New series set to be filmed in local communities

Rotorua production company, Hikoi Productions has joined forces with television duo Pete Peeti and Pio Terei to front an exciting new series.

The show will highlight the pair's diving, fishing, hunting and kai gathering skills both outdoors and in the kitchen.

Hikoi Productions Executive Producer Piripi Curtis said the programme was an exciting new journey for his Rotorua based team who have successfully produced 'Hunting Aotearoa' for both local and international audiences over the last decade.

"Our inspiration for this show is to bring together the best elements from previous shows such as Tangaroa with Pio, Kai Time on the Road with Pete and even Hunting Aotearoa, to provide an insight into our wonderful communities around the country who live by what their environment provides."

Rotorua hunter and chef Pete Peeti said the show was also a wonderful opportunity to showcase his passion for gathering kai alongside his fishing fanatic mate Pio, while discovering some untouched corners of New Zealand paradise.

"I'm really looking forward to teaming up with a well-known personality not only for Maori Television but for mainstream as well.

"I can see our shows recipe of ingredients right now, add a cup of humour, season with a song, saute up a bundle of fresh jokes, serve with a bit of rivalry and garnish with a tablespoon of friendly hospitality."

The pair will start filming their first episode in Maketu next week with the Bird sisters who were crowned Master Chef New Zealand winners this year alongside various locals from the tight knit community.

"We all know how funny Pio is and how wonderful Pete is with people and kai and we see that this show is a vehicle to bring out the best in both of them, creating synergy between their two personalities with fun, laughter and feel good stories," Mr Curtis said.

Filming for "Pete and Pio" will begin on December 15 to 18 in Maketu. The show is set to be released on Maori Television in 2015.