We are absolutely thrilled to introduce you to our new Head Chef, Steve Carson.

Some of our long-term Poronui regulars may recognize Steve as he cheffed at Poronui between 2010 and 2012 and has been drawn back for a couple of Winter seasons since.

Hailing from Hamilton, Waikato, Steve has been a chef for 23 years and has worked in luxury lodges throughout Aotearoa New Zealand for the last 10 years. His passion for cooking and experimenting with flavours started at a young age thanks to his time spent in the kitchen with his father, and also helping the chefs at a Hamilton motel his mother managed.

At the moment, Steve’s favourite flavour combination is rosemary, lemon, and garlic, and he also really enjoys using the Asian sweet, sour, and salty principles when creating dishes. Drooling yet?

With his love of fly fishing and archery, Steve fits right in at Poronui! When he’s not in the kitchens, guests may see him on the rivers with his Echo fibreglass two-handed switch rod, or at the archery range with his 2018 PSE Stinger Xtreme bow.

“I have felt a connection to this property ever since working here last time — even coming back in the winter seasons over the years to temp. In a way it feels like coming home,” Steve says.

We’re so pleased to have Steve on board — you’re in for an absolute culinary treat!