Top fare at Nigella dinners

Nigella Lawson will take part in corporate dinner events centred on a four-course meal highlighting the best of Kiwi food and drink. Photo / ABC

Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson will tuck into some of New Zealand's finest food when she arrives for two gala dinners early next month.

A full house of 750 guests is expected at the Langham Hotel in Auckland on January 25, and numbers for her appearance at ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill the next night are expected to top 600.

The UK cooking star will take part in corporate dinner events centred on a four-course meal highlighting the best of Kiwi food and drink.

Ms Lawson and guests will be treated to a selection of Pure South premium meat, New Zealand Puhoi cheese, Whittaker's chocolate and premium wines and beers from Yealands and Monteith's.

"We want to showcase some of the country's finest food and beverages by creating a menu with top quality New Zealand products," said Martin Snedden, chief executive of organisers Duco Events.

Broadcaster and author Kerre McIvor will MC both gala dinners. "Nigella will spend time talking about her philosophy on food and what she is up to, and will also take part in a question-and-answer session," Mr Snedden said.

The TV chef is donating her time to take part in the events which will help raise funds for The Rising Foundation, a South Auckland-based charity providing help to at-risk youth.

Organisers are aiming to raise at least $100,000 for the charity.

Ms Lawson will also appear at Paper Plus in Newmarket, Auckland, and Invercargill to meet fans and sign copies of her latest book Simply Nigella: Feel Good Food.

• For further information about tickets and prices, go to ducoevents.co.nz