Katie Powell started at NZMA Waikato as a youth guarantee student with Foundation Skills, Level 2 course and completed her Diploma Level 5, earlier this year. As a recent graduate, Katie approached NZMA hospitality tutor Ray Kang to help train her for the prestigious Monin Cup, which if placed would represent New Zealand as a mixologist and attend the International Monin Cup Competition in Malaysia.
Monin is a global famous French mocktail syrup brand, and they hold world-wide bar competitions leading to the international competition.
Ray was aware that competition would be fierce, and competitors would be experienced Bar Managers/General Managers and even some SNS famous bartenders. But Katie was keen. So for two intense months Ray trained Katie to best prepare her for the competition.
At only 18 years of age, Katie was the youngest competitor, which says plenty about Katie’s character. Then Katie was one of ten participants shortlisted to compete based on their innovative cocktail and mocktails.
Through sheer determination and lots of tears, Katie has fulfilled her dream and placed 1st runner up. Just missing the top spot – but doing herself proud, and of course NZMA too. We are thrilled for her, and her placing meant she won a few thousand dollars worth of equipment. Congratulations to Katie – you believed in yourself and look what you won!
