Des Britten

Sir Desmond John Britten (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

Britten was born in Ōtāne in Hawke's Bay on 27 December 1937. 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.

Priesthood

Britten was ordained an Anglican priest in 1983 He was then head of the Wellington City Mission from 1994 to 2011.

In the 2012 New Year Honours, Britten was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the community.

Later life and death

In 2018, Britten was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine, Lady Britten, after more than 50 years of marriage.

Books

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).