28th October 2025
There’s something about Chelsea Winter that makes any food event feel like home. When the Avocado Food & Wine Festival announced her as this year’s celebrity chef, it wasn’t just good news for festival-goers – it was a win for the entire Bay of Plenty.
Chelsea’s live cooking demonstrations have become a highlight at festivals across Aotearoa. Whether she’s on stage whipping up her famous crowd-pleasers or chatting with fans about family recipes and kitchen hacks, she brings an easy warmth and sense of humour that draws people in. It’s this connection – genuine, down-to-earth and unmistakably Kiwi – that makes her one of New Zealand’s most loved food personalities.
Events like Avocado Fest thrive on community, storytelling and shared experiences. Chelsea embodies all three. She doesn’t just cook; she creates a conversation – about local produce, sustainable choices and the joy of real food made with love. Her presence on stage adds depth to any festival programme, boosting ticket appeal and giving sponsors and organisers a relatable face for their audiences.
Beyond the stage, Chelsea’s value extends far beyond her cookbooks. She’s a natural host for food and lifestyle events, corporate gatherings and brand activations where authenticity matters. As an author, mum, and Kiwi food icon, she’s equally comfortable sharing her story in front of a crowd as she is leading an intimate cooking workshop or charity event.
For organisers and brands looking to create memorable engagement, Chelsea offers something rare – a trusted, proven voice that connects across generations. Whether it’s Avocado Fest, a regional food show or a corporate wellness event, her ability to inspire through food and conversation turns any appearance into a memorable experience.
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