Rikayla Wins Battle of The Snack

Flavours of Plenty Festival kicked off last week with Toi Ohomai Culinary Arts graduate, Rikayla Bridge-Zwezerynen, taking home the Judge's Choice Award at Battle of the Snack, held at Saltwater in Mount Maunganui.

At the sold-out event sponsored by Cuisine Magazine, Bay of Plenty region's up-and-coming chefs competed to create the best snack on the menu, highlighting regional ingredients and flavours.

Among the 12 canapes served up to 130 guests, Rikayla's Spanish-style octopus, served in a crispy shell with potatoes and romesco sauce caught the judge's attention and earned her the coveted prize.

Rikayla, who now works as a chef de partie at Solera in Mount Maunganui, competed in the event under the mentorship of Toi Ohomai Senior Culinary Arts Tutor, Shane Yardley.

It's the third consecutive year a Toi Ohomai graduate has won the Judge's Choice award at the competition, highlighting the calibre of talent emerging from the institute's Culinary Arts programme, Shane says.

"Battle of the Snack was taken to another level this year. Excitement was high and guests had the best time! The competition is such a great springboard for emerging chefs locally; enabling them to showcase their skills, build their profile, and work alongside some of the industry's best in a fast-paced environment," he says.

"Rikayla can be so proud of herself. Her winning plate was a hit, and showcased her creativity and culinary skills. The other contestants and mentors also commented on Rikayla's positive attitude, helpfulness and that she was awesome to work alongside in the kitchen," Shane says.

Rikayla completed a Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) at Toi Ohomai in 2024. She was one of four up-and-coming local chefs who were chosen by event organisers to compete in Battle of the Snack this year. Each competitor created two canapes as part of the 12 course degustation menu served over four hours. Rikayla's second dish was a Thai-style laab featuring an innovative gel made using Matahui Distillery gin. To ensure a cohesive dining experience, each competitor's mentor also created a dish on the menu. 

Richard Denyer (Fife Lane), Jack Dunkerley (Papa Mo's) and Nathan Turley (Somethin' Somethin') also competed in Battle of the Snack 2025, under the mentorship of Nigel Reid (Pearl Kitchen & Tay Street Beach Kitchen), Malika Ganley (Recipe Developer) and Paul Patterson (Fisherman's Wharf) respectively.

There are more than 50 Flavours of Plenty events taking place across the Coastal Bay of Plenty, from Waihī Beach to rural Wainui, over 18 days this March and April. On Friday 4 April, Toi Ohomai Culinary Arts Tutor and renowned patisserie chef, Noel Remacle, is hosting a sold-out Belgian chocolate-making experience on campus at Windermere. Then on Sunday 13 April, the Kiwi Kids Bake-Off Final is happening on campus at The Atrium.