For Master(ton) Chef the students were split into two teams and members were designated a country, Mexico or Italy, and given $50 each.
They had to plan their menus, design their restaurants, shop for their food, prepare, cook and serve their meals to a keen judging panel of Jennie Smith and Alice Buchanan from Entice Cafe and Catering.
"I was really impressed with their knowledge of food," said Ms Buchanan.
"Jennie and I thought the students were fantastic being put into a new situation and working with people they didn't know; it's fantastic for their confidence and was a really positive experience."
Kahutara School's Beth Graham gave some advice to those students who are selected next year.
"I would say dive in and give it a go. If I had another chance I would definitely come again."
Makuri School's Tessa Poulton said.