2026-2027 finalists
BEEF + LAMB AMBASSADOR CHEF
The eight finalists in geographical order from South to North are:
Logan Wilson, No.7 Balmac, Dunedin
Dominic Dsouza, Elevation Restaurant, Queenstown
Chetan Pangam, Bellbird Eatery, Wellington
Carlita Campbell, Cellar 495, Hastings
Chris Coughey, The Strong Room, Feilding
James Bratton, Moxie Restaurant, Auckland
Sid Chopra, GOAT By Sid Chopra, Auckland
Dean Thompson, Schnappa Rock, Tutukaka
The new Ambassador Chefs will be announced early May 2026.
Ten of the country’s top chefs have been named as lifetime ‘Platinum’ Beef and Lamb Ambassadors. Pictured from the left, they are: Cameron Davies, The Fat Duck, Te Anau; Kate Fay, Auckland, Brenton Low, Auckland; Rex Morgan formerly from Boulcott Street Bistro, Wellington; Mat McLean from Palate Restaurant, Hamilton; Stephen Barry, Mt Manganui; Darren Wright formerly of Chillingworth Road, Christchurch, Shaun Clouston of Logan Brown, Wellington; and Scott Kennedy, Nero Restaurant, Palmerston North; Michael Coughlin, Dunedin.
These chefs have been awarded the title in recognition of their outstanding contribution as Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chefs and for their passion in championing New Zealand’s grass-fed beef and lamb and sharing the “paddock to plate” story through their food.
These chefs continue to work closely with Beef + Lamb New Zealand to promote New Zealand beef and lamb at various events around the country.
If you have a question for any of our Platinum Ambassador Chefs or would like to know more, please get in touch by emailing lisa@beeflambnz.co.nz
For further information on the Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chefs, please email lisa@beeflambnz.co.nz