Author: Kate Wilson
Kate’s “real life” is far removed from that of cookbook author. She recently celebrated
20 years as a registered patent attorney, and is a senior partner in James & Wells, one of New
Zealand’s largest intellectual property specialists. Kate has degrees in chemistry and physics,
is a highly sought after speaker, advises many business and research organisations, and sits
on a number of boards.
Kate spends her leisure time with her husband and children on a lifestyle block, raising an
assortment of animals, vegetables and a wonderful herb garden. She is also a talented artist,
lover of music and sports cars, and is intensely passionate about food, cooking, and sharing
meals with friends and family.

Photographer: Donna Marx
As an award winning photographer, Donna, is renowned for her work specialising in wedding 
and portrait photography. Her 2005 decision to semi-retire was short lived as she has 
returned to her first love of working with camera’s, especially for Platter Chatter. Her
other passions include property investment, reading and raising her family on a lifestyle 
block near Hamilton, in New Zealand.
A relative newcomer to the delights of creative cuisine, Donna believes that a brand new
kitchen, an appreciative husband, and their four children make for great honest critiquing-
“they are a continual source of inspiration”, she says with a smile.

Publisher: Maria Carlton
Maria is a best selling author, brand communication specialist and heads up the creative 
team at Phantom Publishing. Her love of cooking, food styling and presentation skills were
an excellent skills set for the development of Platter Chatter. In creating this book with
Kate, Maria was able to indulge in some very interesting tasting and exploration of food
styles, and learned many tips and tricks along the way. Platter Chatter is something that
fully encompasses her own feelings about sharing food with friends and family. Entertaining
is something Maria loves to do and believes there is nothing better than bringing new and
old friends together over a meal. She lives with her two sons in Hamilton, New Zealand.