Restaurateur and celebrity chef Al Brown will join the 2015 series of MasterChef New Zealand as a judge, MediaWorks has announced.
The show will be broadcast on TV3 for the first time and sees a number of amateur chefs compete as a judging panel decides whether they have what it takes to be New Zealand's next MasterChef.
"I'm excited to be part of a new chapter for MasterChef New Zealand," said Brown.
"This series is going to create a fun, supportive and engaging environment for the contestants, with a real focus on showcasing some of our best and brightest local producers. I hope we can take the MasterChef experience to a whole new level and give it an added edge from the brand new kitchen headquarters."
The culinary bar will be set high and Brown's first job will be to select the top 24 home cooks to join him and two fellow yet-to-be-announced judges in the MasterChef kitchen.
"I think MasterChef New Zealand has always given us a great snapshot of the culinary state of the nation and I'm looking forward to seeing what amateur cooks come out of the woodwork for this series," said Brown.
"I'll be working on the show behind the scenes, as well as being part of the judging panel. I've been thinking hard about some unique and informative new challenges for the contestants, and I'm looking forward to rolling them out."
Brown's approach to cooking is described as being all about simplicity and generosity, with a belief that food is the vehicle for conversation, fun and memorable occasions.
Viewers at home can expect to see some healthy competition in the kitchen, but also a showcase of dishes that can be achieved by everyday cooks.
"We are thrilled that Al Brown has come on board," said TV3 Head of Commissioning and External Production Sue Woodfield.
"His down-to-earth passion for Kiwi food is the perfect fit for TV3. We look forward to Al mentoring our contestants and bringing MasterChef NZ back to the basics of simple food cooked to perfection."
MasterChef is currently produced in over 40 countries around the globe and airs in over 200.
Source: Press Release - MediaWorks and 3 News
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