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 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 New Zealand at the LA Judge Award on the 15th of May 2025.
Established in 1967, the award recognises Australasia’s top young bakers aged 25 and under.
Originally from South Africa, Van Rensburg has lived in New Zealand since 2016. She has been working 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, but once I saw what I could create, I fell in love with baking. Seeing what I’ve made go from flour to shelf - that’s the best part,” she said.
Now a qualified baker with a New Zealand Certificate in Trade Baking Level 4, Van Rensburg thrives in the bakery team, where she enjoys the creativity and craftsmanship of her role.
“Whipping up a cinnamon sugar brioche is a personal favourite. I don’t know what I love more - making or eating it. Cinnamon sugar and brioche are the best combo ever. I just can’t get enough.”
She has credited 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 - from my apprenticeship to this competition. All the bakers in-store work nearby, about 8 to 9 hours a day, but everyone has such great personalities and it’s so good to come in and laugh with them while doing your job.”
She was also grateful to Bakels NZ for their hands-on training and continued mentorship in preparing for the LA Judge Award.
Van Rensburg is the only baker representing New Zealand at the competition, and with her family travelling interstate to attend the gala event, she is excited for what lies ahead.
Her win last year also came with a NZD 15,000 research grant, which she will use to study brand management in the UK and gain marketing experience in the Netherlands’ bakery sector.
