Congratulations to OHS Alumnus Judith Tabron on being named Supreme Woman 2025 at the Women in Food and Drink Aotearoa New Zealand Awards, on Saturday.
Judith was at a careers evening at OHS when unwittingly, her future direction was decided. Judith was chatting with the food manager at Logan Park Hotel, who invited her to come to the hotel and meet with the chef. This meeting ended with Judith being offered an apprenticeship, becoming one of the first women chef apprentices in New Zealand.
In her 20s, Judith was in London working as a young chef de partie at L’Escargot, one of London's best restaurants. Despite homesickness, sexism, low pay and long hours, Judith endured and the lessons she learned set her up for her success when she returned to New Zealand.
Judith was Head Chef at several well-known Auckland restaurants before opening her first restaurant, Ramses, a first of its kind for Auckland, and the first of several very successful ventures for Judith. The iconic Soul is synonymous with Judith and was hugely successful. It was sold in 2018. Judith's latest venture, First Mates Last Laugh, at Westhaven is another highly recommended winner!
