Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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Mikaere Morehu

Great Barrier Island,AUK

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience as Head Chef at Next Bar & Eatery, excelling in menu development and team leadership. Proven track record in enhancing kitchen operations and reducing waste through effective inventory management. Committed to food safety and delivering exceptional dining experiences while fostering a collaborative kitchen environment.

Overview

2
2
years of post-secondary education
11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

School Chef

Kaitoke School (Claris)
Great Barrier Island
01.2025 - Current
  • Provide end-to-end service of entire kitchen operation providing meals for students, staff and visitors.
  • Prepare approximately 360 lunches weekly, plus daily morning tea.
  • Developed weekly menus aligned with nutritional guidelines for student meals with a focus on quality, creativity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Organized kitchen production schedules to ensure timely meal preparation, service and kitchen workflow.
  • Maintained food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards.
  • Managed food inventory to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
  • Ordered food supplies from vendors to maintain adequate stock levels.

Head Chef

Next Bar & Eatery
Gulf Harbour
08.2022 - 08.2024
  • Led kitchen staff to ensure efficient workflow and uphold high standards.
  • Led the kitchen across restaurant and bar service.
  • Developed diverse menu offerings, elevating guest dining experiences.
  • Maintained food quality, presentation and consistency.

Oversaw food inventory management, ensuring freshness and reducing waste.

Managed ordering, stock control and food safety.

Provided catering services for weddings, private functions, and events.

Worked directly with the owner/director in establishing and operating the venue.

Sous Chef

Snowplanet
Silverdale
01.2021 - 08.2022
  • Prepared high-quality dishes according to restaurant standards.
  • Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.
  • Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
  • Trained new staff on cooking techniques and safety protocols.
  • Supervised kitchen staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
  • Managed inventory and ordered supplies for efficient kitchen workflow.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations and kitchen areas.
  • Implemented strategies to reduce waste and increase efficiency throughout the kitchen.

Sous Chef

Tipi & Bobs Waterfront Lodge
Great Barrier Island
08.2018 - 08.2020
  • Prepared high-quality dishes according to restaurant standards.
  • Maintained preparation, presentation and service standards.
  • Supervised kitchen staff to maintain daily operational flow.
  • Collaborated with owner and head chef to enhance kitchen operations.

Managed inventory and ordered supplies to support kitchen efficiency.

Prepared food for busy hospitality service and events.

Catered for weddings and private functions, including destination events.

Worked effectively in a fast-paced team environment.

Sous Chef / Chef de Partie

Jellicoe & Craddocks
Whangaparaoa
09.2016 - 12.2017
  • Coordinated menu planning and development with head chef and team members.
  • Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
  • Supervised kitchen staff to ensure smooth daily operations and high food quality.
  • Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
  • Managed inventory levels to maintain freshness and minimize waste in kitchen.
  • Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen area.
  • Established and maintained regular maintenance schedule, keeping kitchen tools and equipment in operable condition.
  • Performed thorough cleaning and sanitization of kitchen tools and workstations to maintain hygiene standards.

Commis Chef

Cove Eatery
Whangaparaoa
01.2016 - 09.2016
  • Prepared high-quality ingredients daily to enhance menu offerings.
  • Prepared and cooked food items according to recipes, portioning, and presentation specifications.
  • Assisted chefs in executing complex dishes during busy service hours.
  • Followed food safety guidelines to ensure safe food handling practices.
  • Ensured all food was stored properly in accordance with safety regulations.
  • Organized and restocked kitchen inventory to support efficient service. by restocking and organizing ingredients regularly.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace consistently.
  • Maintained a clean working area at all times in compliance with health codes.

Kitchen Hand

Casablanca
Orewa
10.2015 - 01.2016
  • Assisted chefs in food preparation and presentation for daily specials.
  • Prepared ingredients for meal service and maintained kitchen cleanliness.
  • Maintained cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, including washing dishes and utensils.
  • Cleaned dishes, pots, pans and utensils.
  • Operated kitchen equipment, ensuring safe and efficient usage.
  • Disposed of waste and maintained sanitation standards throughout the kitchen area.
  • Swept and mopped floors to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen area.
  • Maintained a neat work station throughout shift hours.
  • Received deliveries of food items and stored them properly.
  • Helped in setting up and cleaning up before and after service, ensuring a ready-to-use kitchen.

Education

Diploma In Professional Cookery Level 5 - Cookery

NZMA
Sylvia Park
07.2014 - 07.2016

Skills

  • Menu development
  • Food safety
  • Kitchen inventory management
  • Catering services
  • Team leadership
  • Kitchen operations
  • Menu planning
  • Staff training
  • Attention to detail
  • Process improvements
  • Food safety regulations
  • Kitchen equipment safety
  • Workflow coordination

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

School Chef

Kaitoke School (Claris)
01.2025 - Current

Head Chef

Next Bar & Eatery
08.2022 - 08.2024

Sous Chef

Snowplanet
01.2021 - 08.2022

Sous Chef

Tipi & Bobs Waterfront Lodge
08.2018 - 08.2020

Sous Chef / Chef de Partie

Jellicoe & Craddocks
09.2016 - 12.2017

Commis Chef

Cove Eatery
01.2016 - 09.2016

Kitchen Hand

Casablanca
10.2015 - 01.2016

Diploma In Professional Cookery Level 5 - Cookery

NZMA
07.2014 - 07.2016
Mikaere Morehu