Ngareta Cook
Glen Eden,AUK
Summary
Diligent team leader and mentor with exceptional management abilities and natural drive to see others succeed.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager and Head Chef
Wā Kai Catering Ltd
07.2020 - Current
- Oversee all aspects of the catering business, including planning, organizing, and managing catering events
- Handle client communication, sales, and contract negotiations
- Lead the culinary team as the Head Chef, developing new recipes and menus in collaboration with the team
Recipe Developer
Placemat
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Developed and tested recipes for publication
- Collaborated with the marketing team to create content for social media and online platforms
- Analyzed and incorporated feedback to refine recipes
Altar Bread Manufacturing Manager
Society of St Vincent De Paul, Wellington
01.2018 - Current
- Managed, mentored and trained a team of up to 10 workers with intellectual disabilities to achieve manufacturing targets and deadlines
- Conducted root cause analysis investigations to identify areas for improvement in manufacturing processes, leading to increased efficiency and fewer defects.
Māori Liaison and Member of the PFR Māori Network
Plant & Food Research
04.2017 - 01.2018
- Managed and maintained relationships with internal and external stakeholders including industry, Māori, and the community
- Represented and presented at both local and international conferences
- Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and alignment with organizational objectives.
Kerikeri Community Demonstration Garden Programme Developer and Coordinator
Plant & Food Research
10.2016 - 04.2017
- Developed and implemented the Kerikeri Demonstration garden project
- Collaborated with Northland schools, the Primary Industry Training Organisation, and Orangewood Packhouse Ltd to train high school students in horticultural careers
Exam Supervisor
NZQA
01.2012 - 01.2014
Dried Banana Production Assistant / Food Product Development
Malaefono Plantation, Samoa
11.2013 - 03.2015
- Implemented a food control plan and improved food safety practices in the production of dried bananas
Food Production Assistant
Hangarau Kai Catering
01.2008 - 01.2014
Education
Bachelor of Science (Food Science) -
The University of Auckland
Auckland, AUK01.2016
Completed Year 1 and 2 of Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts -
Te Whare WānangaAwanuiārangi
Auckland01.2015
NCEA Level 1, 2, and 3 with endorsement of Merit -
Marist College
Mt Albert01.2010
Skills
- Excellent communication skills through written and verbal channels, with the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences
- Excellent English language skills; conversational proficiency in Te Reo Māori, Samoan, and French
- Ability to take on leadership roles within a team and utilize encouragement and motivational tools in order to foster positive and efficient teamwork
- Excellent relationship management skills
- Use of creativity and innovative ideas in problem-solving and project work
- Clear and confident presentation skills
- Technical science knowledge and science-communication skills
- Full New Zealand Driver License
Activities
- 2017 Achieved 2nd place at the Danish Innovation Conference ‘Innovate Food 2017’ held in Aarhus, Denmark
- 2015-2017 Member of The New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST)
- 2014 - Current Performing member for Te Waka Huia Kapa Haka at Te Matatini
- 2008 - 2014 Performing member for Te Manu Huia Kapa Haka at Te Matatini National Kapa haka competition
- 2010 Marist College House Prefect
- 2008 - 2010 Kapa Haka tutor
- 2006 - 2010 Waka ama coach
- 2006 - 2009 Marist College Sports Woman of the Year award
- 2006 Bronze medallist at the IVF Waka Ama World Sprint Championships
References
Available on request
Timeline
General Manager and Head Chef
Wā Kai Catering Ltd
07.2020 - Current
Recipe Developer
Placemat
08.2019 - 07.2020
Altar Bread Manufacturing Manager
Society of St Vincent De Paul, Wellington
01.2018 - Current
Māori Liaison and Member of the PFR Māori Network
Plant & Food Research
04.2017 - 01.2018
Kerikeri Community Demonstration Garden Programme Developer and Coordinator
Plant & Food Research
10.2016 - 04.2017
Dried Banana Production Assistant / Food Product Development
Malaefono Plantation, Samoa
11.2013 - 03.2015
Exam Supervisor
NZQA
01.2012 - 01.2014
Food Production Assistant
Hangarau Kai Catering
01.2008 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science (Food Science) -
The University of Auckland
Completed Year 1 and 2 of Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts -
Te Whare WānangaAwanuiārangi
NCEA Level 1, 2, and 3 with endorsement of Merit -
Marist College
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