Sunday 12th March 2006 - Day 1
A Warriors Welcome
The traditional Maori powhiri ceremony was a wonderful welcome for the thousand over delegates and participants of the 2006 World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS) Congress in New Zealand. The powhiri is performed to unite visitor and host in an environment of friendship and peace - how fitting for a congress that brings together over a thousand delegates and participants from all around the world.

The ceremony began with the warriors challenging WACS President Ferninand Metz with a fierce display of strength. Metz then offered the traditional green leaf of friendship and was accepted to the land as a friend when he pressed noses with the head warrior. The tribe then broke into a soft song of welcome, ending the ancient Maori ritual.

This time around, congress delegates will experience first hand New Zealand foods and beverages at a diverse range of workshops, presentations, dinners and social events.

It is also an exciting time for WACS and the congress will bring everyone up to date on the latest developments. WACS certification, a programme to establish a worldwide benchmark for master chefs is in its pilot stage. The WACS global chef competition will debut in Dubai in 2008 and will feature the best chefs from around the world competing for this the most prestigious title on the culinary calendar.

A marketing committee has been formed with Bill Gallagher, Honorary Life President, as chairman. He will be presenting the committees proposals for bringing WACS to the forefront of the culinary world.

There will also be a vote to decide the venue for the 2010 congress. There are four countries bidding this time around— the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic, the exciting city of Santiago de Chile, the mystical Xian in China and the heart of Sri Lanka, Colombo.

Looking forward to a bright and early start on Monday, the first business day of the Congress.
General Education Programme
0930 - 1130 Welcome City Familiarisation Tour of Auckland City.
1200 - 1930 WACS Congress 2006 Registration desk operated by The Conference Company open at SKYCITY Convention Centre.
1200 - 1700 Restaurant Association of New Zealand will have a reception desk to assist with dining requirements while staying in Auckland.
1300 - 1500 Welcome City Familiarisation Tour of Auckland City.
1500 - 1700 All member countries to register with WACS Treasurer to ensure eligibility to vote - booth located next to WACS Congress 2006 registration area.
1800 - 2100

Paua Cocktail Party - Official Opening
- at SKYCITY Convention Centre.
Powhiri - traditional Maori welcome and challenge.
Address from the New Zealand Prime Minister.
Address from the WACS President.
At the conclusion of the official opening addresses, there will be performances by cultural groups of ethnic music & dance.
Cocktail food & beverages will be served.

 

Junior Chefs Forum Educational Programme
0930 - 1130 Welcome City Familiarisation Tour of Auckland City.
1200 - 1930 WACS Congress 2006 Registration desk operated by The Conference Company open at SKYCITY Convention Centre.
1200 - 1700 Restaurant Association of New Zealand will have a reception desk to assist with dining requirements while staying in Auckland.
1300 - 1500 Welcome City Familiarisation Tour of Auckland City.
1500 - 1700 All member countries to register with WACS Treasurer to ensure eligibility to vote - booth located next to WACS Congress 2006 registration area.
1800 - 2100

Paua Cocktail Party - Official Opening
- at SKYCITY Convention Centre.
Powhiri - traditional Maori welcome and challenge.
Address from the New Zealand Prime Minister.
Address from the WACS President.
At the conclusion of the official opening addresses, there will be performances by cultural groups of ethnic music & dance.
Cocktail food & beverages will be served.

 

Partner Programme

Welcome to the City of Sails - Auckland, New Zealand. Immerse yourself in this vibrant and beautiful city, by taking a special city familiarisation tour. Soak in the city scenery and marvel at its highlights, from the comfort of a tour coach. Tours will depart at 0930 and 1300 hours.

1800 - 2100
Paua Cocktail Party
- at SKYCITY Convention Centre.