Michelin stars on horizon for Kiwi diners
For the first time in Oceania, Michelin inspectors are dining anonymously throughout the country and possible stars may be awarded to Kiwi eateries for a guide to be released next year. When I read this story, it surprised me that we have never had Michelin stars awarded here. Better late than never, I guess.
“The international culinary guide’s arrival, announced [last week] by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, marks Michelin’s first expansion into Oceania in its 125-year history. The inaugural New Zealand edition of the guide is due in mid-2026 and will cover Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. ‘With the first selections and potential ‘star ratings’ due out next year, Michelin Guide inspectors are already on the ground, dining anonymously in some of our very best restaurants,’ Upston said.
“Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois said it was an ‘incredible moment for our sector. For years, we’ve known that our food, talent, and hospitality culture can stand proudly on the world stage,’ Bidois said in a statement. ‘The Michelin Guide’s arrival confirms what locals and international visitors already tell us, that New Zealand is home to some of the most exciting, innovative and high-quality dining experiences in the world.’
“Tourism New Zealand estimates the guide could help attract up to 36,000 additional international visitors, driven by a global appetite for gastronomic travel. Research shows 87% of those considering a holiday in New Zealand rate trying local cuisine as their top interest (Source: “Michelin inspectors dining anonymously across New Zealand in search of best restaurants to award stars for 2026 guide,” November 6, www.stuff.co.nz).
5 stars – Michelin stars would be a fantastic boost for Kiwi tourism and for hospitality in general. Total upside!!
Kiwi acting legend to be given prestigious award
As a star of the big and small screens, few New Zealand actors have achieved what national icon, Sam Neill has in a career spanning over five decades. Knighted for his services to acting, as well as producing some very fine wines from his vineyard in Otago, Sam Neill is more than a versatile and formidable actor, he also comes across as a very decent human being.
“[He]will be honoured with the 2025 Screen Legend Award at the New Zealand Screen Awards, recognising his outstanding contribution to film and television over a career spanning more than 50 years. The award will be presented during the ceremony at the Viaduct Events Centre [in Auckland] on Friday, November 21. His international success has made him one of New Zealand’s most recognised and respected screen talents.
“‘I am very pleased and proud to be accepting this award amongst my friends and peers. I just worked it out that it’s been 53 years in film – that does indeed sound like a lifetime! Thanks to all concerned. Very honoured,’ said Neill.” (Source: “An ‘actual legend’ to receive New Zealand Screen Legend honour,” November 10, www.stuff.co.nz).
5 stars – I don’t think I’ve watched anything Sam has been in where he is not utterly fantastic. This is a great reward for so many years entertaining people throughout the world.
Fedora man identified
A few weeks ago an audacious robbery at the Louvre in Paris made headlines across the world. After the hubbub had died down another figure took centre stage – a very nattily dressed young man photographed nearby some Parisian police. Looking like a character from a Godard or Truffaut film of the 1960s, Fedora man, as he was named, became centre of attention. His identity remained a mystery until he stepped forward to put a name to the face, or fedora.
“As speculation swirled about the identity of the so-called “French detective” pictured at the scene, 15-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, who featured in the photo, was enjoying his new double life. He learned about the viral photo when a friend showed him a TikTok video with the now-famous image. The video had nearly 6 million views. ‘In the moment, it was, like, very funny. And we went back to the Louvre to see the reaction of the people,” he told CNN. “People maybe recognized me, but I’m not sure. For me, it’s important to dress classic. And I like to dress like that because I love history, especially the 20th century,’ he said.” (Source: “Louvre ‘fedora man’ revealed: Meet the stylish teen dresser snapped at scene of heist,” by Caroline Baum and Saskya Vandoorne, November 10, www.edition.cnn.com).
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