New World Rolleston’s Delmari Janse Van Rensburg is set to represent New Zealand at the prestigious LA Judge Award in Sydney next week – the latest step in a career that’s very much on the rise.
The 22-year-old baking star was awarded Young Bread Baker of the Year in the 2024 NZ Association of Bakers Bread Baker of the Year competition last November. Her outstanding performance in the theory exam, baking challenge, and product development presentation earned her a nomination to represent Aotearoa at the LA Judge Award on 15 May. Established in 1967, the award recognises Australasia’s top young bakers aged 25 and under.
Originally from South Africa, Delmari has called New Zealand home since 2016. She’s worked at New World Rolleston for seven years, starting part-time in the deli while she attended Lincoln High School, before switching to a bakery apprenticeship and discovering her passion for baking.
“It was an impulse decision,” she says. “But once I saw what I could create, I fell in love with baking.”
Now a qualified baker with a New Zealand Certificate in Trade Baking Level 4, Delmari thrives in the bakery team, where she enjoys the creativity and craftsmanship of her role. “Seeing what I’ve made go from flour to shelf – that’s the best part.”
Whipping up a cinnamon sugar brioche is a personal favourite. “I don’t know what I love more – making it or eating it. Cinnamon sugar and brioche is the best combo ever. I just can’t get enough.”
Delmari credits her success to the supportive environment at New World Rolleston, especially her bakery manager Janine Bell and store owner Glen Steele who invested in her and put her through her apprenticeship. “They’ve backed me every step of the way – from my apprenticeship to this competition,” she says.
“All the bakers in-store work in close proximity, about 8 to 9 hours a day, but everyone has such great personalities and it’s so good to come in and have a laugh with them while doing your job.”
She’s also grateful to Bakels NZ for their hands-on training and continued mentorship in preparing for the LA Judge Award.
Delmari is the only baker representing New Zealand at the competition, and with her family travelling interstate to attend the gala event, Delmari is excited for what lies ahead. “I never imagined I’d be here,” she says. “But now, I can’t wait to see where baking takes me next.”
Her win last year also came with a $15,000 research grant, which Delmari will put towards studying brand management in the UK and gaining marketing experience in the Netherlands’ bakery sector.
