About
In this season of Marae Kai Masters, teams from all over the country gather in the Bay of Islands to wow the judges with food. Te Kohe Tuhaka (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou) and Robert Oliver (Real Pasifik) are the hosts and judges, and they are hungry to taste authentic Māori dishes. The season focuses on how to bring traditional Māori kai back into the marae of Aotearoa. Twelve teams of two compete to win a final prize pack of equipment for their marae kitchen, and $5,000 in cash. This season also features a masterclass in traditional Māori kai from Joe McLeod (Ngāi Tūhoe), as well as appearances from guest chefs Anne Thorp, Rex Morgan and Nancye Pirini.
Interview with chef Robert Oliver, E-Tangata, July 2024
Article about Joe McLeod’s journey with traditional Māori kai, RNZ website, January 2026
Article about the 'Māori Queen of Cuisine', chef Anne Thorp, Stuff, June 2011
Article celebrating wāhine Māori chefs, including Nancye Pirini, Te Ao Māori News, March 2026











