Blokes can do anything - but the cooking may be a bit dodgy

James Scott managed most of the tasks but burnt the lamb. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Kiwi blokes assure Abby Gillies they can still do it all: jump-start a car, put up a shelf, take apart and fix machinery, back up their computer data, chop wood, build a fence, create a piece of furniture, and cook a three-course meal (if you count a barbecue and a hangi). But seriously, ladies - would you trust them?

JAMES SCOTT
Retail manager, 29

Has done most DIY tasks successfully, but struggled with the demands of cooking a three-course meal: "It turned out miserably. It was lamb, pecan pie and homemade ice cream. I burnt the lamb."

JIM GURNICK
General contractor, 59

Has jump-started many a car - and can fix the engine too. He used to manufacture bedroom suites - and has cooked a three-course meal. "It was paua, scallops and kina, a pork hangi, steak with roast vegetables and cake - for a special occasion."

PAUL MORKEL
Lift electrician, 54

He has just purchased a new set of leads, because he is asked to jump-start cars so often. "I do that all the time for my wife, kids or friends." He chops wood, he's built a fence at home, he's built a microwave cabinet - but he stops short of cooking. "As a scout I used to do it, but today in the kitchen I'm not so good. I'm a bit of a danger."

STEPHEN NEAME
Construction worker, 41

Fixes stereos, drills. "Whatever breaks down, I have a crack at it first." And he cooks. "Seafood salad, roast on the barbecue, apple and blackberry crumble."

ROBERT STURGESS
Construction worker, 29

Has fixed vacuum cleaners and built a coffee table - but was more challenged by contemporary demands like cooking a three-course meal ("It was salads, cheese and crackers, steak, and a chocolate fudge pudding.") and backing up his computer data. "I've never really got up with the technological age. I'd fumble my way through it."

STEPHEN SHAW
Chef, 46

Is honest enough to admit he doesn't chop wood ("it's bloody hard") and suspects any fence or wall he built would be in the surreal style of Salvador Dali - but he's cooked thousands of meals. "I once cooked for Pavarotti in Sydney. I can't remember the entree, but the main course was guinea fowl with a port wine jus and I invented a chocolate dessert for him because he was a chocolate freak. It was a dark chocolate basket, with brushed milk chocolate, chocolate mousse, with chocolate ice cream, a pile of Italian meringue and thousands of tiny chocolate music notes."

BRAD DEMEYER
Retail manager, 34

Has fixed stereo equipment, helped build a fence, chopped wood. "And I've cooked a three-course meal. I've done three courses on a barbecue."