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Peta Mathias

Chef, writer and broadcaster, Peta Mathias describes herself as 'the presenter with the mission to put sensuality back into food'. The flamboyant foodie says the best things about her job are 'eating, travelling and meeting adorable, interesting people'. Her segment in TVNZ's 32 part travelling segment 'Taste NZ' was honoured with an international award at the 'World Food Media Awards' in Adelaide in 1997 winning the 'silver ladle' for best segment in a food programme.

Peta's lived the food traditions of France and the Pacific and has taken part in the move to the liberating new style Pacific Rim Cuisine. She worked as a chef in France for 10 years, 3 of them in her own restaurant in Paris. Back in NZ she was cooking, teaching & singing for her living when she came to TVNZ's notice.

Peta presents the prime time food shows 'Taste NZ' and the wine show 'Toast NZ' and writes gastronomic travel books. She loves the French, their Latin temperament, their flair, their arrogance and their men. Of New Zealanders she says "whatever we do, we do well. We are like my Irish mother. If it can't be done perfectly then don't do it. London has recognized this and NZ and Australian chefs have taken over. We are proud of ourselves and we let the world know about it."