Bill & Carol Foley

OWNERS

They came back to NZ in 2010 to buy a vineyard, and subsequently fell in love with Wharekauhau and left with a lodge and vineyard. The Foley family are deeply involved in Wharekauhau, our community and our small team of long-standing staff.

Richard Rooney

General Manager

When did you start at Wharekauhau :: March 2005

Hometown :: Rotorua, New Zealand

Previous experience of significance :: As well as completing Hospitality Management studies this is the third New Zealand based luxury lodge I have been involved with in the last 22 years that are at the SLH or R&C level, of which 18 have been with Wharekauhau

What part of Wharekauhau resonates the most with you :: The deep and rich history here, that comes through in how we use the past to guide the present and shape the future. We are a luxury lodge that champions the experience above all else, and we want you to feel like you are part of our extended family in a place that you truely feel connected to the people and the land.

What is your favourite season at the property :: Summer! Days start with the most amazing pink and orange sunrises that you can enjoy your coffee on the beach with not another soul for miles. Days are a sublime warm dry heat that makes mountain hikes under the tree canopy perfect! Evennings are warm, long and light, with the sun, the stars, the mountains and the sky doing this wonderful dance before doing it all again the following day!! 

Bradley Riggs

Farm Manager

When did you start at Wharekauhau :: August 2011

Hometown :: Lower Hutt, Wellington 

Previous experience of significance :: I left the city life in 1999 to pursue a career in sheep and beef farming. I started my training at the Taratahi training farm and once graduating I built up my farming knowledge working on farms in the Central and Eastern area's of the North Island until starting at Wharekauhau in 2011.

What part of Wharekauhau resonates the most with you :: The journey of taking over a piece of land and being able to build it up to a high standard has been incredible. Taking guest through that journey of progression during farm tours is a real reward. Its even more special now getting to see my son Bradley Jr growing up on the land and seeing Wharekauhau become part of his life story

What is your favourite season at the property :: Autumn is the quieter time of year on the farm and also the time when I take the time to do a bit of hunting, both on the farm and the surrounding hills and wetlands. 

Jackie & Makita

Front Office & Reservations

Jackie and Makita have formed a dynamic duo over the last few short years. Jackie is on her second stint at Wharekauhau, and has nearly amassed 9 years in total working for the company (From F&B Manager to Front Office Manager). Jackies role is to head up the Front Office, and Makita provides a wonderful supporting supervisor role. Jackie also takes responsibility as the Assistant Lodge Manager

Almost every single guest will be greeted or farewelled by one of these wonderful women, and they are both experts in planning the ultimate itinerary when staying with us.

Nicolas Simonucci

Restaurant Manager

When did you start at Wharekauhau :: Originally November 2015 for three years, then again in August 2022

Hometown :: Cannes, France

Previous experience of significance :: Savoy Grill (Gordon Ramsay, London), Ortega (28th best in the world, Brisbane), The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (Hawke's Bay), Wharekauhau Country Estate (Richard Rooney, Wairarapa)

What part of Wharekauhau resonates the most with you :: The diversity of landscape and environment -The Bush, the Wharekauhau streams and the beach.

What is your favourite season at the property :: Autumn, with the yellow, orange and red leaves all around the property. Mild temperatures and the most incredible sunsets.

Sophie Simonucci

Events | Sustainability

When did you start at Wharekauhau :: Originally November 2015 for three years, then again in August 2022

Hometown :: Reims (Champagne), France

Previous experience of significance :: Tiara Miramar beach hotel (France), Le Mas de Pierre R&C (France), Montana Food & Events (NZ), The Farm at Cape Kidnappers R&C (NZ)

What part of Wharekauhau resonates the most with you :: The meaning “place of Knowledge” . There is always a story or a skill you learn. Sharing and receiving knowledge is an important part of Wharekauhau. 

What is your favourite season at the property ::  Springtime when all the lambs are around, flowers are blooming, the storms are gone. It’s a feeling of renewal.

Norka Mella Munoz

Executive Chef

When did you start at Wharekauhau :: November 2022

Hometown :: Santiago, Chile

Previous experience of significance :: Treetops Lodge & Estate, Kinloch Manor, Mangapapa Private Hotel. I was also a chef tutor in Auckland as I love sharing the knowledge

What part of Wharekauhau resonates the most with you :: The ability to create a true farm to table and ocean to table group of menus, and  implement the special stories for the estate and my upbringing. I LOVE getting out to see the guests personally and cook some bespoke meals for them

What is your favourite season at the property ::  Springtime when it starts getting warmer and hotter and the garden starts to produce everything again. Its the most exciting time for me as a chef

Jamie "Jack" Fredrickson

Chief Forager | CDP

When did you start at Wharekauhau :: June 2021

Hometown :: Tablelands, Queensland, Australia

Previous experience of significance :: Heron Island, Orpheus Island, Tamarid

What part of Wharekauhau resonates the most with you :: Well first you CANT beat this view! The ocean, the bush, the gardens it all just sings in harmony and every day I am stoked to get out and see what we can use in the menus

What is your favourite season at the property ::  Springtime - gardens are just humming, and the smell of nature is everywhere. Some pretty tasty lambs start popping up around the estate

Amalaini Lusio

Spa Manager

When did you start at Wharekauhau :: November 2021

Hometown :: Nadi, Fiji

Previous experience of significance :: The Wakaya Club & Spa, Senikai, First Landing Beach Resort

What part of Wharekauhau resonates the most with you :: The chance to showcase natural products, and leave guests walking away with more than just a 'massage'. but the special understanding of how this spa, and this land interplay.

What is your favourite season at the property ::  Summer - The long and warm days remind me of home. Its what this area is all about!