Chef on a Mission

New Zealanders may know Simon Gault as an executive chef, MasterChef New Zealand judge or, according to one poll, the ninth most-trusted New Zealander.

Over six action-packed episodes, Simon leaves the comfort of his five-star Auckland waterfront kitchen and takes his ideas about food, nutrition and flavour right to the heartland - and the people who live and work there.

He has to dish up big food fast as he caters for hungry hordes of deep-sea fishermen, a South Island shearing gang, Hawkes Bay schoolgirls, guests at a big Samoan wedding, police college recruits and the crew of an offshore gas platform. Simon's challenge is to experience their way of life, taste their meals - then see if he can make a difference to the way they eat. Where possible he must cook in their kitchens, using only local ingredients and keeping within their normal budget. His secret weapon: his 'box of tricks' – a trusty toolkit filled with oils, herbs, spices and specialist equipment he never travels far without.

As much as it is about good food, Chef On A Mission is also about the stunning locations and the brilliant characters Simon encounters along the way.