Meet the Judges

Tracey has 30 years of FMCG marketing experience, and is a Marketing Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP).

CCEP are the NZ distributors of Estrella Damm, Spain’s number one beer.

Travis Field, the visionary behind and owner of Fantail & Turtle, has mastered the art of creating unforgettable guest experiences. As the Supreme Champion of the 2024 Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropubs competition, among many other esteemed awards, Travis brings a wealth of knowledge on how to design and deliver experiences that leave a lasting impact. His innovative approach has transformed casual visitors into loyal patrons, making Fantail & Turtle a standout destination in New Zealand’s hospitality scene making him the perfect choice to be on the judging panel.

Tim Read is a Masterchef winner turned technology founder. Having experienced and then witnessed mental health distress whilst working in World 50 Best and Michelin starred restaurants in Scandinavia, Tim was convicted to address this growing problem. Helmet is the result of this conviction and is working to empower those who have people in their lives struggling with their mental health and is working to bring this solution into the sector dear to his heart - hospitality.

Lou Baddiley is an air force kid turned tourism pro with a passion and talent for showcasing the best of New Zealand.   As International Manager for RotoruaNZ, Lou is dedicated to promoting her region while indulging her love of great food, drink, and storytelling on social media as Lou, The Beauty Foodie.

When she’s not championing Rotorua, you’ll find Lou in her yet-to-be-paid-off dream kitchen, cooking up a storm for friends and family or uncovering the next must-visit spot on her foodie adventures. Lou’s thrilled to celebrate the venues making New Zealand a gastropub paradise. Prost!

Tash McGill is New Zealand's leading drinks writer with over 15 years experience in tourism & hospitality, has appeared on NZ's Top 50 Women in Food & Drink, Editor of More Good Drinks magazine and President of Food Writers New Zealand. Passionate about local hospitality and seeking out the very best experiences around the country, she is Director of Sales at Cardrona Distillery.