Chef Zennon Wijlens is the co-founder and Head Chef of Paris Butter, one of the most influential restaurants in contemporary New Zealand cuisine. He was named Cuisine NZ Chef of the Year 2023/2024 and Best Chef 2025 at the Metro Restaurant of the Year Awards, and also received two Chef Knives at The Best Chef Awards 2025, confirming his international recognition.

With over twenty years of experience, Wijlens has developed a deeply personal culinary style shaped by memories, travel and a strong emotional connection to food. His approach combines technical precision with creative sensitivity, resulting in dishes that tell stories through depth of flavour, balance and texture.

A passionate advocate for local producers, he champions seasonal, high-quality ingredients, treating them with respect and clarity. His culinary philosophy is driven by instinct, emotional intensity and a constant pursuit of authenticity, making Paris Butter a true gastronomic destination.