By TBHS | Posted: Thursday July 8, 2021
Mr Justin Holman
Whilst responsible for the daily management of the kitchen, Justin also operates the Timaru Boys’ High School Canteen. In the Thomas House kitchen, he oversees the production and delivery of lunch orders for several local primary schools, catering for a variety of businesses and school sports groups.
Hailing from the North Island, Justin was educated at Tauranga Boys’ College. He enjoys mountain biking, crafting sourdough, and hunting (makes no claims of any prowess here).
Before Justin turned his hand to managing the Thomas House Kitchen, he worked in a wide range of catering establishments from London’s West End to Wellington's café culture. Completing his trade apprenticeship in the Royal New Zealand Defence Force as a chef, Justin served six years in the Regular Force Army before turning to Wellington's vibrant restaurant scene in the late 90s at the then Duxton Hotel. Using this as a stepping-stone, he then moved overseas to work in a variety of Gastro pubs and restaurants in the UK. After six years overseas, he returned to NZ as the Executive Chef for the Copthorne Hotel, Solway Park where he helped redevelop the restaurant and conferencing facility, working with local producers.
In addition to catering, he has also worked as a Catering Instructor in the Department of Corrections and spent time driving trucks for a propagating company in Christchurch.
