Chef Vaughan Mabee apologises after misconduct allegations surface
Monday, 4 May 2026
Top New Zealand chef Vaughan Mabee says he has “fallen short” and apologised to former staff after an alleged assault of a colleague at a nightclub and wider misconduct claims emerged following his exit from Amisfield.
The restaurant confirmed to Stuff on Friday that Mabee resigned as executive chef in February after more than a decade leading the kitchen.
In a statement reported by The Press on Monday, he said he had “let my team, myself and my family down” and “unreservedly apologised” to former staff and colleagues for “my inappropriate behaviour to them or any inconsiderate comments made … I am truly sorry for any harm or offence [caused]”.
He said he was stepping down to focus on his personal health issues and being “a present and loving father to my family”, and acknowledged he had struggled to adapt to changes in the hospitality industry.
“This industry I gave my heart and soul to has changed dramatically over the past 20 years ‒ for the better ‒ and many of us older chefs have had long roads adjusting.”
Mabee said he was inebriated during an incident at a Queenstown nightclub last year that prompted an investigation. The Press reported he allegedly assaulted a colleague during the incident.
“While [it] was terrible for many reasons, it led me down a road of introspection and growth. This road has taken me to a place where I now realise how unfair and unacceptable some of my behaviour was, and now I want only to strive to become that better person I know I once was and will be again.”
The Press reported it has spoken to multiple former Amisfield employees and hospitality sources, including the complainant in the alleged assault, who claimed he presided over a toxic kitchen culture where verbal abuse was commonplace and staff were frequently left in tears.
Further allegations reported by The Press included alcohol abuse, lewd comments to colleagues and, at times, physical aggression.
Amisfield owner John Darby confirmed the company had previously dealt with complaints about Mabee in 2016 and 2022, which resulted in formal written warnings.
“[They] resulted in formal written warnings. We clearly outlined that any further breach would result in dismissal.”
Darby said the restaurant received further complaints more recently.
“[Following that] 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.”
Mabee had led Amisfield’s kitchen since 2012 and rose to international prominence, earning top honours at the Cuisine Good Food Awards and global recognition.
Since 2024, he has held three knives – the highest recognition by The Best Chef Awards – and Amisfield was named among the world’s top restaurants on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants extended list.
He was also known for television appearances, including MasterChef NZ and Taste of Art.
Mabee concluded his statement saying he had made “a concerted effort to change along with the times”, despite falling short.
“I would just hope that anyone who reads these articles will understand that I am a human. And take into account that those of us who strive for outrageous goals, sometimes have difficult journeys because of the stress and pressure that accompany those goals. I just hope that my redemption, in the long run, will be as compelling as my foibles.”