One of New Zealand’s most loved food personalities, bestselling author and engaging live presenter – known for her relaxed, down-to-earth style – will lead the kitchen marquee at Katikati Avo Fest 2026.

The celebrity chef for Katikati Avo Fest next year on January 10 will be Chelsea Winter, who’ll also host a special book-signing at the event.

Katch Katikati events manager Kylie Watkins said Winter will host hourly cooking demonstrations in the Seeka Kitchen Marquee at Uretara Domain on Saturday, January 10, 2026, bringing fresh, achievable recipes that celebrate the Bay of Plenty’s favourite fruit.

Inspiring and iconic

“For more than a decade, Chelsea has inspired home cooks with crowd-pleasing dishes that work in real kitchens – no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

“Her iconic creations, from Lockdown Loaf to lamb shanks, Crazy Italian Chocolate Cake and Macho Nachos, have become staples across Kiwi households.”

Chelsea Winter will whip up a host of flavour-packed avocado-inspired dishes at the 2026 Katikati Avo Fest. Photo / The Avo Tree

Following the success of her chart-topping recipe book ‘Tasty’ in 2024, her new release ‘Nourish’ continues her focus on flavour, balance and real ingredients.

Winter said she is “excited to bring her passion for seasonal produce to Katikati, sharing avocado-inspired recipes and fresh ideas with the local community”.

Flavour-packed dishes

Across the afternoon, festival-goers can expect a line-up of approachable, flavour-packed dishes, including: flatbreads with avo and whipped feta; Vietnamese-style poached chicken and avocado salad; hot smoked salmon and avocado cups; and decadent orange-choc mousse.

Watkins said Winter will host a book signing at 5pm in the Seeka Kitchen Marquee, with ‘Nourish’ available for purchase from Katikati Paper Plus on the day.

Nourish by Chelsea Winter. Image / Supplied

Fans are welcome to bring along any of her books to be signed. “It’s very exciting for Katikati to have Chelsea visit our rural region,” said Katikati Paper Plus store manager Emma Low.

The music

Beyond the kitchen, Katikati Avo Fest – from 12pm–6pm on January 10 – celebrates New Zealand’s Avocado Capital with live music, great food and beverages, and sun-soaked good times.

Watkins said this year’s DMS stage will feature entertainment from The Relatives, Sonar Flare, and The Lady Killers – made up of Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch, and Jackie Clarke.

“This is guaranteed to get everyone dancing, alongside headline act Tami Neilson, the Canadian-born, Aotearoa-based dynamo whose roof-raising blend of country, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll has wowed audiences from the Grand Ole Opry to orchestral stages at home.”

General tickets to the event are available via iTicket or: KatikatiAvoFest.co.nz. Earlybird and premium tickets have sold out.