From chefs and writers to innovators and sustainability champions, women across Aotearoa are reshaping how we grow, cook, eat, and think about food. Below are a few standout names whose work is making waves.
Nadia Lim
Chef • Entrepreneur • Nutrition Advocate
Nadia Lim is one of New Zealand’s most recognised culinary voices — a trained dietitian who blends her health knowledge with approachable cooking. She co‑founded My Food Bag, publishes cookbooks, hosts TV shows, and advocates for nutritious, sustainable eating.
Website: nadialim.com
Annabel Langbein
Cook, Writer, Broadcaster, Publisher
Annabel Langbein built an empire in the food media world — with over 30 cookbooks to her name, a TV series (The Free Range Cook) shown globally, and a reputation for championing simple, seasonal, abundant food.
Website: langbein.com
Chelsea Winter
Celebrity Chef & Cookbook Author
Chelsea Winter first captured national attention by winning MasterChef New Zealand, and has since released multiple bestselling cookbooks. Her style is warm, homey, and accessible.
Website: chelseawinter.co.nz
Kate Fay
Chef, Restaurateur & Author
Based in Auckland, Kate Fay has been a staple of NZ culinary circles for years. She’s a co‑owner of Cibo (a well-known restaurant) and is respected for her delicious, grounded approach to food.
Julie Le Clerc
Food Writer, Chef & Culinary Educator
Julie Le Clerc has worn many hats: café owner, caterer, cooking show host, food editor, and cookbook author. Her work often bridges technique, culture, and flavours beyond NZ’s shores.
Website: julieleclerc.com
Cecilia Robinson
Entrepreneur & Food Tech Innovator
Cecilia Robinson co-founded My Food Bag, a meal-kit service that made fresh, chef-guided cooking more accessible in New Zealand. She’s a serial entrepreneur and continues to steer change in food & wellness.
Instagram: instagram.com/ceciliarobinsontend
More Women to Watch
In Cuisine Magazine’s 2025 compendium of top women in food & drink, a number of emerging and influential women are named — for example, Angela Calver (CEO of KiwiHarvest, food rescue & redistribution) and Bonnie Slade (founder of NaturKidz, healthy snacks for kids) are making serious impact in sustainability and scaling food with purpose.
Also, the Women in Food & Drink Aotearoa New Zealand network is becoming a hub for connection, recognition, and advocacy across the sector.