Bay of Plenty Polytechnic students Caroline Ruggle, Samuel Wannan and Wendy Reyes have won silver medals at the prestigious 2014 Nestlé Toque d'Or competition.
Culinary students Miss Ruggle and Mr Wannan went head-to-head with hospitality students from around the country to win their silver medals at yesterday's event in Auckland.
Restaurant service student Miss Reyes who also formed part of the competing team picked up a silver medal.
The two culinary students battled it out for over three hours against 11 other teams from around the country to create their medal winning three course menu which was served to guests by Miss Reyes.
Teams were marked against World Chefs Societies International Judging Standards which included food preparation, presentation, taste and service.
The panel of 19 judges was led by high profile chef and leading culinary figure Paul Jobin. Making up the judging panel were top hospitality industry personalities including: Geoff Scott who is the chef and owner of Vinnies by Geoff Scott; and Jeremy Schmid - former owner and head chef of the multiple award-winning Two Fifteen Bar and Bistro in Auckland.
Event organiser and New Zealand Chefs Association Ambassador Anita Sarginson said the event provided a great opportunity for young up-and-coming students to showcase their abilities and demonstrate their skills in front of some of the country's most highly-regarded culinary professionals.
This year was the 24th anniversary of Nestlé Toque d'Or which is New Zealand's longest running and most prestigious student cookery and food service event.
It was also held in 17 other countries around the world and had launched the careers of world-famous chefs including Jamie Oliver. The event was designed to simulate the pressure of a real working team environment.