TERMS &

CONDITIONS

1.  Registration & Participation

1.1 Participation in BURGER NATION 2026  is open to all New Zealand-based commercial businesses that serve food.  Entrants must hold all required food safety certifications and licences in accordance with New Zealand law. Home cooks, hobbyists, and market stalls are not eligible.

1.2  Entry will open on 01 October 2025 and close at midnight on 10th February 2026.

1.3  Entry is $199+gst per venue, with a special Early Bird entry fee of $149+gst per venue, less discount if applicable.

1.4.  The Early Bird entry fee is valid from 1  October – 30 November, 2025. Thereafter the $199+gst per venue fee will apply. 

1.5  Each venue can enter up to four burgers (one per category) in Meat, Chicken, Seafood and Plant. 

1.6  BURGER NATION runs from 25 February – 29 March 2026.

1.7  A maximum of one discount code can be used when registering.

1.8  This competition is conducted by Cook & Nelson on behalf of McClure’s Pickles, 9a Vincent Road, Northcote Point, Auckland, New Zealand.

2. The Burgers

2.1 Your burger creation must be an actual burger with a patty (meat, chicken, seafood or plant) sandwiched between two bread buns.

2.2  Because we know the party hasn’t really started until the pickles get amongst it… you need to include some McClure’s Pickles on, in or with your burger.

2.3  Entries will be accepted in four burger categories: Meat, Chicken, Seafood and Plant. 

2.4  The burger(s) must be clearly displayed as a ‘Burger Nation’ entry on a blackboard or menu throughout the competition period.

2.5  We advise against using any reference to Mc or MAC or other names that large corporations may consider they have ‘ownership’ over. Entrants have received legal cease and desist letters from major corporations in the past.

2.6  If we receive a complaint about your burger name or description, you will be advised and given an opportunity to rename or rephrase the burger. If you choose not to then you agree to withdraw from the competition and remove any reference or association with BURGER NATION.

2.7 Burger names and descriptions must not include offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate language. Any breach of this may result in disqualification.

3. Marketing 

3.1 Cook & Nelson will provide all participants with:

  • Posters, stickers and table-talkers

  • Digital branding assets for use on your social media and website

3.2 By entering, venues grant Cook & Nelson and sponsors the right to use burger names, descriptions, photographs, and venue details for PR, media, and marketing purposes related to Burger Nation without further approval.

4. Judging

4.1 BURGER NATION registered burgers will be scored by burger lovers across the motu.

4.2  Each burger may be scored 0-10 points in each of three criteria ‘Taste, Appearance and Feels for a total possible score of 30points.

4.3  Points will be amalgamated during the competition period (refer 6.1).

4.4  The burgers that score the most points in each of the competition categories - Meat, Chicken, Seafood and Plant - will be determined the winners.

4.5  The burger that receives the most votes overall will be determined the Supreme Winner.

4.6  The burgers that receive the second-highest votes in each of the competition categories will be determined the Runners-up. 

4.7  Scoring will begin at 9am on 25 February 2026 and end at 11:59pm on 29 March 2026.

4.8  Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 1st April 2026.

5. Scoring Process

5.1 Burger lovers are invited to score every burger they try via POS material and online content. 

5.2  Points must be submitted through the official competition website.

5.3  Upon scoring, participants will be asked to show proof of their burger purchase by uploading either a receipt or image of their burger.

5.4  Only verified votes will only be counted.

5.5  Any duplicate votes or unverified votes will be automatically disqualified.

5.6  Points can only be scored for burgers from venues participating in the Competition.

5.7  Spot prizes may be awarded to voters for sharing their experiences and comments as determined by the competition organisers.

6. Fraud Prevention

6.1   The competition organisers reserve the right to disqualify any votes or venues suspected of fraudulent activity or vote tampering.

6.2  IP addresses and other digital verification tools will be used to help reduce instances of fraud where suspected.

6.3  Only votes from New Zealand IP addresses will be counted.

7.  Categories and Voting Criteria

7.1   The four burger categories are:

  • Meat

  • Chicken

  • Seafood

  • Plant-based

7.2 The burgers that receives the most votes in each of the four burger categories will be determined the winners. 

7.3 The burger that receives the most votes overall will be determined the Supreme Winner.

7.4   Runners-up will be awarded to each of the burgers that get the second-highest score in each competition category.

8.  Burger Nation Prizes

8.1  Each of the four category winners will receive:

  • Title of Best Burger winner in your respective category

  • 12 x 20kg McClure's Pickle pails valued at $2,160

  • Trophy valued at $500

  • Professional photo shoot valued at $500

  • Voucher spend valued at $250

  • Vinyl window decals

  • Bragging rights

  • Automatic entry into Burger Nation 2027

8.2  In addition, thanks to our amazing sponsors we have the following additional prizes:

  • The overall supreme winner will receive:

  • Title of Supreme Winner

  • Additional 12 x 20kg McClure's Pickle pails valued at $2,160

  • Additional Supreme Winner Trophy valued at $1,000

  • Additional voucher spend valued at $250

  • Vinyl window decals

  • Unlimited bragging rights

8.3  Each runner-up will receive:

  • 6 x 20kg McClure's Pickle pails valued at $1,080

  • Vinyl window decals

  • A relatively keyed-up feeling akin to satisfaction but with a tiny nagging question of what else we could have done

8.4  All winners and runners up will be included in all associated winning announcements and associated public relations

8.5 Prizes are non-transferable, cannot be redeemed for cash, and may be substituted with a prize of equal value at the organisers’ discretion. 

9.  Disqualification

9.1  Any attempt to manipulate or alter the voting process may result in immediate disqualification of the venue and/or participant.

9.2  Votes that are not verified by email will not be counted.

10. Privacy and Data Use

10.1 Participants’ contact information, including email addresses, may be used for the purpose of verifying votes and may also be shared with third parties including sponsors and potential sponsors of Burger Nation.

10.2  Burger details may also be shared with third parties including sponsors and potential sponsors of Burger Nation for further promotion.

10.3 Details of the Chicken Burger entries will be shared with our Chicken Burger category sponsor Tegel as inspiration for use in their marketing. Use of the name of your burger and details about your venue or you will not be published without your prior written consent. 

11. Disclaimer

11.1 Cook & Nelson reserve the right to amend the Terms & Conditions at any time. Any changes will be communicated via the official competition website.

11.2 Cook & Nelson, McClure’s Pickles, and all sponsors accept no liability for any loss, injury, or damages arising from participation in Burger Nation. Venues are solely responsible for the safety, preparation, and service of their food.

11.3 Entrants agree to indemnify Cook & Nelson and sponsors against any claims, costs, or damages arising from their participation, including but not limited to food safety, intellectual property disputes, or customer complaints.

11.4 In the event of unforeseen circumstances, force majeure, or events beyond organisers’ control, Burger Nation reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or amend the competition without liability.

11.5 The organisers’ decision in all matters relating to Burger Nation is final and binding.

Any questions can be directed to burgers@cookandnelson.com