Celia Hay Women of Influence in Food & Drinks
I am so honoured to be awarded the Cuisine Women in Food & Drink’s Supreme Woman Award 2026 and to gain such professional recognition for my own history. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, as they say of privileged children. My father, Sir Hamish Hay was Mayor of Christchurch for 15 years.
But there was no pot of gold and as children we knew that we would have work and pay our own way. Fortunately, both my parents came from families of entrepreneurs so that it wasn’t a foreign thought for me to set up a business.
As a young woman, I was influenced by the independent views of my mother, Judith, who was actively involved in the Women’s Movement over many decades. As Mayoress of Christchurch she led many initiatives including the Kate Sheppard Memorial that was unveiled along the Avon River for the Centenary of Women’s Suffrage in 1993.
And, given the advantages of good education and open mind, I have been able to create my own story starting with opening my first business, a retail stationary shop when I was 23 years. This was followed by a deli and two cafés and a restaurant, featuring lamb raised at my husband Al’s family farm in Pigeon Bay, Banks Peninsula followed, along with the New Zealand School of Food and Wine in 1995.
This pathway has not been without its challenges, and I have learnt to make tough decisions. Struggling financially through economic downturns – running a small business in the 1990s and after the GFC when all the tourists disappeared was not easy. Moving to Auckland from Christchurch following the devastating earthquakes was one of these times. Today, I am still overwhelmed with emotion when I talk about the earthquake era…Raising three children on my own following the death of my husband, Al in 2012.
The Cuisine Women in Food and Drink Awards is the inspired work of Kelli Brett. The Annual awards provide important recognition of the many women across all sectors of hospitality, food and wine and beverages, who are so often working in small business startups that help drive our economy.
The 2026 Awards were celebrated at a luncheon at Soul Bar & Bistro to align with International Women’s Day. In my speech, I noted that assembled at the luncheon were many women who are there because they have created their own story and career pathway that reflects individual circumstances and their creativity.
As a young woman and later as a mother, setting up my own business particularly in hospitality, wine, beverages, or tourism gave me choices and some flexibility to manage the juggle of life. I didn’t need to send my children to daycare because we had a spare room and cot at the School of Food and Wine, where they could be.
We do have opportunities that our mothers and grandmothers did not have and could barely dream of, and this alone is a reason to acknowledge this progress in our society and give thanks.
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Celia with Lauraine Jacobs.
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Celia with Miranda Burdon, Meadowfresh mushrooms.
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Celia Hay with Judith Tabron, 2025 Supreme Woman of Influence.
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Women Wine Champions.
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Larissa, Denis, Catherine, Kathy & Nic Chan.
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Liz Wheadon and Normanby Fine Wines Team.
Hall of Fame 2026
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Valerie Littlejohn first opened Orsini’s with her husband in Wellington in 1958 They later moved to Auckland, founding Sail’s Restaurant in Westhaven over 30 years ago. Sails is now run by Valerie’s grandsons.
Bridget Dunn co-owner and creator of Prefab – one of Wellington’s most recognised café and hospitality venues. Originally planned as a small espresso bar, the venture quickly expanded into a vibrant culinary hub.
Global Ambassador 2026
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Charlotte Read is General Manager Brand at New Zealand Winegrowers, plays a significant role in shaping and protecting the global reputation of New Zealand wine and a long-standing supporter of New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals.
Evolving Woman in Food & Drink 2026
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Grace Sugiandi is the principal of Hospitality and Stakeholder Engagement at Auckland Council. A great connector and storyteller, her career has spanned Dubai, Thailand and Singapore.
Massey University Woman in Food Science & Technology Award 2026
Annabel Caldwell is innovation and quality manager at Good & Humble (formerly Otis Oat Milk), and has played a defining role in reshaping New Zealand’s plant-based beverage landscape.
Jo James of Juno gin and vodka which have received International Wine & Spirit Competition Double Gold and multiple New Zealand Gin Guide accolades and a board member of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa.
Celia Hay
10/4/2026
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LR President of National Council of Women, Dame Miriam Dell ONZ DBE JP, Judith, Lady Hay CNZM QSO, Dame Aroha Crofts DNZM CBE JP, President of the Māori Women’s Welfare League, Rev. Louise Deans pictured outside Christchurch Cathedral following the service to celebrate 100 years of Women’s Sufferage. Following this, the Kate Sheppard Memorial was unveiled by the Avon River.
