Employer underscores zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour in its kitchen
Celebrity chef Vaughan Mabee has extended an apology to his former colleagues at Amisfield after reports of his misconduct surfaced shortly after his departure from the world-famous restaurant.
Mabee resigned from Amisfield in February, but news of his departure did not come out until May when the New Zealand Herald reported it.
Following the report, allegations of his misconduct circulated in the media, including accusations that Mabee assaulted a colleague at a Queenstown nightclub last year.
He was also accused of fostering a toxic kitchen culture, alcohol abuse, making lewd comments to colleagues, and at times, physical aggression, Stuff reported, citing The Press.
"I unreservedly apologise to my former staff and colleagues at work for my inappropriate behaviour to them or any inconsiderate comments made," Mabee told the Herald in response to the accusations.
"I love and respect all my team at the restaurant and meant no malice or harm with my actions."
Addressing the nightclub incident, Mabee said he "badly let the team down" by his "inappropriate drunken behaviour."
"That made me fully realise how unfair and unacceptable how some of my behaviour had been and now want to strive to become that better person I know I once was and can be again."
Zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour
Meanwhile, Amisfield owner John Darby said it had "immediately removed" Mabee from the workplace after receiving recent complaints about his conduct.
It noted that Mabee had previously received two written warnings about his behaviour in 2016 and 2022, and warned that any further breach would result in dismissal.
The recent complaints about the celebrity chef's conduct led to another investigation by the restaurant's management.
"Following the conclusion of that investigation, Amisfield accepted Vaughan's resignation in February, ending our professional relationship with him," Darby told the Herald.
"We do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour of any kind, and all matters raised by staff are always fully investigated and followed up with appropriate action. While we operate in a high-pressure environment, we categorically reject outdated ideas that justify a toxic culture."
"Our focus is now entirely on supporting our staff and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment. We are deeply grateful to the staff members who came forward; their courage is essential to the positive transformation of our workplace."
Mabee's initial statement on his resignation focused on wanting to spend more time with his family and pursuing opportunities overseas.
"I resigned my role as executive chef at Amisfield early this year in order to be able to spend more time with my young family while also pursuing several overseas opportunities," he said in the statement quoted by the Herald.
Mabee has established his career as one of the most renowned chefs in New Zealand. He worked for more than 15 years with Amisfield, where he took the restaurant to a third-place finish in Food & Wine's Global Tastemasters Awards.
He also previously starred as a judge on reality TV cooking show MasterChef New Zealand, as well as co-hosted TVNZ food show Taste of Art.
