Whanganui's Chef's Kitchen opens with special guest of honour

Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall prepares to cut the ribbon to open Chef's Kitchen, owned by Kester Atkinson (right).

Whanganui's newest takeaway food outlet opened on Friday evening with a special guest arriving via limousine.

Kester Atkinson's new business on the Fitzherbert Ave-Carlton Ave intersection opens to customers on today -- Saturday, September 15.

It aims to provide chef-quality food to take away.

Master chef Dean Wong is in charge in the kitchen and the business is providing opportunities for students to get work experience under their belts.

Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall did the ribbon-cutting honours at the official opening function on Friday, hailing the outlet's prime location in a busy traffic and recreational area and its focus on training youth.

As the speeches wrapped up, a Whanganui Limousines car pulled up carrying chef Anthony Te Nahu who is based in Gisborne.

Kester Atkinson welcomes special guest Anthony Te Nahu to Whanganui.

Te Nahu is Atkinson's cousin and was here to celebrate the opening as well as Atkinson's 70th birthday on Saturday, September 15.

"It's about character, aroha, love," Te Nahu said.

Te Nahu started his career as a chef in 1983 doing a Maori trade training course and in 1984 joined the New Zealand Army. After serving in Bosnia, he returned home to the East Coast and now teaches Maori students.

"I teach level two and three students safe food practice, basic kitchen skills and health and safety before they get into the kitchen," Te Nahu said.

"I take the level three students onto marae and teach there. To me, I've reached the epitome of my career. I served the United Nations and I came home and now I'm teaching our own and that's the most important thing."

Te Nahu has worked with Wong as a judge in cooking competitions.

Chef's Kitchen is open seven days a week from 6am to 8pm.