Cam started his cooking career way back in the late 90’s washing dishes in the local pub. In 2004 he started his culinary journey at Ara Institute of Canterbury (formerly CPIT). During his time at Ara Institute, he represented Ara in the Toque d’Or competition in 2005 taking home the win. Whilst learning the trade at Ara, Cam joined the Crown Plaza Hotel in 2004 and was extremely lucky to have such a great learning environment with so many talented Chefs in one place.

Cam left the Crown Plaza towards the end of 2005 to work in Barcelona Restaurant in central Christchurch. Cam worked his way up from a Commis Chef to Sous Chef in this very busy inner city Brasserie. “ I loved my time at Barcelona Restaurant it was where I really fell in love with the industry and made some lifelong friends too."

In early 2008 Cam was presented with an amazing opportunity to work on a private yacht in the Mediterranean as 2nd Chef. It was an opportunity to see the world and earn a salary not available in New Zealand. Cam worked as 2nd Chef on M/Y Galaxy under another Christchurch Chef Hamish Watson for 2 years. “It was an outstanding opportunity for me, at 19 I was very lucky, working with the best produce in the world was awesome and it gave me the travel bug.”

Cam returned back to New Zealand for a short stay working at the Christchurch Convention Center before making the big move to London. Cam joined the prestigious Harvey Nichols Restaurant in London in 2010. This is where Cam refined his skills in fine dining. “London was an awesome time of my life I loved the city and really enjoyed my time at Harvey Nicols, to have the opportunity to work with some amazing chefs from around the world and refine my skill set in a really busy environment was so valuable to my career." After completing his time in London an opportunity came to re-join M/Y Galaxy as Head Chef in early 2012. Cam jumped at this opportunity, “it came at a great time in my life and I was really excited about the challenge” During his time on M/Y Galaxy he cooked for Rihanana, Sean Combs, Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone, Jay Z, Beyonce. “I loved my time working on yachts, loved the people, working under pressure, travelling and meeting Selina were definitely the highlights for me.”

In 2016 Cam left the yachts to move back to New Zealand with his partner Selina. They purchased The Fat Duck in Te Anau in June 2016 and continue to own and operate the business. During their time at The Fat Duck, they have developed a great reputation for their food, service and hospitality. “Our journey here at The Fat Duck has been amazing we have grown a lot over the years and have loved becoming part of this amazing community.”

Services Cam provides:

• Online Kitchen Management Coaching sessions for Owners, Kitchen Managers and Kitchen staff

You can contact Cam at [email protected]

AWARDS:

2005 - Toque d’Or Winner & Double Gold

2014 – Over 50m Motor Yacht Chef of the Year

2022/2023 – Beef & Lamb Ambassador

2023 – HNZ Chef of the Year finalist

2023 – Winner South Pacific Global Chef Semi-Final

 2023 – Finalist Southland Chamber Commerce “Employer of the Year”

2023 – Finalist Southland Chamber Commerce “Small Business of the Year”