Adrian says he was both excited and speechless when he found out he had been selected.
To apply for the programme, he had to make a video on why he should be chosen.
Adrian travelled to Auckland in early May for his tutelage and had been excited about working there to see what methods and techniques were used, as well as learning new things and how they used ingredients to their full potential.
He says the first day was challenging, going into a new kitchen and getting his bearings.
But says it was a cool experience to work in such a well-known kitchen and watch the great flow.
"There was plenty of things I learned. One of the highlights was going out picking micro herbs early in the morning with Michael."
He says they make the effort to drive an hour and a half to get fresh produce for the restaurant, and Michael knew every herb he had.
As part of the second component of the programme, each young chef, with support from their mentors, will showcase their new skills at an exclusive industry event held at Merediths this month.
Adrian says he is more excited than nervous, and just wants to show people he can cook and has learned a lot.
He has to prepare 45 plates.
He says he enjoys everything about the kitchen - the pressure, the food, the ingredients, working with everyone, tasting and trying new things.
"You also show your creative side in your cooking and who you are."
Adrian started cooking at 14-years-old, casually doing dishes on the Lakeland Queen and says the passion grew from there. He started cooking seriously when he was around 17.
