Guide Biographies

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Credited as a pioneer of the fresh, innovative flavours of Pacific Rim cuisine, Wanganui-born Peter Gordon is a passionate advocate of New Zealand and its produce through a string of best-selling cookbooks and highly acclaimed London restaurants and now with a new signature restaurant in Auckland.

New Zealand's most internationally recognised chef, Peter Gordon is the co-owner and joint head chef at London restaurant The Providores and Tapa Room, previously establishing his reputation as head chef at The Sugar Club restaurants in both Wellington, New Zealand and London.

dine by Peter Gordon opened in Auckland's SKYCITY Grand Hotel in April 2005 and signalled a return of some sorts for Peter to his homeland. Peter has a significant influence over the restaurant and returns four times per year to create a new menu for the season.

The best-selling author of four cookbooks, Peter is a well-known face on British and New Zealand television. He was born of Maori descent in the coastal town of Wanganui and always knew he wanted to be a chef, moving to Melbourne, Australia to train, before travelling through Asia to Britain. His unique Fusion cuisine created from "the larders of the world" has seen him win many awards and rave reviews. The Providores team are currently consulting for New York restaurant Public, where the classic Kiwi dessert of pavlova features on the menu.

The Providores and Tapa Room is located at 109 Marylebone High Street, London England W1U 4RX. Ph: +44 020 7935 6175. www.theprovidores.co.uk.

Public is located at 210 Elizabeth St, Manhattan, New York. Ph: +1 212 343. www.public-nyc.com.

dine by Peter Gordon is located at Level 3 of SKYCITY Grand Hotel, 90 Federal St, Auckland. +64 9 363 7030
www.skycityauckland.co.nz

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An expert in ecology, entomology and plant protection, Ruud Kleinpaste is affectionately known as ‘The Bugman’. He migrated to New Zealand from Holland more than 25 years ago and has become a highly respected advocate for the native environment.

An experienced broadcaster, Ruud was a key presenter for New Zealand’s longest running garden show – 'Maggie's Garden Show'. He also hosted a top-rated morning radio show, known as ‘Ruud’s Awakening’.

Ruud’s latest project is a high definition format documentary titled ‘The World’s Biggest, Baddest Bugs’, which will soon screen in the USA and Asia on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.