I Am Rotorua – Digraj Baghela

“You probably wouldn’t notice it unless you knew to look.”
I used to be a chef for 12 years, always in the kitchen, always moving fast. But when I got married and had kids, it became harder to keep up with that life. So, I switched gears.”

“It’s funny how things work out. I never thought I’d leave the kitchen, but now I'm a supplier and a finalist for ‘Outstanding Supplier of the Year.’ I’ve gone from preparing plates to supplying things like microgreens, Māori potatoes, and even watercress to local tourism places who cook hāngi, or some of our top hotels. I still love food, but now it’s about helping others make their dishes. And that feels good—being part of something bigger, even if people don’t always see us.”