A team of dedicated Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Cookery students were up to the task of fuelling 250 hungry athletes with hearty, good food who were on Stewart Island for the Rakiura Challenge recently.
Kerry Gordon, who’s completing the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4), was in the team of 16 SIT students, along with Programme Manager/Tutor Glenn Stridiron, Tutor Nick Westerman and SIT graduate Doreen Makoni, who travelled over to Stewart Island and fed the competitors for the two days, both pre- and post-event, on the 3rd and 4th of October.
The focus on the food for the rugged 32-kilometre trail run was “a whole lot of carbs on the first day”, Mrs Gordon said. The team of students prepared salmon, blue cod, all the vegetables and side dishes, as well as cakes for dessert, including chocolate, carrot and fruit cake, but the most popular food by far were the boneless lamb roasts they prepared for after the runners had completed the race. “They thought the food was beautiful, but they couldn’t wait for the lamb roast when they finished the race. The roast lamb was the winner.”
Mrs Gordon, who’s a Chef at Howl at the Moon in Gore, said the event was worthwhile for the students as it helped expand their knowledge as they learned how to prepare food for large numbers. “It’s really good experience for us as SIT students.” Being used to the pressure of a restaurant kitchen, Mrs Gordon enjoyed having two days to plan and prep the food, however, she added “the pressure is still there to feed that number of people.”
After the work was done, Mrs Gordon had the chance to see Kiwis in their natural habitat, which was her highlight of being on the island. “I went to the rugby ground just on dusk; we heard them, then one popped out of the bush. It was absolutely wonderful; it’s the only place in New Zealand where you can see that.” Mrs Gordon enjoyed the experience so much she’s planning to return to the island and take her family next time so they can see the Kiwis.
Mr Stridiron said the whole team had a successful time at the Stewart Island event. “Each year it gets better as we find ways to streamline our processes and tasks for the catering.”
“The students did a great job; they were well organised and hardworking, which enabled us to be cleaned up and finished the earliest we have ever been at the challenge.”
Mr Stridiron said they had received very positive feedback from everyone involved. “The organisers were so appreciative of the time and commitment we have towards this event; it’s supporting local community.”
And the icing on the cake: “We had great weather.”