Spain may have invented tapas, but a new generation of South Auckland chefs is preparing to give the famous small-plate tradition a distinctly Aotearoa makeover. At stake is a trip to Valladolid, Spain, where the winner will represent Australasia at the 10th World Tapas Competition against chefs from around the globe. For Hill and her fellow South Auckland competitors, every small plate therefore carries a much bigger story. The 2026 Australasian Tapas Competition will be held at Skills Institute in Wiri, Auckland, from 8.30am on Wednesday 19 August. Spain may be the birthplace of tapas — but this year, South Auckland is making sure Aotearoa gets a seat at the table.