CHRISTMAS
Residents Love The Variety
Tomas Rodriguez, the head chef at Metlifecare’s Greenwood Park in Tauranga, is originally from Chile but has been in New Zealand for nearly six years.
decided to become a chef as I always liked travelling and it was a profession that would allow me to do that.” While studying at university, Rodriguez worked in different countries during his holidays to gain experience, learn from different cultures and work with a variety of ingredients. “Once I finished my studies and working in different places in Chile, I decided to take on a bigger challenge and move to New Zealand.”
26
Retirement villages are becoming a popular and viable option for chefs, being less intense and demanding, but Rodriguez didn’t intend to work in a village. “To be honest, it was not in my plans to work in a retirement village, at least not yet. “The restaurant I was working in closed so I had to find something quick and thought I would take this opportunity while searching for something else. “After a couple of shifts though, I realised I didn’t want to move because it was completely different from the expectations I had.” The hospitality industry, especially for chefs, is notorious for hard, unsociable hours. “My work life was always working very long hours and until late. “Working at the village, there’s still daylight when I finish so I can spend time with my wife or do something else I enjoy.” With a broad, international experience under his belt, Rodriguez likes to create a variety of dishes. “I try to adapt to as many styles as I can. I believe I am here to please the residents, so I try my best to create different functions throughout the year to give them enough to choose from.” Every month, Rodriguez hosts a theme night,
