MasterChef New Zealand comes to TV One

Monday, September 14, 2009, 11:40
Breaking News, Broadcasting and Media
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The first New Zealand version of the globally popular cooking show MasterChef is coming soon to TV ONE.

TVNZ is calling for contestants from around the country to be on the show.

“TVNZ is thrilled to be producing a New Zealand version of this internationally popular show for Kiwi viewers,” says Jane Wilson, TVNZ General Manager of Programming.

“The Australian series, currently screening between 5pm and 6pm on TV ONE, was a huge success for Channel TEN reaching more than four million viewers. TV ONE’s version will build on the popularity of both the BBC and Australian MasterChef series. It is exciting to be able to give Kiwis the chance to particiapate in this show, and watch someone on their journey to be crowned the first ever MasterChef New Zealand.”

MasterChef gives budding chefs the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop their cooking skills, be mentored by the best, and ultimately make a change in their lives.

Initial rounds will see a large number of hopeful contestants from across New Zealand audition before the judges, in order to gain a place as a semi-finalist. Contestants must be at least 18 years or over at the time of their audition, and their main source of income cannot come from preparing and cooking fresh food in a professional environment.

The semi-finalists will then compete in several challenges, which test their food knowledge and preparation skills, to become a finalist. These finalists will then be whittled down through a number of cooking challenges and eliminations, until a winning MasterChef is crowned.

The New Zealand version will be produced by Imagination TV, and is based on the successful Australian Channel TEN version of the BBC format.

The host and judges are yet to be confirmed. To apply, go to tvnz.co.nz/masterchefnewzealand.

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13 Comments on “MasterChef New Zealand comes to TV One”

Rosemary Kemp wrote on 25 September, 2009, 10:08
I have watched Master Chef UK and found it very interesting. However I do not like the format used by Australia and only watch it on occasions. The British format is precise and to the point while the Australian format is rather messy to say the least and definitely unfair. How can a competitor say who shall leave the competition – do they know more than the judges.
Beverley Dibble wrote on 27 September, 2009, 17:13
I am a great fan of Masterchef UK and so are most of my friends, male and femaie. Please don’t “serve up” anything like the Australian Masterchef, which is tacky, Americanised and disorganised and overemotional. I was very excited that we were getting Australian Masterchef but after about 4 attempts to watch it I just don’t bother any more. Just can’t take it seriously. Why did they have to mess up a seriously good format. Concentrate on the food and cut out the histrionics. Here’s hoping!
Mary Robinson wrote on 29 September, 2009, 18:54
I agree with the other comments about Masterchef . While I tried not to miss UK Masterchef I couldn’t care less about the Australian version and seldom watch any of it – maybe only the last few minutes as I wait for the News. If the NZ version does follow the Austrialian model then I won’t be bothering with it.
The Hutchings wrote on 5 October, 2009, 15:19
Please follow the format of the UK Masterchef, I am a huge fan and struggle with the Aussie show which seems to be more about ego’s than good food.
Wendy Young wrote on 7 October, 2009, 11:21
Please do NOT have elimination done by the contestants. It can become a popularity or strategic decision. The contestants that keep a low profile have a better chance of making it through!
The Australian version is more like a horrible mix of ‘Idol’ and ‘The Apprentice”.
Peter Wilding wrote on 15 October, 2009, 9:17
The UK version was good, granted. Yet had the Australian producers followed the same format, a chorus of armchair critics would be crying “Boring! Lack of imagination! Where’s the Australian character in the content?” I can see why the contestants vote each other off, and I’m sure the judges’ own decision would be much the same anyway. Don’t forget that the judges already do eliminate half of the contestants, after each pressure test. I concur with the above writers in that the Australian show is top heavy with emotion and endless repetition. But give credit where it’s due. Apart from the interest in the contest, viewers can, if they wish, learn much from the “masterclass” segments. I have.
Judith Hoult wrote on 15 October, 2009, 17:58
British Masterchef was addictive, it really made you think about the food – so much so that a local pub switched from the Sports channel to watch the final.

Australian Masterchef!, I can take it or leave it, like the master class, hate the emotion and the competitors being allowed to exercise a hatchet job after the team competitions, personality rather than ability seems to be the deciding factor. Be Masterchef New Zealand combining the best of both, not an Aussie copy.
Dianne wrote on 16 October, 2009, 5:09
I just HOPE NZ, stick to the original MASTERCHEF, not cookup. The Australian format is naf.
Most of the contestants, with the exception of about 2 are just hopeless. Then you have them voting each other off. That is not Materchef.
Margaret wrote on 16 October, 2009, 14:01
Like others I agree that the UK Mastershef is far superior than the Australian version. Why mess up a classic! Many people I have talked to feel the same and are really looking foward to the New Zealand Masterchef if it is based on the UK Masterchef. Noone from NZ would want to see the tears everytime something goes wrong. It is not a soap!
Mark Roberts wrote on 21 October, 2009, 17:09
I am so pleased to read the comments above. I enjoyed the UK version but hated the Aussie one which was overdramatic. They ‘over-egged the pudding’ as the saying goes.
Mr Mmmm wrote on 26 November, 2009, 21:15
I was rather surprised when I read the above comments about the Australian version. It made me and the Mrs both say WTF! We are thoroughly enjoying the Aussie version, and hope the NZ one follows a similar formula. Can’t wait. When does it start on tele?
Lee wrote on 13 December, 2009, 13:28
Totally disagree with most of the comments above. I have watched and enjoyed both series, UK & Aust, but found the Australian series FAR SUPERIOR to that of the UK. I would have to say that one thing I did agree with was the contestants being asked to vote each other off, didn’t like that and felt it put a huge extra pressure on the contestants as well. As noted by someone else above there was a lot to learn about food preparation if you watched this series. Excellent, it would give it 9.9 out of 10 if I were judging it. Hope the New Zealand show reflects a lot of what was in the Aussie one, and thoroughly looking forward to watching it.
Dianne wrote on 24 April, 2010, 6:30
Well NZ Masterchef. Waited for this show hoping it would be better than the Australian version.
Naf! It has been a very very disappointing show. Kelly should not be back after being eliminated fair and square with her shocking pies. If she can come back and have a second chance, then so should all the other eliminated contestants. No that is wrong, and very unfair and insulting to the folk who have shown there worth. Someone on the TV message board said be rational. I say what is there to be rational about. There is a prize at stake here, and seeing someone go through to the final who has not earned that right makes it look very dodgy. Very very unfair show, and poorly produced.
Would I watch it again, NO WAY.