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Island Influences 08The Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission is proud to sponsor this year's Island Influences competition at the 16th annual New Zealand Culinary Fare.
Described as one of the largest competitions of its type, the NZ Culinary fare will attract over 1000 chefs from around New Zealand with various degrees of experience to the ASB Showgrounds for three days of intense competition. It is a chance for various chefs to showcase their skills and challenge their creative limits.
- Place: ASB Showgrounds
- Date: 31 August - 2 September 2008 Now in its third year, Island Influences was designed to interrate Pacific ingredients into the fine dining experience.
A main course of four covers is to be individually plated within 60 minutes, each displaying the style of the Pacific Islands. All items from the 'Island Influences Ingredients List' are to be used in the dish and will be supplied for the competition.
Winner will receive return economy airfares for two to a Pacific Island destination.
- Time: 5:00pm - Tasman Kitchen
- Prizegiving: Tuesday 8:00pm - Ellerslie Event Centre
Ingredients ListThe abundant supply of seafood in the South Pacific Ocean is the basis for this year’s main dish so - it’s a FISH Dish!!! Participants are required to supply their own fish for competition day therefore the choice of fish is entirely yours!! ALL of the following ingredients MUST be featured in the creation of your fish dish to showcase the “Island Influence”: - Coconut from Tonga - Eggplant from Fiji - Papaya from Fiji - A Spice from Papua New Guinea IMPT: The Pacific Island ingredients, listed above, will be supplied to you by the Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission (PITIC). Competitors will receive one sample pack prior to competition and one pack on Competition Day.  Chef's Choice - Fish
Showcase your creative flair and skills with your own selection of fish. Complement the taste and art of your fish dish with following Pacific ingredients: |
Coconut |
Papaya
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Sourced from Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago of about 150 islands situated about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Upon his first visit to these islands, Captain Cook named it the Friendly Islands due to the friendly reception he received. It is the only surviving monarchy in the South Pacific. Whether it is sliced, grated or squeezed into coconut milk, the coconut is an integral part of the Pacific Island cuisine. It has strong associations with island culture, cropping up visual images of exotic beaches and relaxation – paradise... The coconut is a featured element in a number of traditional Tongan dishes such as the Lu Sipi or Lu Pulu (made from taro leaves, coconut cream and meat); as well as the dessert dishes – Faikakai and Topai. Depending on its form, it has the ability to add texture and flavour for diners to savour. |
Sourced from the Fiji Islands Deliciously sweet with musky undertones and a soft, butter-like consistency, it is no wonder the papaya was reputably called the “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus. An exotic fruit, and a common breakfast meal in the Fiji Islands, they can now be found in markets throughout the year and are a key export commodity for the Fiji Islands. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C, the B vitamins, folate and the minerals, potassium and magnesium. |
Pacific Spices
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Long Eggplant |
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| Sourced from Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea is a country of great mystery - richly endowed with natural resources such as copra and coffee as well as a diverse culture of more than 1000 different cultural groups. Grown in the rich volcanic soils of the hills and mountains around the town of Rabaul, an assortment of organic spices is sourced directly from the depths of Papua New Guinea to your table. Notably the seasonings used in the year’s competition are organically certified by international standards: NASAA, JAS & NOP. These spices have been grown in line with sustainable practices thus ensuring a harmonious interaction with the environment is maintained and the benefits transfer directly to rural farmers and local communities. |
Sourced from Fiji Islands The eggplant is a member of the potato family, and is known worldwide as Aubergine. The long purple eggplant is a very old Eggplant variety and is the most commonly eaten. Eggplants are very perishable and become bitter with age. Eggplant, once a minor export product, has become one of Fiji’s major horticultural export commodities. Eggplant shipments are now year-round, resulting in more than a fivefold increase in sales. The Fiji community remains a key consumer, using it in everyday cooking especially in curry dishes. Eggplant sales are now being made to the broader market. |
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It is this goodness and quality that provides the freshest and most flavoursome organic spice that will undoubtedly make the dining experience a joy! We have a selection of six spices sourced from the rich lands of Papua New Guinea for you to choose from: • wild cinnamon quills • black pepper • hot chillies • curry leaf • ginger powder • turmeric powder |
Ordering your Pacific Ingredients Pack for the competition
There is about 2 weeks left until the Island Influences competition.The Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission will be preparing the Pacific Ingredients Packs for each chef to be supplied on the day of competition.To order your pack today please download an Order Form here.
It is important to indicate on this form whether you prefer receive the pack on the day of competition or prior to that. Please ensure that the details are filled out correctly as the product packs will be supplied on the basis of this form.
- Orders for Competition Day must be submitted by 12.00pm, Friday 22nd August 2008
- For more information contact Joe Fuavao, Email: JoeF@pitic.org.nz
Prizes
Prize Conditions
The contestant must feature all the compulsory ingredients in their dish and recipe cards in order to be qualify for the prize.
Winner of the Island Influences 2008 will receive 2 x Return Economy Airfares to a Pacific Destination serviced by Air New Zealand ex Auckland only.
- Travel is to be commenced and completed by 30 June 2009
- Any airport and government costs are at the traveller’s expense.
- Prize is non transferable and non redeemable for cash.
- Seats are limited and are strictly subject to availability
Employees of Air New Zealand and their immediate family are not eligible for entry. Bookings must be made no later than 7 days before travel and are non changeable once tickets issued. Not eligible for Airpoints Dollars accrual or Airpoints Dollars companion tickets. Special conditions and restrictions apply.
Pacific Destinations
This winner of this year's Island Influences Competition will receive a trip for two to any of the following Pacific Destinations - Visit www.SPTO.orgCook Islands
Live DifferentlyThe Cook Islands’ is an authentic and refined Pacific experience encased in a lifestyle that exudes warmth, happiness and respect. The beauty and charm of the islands is matched only by the friendliness of the people. Here among your island friends, you will find the hospitality warm and spontaneous, the music and dancing exuberant, the mood relaxed.
www.cook-islands.com
Samoa
Treasured Islands of the South Pacific
The 'Treasured Islands' of Samoa are the crowning jewels of the South Pacific, surrounded by the warm crystal clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
A traditional society with a distinctive Polynesian cultural heritage, there are over 362 villages in Samoa with a total of 18,000 matai (chiefs).
Samoa has a long rich history that includes everything from island invasions to territorial squabbles between Germany, the US and Britain, to the place where renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson chose to spend his final days.
Samoa's natural wonders of waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and miles of white sand beaches beckon the adventurer seeking peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of modern society.
The 'Treasured Islands' of Samoa are the crowning jewels of the South Pacific, surrounded by the warm crystal clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
A traditional society with a distinctive Polynesian cultural heritage, there are over 362 villages in Samoa with a total of 18,000 matai (chiefs).
Samoa has a long rich history that includes everything from island invasions to territorial squabbles between Germany, the US and Britain, to the place where renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson chose to spend his final days.
Samoa's natural wonders of waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and miles of white sand beaches beckon the adventurer seeking peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of modern society.
www.visitsamoa.ws
Fiji
The truly relaxing tropical getawayIf there's adventure in your soul, Fiji is the place to indulge it. The Fiji Islands in the South Pacific are an archipelago of over 330 islands packed with attractions that can be found no where else and offers a unique experiential opportunity for the visitor. Whether you seek Romance, Relaxation, Cultural Immersion, Cruising the Sea, or the Ultimate Eco-Tourism escapade, you'll find fulfillment here.
A nature lover's delight, Fiji has an unspoiled, unique environment of extreme beauty and tranquility. Adrift for millennia in splendid isolation in the blue of the South Pacific it has escaped the evils of industrial progress, the incursions of dangerous animals, poisonous snakes, spiders and pestilent diseases such as malaria. It awaits your discovery.
A nature lover's delight, Fiji has an unspoiled, unique environment of extreme beauty and tranquility. Adrift for millennia in splendid isolation in the blue of the South Pacific it has escaped the evils of industrial progress, the incursions of dangerous animals, poisonous snakes, spiders and pestilent diseases such as malaria. It awaits your discovery.
www.bulafiji.com
Niue
The ‘Rock of Polynesia’ is unique in its own right; its unspoilt natural environment has a host of diversions for the enquiring visitor - ideal for the explorer in you.
www.niueisland.com
Tonga
The ‘Friendly Islands’ is the last surviving Polynesian monarchy. Experience its scenic environment and culture. You need not wait for an invitation – you are always welcome in the island kingdom.
www.tongaholiday.com
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands with a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments.
