Our Team

Since we took over The Fat Duck in 2016, we have loved living and working in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand. We take pride in providing the best hospitality for our guests. In addition, we are committed to continually developing our business and team while also being involved and contributing to the local community. But let's be honest, Eli is in it for the after-school milkshakes and hot chips.

Back in 2016, I went for an interview with Cam and Selina in Gore, thinking the job was in Gore and with no idea of where Te Anau was. Fast forward to 2021, I have been proudly working at The Fat Duck restaurant since Cam and Selina took over the restaurant in June 2016, helping to mould the restaurant into what it is today. I enjoy playing video games, cooking for others, and road trips in my car in my spare time.

Hi, I am AJ. I am originally from the Philippines, but I have lived in New Zealand for the last seven years. I have worked here at The Fat Duck since December 2016. I love and am passionate about food and I like to bring some of my influence into our seasonal menus. In my spare time I like to be active by playing basketball, downhill mountain biking, especially in Queenstown, or hitting the slopes on my snowboard.

Hi, I’m Jo. I was raised in Southland and have lived in Te Anau since 2010, where I have mainly worked in the hospitality industry. After the huge changes to the tourism market for our town, brought about by the worldwide pandemic and the uncertainty of the hospitality sector in Te Anau, I was fortunate to be taken on by Cam & Selina in 2021. It has proven to be a hugely educational experience for me over this past year, and I am proud to be part of The Fat Duck family. When I’m not in the restaurant, you might find me selling real estate and enjoying walks with my dog Dougal.

Hi, I'm Pardeep. Working as an Assistant Restaurant Manager at The Fat Duck. I am originally from India but have been in New Zealand since 2016 and living in Te Anau since 2018. I've spent the last 12 years working in the service industry, first in aviation and now in Hospitality. I like to explore different cultures and interact with people from all walks of life. That is the reason that I have been in the service industry for a long time. I am also passionate about cooking. So, you never know, I could be a future chef at The Fat Duck.

I started working at The Fat Duck in 2016 as a part-time trainee chef while I was studying for my Chef's Diploma at SIT Invercargill. Once I finished my studies, I decided to move to Te Anau as I was looking to explore new surroundings, adventures, and the outdoors. Chef Cam has been a great mentor, and I find The Fat Duck a great place to work with a great team culture and work environment. I love playing cricket, studying, and spending time with my young family in my free time.

Originally from Peru, Te Anau has been my home since 2011. My time at The Fat Duck goes back to 2016, when Cam and Selina bought the restaurant and hired me as their Restaurant Manager. After a career change where I went from learning how to drive a tractor to accounts payable, I'm back at The Duck, loving my Accounts Administrator role. There is always an opportunity to learn something new, connect with people internally and externally, and get inspired by Cam and Selina's leadership and operational excellence focused on people, community, and customer satisfaction. I enjoy working on various admin tasks, streamlining processes to support the team, and helping the accounts side of the business run smoothly. I love spending time with my family and friends and exploring Fiordland's beautiful backyard when not working.