The National Bailliage celebrated the 75 years of the Chaîne with a Grand Chapitre in Auckland, known in New Zealand as ‘The City of Sails’.

Olivier Lacoua, Bailli of Auckland, and Chancelier Rowan Moss put together a wonderful programme featuring some of the city’ most celebrated restaurants. There were also many opportunities built into the three-day programme for members and their guests to enjoy the sites and attractions of New Zealand’s largest city.

The programme commenced on Thursday, April 10th with an informal dinner at GILT Brasserie, an all-day, inner-city brasserie serving contemporary European fare with local charm.

Friday, April 11th saw the official Welcome Cocktail Reception on the viewing platform at the Pullman Auckland. Dinner followed at Onslow by Josh Emett. The restaurant is the culmination of Josh Emett’s culinary journey from London to New York and back to Aotearoa. A landmark Auckland address steeped in history; Onslow references the Old World but is decidedly modern; a sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant that celebrates New Zealand’s exceptional provenance.

Lunch on the Saturday was at Origine, a Kiwi-styled bistro offering a range of New Zealand classics crafted by Chef Ben Bayly.

In the afternoon there was a range of activities in which to participate:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus
- Scenic Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour
- All Blacks Experience
- Harbour Sailing Cruise

The Gala Induction Evening was held at The Helier. Norm Harrison, Member of the Conseil Magistral from Australia, was the Inducting Officer representing President Atallah. He was supported by Norbert Simon, Member of the Conseil d’Administration and the Conseil Magistral, who was attending the Grand Chapitre in his capacity as a member of the Chaîne.

The five-course “Taste of the World” dinner marked both the 75th Anniversary of the Chaîne and the 10th anniversary of World Chaîne Day.

Concluding the celebrations, a lunch at Tantalus Estate on Waiheke Island had been arranged on Sunday 13th. We caught a Fullers360 Ferry for the 40 minutes’ crossing from Auckland. Tantalus Estate is a family-owned, premium vineyard destination located in the heart of Onetangi Valley on Waiheke Island. Established in 2016, the award-winning estate is an iconic location for world-class cuisine, wine tasting, craft beer, weddings, events and special occasions.

All in all, our Grand Chapitre was a memorable weekend filled with gastronomy and camaraderie in the finest traditions of the Chaîne in general and the Bailliage of News Zealand in particular.

David Shackleton
Bailli Délégué