Chef Touvai “Tee” Poloniati: Leading the Ovation Charge to China
Every kitchen has that chef, the one who can keep their cool whiles pans sizzle, the tickets stack up, and in amongst that there is an unassuming guy leading the charge. At Ovation Hospitality, that chef is Touvai (Tee) Poloniati.
Chef Touvai “Tee” in full command.
The Man Behind the Magic
Chef Tee doesn’t just run a kitchen, he builds one. He’s known for lifting standards, taste testing like it’s an Olympic sport, and inspiring his team to turn “that’ll do” into “sensational”. He brings equal parts precision, passion, and always with a smile while he plates another masterpiece.
Tee’s leadership style is more “hands-on mentor” than “shouty Gordon Ramsay”. His team swears by his high expectations and even more by his quiet nature, good humoured, character and genuine care for people. He champions people development from rookie to rockstar, Tee is leading one of the largest Hospitality groups in New Zealand.
Chef Touvai “Tee” ignites the Kitchen: A Fiery Display of Culinary Mastery.
Next Stop: Shanghai!
Chef Tee and his stellar team are heading to the FHC China International Culinary Arts Competition, aka the culinary version of the World Cup, minus the shin pads. They’ve been training like culinary athletes: Timed plating drills, precision seasoning checks, enough taste testing to make anyone jealous. The goal? Dazzle judges, represent New Zealand excellence, and maybe sneak in a photo or two with that shiny medal backdrop. Let’s hope so!
Why This Matters
Sure, medals would look amazing on the mantel… But the real win is leading the team to the global stage, proving that Kiwi hospitality is world class.
Go Team Go!
Chef Tee believes kitchens are like families, they are supportive, kind, and work together. He leads with heart, humour, and a whole lot of skill. And this trip is a massive moment for him and the entire NZ crew.
So, from all of us at foodies, go smash it team! We’ll be cheering you on loud enough that you might just hear us from Shanghai. Go pack a punch and bring home the flavour.