Delamore Lodge, a luxurious boutique hideaway nestled on Auckland’s Waiheke Island, has announced the promotion of Chef Sean Ballard to the position of Head Chef.
Chef Ballard brings over 10 years of culinary expertise to the Delamore Lodge, combining classical techniques with a modern flair to create dynamic, contemporary menus.
Known for his mastery of sauces and his love for utilising the freshest seafood New Zealand has to offer, Chef Ballard is passionate about sustainable, seasonal ingredients that enrich the dining experience for refined palates.
Culinary Journey
His journey in the culinary world began in large hotels, where he worked as a banquet sous chef in one of New Zealand’s largest hotels, The Cordis Auckland. This role helped hone his team building and management skills, preparing him for his next challenge as the head chef of Parasol & Swing, a vibrant bar and restaurant in Auckland’s bustling Viaduct Harbour. Here, he was responsible for creating seasonal menus for a dynamic, high-volume venue, as well as curating refined weekly menus for a waterfront fine dining establishment.
Since joining Delamore Lodge as sous chef in October 2023, Chef Ballard has been inspired by the natural beauty of Waiheke Island and its tight-knit community. His passion for local markets, sustainable farming, and Waiheke’s world-class wineries are reflected in the evolving menu at Delamore Lodge, which continues to offer guests a standout dining experience.
“I am excited to be a part of this exceptional team at Delamore Lodge,” says Chef Ballard. “Waiheke Island provides such incredible produce and seafood, which allows me to craft dishes that are both innovative and rooted in New Zealand’s culinary heritage. My goal is to bring a fresh perspective while maintaining the high standards that Delamore Lodge is known for.”
Delamore’s Lodge Manager, Adam Fleming, commented on chef’s promotion: “We are thrilled to have Chef Ballard lead our culinary team. His creativity, dedication to sustainability, and passion for exceptional dining will continue to elevate the guest experience at Delamore Lodge.”
