Mat Macaskill

"I grew up on a farm in Matamata so have had the country life engrained into me. This is was sparked my strong passion for simple but very tasty comfort food. From a young age I found myself helping my mother in the kitchen, experimenting with flavours and different styles of food."

"I have my mother to thank for the foundations of cooking that she taught me at such a young age. While studying at school I got a simple job as a kitchen hand just washing dishes and basic larder prep, my first true experience of hospitality. I moved on and spent time working with St John Ambulance and also as a motorbike mechanic, but found myself always wanting to get back into hospitality. My desire to become a chef was far greater than I had realised at the time."

"I began my career again as a kitchen hand and slowly worked my way up the ranks which was a very long but rewarding process. Previous to Good Neighbour I was working at Smith & Mckenzie as a Sous chef before my wife and I travelled around Europe. While overseas I got to experience the cuisine of the regions and learn about the history behind the food I loved my whole life. When I returned back to New Zealand I began my current role of Head Chef at Good Neighbour. This is where I have been able to develop and experiment with smoked foods and the vast array of flavours it can impart on the simplest ingredients."