Brett McGregor with hospitality and catering tutor, Karen Johnson and EIT hospitality students Roseangelique
Rangiwai, Tracey Edmonds, and Michaela Fox.

When MasterChef New Zealand winner Brett McGregor hit town, he impressed everyone.EIT Tairāwhiti and Paper Plus Gisborne teamed up to host the kitchen whiz in Gisborne as part of his nationwide tour to launch his latest book – A Taste of Home.

Men, women, teenagers and youngsters all headed to The Hub at EIT Tairāwhiti to watch, learn and taste chicken curry, fish on a stick and chocolate slab.

Hospitality and catering tutor Karen Johnston said the day had been a huge success.

“It was really great to see families there with young children who are keen to be chefs,” she said. “The kids just loved it… actually everyone loved it! I think we have a lot of closet chefs in this city!”

A dozen EIT Tairāwhiti students helped with the food preparation, with four others volunteering on the day.

“It was a great learning experience for all of us. Our students are inspired by these sorts of opportunities… it’s all very well to have an interest, but events like this spark a fire.”

Brett shot to fame in 2010 when the former deputy principal won MasterChef New Zealand.

His inspiration for cooking and trying new flavour combinations stems from places he has travelled, more often than not on a shoe string budget – just like most Kiwi adventurers.

“As my recently-published book demonstrates, my cooking is tasty, fresh and easy. This food philosophy translates to  everyday Kiwi kitchens, where I believe you should use seasonal ingredients to keep tasty, fresh meals affordable,” says Brett.

All proceeds from the event were donated to EIT for a 2014 catering scholarship.