FEBRUARY
2002

EDITORS LETTER
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
& BRANCH CONTACTS
PRESIDENTS LETTER
NATIONAL
COMMUNICATIONS
OFFICE
WORLDLY WATCH
WITH WHITE HAT
AUCKLAND NEWS
LETTER FROM
AVALON AND
JOHN FRYER
A YEAR IN
REFLECTION
NEWS FROM
OHAKUNE
NZ CHEFS
MERCHANDISE
LETTER TO THE
EDITOR
HONG KONG NEWS
BARTONS
BANQUETTES
AND BULLSHITE

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LETTER TO EDITOR

Dear Stockpot Editor
Here's a little something for you.
NZ Chefs Association

The constant catch cry of non-members seems to be 'What’s in it for me?' Well, let me tell you WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
I came to New Zealand six months out of catering college, I joined the association whilst in New Plymouth because I felt I needed exposure to experienced, committed professionals who took some pride in their work. Not too many of those in New Plymouth, no offence guys.

When I decided to come up to Auckland I sought advice from my area president Roger Dennis, thanks in no small part to that advice I landed a good job, and my career began.
My first association meeting was a bit daunting, well very daunting actually; my first conference was even more terrifying. I remember standing in the lobby of the hotel in Hamilton looking at all these people who all knew each other and feeling like a total prat. Just about the time I was going to leg it to the nearest bar Jacqui Keene took me under her wing, literally. From then on the 'terrible twosome' was formed. I’m proud to say that within a day or two we had become the talk of the town, too noisy when watching the rugby, too frivolous. Yeah.....A legend is born.

The Chefs Association and I survived and even forged ahead, over the next two years we went
From strength to strength, membership increased without the inducements of petrol vouchers
Or discount accommodation. As my fellow members got to know my attitude and me to my work I found enormous benefits to belonging to the Association, networking, networking, networking.

My fellow members became my friends, they helped me out in so many ways, work when I was temping - thanks Keith, access to a kitchen to get my dream off the ground - thanks Steve, support and advice - thanks Renée, customers even - thanks Murray, someone to party with - thanks Jax. Now years on I have the best job, working for the best boss I've ever had, with his support my business is thriving, I feel more and more confident about my abilities.
I don’t need petrol vouchers or discount accommodation, the benefits of belonging to a group of
People who take pride in themselves and their profession are hard to quantify; support, a laugh, a hand when your in the sh*t, a recipe or two, a word in the right ear, a beer and a meal with a mate, someone to tell you to pull your head in when needed, or to give you the courage to stick your neck out, sounds a lot like a family to me.
There is a hell of a lot in the New Zealand Chefs Association for me; you should try it sometime.

Ngaire Booth
Auckland Entertainment Director