Chance to show region's kitchens rule

CASTING CALL: Would-be My Kitchen Rules contestants Kate Stirling (left, Kerikeri), Ami Elphick (Kerikeri), Luke Downs (Kerikeri), Kay Nelson (Kaikohe) and Mark Stirling (Kerikeri). PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF

If you can cook up a storm and host a lively dinner party, like the idea of being on telly and could use $100,000, the makers of My Kitchen Rules want to hear from you.

A crew from the popular TV cooking show has been in Northland this week scouting for talent for a new series.

In a twist to the previous series, the contest will take the form of a "battle of the regions" as 10 teams compete for cash and regional pride.

Contestant coordinator Renae Maihi (Ngapuhi) said she was looking for a team of great cooks, brave enough to be filmed for TV, and who would make great viewing. She also wanted contestants who "summed up Northland".

The crew has been dropping flyers from Wellsford north and on Wednesday evening held a casting call at Kerikeri commercial hire kitchen Flourflower.

Ms Maihi said she was pleased with the quality of would-be contestants. Each pair was interviewed and filled in a questionnaire.

"We've had three really strong potential teams walk through the door," she said.

Northlanders keen to represent their region but who could not get to Kerikeri on Wednesday can apply online at tvnz.co.nz/mkr-apply, before March 15. Among those at the casting call were Kerikeri man Luke Downs, who produces his own Ngapuhi Rd sweet thai chilli sauce, and Kaikohe house renovator and keen cook Kay Nelson.

If chosen, Mr Downs said he would make a goat salami pizza with home-made feta, "so I can go on TV, make $100,000, and go on a surfing trip for two years".

Mrs Nelson said she would prepare a meal based around Northland seafood such as snapper, oysters and kingfish. She and her husband Bruce entered for the chance to experience the world of TV from the other side.

"It would be great fun and we'd get to travel around the country," she said.

Ten teams of two - couples, siblings, friends or workmates - from 10 regions will take turns hosting the judges and four other teams in an "instant restaurant". Each pair will decorate the venue and prepare an entree, main and dessert. One team will be eliminated at the end of each round. The series will screen on TV2 later this year.