Cuisine has released its annual list of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Most Influential & Inspiring Women in Food and Drink 2025, celebrating the people shaping the future of food across the country. Among those honoured was our very own Connie Clarkson, Manager of The Kitchen Project, whose work continues to open doors, spark ideas and grow opportunity through food.
Connie’s inclusion comes as no surprise to those who have worked alongside her. For more than 30 years, she has brought bold thinking and deep community commitment to every role she has held, from curating Auckland’s waterfront food precincts to developing local food systems and building inclusive economic opportunities through food.
Beginning with The Kitchen Project’s launch in 2018, Connie has played a founding role, guiding early stage food entrepreneurs to turn ideas into viable businesses. Through a mix of mentoring, training and access to commercial kitchen space, she has helped launch more than 90 Māori, Pasifika, migrant and women led food ventures that now contribute to the unique flavour of Tāmaki Makaurau. In 2025, she continues to lead with vision as she steers the development of Whare Kai to take the programme’s impact even further.
What makes this recognition even more meaningful is that it reflects the power of collective effort. The Kitchen Project is, and has always been, built by many hands. From the original spark of inspiration with La Cocina to today’s growing footprint, this initiative exists thanks to the support of Auckland Council, Eke Panuku Development Auckland, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and the Franklin Local Board. We also acknowledge the early collaborators and architects of the programme, Sreshta Sridhar, Ben Maw, Emily King, Michele Eickstaedt, Wendy Ann Voegelin and Lisa Franklin, whose foundational work helped bring the vision to life.
Our incredible network of volunteer advisers and supporters continues to offer their knowledge and time to every cohort. We thank Dave Saunders, John Evans, Max Washer, Carmel Davidovich, Bertrand Jang, Jessica Stebbings and the teams across Council who have backed us in environmental health, waste, community development and business support.
At the heart of it all are our entrepreneurs. They give The Kitchen Project its true energy and purpose. The stallholders, sauce makers, caterers, cafe owners and innovators who turn ideas into action and enrich Auckland with every bite.
We could not be prouder to have Connie leading the way. Her impact is already significant and her next chapter is set to be just as powerful.
Connect with Connie on LinkedIn or contact us at The Kitchen Project.
