| Monday 13th March 2006 - Day 2 |
| Let The Business Begin |
|
The 32nd World Association of Cooks' Societies (WACS) Congress kicked off to a grand start, with the first highlight being the Parade of Nations. This year, WACS welcomed five new member countries: Serbia and Montenegro, Estonia, Republic of Belarus, Lithuania and Turkey. Two were present to receive the coveted diplomas and voting paddles— the Belarus Culinary Association and the Association of Estonian Chefs. WACS President, Ferdinand Metz then delivered his State of the Association report. He also reiterated WACS' focus on food and cuisine, guided by the C-H-E-F-S vision (Cuisine, Hospitality, Education, Food and Service to others). He also detailed WACS' current priorities and strategies including, introducing educational programmes, creating WACS Master Chefs' certification and ensuring the success of the inaugural Global Chefs' Challenge. All these efforts need funding and Metz said that for sponsorships to work, “We need to support those that support us.” The Mayor of Auckland, Dick Hubbard then highlighted the importance of professionalism with a short anecdote. The story told of a knight travelling through Medieval England. Along the way, he met three men who were all cutting stone. The first man was an unhappy labourer working only for the wages, weighed down by the drudgery of his work. Then he met a happy tradesman who took pride in cutting his stones but wasn't sure where they were headed. The last man he met immediately declared: “I'm building a cathedral.” The moral of the story, said His Worship, was: “If we see ourselves making a difference in people's lives, our whole attitude changes.” Before the business agenda began, the motion to pass the WACS By-laws was then put up for vote. The result was a resounding ‘yes', with no country objecting at all. The Congress then proceeded with the new by-laws in operation. The next order of business was the acceptance of honorary members by paddle voting. Rick Stevens (Australia), Murray Dick (New Zealand), Arthur Sauber (Luxembourg) Martti Lenthinnen (Finland) and Frank Naesheim (Singapore) were added to the list. After lunch, there was a surprise announcement— two of the four candidates vying for the Asia Continental Directorship had pulled out of the race. They were Yang Liu from China and Gerard Mendes from Sri Lanka. Read on for more comprehensive coverage of the incumbent Continental Director reports and news on who your new Board members are. The business day was beautifully rounded off by presentations from the four cities bidding to host the Congress in early 2010. There was definitely some food for thought there, with the many pictures of local and international delicacies. The presentations immediately sparked debate as many delegates were already discussing the choices on their way out of the conference hall. All that remains is for the vote on 14 March, Wednesday to reveal the winner. The business meetings ended at 5:30pm and at 6pm, everyone was promptly bussed off to North Harbour Stadium where the official group photo was taken. The Taste of New Zealand spread was a treat, offering succulent Green Mussels, Blue Cod fish and chips and very tasty venison and apple sauce among others. Do check out our photo gallery for pictures of the event. |
| General Educational Programme | |
| 0730 - 1800 | WACS Congress 2006 Registration desk open, operated by The Conference Company, at SKYCITY Convention Centre. |
| 0730 - 1800 | Restaurant Association of New Zealand reception desk to assist with dining requirements while staying in Auckland open. |
| 0750 - 0755 | Sergeant of Arms call to order.
Housekeeping matters for the day. |
| 0755 - 0800 | WACS Congress 2006 Director's Welcome. |
| 0800 - 0900 | Parade of Nations Introduction of new WACS member countries. Approval and welcome of new member countries. |
| 0900 - 1600 | New Zealand Showcase Exhibition areas open. |
| 0905 - 0920 | Opening address by Mayor of
Auckland. His Worship the Mayor Dick Hubbard. |
| 0920 - 0935 | Welcome address by strategic
sponsor. - New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. |
| 0935 - 0955 | Welcome and address from WACS
World President. Read More |
| 1000 - 1030 | Tui morning tea in New Zealand
Showcase Exhibition area. |
| 1030 - 1050 | WACS Treasurers Reports. Reports
already distributed, overview given - questions & answers. Read More |
| 1050 - 1110 | Address by Honorary President
and WACS Ambassador. Click here for Honorary President message |
| 1110 - 1210 | Continental Director's report - overview of already circulated report. |
| 1210 - 1310 | Kauri lunch in New Zealand Showcase Exhibition area. |
| 1310 - 1330 | WACS Vice President's report. Read More |
| 1330 - 1350 | WACS General Secretary's report.
Read More |
| 1350 - 1450 | Congress Committee report
and 2010 Congress presentations (vote on Wednesday morning).
|
| 1450 - 1520 | Kiwi afternoon tea in the New Zealand Showcase Exhibition area. |
| 1525 - 1545 | Confirmation of Honorary Members and approval. |
| 1545 - 1645 | Presentations from Continental
Directors, 4 year position, (vote on candidates Tuesday morning). Click below for the presentation from: Mr. Gissur Gudmundsson: Continental Director, Northern Europe Mr. Reinhold Metz: Continental Director, Central Europe Mr Fausto Airoldi: Continental Director, South Europe Mr Arnold Tanzer: Continental Director, Africa & Middle East Mr Jorge Monti de Valsassina: Continental Director, Americas Mr Frank Naesheim: Continental Director, Asia Mr Glenn Austin: Continental Director, Pacific Rim |
| 1830 - 2230 | Taste of New Zealand
- Pure flavours |
| Junior Chef's Forum Educational Programme | |
| 0730 - 1800 | WACS Congress 2006 Registration desk open, operated by The Conference Company, at SKYCITY Convention Centre. |
| 0730 - 1800 | Restaurant Association of New Zealand reception desk to assist with dining requirements while staying in Auckland open. |
| 0750 - 0755 | Sergeant of Arms call to order. Housekeeping matters for the day. |
| 0755 - 0800 | WACS Congress 2006 Director's welcome. |
| 0800 - 0900 | Parade of Nations Introduction of new WACS member countries. Approval and welcome of new member countries. |
| 0900 - 1600 | New Zealand Showcase Exhibition areas open. |
| 0905 - 0920 | Opening address by Mayor of Auckland. His Worship the Mayor Dick Hubbard. |
| 0920 - 0935 | Welcome address by strategic
sponsor. - New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. |
| 0935 - 0955 | Welcome and address from WACS World President. |
| 1000 - 1130 | Tui morning tea and visit the New Zealand Showcase Exhibition area. |
| 1130 - 1215 | Walk to Auckland University of Technology. |
| 1215 - 1300 | Welcome lunch hosted by AUT student chefs. |
| 1300 - 1345 | Culinary Workshop New Zealand beef and matching regional wines. Presented by NZ Beef and Wine Ambassador chefs |
| 1400 - 1445 | Culinary Workshop An introduction to New Zealand cheeses. Presented by Dianne Kenderdine and Ross McCallum. |
| 1450 - 1520 | Afternoon tea. |
| 1530 - 1615 | Culinary Workshop New Zealand pork tasting and wine matching. Presented by chef Phillip Kraal. |
| 1620 - 1700 | International Chef Demonstration Presented by chef Scott Webster. |
| 1830 - 2230 | Taste of
New Zealand - Pure flavours
|
| Partner Programme |
0750
- 1000 Parade of Nations - Official opening addresses. The Winterless North - Full day trip departing 1030.  Sheep World - Nature at its best! There are over 39 million sheep in New Zealand providing an important backbone to the country's economy. Located in a tranquil rural setting over 30 acres, SheepWorld presents the best of natural New Zealand. Find out what life's like on a farm, as you experience live action sheepdog displays, the buzz of shears as sheep are shorn, bottle feeding of lambs and so much more. Explore the eco-discovery trail, revel in an untouched countryside or buy luxury wool and other New Zealand goods at the special souvenir shop. The Kauri Museum Explore a natural wonderland, as you uncover the mighty Kauri tree in its bush setting. Marvel at the size and grandeur of the giant Kauri and discover the important role its timber and gum played in pioneering New Zealand when you visit the Kauri Museum. Huge Kauri logs, Kauri furniture, pioneer huts and gum diggers are just some of the exhibits on display. Stroll through the souvenir shop and buy your very own piece of Kauri to treasure. Refreshments include morning tea and lunch during this action packed full day. Please note: After the Kauri Museum partners will be transported directly to the Taste of New Zealand evening. 1830 - 2230 Taste of New Zealand - Pure flavours - at North Harbour Stadium. |