Nicola Chan
Food & Drink Content Creator

Nicola Chan, or as many of us know her as ‘Chan Can Eat’, is a content creator, food reviewer, social media strategist and a storyteller. As the food-and-drink industry grows and expands digitally, Nicola’s goal is to inspire, inform and help those around the country discover incredible food-and-drink experiences. “I take a holistic view of every dining experience. It’s not just about the food, it’s about the atmosphere, the energy of the space, the music, ambience, the way front-of-house staff engage with guests, and whether the restaurant truly embodies its ethos.” Digital visibility is more important than ever; it’s where stories are discovered and where genuine connections between the industry and its audience take shape. “I love the privilege of sharing stories of artisans and hospitality professionals who pour their expertise and passion into what they create.” A proud moment recently for Nicola was leading a campaign that reached 2.4 million Kiwis. As KFC’s Wicked Wing Taste Tester, she showcased authentic engagement, building trust and championing New Zealand’s food-and-drink industry. Through thoughtful reviews, engaging content and an unwavering commitment to storytelling, Nicola is building bridges between the food industry and its audience, one post, one plate and one person at a time. @chan_can_eat

Rochelle Gray
Head of Hospitality Marketing at Cooper and Company

Rochelle Gray is a seasoned senior marketer with more than 25 years’ experience in luxury hospitality and retail. Rochelle works at Cooper and Company, a private investment firm with offices in California, Texas and Auckland, focussed on long-term asset development. She’s worked with top New Zealand brands such as The Landing, The Hotel Britomart, Langham Hospitality Group and Westfield. Known for her strategic thinking and sharp eye for detail, Rochelle brings a deep understanding of brand development, media and emerging markets. “Being able to blend strategic thinking, creativity and a deep love for hospitality and food into my work every day is what makes this role so rewarding.” Her unwavering dedication, boundless ingenuity, and relentless drive not only set her apart but also empower her to thrive and innovate within an ever-evolving industry. “Throughout my career I have made a conscious decision to remain in marketing as this is where my passion is. I’m a storyteller at heart, passionate about the creative process from conception to execution.” The food-and-beverage industry brings people together in countless meaningful ways, and it’s women such as Rochelle who play a vital role in driving progress and ensuring a seamless flow behind the scenes. @rochellegray

Ashleigh McLean
Business Owner

Picton locals may be familiar with Only Scoop and Ashleigh McLean, the incredible force behind Malborough’s only shop offering locally made ice cream. Moving from over the ditch in 2018, Ashleigh got into the scooping business with a love for connecting families with food in a fun, approachable way. Making customers smile with every cone, she is also an advocate for guiding the community through the food industry. “I’m a big believer of passing on knowledge and helping to guide our young people. Hiring teens and young adults in the community is my passion project, teaching them the fundamentals of customer service and hospitality, so that when they eventually finish school and leave my business, they’ve learnt the foundation of customer relations that will help them succeed. Having had an amazing mentor just out of high school, I believe that this kind of guidance is priceless, as you can’t buy experience.” Only Scoop has relocated to a larger space at the Picton Train Station, a major milestone for Ashleigh. This move has allowed her to grow the team, expand the offerings and continue putting customer experience at the forefront. Ashleigh is proactive about her devotion for the ‘overlooked’ town of Picton, being a Picton Business Group committee member. “I hope to (with the group) continue to challenge the standard in town and push for progression. I want to help encourage young entrepreneurs and build a stronger community and support system for our local business owners.” @onlyscoooop

Joamari van der Walt
Business Owner / Wine Merchant

South Africa-born Joamari van der Walt is a solicitor by profession and a wine merchant by calling. Joamari is the founder and owner of Joa’s Wines, a boutique online wine store that offers a thoughtfully curated selection of sustainably produced wines from New Zealand and around the world. For Joamari, wine is more than just a drink, it is a shared experience. She delights in how wine can bring people together, create atmosphere and evoke a sense of comfort. To her, each bottle is an invitation to pause, explore and make memories, and she considers it a joy and a privilege to offer those moments to others. Beyond the shop, Joamari wears many hats within the wine industry, hosting educational tastings, consulting on wine lists, distributing to local culinary venues and collaborating on events that celebrate food, wine and, most importantly, community.

Joamari embodies what it means to be a truly inspiring woman. “My efforts as a migrant settling into a new country led me to become involved in a community fundraiser for the Women’s Network, where I present wine tasting events which have become very popular over several years.” Wine aside, she has been involved in the local Chamber of Commerce for four years, where she acted as a board member and vice chair. “I established and grew the Whanganui Women In Business event which flourished. I am an active philanthropist through volunteering, donations and advocacy, supporting a wide range of causes from The Women’s Network, Friends of Hylton Park, a native plant-restorative project for the community, donations to local schools and the Women’s Refuge.” @Joaswines

Suzy Langlands (Senior Marketing Executive) & Rae Baker (Event Management and
Consultancy)

Suzy Langlands is an innovative marketing leader who is making a powerful impact on the food-and-tourism landscape in the Bay of Plenty. As Senior Marketing Executive at Tourism Bay of Plenty, she leads the marketing and communications programme for Flavours of Plenty, a platform that connects and celebrates local food-and-beverage businesses. With a lifelong love of food and travel, Suzy brings both heart and expertise to her role. She has been instrumental in growing the Flavours of Plenty Festival into a standout event that champions local producers and shapes the perception of the region as a premier food destination. Suzy’s leadership was recently recognised when the festival was named a finalist in the Best Marketing category at the 2024 NZEA (New Zealand Events Association) Awards. As Festival Director for the Flavours of Plenty Festival, Rae Baker has played a key role in positioning the Bay of Plenty as a top culinary destination. Rae is an inspiring force in New Zealand’s events industry, known for her bold leadership, innovative thinking and enthusiasm for community connection. With more than 20 years of experience, she has built a career focussed on creating meaningful, high-impact events that celebrate local culture and drive regional growth. As the founder of Rebel Female, Rae empowers event professionals through practical workshops, mentorship and capability-building initiatives. Her leadership has elevated the festival’s profile by celebrating local produce and talent, while driving community engagement and economic growth. Rae is shaping the next generation of event leaders across New Zealand. Together, the two are a powerful duo in the food-and-beverage industry. flavoursofplentyfestival.com
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