ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Judging Date: Thursday, 20th March 2025
Delivery Deadline: Wednesday, 19th March 2025, by 4:30 PM
Delivery Address: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, 147 The Terrace, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand

ENTRY CRITERIA

  • Each entry must consist of six (6) hot cross buns (any variety: traditional, chocolate, vegan, gluten-free, hybrid, etc.).
  • Buns may be batch-baked or individually baked.
  • May be glazed.
  • A product description card must be included with each entry, without any reference to the submitting bakery.
  • Maximum total weight: 900g for all six buns.
  • Once you have registered you will receive a contestant ID. This must be written on a separate piece of paper so we can identify your buns. No business names, please.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Presentation:

  • No signs of under or over proving.
  • All buns must be of even size.
  • No signs of damage.
  • Crosses must be neat, tidy, and of a suitable size.

Technical:

  • Correctly baked (not under or over baked).
  • Even distribution of inclusions.
  • Properly molded (no blemishes or tearing).
  • No signs of under or over proving.

Eating:

  • Well-balanced flavour (not overpowering or underwhelming).
  • Well-conditioned/soaked fruit or appropriate filling.
  • Inclusions are evenly distributed and proportionate to the bun.
  • Soft eating texture.
  • Enjoyable aftertaste.

Reasons for disqualification:

  • No product description card included, or description contains bakery identification.
  • Total weight of six buns exceeds 900g.
  • Incorrect number of buns supplied.
  • Late deliveries will not be accepted.

Key Dates

  • March 13: Entries close at 8:00 PM.
  • March 19: Entries must be delivered to James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor by 4:30 PM.
  • March 20: Closed judging at Captain Cook Hotel.
  • March 21: Winners of the top three placings will be notified.
  • Following Week: The overall winner will be announced in the media.
The-Great-New-Zealand-Hot-Cross-Bun-Competition-2023