This Tuesday, the Sushi Master Competition hit Ponsonby in central Auckland. Check out the great pictures and videos! Next week is the last semi-final at Oteha Valley on Tuesday 4th July at 5PM – if you’re in Auckland and think you roll great sushi, get in touch with Zoe! And don’t forget the national finals back at Ponsonby, 5PM on 11 July – staff will be flying in from all over NZ, and everyone is welcome to come and watch!
Last week, we said the Sushi Master Competition is an “old favourite”… but we reckon it’s a new favourite too! Everyone who attended the Ponsonby semifinal had a great time, including the friends and family who came along in support!
Former Sushi Master winner, area manager Akiko showing us how it’s done – with fun!
This central Auckland preliminary round, on Tuesday 27th June, had the same format as the Wellington, Christchurch and south/east Auckland round: roll one classic teriyaki chicken avocado sushi as best you can, for as good appearance, speed, weight and food safety as you can. We had eight competitors from four shops, plus four head office staff trying to prove they could still compete with the best on the front line!
Bank from Newmarket Westfield Market Room about to take on the challenge!
Staff were inspired by working in the same space as the K10 Ponsonby chefs when they create their masterpieces for the sushi train – and the scores reflected their efforts! Check out the speed and accuracy in the videos!
Ponsonby sushi manager Bam setting a high standard for the home team!
Ponsonby sushi team member Gemma also impressed the judges!
Ponsonby bento team member Stacy showing her sushi skills!
Westgate partner Takeshi brought great skill and strong family support!
Bank from Newmarket Westfield Market Room brought his trademark energy and passion!
The judges had a tough time telling some of the great sushi apart – in fact, we needed another tiebreaker round to determine who made it to the big final in central Auckland on 11 July!
Nick, Bank, Bam, Costa, area manager Lili (judge) and area manager Yovina (judge)
After a close competition, Bam from Ponsonby, Bank from Market Room and Stacy from Ponsonby made it to the final in two weeks! They’ll compete for a $2,500 travel prize! (not to mention second place, third place, and crowd favourite prizes too!) Well done everyone!
All the sushi rolls the contestants created!
To finish, enjoy this bonus video of director Costa showing us he’s still got the skills!
We love friendly competition and making work fun at St. Pierre’s. Next week is the north and west semi-final at Oteha Valley on Tuesday 4th July. Look out for more photos and videos, and come support your team mates – see you there!
Hey everyone, big news! An old favourite, the St. Pierre’s Sushi Master Competition, is back for 2023! It’s been a few years since we ran the competition, and we’ve been asked many times when the next one will be. By popular demand, it’s on again!
We’re holding semi-final rounds in Wellington, Christchurch and three locations around Auckland, before the big final in central Auckland on 11 July (regional shops can have an in-shop semi-final). We’re really keen to find out who is the best sushi roller in NZ, so we’re flying the finalists from outside Auckland to the Queen City for the grand final, where they’ll compete for a $2,500 travel prize! (not to mention second place, third place, and crowd favourite prizes too!)
But first, team members have to succeed in the preliminary rounds. Staff get one chance to roll a classic teriyaki chicken avocado sushi, and are rated on appearance, speed, weight and food safety, plus bonus points for not using tools. The more great work you do by hand, the more you score!
We love friendly competition and making work fun at St. Pierre’s, and there’s no question that the semi-finals so far have been successful. Staff and managers alike – even the directors – have tested their skills in a positive, supportive atmosphere. Check out the photos and videos from the first three rounds in Wellington, Christchurch and south/east Auckland!
Wellington semi-final, Monday 19 June, Cuba Street shop
Nicky from Queensgate shop showing the speed and skill which took her to the national finalsThe top three from Wellington going on to the national finals! Left to right: Director Nick (host), Nicky from Queensgate, Lisa from Majestic, Alex from Cuba Street, organiser Zoe (judge) and manager Hitoshi from Johnsonville (judge)
Director Nick explaining how the competition works to the contestantsThe top three from Christchurch going on to the national finals! Director Nick (host), Northlink partner Annie (judge), Northlands manager Kei (finalist) with Northlink staff Ruby and Madeline (finalists). Annie was thrilled her two staff won through to the grand final in Auckland!
National finalist Kei in action!
National finalist Madeline showing her skills!
The Christchurch team certainly brought the energy, with lots of cheering and support (plus some nervous tension) for fellow shop team members.
Taking great care over the judging!
Nick commented “I’m so glad we’ve brought back the Sushi Master Competition, thanks so much to Zoe for organizing it. It’s just so much fun for everyone, and a real level playing field. Everyone gets one chance with the same ingredients to show how good they are. I love watching new staff take on the experienced staff in an energetic, positive atmosphere. Working hard and having fun is what being a people-first company is about. I just need to work on my own rolling skills though!”
Bonus video: Director Nick showing he still has the sushi rolling skills! Everyone was paying attention and providing supportive (?) comments – well done Nick!
South and East Auckland semi-final, Tuesday 20 June, Onehunga shop
The third semi final last week was also on Tuesday, for southern Auckland shops at the spacious Onehunga store. With lots of head office staff there, the pressure was on for everyone – HQ staff included! – to do a great job. Check out the photos and videos of everyone in action!
Head of Retail Operations Takeshi ready to put his 20+ years of experience to the test! No pressure!
Takeshi flying through the rolling challenge!
Auckland Airport shop manager Novita embracing the pressure and doing a great job!Hagyung from the hometown Onehunga team had everyone’s full attention!Team members of all ages and levels of experience got right into the competitive spirit!
After the Onehunga round, the finalists from south/east Auckland are Yumi (Mt Wellington), Amanda (Botany) and Tony (Bombay partner). Best of luck on 11 July to all of you!
This week is the central Auckland semi-final at the Ponsonby shop on Tuesday 27th, with the north and west semi-final at Oteha Valley on Tuesday 4th July. Look out for more photos and videos, and come support your team mates. See you soon!
