A former employee of acclaimed Lake Hayes restaurant Amisfield says head chef Vaughan Mabee, who has resigned in the wake of complaints about inappropriate and bullying behaviour around staff, believes he was protected for years by senior management.
The Queenstown resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she was never victimised by Mabee, but heard ‘‘lots of stories’’ during her time working at Amisfield about his degrading and offensive comments to female staff.
‘‘I was well aware of the behaviours that were tolerated in there.’’
She had asked at least two senior managers why nothing was being done about the ‘‘incredibly toxic’’ working environment around the internationally-renowned chef.
‘‘They pretty much told me I just needed to turn a blind eye, because nothing’s going to happen.
‘‘I understand how hard of a job it would’ve been for the senior management, but it shouldn’t have gone on, and they should have jumped around and screamed and hollered a lot more than what they did.
‘‘They stood by while this was happening, because he was ‘God’.’’
She found Mabee to be arrogant and untrustworthy from the start of their working relationship, and made it clear to him to stay away, she said.
‘‘He knew never to say anything in front of me.’’
Although she always hoped he would eventually be held accountable for his behaviour, she thought he was ‘‘untouchable’’.
‘‘I never thought he would get fired from Amisfield.’’
In an emailed statement on Friday, Amisfield chief executive Simon Toneycliffe confirmed Mabee resigned in February.
‘‘Amisfield does not comment on the private affairs of its current or former staff in order to protect their privacy.’’
In a separate statement to media, Amisfield owner John Darby said the company had received complaints about Mabee in 2016 and 2022, which had resulted in formal written warnings.
‘‘We clearly outlined that any further breach would result in dismissal.
‘‘Following more recent complaints regarding Vaughan’s conduct, he was immediately removed from the workplace while an independent investigation was conducted.
‘‘Following the conclusion of that investigation, Amisfield accepted Vaughan’s resignation in February, ending our professional relationship with him.
‘‘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 While we operate in a high-pressure environment, we categorically reject outdated ideas that justify a toxic culture.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.’’
The former employee said she believed many more female employees victimised by Mabee had kept quiet because they were temporary visa holders and did not want to jeopardise their jobs and futures in New Zealand.
Other media have reported Mabee had been the subject of complaints from at least seven staff, and resigned as a result of a complaint by a female colleague he allegedly assaulted at a Queenstown nightclub.
Mabee has not answered calls, but sent a statement apologising for his behaviour.
‘‘I unreservedly apologise to my former staff and colleagues at work for my inappropriate behaviour to them or any inconsiderate comments made.
‘‘I love and respect all my team at the restaurant and meant no malice or harm with my actions. I badly let my team down last year by inappropriate drunken behaviour at a nightclub; that made me fully realise how unfair and unacceptable some of my behaviour has been and now want only to strive to become that better person I know I once was and can be again. So I’m stepping down to first focus on addressing my personal health issues, and being a present and loving father to my family.’’
Mabee and the winery restaurant, founded by Mr Darby in 1988, have won a slew of awards over the years.
In 2023, Mabee was named one of the World’s Top 100 Chefs and the restaurant is expected to be in the running for New Zealand’s first Michelin stars.
