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Des Britten

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Sir Des Britten
KNZM
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

(1937-12-27)27 December 1937
Ōtāne, New Zealand
Died13 February 2020(2020-02-13) (aged 82)
Wellington, New Zealand
Occupation(s)Broadcaster
Restaurateur
Priest
Known forCelebrity chef
Wellington City Missioner

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.

Early life and family

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Britten 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

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Britten 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

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Britten 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

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In 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

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Britten 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

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  1. ^ a b "Father Des Britten wrestles with his titles". Dominion Post. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Wellingtonian of the Year: Des Britten". Dominion Post. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  4. ^ Hall of Fame Award Archived 10 February 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Restaurant Association of New Zealand, Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  5. ^ Knighthoods awarded for community work. National News, TVNZ, 31 December 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  6. ^ "New Year honours list 2012". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  7. ^ Hunt, Tom (13 February 2020). "Former Wellingtonian of the Year Sir Des Britten has died". Dominion Post. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  8. ^ "Desmond Britten death notice". Dominion Post. 15 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
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