Sir Desmond John Britten KNZM (27 December 1937 – 13 February 2020) was a New Zealand restaurateur, radio broadcaster, television chef, cookbook writer and Anglican priest. He served as Wellington City Missioner for 17 years, and was knighted in 2012.
Sir Des Britten | |
|---|---|
 Britten's investiture as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit by the governor-general, Sir Jerry Mateparae, in 2012 | |
| Born | Desmond John Britten 27 December 1937 Ōtāne, New Zealand |
| Died | 13 February 2020 (aged 82) Wellington, New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Broadcaster Restaurateur Priest |
| Known for | Celebrity chef Wellington City Missioner |
Early life and family
editBritten was born in Ōtāne in Hawke's Bay on 27 December 1937.[1][2] The son of a sheep farmer, he was educated at Napier Boys' High School, but left without any qualifications and then worked for a few years on the family farm.[2]
Career as broadcaster and restaurateur
editBritten began his broadcasting career as a disc jockey in Napier and then Hamilton.[2] After two years in Australia, he joined the NZBC as an announcer on Wellington radio station 2ZB.[2] His dances for children at the Wellington Town Hall, known as the "Coca Cola Hi-Fi Club", proved popular.[2]
In 1964, Britten and his wife Lorraine opened their fine-dining restaurant, "The Coachman", in Courtenay Place, Wellington, which they ran for 28 years.[2][3] In the 1970s, Britten presented two cooking shows on New Zealand television: Thyme for Cookery and Bon Appetit.[3][2]
In 1995, Britten received the Restaurant Association of New Zealand's Hall of Fame award.[4]
Priesthood
editBritten was ordained an Anglican priest in 1983[3] and became the vicar of St Barnabas Roseneath, in Wellington.[5] He was then head of the Wellington City Mission from 1994 to 2011.[3] Following his retirement, he was made a Canon Emeritus in the Wellington diocese[1] and was named the 2011 "Wellingtonian of the Year".[3]
In the 2012 New Year Honours, Britten was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the community.[6]
Later life and death
editIn 2018, Britten was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine, Lady Britten, after more than 50 years of marriage.[2] He died in Wellington on 13 February 2020 at the age of 82.[2][7][8]
Books
editBritten wrote a number of cookbooks, including:
- Cooking with Des Britten. Wilson and Horton, Auckland (1971).
- Thyme for cookery. Hicks Smith, Wellington (1973).
- The Des Britten cookbook. Woolworths, Auckland (1977).
- Gourmet cooking for babies. Reed Methuen, Auckland (1987).
- Des Britten's foodie fables & other just desserts. Grantham House, Wellington (1996).
References
edit- ^ a b "Father Des Britten wrestles with his titles". Dominion Post. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Manson, Bess (15 February 2020). "Sir Des Britten — the 'people's priest' — dies". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Wellingtonian of the Year: Des Britten". Dominion Post. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
- ^ Hall of Fame Award Archived 10 February 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Restaurant Association of New Zealand, Retrieved 2 March 2013.
- ^ Knighthoods awarded for community work. National News, TVNZ, 31 December 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
- ^ "New Year honours list 2012". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
- ^ Hunt, Tom (13 February 2020). "Former Wellingtonian of the Year Sir Des Britten has died". Dominion Post. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- ^ "Desmond Britten death notice". Dominion Post. 15 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.