Masterchef’s Josh Emett given Wintec award

New Zealand Masterchef judge Josh Emett returned to where it all began when he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of Wintec last night at a gala ceremony.

The title is the institution’s highest honour, with Emett joining the likes of Sir Edmund Hillary, Irene van Dyk and Sir William Gallagher.

Mr Emett was a culinary student at the institute 20 years ago and yesterday, before the award ceremony, he put on a cooking demonstration for the newest generation of students at the Rotokauri campus.

Later at the city campus he was joined by a well-dressed selection of Hamilton’s most influential figures, including City Council representatives and local politicians.

Mr Emett was thrilled to receive the prestigious award.

“It’s fantastic, and I’m humbled to be recognised alongside some other amazing people.”

Famous for his role as a judge on the New Zealand version of Masterchef, Mr Emett worked with the famously tempestuous chef Gordon Ramsay for over a decade.

“It was 11 great years…but I’m ready to be out there and doing my own thing now.”

Mr Emett describes himself as a “control freak”, which he feels is the key to his success in the restaurant business.

Alongside his role as Masterchef judge, Mr Emett plans to put this attention to fine detail into practice at his new restaurant, Rata, which is due to open next month in Queenstown.