Peter Young
The versatile Peter Young began writing and directing at TVNZ's Natural History Unit in 1989. After moving into camerawork, he launched his own company Fisheye Films in 1997. Since then Young has shot images around the world, directed acclaimed passion projects about post-quake Christchurch and the Ross Sea, and helmed TV series showcasing local landscapes and cuisine (Hunger for the Wild, Get Fresh with Al Brown).
Peta Mathias
Peta Mathias, MNZM, has combined her love of travel and cuisine in a run of books and TV programmes. The former counsellor and singer won television's attention while promoting a book about being a chef in Paris. A regular food segment on 90s show Town and Country kick-started a series of programmes hosted or co-hosted by Mathias - including long stayer Taste New Zealand, and Qantas award-winner A Taste of Ireland.
Reuben Collier
Rūātoki-raised Reuben Collier cut his screen teeth reporting on Waka Huia. In 2001 he founded Maui TV Productions in Rotorua. Collier's producing and directing credits include Marae, Matatini coverage, award-winning documentary Sciascia, and long-running food show Kai Time on the Road. in 2017 Collier was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the television industry and Māori.
Graham Kerr
English-born Graham Kerr was New Zealand’s first celebrity chef. Initially RNZAF Chief Catering Adviser, he soon found himself on television in a flamboyant persona that would come to be known as the Galloping Gourmet. He has gone on to make more than 1,800 programmes around the world – but, in later years, conversion to Christianity and family ill health have considerably toned down his performance and recipes.
James Blick
James Blick packed in a job as a lawyer in Auckland to get into filmmaking. His first short, relationship drama Us, was nominated for Best Short Film and Best Script at the 2006 NZ Screen Awards (Alison Bruce was named Best Actor). Follow-up Roof Rattling, starring Grant Tilly, was invited to festivals in France, Japan and the United States. Married to a Spaniard, Blick directed adverts downunder before relocating to Madrid in 2011. Soon after he co-founded a tour company, then in 2013 launched YouTube channel Spain Revealed. Since then Blick has made and presented dozens of videos about Spain and its cuisine.