s; Angela Ferguson, Deputy Director at WITT; Richard Ponder, Executive Chef at Haukai, Novotel New Plymouth, Rachel Deegan General Manager Frederic’s and Monica’s and Gina Patterson General Manager Snug Lounge, Ms White, Itch Wine Bar,Public Kitchen, and Palazzo Cantina.

The panel will be moderated by Adam Harris, Founder of Frank and Fearless.

This event is held in collaboration with Zeal and is geared to young people who are interested in a career in hospitality.  Our panelists will tell great hospo stories and hear of career paths from those who have made hospitality their passion and career.

Panelists include:

Dylan Wilson, Head Chef, Frederic’s Restaurant & Bar

Dylan is the Head Chef at Frederic’s and discovered his love for cooking at a young age.  Creating beautiful dishes that bring joy to customers is always the highlight for Dylan.  He underscores the important of beginning with excellent produce, like New Zealand beef and lamb, to consistently achieve excellence in every dish.  Dylan has a passion for sharing his passion and knowledge with younger chefs entering the industry and teaching them all he has learnt throughout his career.  frederics.co.nz

Angela Ferguson, Deputy Director, WITT

Angela started her career in Hospitality at the age of 17 in the Wairarapa as an apprentice chef.  Over the past 38 years she spent 10 years living and working in Australia, 4 years as co-owner operator of award-winning Sage Café in Feilding, Manawatu and a total of 25 years working within the hospitality tertiary sector.  During that time Angela was actively involved with NZ Chefs and for 8 years was the President/Executive of the Taranaki branch.

Angela is currently a Deputy Director – responsible for Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, Primary Industries, Art and Design and Secondary Tertiary Pathways at the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) in New Plymouth.  Angela has been at WITT since 2012, where she was a Chef Tutor for the first 5 years before moving into a leadership role.

Angela has judged and trained at Regional and National Culinary competitions over the past 25 years and was the kitchen trainer and manager of the winning WITT teams in the City and Guilds Training Team of the Year in 2014 and Supreme winners of Nestle Professional Toque d’Or in 2015.

Highlights of Angela’s career was being the Private Chef to the New Zealand High Commissioner in Canberra, Australia, owning and operating Sage Café and becoming a chef tutor.

Angela has had a successful and fulfilling career in the Hospitality Industry and looks forward to sharing her experiences.

Richard Ponder, Executive Chef, Haukai, Novotel New Plymouth

Richard is originally from the UK, this is where Richard first found his passion for food and started his career as a chef, he then worked and stagaired in restaurants in France, New Zealand and Australia to experience a different culinary journey, but soon found his way back to New Plymouth, where he and his kiwi wife live with their adorable five children! Some would ask, how does a man with a wife, five children and a whole kitchen to look after get any spare time, to which Richard would answer ‘it’s easy’ whilst heading to the beach for a surf! That’s why the team at Novotel love him! Don’t forget its Richard not Freddie.

Rachel brings over a decade’s worth of hospitality experience, offering a passion for exceptional service to her role as General Manager of Frederic’s and Monica’s Eatery. With a career dedicated to crafting memorable dining experiences, Rachel ensures that guests at these renowned establishments are treated to nothing but the best.

Rachel’s journey in the hospitality industry began with a love for bringing people together over great food and beverage. As a trained Chef, Co-owner and General Manager, her career has been a testament to her commitment to creating welcoming and vibrant spaces where guests can relax and indulge.

Rachel’s dedication to providing exceptional service is evident in every aspect of Frederic’s and Monica’s Eatery. From the warm welcome at the door to the seamless flow of operations, she ensures that guests feel not just attended to, but truly cared for.

Rachel is deeply rooted in the local community, forging strong relationships with local farmers, artisans, and producers. Her commitment to sustainability and supporting local businesses is reflected in the menus at both establishments, where guests can taste the flavours of the region.

Gina is the dynamic Co-Owner and General Manager behind some of West End Hospitality Group’s most beloved establishments, including Snug Lounge, Ms White, Itch Wine Bar, Public Kitchen, and Palazzo Cantina. With a passion for creating inviting spaces and memorable experiences, Gina’s leadership ensures that each venue operates at its finest.

With a career spanning over a decade in the hospitality industry, Gina’s journey has been one of dedication and creativity. She began her career as a server, working her way up the ranks with an unwavering commitment to excellence in guest service and operational efficiency. Her meticulous attention to detail and focus on creating seamless experiences for guests has earned her a reputation for operational excellence.

Under Gina’s direction, Snug Lounge, Ms White, Itch Wine Bar, Public Kitchen, and Palazzo Cantina are not just venues—they are destinations. Her commitment to innovation, coupled with her deep understanding of guest preferences, ensures that each establishment remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. Whether you’re savouring a glass of fine wine, enjoying a delectable meal, or simply relaxing with friends, you’ll experience hospitality at its finest under Gina’s expert guidance