Banijay Brings MasterChef Back to New Zealand

Banijay has confirmed that the cookery format MasterChef is set to return to New Zealand following a six-year hiatus.

The series will take on a distinctive Kiwi flavor and feature local amateur cooks. The Banijay company Screentime New Zealand and Discovery have struck a deal with the support of Banijay Rights that will see MasterChef NZ launch on Discovery’s Three in 2022.

The MasterChef format and finished programs are represented internationally by Banijay Rights.

Philly de Lacey, CEO of Screentime New Zealand, said: “MasterChef continues to evolve and travel worldwide, and we are so proud to be reuniting audiences with the brand here in New Zealand. Underpinned by universal themes, but with a modern hyper-local focus, this season is going to stun audiences—set in one of the most stunning cuisine and produce regions in NZ with talent who are at the top of their game—the show has all the ingredients to unite the nation in its love of food culture.”

Lucas Green, global head of content operations at Banijay, said: “To bring a global phenomenon like MasterChef back to New Zealand after a six-year absence is an absolute thrill, and with Screentime and Discovery’s Three at the helm, we’re in no doubt this will be a very exciting launch for 2022.”