An immersive dining experience in the Bay of Plenty blending creativity, education and community purpose has raised thousands for a local food rescue organisation.

Delivered by Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, the Dish-rupted event showcased student innovation through a unique culinary experience that brought sustainability and hospitality together.

The event was delivered during the 2026 Flavours of Plenty Festival and raised more than $4000 for Good Neighbour.

Guests were invited to experience an interactive multi-course dining journey designed around the festival theme Pushing the Palate.

The event transformed the Toi Ohomai campus into a series of themed spaces, with diners moving between locations for each course and a sensory experience.

Delivered by culinary, baking and hospitality students alongside academic staff, the event gave students the opportunity to apply their skills in a live event environment.

Academic staff member Marco Fuchser said in a media release that the event was created to push boundaries and highlight student capability.

Dish-rupted invited guests to experience an interactive multi-course dining journey designed around the festival theme Pushing the Palate. Photo / Finnley Lombard

“We wanted to create something more than a standard sit‑down meal," he said.

“This was about rethinking food as an experience, something that connects people, tells a story, and brings creativity to the forefront.”

Students worked alongside tutors to plan, prepare and execute the evening.

They were challenged to adapt to real‑world conditions, including working with mystery ingredients supplied shortly before the event.

Fuchser said that type of experience was “invaluable”.

“Students had to stay flexible, collaborate, and think on their feet. These are the skills the industry demands.”

A central part of the event was its collaboration with Tauranga organisation Good Neighbour, which provided rescued ingredients that may otherwise have ended up in landfill.

“It was a chance for our students to be creative, to be challenged, and to see the impact they can have beyond the kitchen,” Fuchser said.

Toi Ohomai's event Dish-rupted was delivered by culinary, baking and hospitality students alongside academic staff. Photo / Finnley Lombard

Good Neighbour rescues about $4.8 million worth of food each year, redistributing it through a network of more than 80 community organisations.

General manager Renee Hanna said the event demonstrated the value of food rescue in a powerful way.

“To see high-quality, rescued ingredients transformed into a premium dining experience shows just how much good food is at risk of going to waste.”

The Toi Ohomai event raised $4660, with all proceeds donated back to Good Neighbour to support the expansion of its community meal programme.

“It’s a meaningful way to raise awareness while supporting the community,” Hanna said.