Today we continue our 'New to Nayland' teacher profiles. Chris Williams joined us last year with a passion to share his love of food and learning with our hospitality students.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Bristol England and grew up there until I was 16 years old.

Where else have you lived besides Nelson?

When I was 16 my family moved to New Zealand. We moved to Manurewa in south Auckland, I have also lived in Queenstown, the French Alps and, back in England for a while.

Why did you decide to be a teacher – and what drew towards becoming an Hospitality teacher in particular?

I decided to become a teacher because I have a passion for passing on knowledge. Even while I was a chef I always enjoyed teaching young people about food and guiding them through an industry (hospitality) that I am extremely passionate about.

I also have a passion for keeping cooking in the home and hope to pass knowledge on to young people that gives them the tools to be able to cook for themselves as they continue through life.

What do you like about teaching, and teaching at Nayland specifically?

This is the first kura that I have taught in. So, I do not have much to compare it to. But Nayland just has a feeling, it is hard to put your finger on exactly what it is, but whatever it is, I love it.

What are your passions and areas of expertise? 

My passion is food (I love food) and hospitality. It has been a huge part of my life. From starting in it as a pot wash at 13 years old to now at 37, being a hospitality teacher. There are very few better ways to connect with another human being other than cooking and eating together. I also play football (soccer) and am a lover of sports in general.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey? 

My mum has been a huge influence on my journey; she was a teacher for many years, her love for other people and her ability to show kindness no matter the situation has always inspired me. My dad is awesome too, but mum gets to shine for this one.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I play sports, I cook, I socialise, and I relax.

What were you like as a student at school?

Not very good if I am honest, I wasn’t naughty or anything like that, it just wasn’t an environment that I thrived in. I left at 16, I had a plan to become a chef and went out and made it happen. I have always had a hunger for knowledge, it’s just that the school environment wasn’t the place for me to feed that.

What did you do for a living before you became a teacher?

I was a chef for 20 years, cooking in places like France, England and San Francisco. When my family set our roots down in Whakatū, we bought The Vic Public House and then created Culture Burger House.

What is the most interesting thing you have done in your life so far?

Wow that is a huge question, probably move to the other side of the world or build, open and maintain Culture Burger House. But the journey I am now on in teaching sure is interesting, so maybe in a few years that will top the list.

Describe yourself with three words:

Passionate, hopeful, open.

If you could share one piece of wisdom with the students of Nayland College, what would it be?

Enjoy life, fuel your fire with things that will allow you to shine bright, and learn to let go of the things that dampen it out. If your fire is burning bright, it lights up everyone around you.

Question from Ben Sheat: What has been the highlight of your year at Nayland so far?

Working with the students during Matariki on the hangi inspired pies and fry bread. It was so much fun.

What question would you like to ask the next interviewee?

Pineapple on pizza or no pineapple on pizza? (you will be judged)