Gary Erkell, Nova Energy

Step up to the plate and hit us with your elevator pitch. What does Nova Energy do?

Nova Energy supplies great value electricity, natural gas, broadband and phone services to homes and businesses throughout the country. Proudly Kiwi owned and operated, we’re part of the Todd Corporation, one of New Zealand’s leading energy explorers and producers, with a history dating back to 1884.

We believe in providing good, friendly service, so we put a lot of energy into treating people right, keeping things straightforward and being genuine, and we’re proud to get in behind this year’s Bayleys Plate up for a Purpose.

Why have you decided to do Bayleys Plate up for a Purpose this year?

I’m not usually one for the limelight but when I was approached about being involved in Bayleys Plate Up For A Purpose to help the Christchurch City Mission the cause spoke for itself. Children are our most important resource for our future, and it is vital to give them a head start in life. If I can raise any amount of money for this great cause, it will be worth it.

Who’s your chef hero and why?

Internationally I’d say Gordon Ramsey. Not only is he a great chef but you get bit of cheeky entertainment to go with it. More locally I can’t go past award-winning Simon Levy – head chef and business owner of Inati and Hali both right here in Christchurch. Simons multi-dimensional approach to his dishes feed the imagination as much as the tastebuds.

What’s your signature dish?

During the first Covid lockdown my wife and I had a hankering for chargrilled food, so we made a make-shift charcoal smoker. This was the beginning of a passionate obsession with low and slow smoked meats. Popular dishes I regularly serve the family include smoked lamb shoulder, succulent pork ribs and fall-apart beef brisket but my signature dish would have to be the unusual combination of brisket and macaroni pie; a perfect combination of cheesy meaty goodness that’s not for the faint hearted.