About Jax

Cooking is not what I do, it’s who I am.  A meal is more then nourishment, it’s the greatest gift to receive and that’s why your Mum’s cooking and your Nan’s recipes are always the best, because they’re full of love. When my boys come for dinner, they’re smiling by the time they reach the front door.

This passion of mine started from a very early age.  I was taught to respect flavour in the fresh herbs and ingredients picked from our garden, full of sunshine and ready to prep for cooking in the kitchen.  Love always goes in first when a recipe is conceived.

Passion drove me to enter Master Chef NZ 2011, where I became a finalist & then runner up – one of the most incredible experiences of my life.  A roller coaster ride of mammoth proportions,which I would do again in a heartbeat.
I love the quote “The best treasure is  found on the other side of fear”, because it’s bloody true!

I love where I live in Christchurch, New Zealand and get involved in any way I can with my city, whether it’s feeding the homeless, charity work or supporting restaurants and cafes new to the rebuild (post earthquake). My community is important to me, because it feeds the integral framework of where I live and who I am.

As the first ever woman of colour in NZ chosen to represent one of the largest companies in Australasia, for the last 6 years I’ve been the face and ambassador of Countdown supermarkets; “Feed 4 for $15” Everyday Meals campaign.

My hosting / MC skills extend to the international platform for my recurring spot leading the  WOMADNZ “Taste The World” stage.  I also am the MC of the Cray Coast Cuisine Marquee at the annual Seafest Festival in stunning Kaikoura.

My life is where passion meets purpose and I love it, thanks for reading and please explore more of my world and recipes over at my professional site. 

Jax. Xx