Vicki Young
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List NZ
Vicki joined Urban List as a freelance writer in May 2024, starting off as Guest Editor for the month where she gave us a sneak peek into her life as a private chef, trained pastry chef, food stylist, recipe developer and all-round foodie travelling to Georgia (country not the state) in the search for tkemali, a Georgian plum sauce. A few months later, she slid into Urban List DMs (lol) and pitched as a regular contributor to Urban List NZ.
Vicki loves spinning a yarn with the hospo community, and sharing the power of storytelling by writing about the culinary journey of others in the Aotearoa food scene. She’s worked in front and back of house, got stuck in the dish pit, trained in patisserie, taught baking, and cooked for famous people in penthouse apartments and roaming food trucks. She’s a feeder through and through, but can also sit happily over a five hour dinner sitting with great company. Where there’s moments in food that transcend spoken word, where flavours and textures transport you to a core memory or place—Vicki is there translating that fleeting feeling into the latest listing, or article on where’s good to stick your fork into from breakfast to dessert, in Tāmaki, over the hills and beyond. Having lived and worked in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara for 15 years before moving to the ‘09, you’ll find her writing about her love for Pōneke too, a place which will always have her heart (and appetite).
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her perched at a prime people-watching spot over golden hour, with a glass of natty wine and snacks in hand—or whipping up a feast for family and friends as a trained—and seasoned—chef (pun definitely intended).
The Good Life by Vicki
Crispy snacks + Drink in hand + Big table of laughs
Image credit: Victoria Baldwin
Connect with
Articles
25 Of The Best Restaurants In Wellington In 2025
30 Of The Best Cheap Eats In Wellington
The Best Walks And Hikes In Wellington
50 Of The Best Things To Do In Wellington
The Best Bars In Wellington To Try in 2025
The Best Markets In Auckland (Updated August 2025)
The Chef’s Table At Blue Duck Station
Everything You Need To Know About The Country Calendar Famous Blue Duck Station
The Best Late Night Desserts In Auckland
Where to Eat, Play, Stay in Ruapehu
Where to Eat, Play and Stay in Marlborough
Where To Find The Best Breakfasts In Wellington
Wellington’s Best New Restaurant Openings To Add to Your Eat List
Auckland’s Best Bakeries Right Now
New Year New Snacks: What To Eat At The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival
The Best Ramen Joints In Auckland
21 Delicious Māori-Owned Eateries You Should Know About
The Best Places For Strawberry Picking In And Around Auckland
The Best Japanese Restaurants in Wellington
Auckland’s Best Steakhouses
Auckland’s Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Restaurants So You Can Chow Down