About The Fat Duck Te Anau
Discover the people, passion, and southern flavour that make The Fat Duck more than just a place to eat
Welcome to The Fat Duck Te Anau – the home of good times, great food, and genuine southern hospitality in the heart of Te Anau.
Proudly named New Zealand’s Best Gastropub 2025 by Hospitality NZ, we’ve built our reputation on warm welcomes, honest flavours, and a team that really love what they do.
Our Story
The Fat Duck began with a simple idea: to create a place that locals could be proud of and visitors would remember. Tucked away among the lakes and mountains of Fiordland, we’re more than just a restaurant, we’re a reflection of our community. From the local suppliers we partner with to the people who fill our tables – everything we do celebrates the spirit of Te Anau.
Our menu is a journey through the region, inspired by Southland produce, paired with New Zealand’s best wines and craft beers, and served with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like part of the family. Whether you’re here for a casual pint or a special celebration, we want every guest to leave happy, satisfied, and smiling.
Our People
Behind every plate and pint is a passionate team who share one vision: to make The Fat Duck Te Anau a place where systems run smoothly, hospitality shines, and fun is part of the recipe.
Cam & Selina
Since taking over The Fat Duck in 2016, we’ve loved every moment in this stunning part of New Zealand. Our pride lies in offering exceptional hospitality to our guests and we’re dedicated to evolving our business and nurturing our team, all while actively engaging with and supporting our local community. But let’s be honest, Eli and Ollie are in it for the after-school milkshakes, marshmallow munching, and hot chips.
Joshua Raynel
In 2016, Josh went for an interview with Cam and Selina, clueless about Te Anau or the adventure ahead. Fast forward to today, and he is proudly one of the driving forces behind our kitchen and has been instrumental in shaping The Fat Duck into the gem it is today. Off duty, Josh is all about video games, whipping up delicious meals for friends, and Jimny road trips.
Jovin (AJ) Doron
AJ has been with us since December 2016. Down-to-earth, an epic team player, and always up for a good laugh. He is passionate about food, and he brings a delicious Filipino twist to our seasonal menus. Off the clock, AJ’s all about action, whether he’s sinking hoops on the basketball court, conquering Queenstown’s downhill trails, or carving up the slopes on his trusty snowboard, he’s always on the move.
Cody Rackley
Cody grew up in Dunedin and made the move to Te Anau in early 2024. He’s been part of busy kitchens for six years, with the last three focused on cooking.
He reckons there’s not much he won’t eat, but pasta and desserts are his real “sweet spot.”
In 2025, Cody was a finalist in The Scott Richardson Scholarship, and he is keen to dive further into the world of chef competitions in the new year.
When Cody’s not in the kitchen, he’s likely reading, shooting hoops, or out and about with his one-year-old dachshund, Frankie.
Diana Keith
Diana initially joined the team in 2016, and after a career shift into accounts, she came back to The Fat Duck in 2021. She’s the wizard behind the scenes, everyday admin, streamlining processes, managing bookkeeping, jazzing up our social media and welcoming new hires during one-on-one inductions. On Saturday nights you will also find her supporting the team as a Duty Manager. Outside of work, she loves overseas adventures, visiting family, beach road trips, farm walks and community volunteering.
Haylee Bruwer
Immigrating from South Africa, Haylee and her family made NZ their new home in June 2023. She brings a wealth of hospitality experience from her days on ships, at country clubs, and in cafes, and she’s excited to embark on a long and exciting career with The Fat Duck team. During her downtime, Haylee transforms into a gardening maestro, always pondering what to grow, trim, or sow. Her family moments are best spent outdoors, whether it’s bike rides or unwinding at the pump track.
Deepak Gyawali
Deepak grew up in Nepal, where he learned early on how important food is to community. His hospitality career has taken him from five star hotels in Bahrain and Dubai to Auckland, where he developed a strong interest in wine and earned his WSET Level 2 Award.
He joined our team in 2025 and now enjoys life in Te Anau, making the most of Southland’s landscapes. Outside of work, Deepak is often exploring the outdoors, working on his photography, or playing sports.
Niamh Haszard
Niamh is half Welsh half Kiwi, and now calls Te Anau home. With over three years’ experience managing restaurants in the Southland region, she’s brought her passion for all things beverage to our team.
You might spot Niamh behind the bar, shaking up something a bit different, her favourite part of the job is creating unique cocktails. Some guests may know her from competing as a national finalist twice in two separate NZ gin competitions, and she’s hoping to compete more nationally and internationally in the new year.
We are more than these nine faces.
While you see nine of us here, our story is shared by many more. We are lucky to work alongside an incredible group of people who bring our vision to life every day.
We stay small and focused with a dedicated core team through the winter, then double our numbers in the summer to welcome the busier season. We are a collection of unique personalities from all walks of life, all joined by a single goal: creating great hospitality and memorable dining experiences for you.