Peter Gordon to film TV series in Rotorua

Rotorua will be in the culinary spotlight as celebrity chef Peter Gordon heads to town to star in a new TV series.

The Wanganui-born, London-based chef is set to travel to Rotorua to film TV3's new Native Kitchen series, which will see Gordon mentor eight aspiring Maori chefs.

The series will be filmed at Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu, and will end with a special event where trainees cook a meal for members of the public on June 8.

Organiser Hinewehi Mohi said Rotorua was a fantastic location to film the series.

"Rotorua is so rich in Maori culture, so it's the ideal location for it," she said.

In the series, the trainees will develop their cooking skills and learn how to perfect fusion food, while Gordon learns more about the area's culture, Ms Mohi said.

She hoped the series would be as popular as Gordon's previous TV show, Fusion Feasts, in which he showcased his interpretations of fusion cuisine using local foods from his hometown, and prepared traditional Maori feasts for his extended family.

TV and radio personality Stacey Morrison has been helping promote the show's finale, in which the public are invited to eat meals prepared by the trainees and get a glimpse of Gordon at a cost of $50. She said the money raised on the day will go towards the marae's nearby church, St Faith's.

"It's a church that I think is close to a lot of people's hearts. "For me it's where I married and where my children were christened. So I hope the funds can be of benefit to the church and the community."

Mrs Morrison said it was fitting Native Kitchen was being filmed in Rotorua.

"The Rotorua community takes great pride in hosting and welcoming guests."

TV3 publicity manager Jacqui Loates-Haver said it was yet to be decided when the series, still in its production stages, would be aired on the channel. The finale will be held at the Te Papaiouru Marae on June 8, from 5pm.

Seating is limited - to book email raukatauri@gmail.com.