The Next Gen Cook Off returns for its fifth year, and things are heating up at Everybody Eats. Every Monday in August, four of Wellington’s freshest young chefs will go head-to-head in a high-energy kitchen takeover, serving up epic three-course dinners using rescued food.

Each chef will be given the same protein, generously provided by Meat Direct, but everything else is a surprise—ingredients are revealed that morning, based on what’s come in. Menus are created on the spot, and dishes are served to a buzzing, hungry crowd. It’s fast-paced, creative chaos with serious culinary skills on display. Guests get a front-row seat to the action, while supporting a truly game-changing enterprise.

4 August — Jessie Gibberd, Loretta Originally from rural Waikato, Jessie Gibberd made the move to Wellington to study, but it was the buzz of hospitality that captured her heart. Swapping textbooks for tongs, she left her degree behind to dive headfirst into the kitchen. Now a chef de partie at Loretta, Jessie brings a grounded, fresh perspective to one of the city’s most beloved eateries.

11 August — Felipe Molina, El Matador Hailing from Chile, Felipe Molina is a professional chef with over 15 years of experience in kitchens around the world. Having worked in several countries and world-class restaurants, Felipe brings a global sensibility to his craft. With a passion for seafood, meats, and bold, expressive flavours, his cooking is shaped by travel and tradition, blending international influence with creativity on every plate.

18 August — Zane Gupwell, Graze Zane Gupwell began his hospitality journey at just 15, washing dishes at a local café in Mount Eden. From there, he headed to Queenstown, learning from a wide range of chefs and kitchen styles before challenging himself with a move to Wellington. Since then, he’s worked at some of the city’s top restaurants and now brings his thoughtful, evolving style to Graze Wine Bar.

25 August — Lulu Temmuyin, Mr Go’s Lulu Temmuyin is a chef who loves pushing boundaries, even when they’re unexpected. Lactose intolerant but obsessed with cheese, and not a fan of lamb but winner of a lamb cooking competition, Lulu is all about surprises. At Mr Go’s, she brings bold, sustainable flavour to the forefront, blending personality with punch in every dish.

Everybody Eats runs on a pay-what-you-can model, transforming food waste into gourmet meals and bringing the community together over good kai. The Next Gen Cook Off celebrates and champions this mission, proving that rescued food can be next-level delicious.

The Next Gen Cook Off is proudly supported by The Gas Hub.