MEET THE TEAM
TUI KI TE TAMA
Meet our team of head chefs, they work closely with their teams to create the nutritious meals that are provided every day at the university's halls of residence.
Auke Norbruis - Student Village
Head Chef Auke Norbruis has worked at Student Village for the last seven years and before that, spent four years in the production kitchen at Waikato Hospital in various roles including Catering assistant, Food, Production, and Incoming goods supervisor.
He also has experience as a Cheesemaker, ran his own café and worked in a large catering company specialising in airline catering, managing production of around 60,000 meals a day.
Vimlesh Velaidan - College Hall
Head Chef Vimlesh Velaidan (Vim) was born and trained in Fiji, achieving a Trade Chef Certificate in cookery. He then worked in 4 and 5-star Fiji resorts gaining a wide range of culinary skills and experience.
In 2008, Vim moved to New Zealand, gained his residency, and began working for catering companies. After joining Compass Group, he worked as a Senior Chef at the Waiouru Military Base Officers Mess. Vim joined Montana Group with Kahurangi in 2017, and in 2017 received an award for ‘Halls Person of the Year’.
Myles Kaka - Bryant Hall
Head Chef Myles Kaka has worked for Montana Group for 3 years, he started as the sous chef at Bryant Hall. He has taken over the position of the Head Chef and the day to day running of Bryant Hall, in early 2024.
He has 17 years of experience working in the café and catering industry and has a deep understanding of culinary techniques, menu development, kitchen management, and ensuring high-quality food service. He is also very proud of his Ngapuhi heritage, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the team. He also provides guidance and expertise in creating nutritious and delicious meals for the students.