MasterChef Australia Back To Win: Kiwi contestant Ben Macdonald returns to compete for second time
'I had so much fun last time. I immediately wanted to do it but couldn't see how I could possibly make it work,' he told the Herald.
'My partner and the kids were so excited by the opportunity that they sort of encouraged me to do it, and they made it happen with their support'.
Following season six, Macdonald worked in Brisbane restaurants before returning to New Zealand in 2017 where he continued to manage kitchens, including a stint at Westhaven's Buoy.
He also set up a catering business with Ben's Kitchen and a successful food delivery service during the Covid-19 pandemic, eventually returning to his IT roots.
'Now I'm running my own payroll software company, which I've done for the last couple of years, mainly for family reasons, to be honest, so I can see my kids, because hospitality is hard'.
There has been no shortage of trials and tests in Macdonald's life, something the Whangārei-raised Aucklander openly believes helped him grow as a person and helped in his career path.
Before he appeared on season six of MasterChef, Macdonald was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, spending six months in and out of hospital followed by a further three years of treatment before entering remission.
'It's a big part of who I am, for sure. I think in general that gives me a quite a calm disposition in terms of I don't get so worried about little things.
'I find it relatively easy to focus on what's important and let the small stuff go away. When cooking in the kitchen with huge amounts of pressure, being focused is massive, and so I think it really helps'.
He recalls early culinary memories of making baked apples and baked flounder with his grandma, and also memories of his dad, who encouraged him to see the world through a love of food.
'It probably started with my dad being a great cook. He was always cooking food from other parts of the world, be it, you know, paella or a curry or something.
'There was always this interest in food and travel, because there's a way you could travel without having to get on a plane: to eat things from other places'.
Macdonald has since travelled the world, sampling various cuisines and refining his culinary tastes while working.
'I was just always allowed to [cook], and I was encouraged to do it, and I think that just continued on into life. I spent pretty much 20 years travelling and working overseas from when I finished university until when I got back to New Zealand'.
Back home is somewhere Macdonald also credits for his growth as a chef.
'We're just spoiled in New Zealand with the quality of the produce and the fact that all those places do different things.
'I guess it's nice too to see lots of new openings too, particularly in the city, and the food scene is definitely kind of on the up at the moment'.
Analysis, thought processing, and planning were things Macdonald said have helped him in his software career and, in turn, helped him in the grander scheme of the MasterChef competition.
'I think having a clear mind, being able to think fast, and having a strategy is a big advantage,' he said.
And this season, quick thinking will be especially handy as he's up against other past contestants. Some are even back for round three.
'There's no time to, you know, jump in with the training wheels on and get used to it. Everyone's right on the deep end right from the first day,' Macdonald said.
'I'm just trying to cook the best thing I can cook every single time, no matter what the challenge is. There's no time to save dishes for later, or to sort of coast through because you'll end up going home'.
But as the nation watches, it's not the pressure or the intensity that Macdonald believes is the ultimate key to success.
'Have fun. I think that's the main thing. You've got to try and enjoy the experience, and there's no point doing it if it's just cooking. Cook food that you love to eat and cook food that represents you.
'That's what I'm trying to do, and hopefully it'll get me all the way to the end'.
The new season of MasterChef Australia - Back To Win airs on TVNZ+ from May 5.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Herald
a day ago
- NZ Herald
Cultural attaché: Hye Rim Lee
Hye Rim Lee with her work Crystal City Spun in the background. Photo / Paul Nathan Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read. Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. Hye Rim Lee with her work Crystal City Spun in the background. Photo / Paul Nathan Hye Rim Lee's new exhibition, Swan Lake, is described as 'an immersive, dream-like digital reinterpretation of the classic 19th-century Tchaikovsky ballet'. The idea for the new work was sparked by a visit to Auckland's Western Springs, where the multimedia artist photographed swans during the 2020 Covid lockdown. What is your earliest memory? Dancing with my dad. I would stand on his feet and he'd hold my hands as we swayed together. I must have been so little but that feeling of love and safety has stayed with me. I also remember the day he brought home a tiny spotted puppy when I was 7. He had her tucked inside his suit jacket like a little secret surprise. She was so small and delicate – we named her Merry. We already had a white spitz named Happy, so it really felt like the happiest time. Our home was full of love and life, shared with two dogs, two cats, a turtle named Tom, rabbits, baby chicks and a pair of birds. Those days felt simple and magical and I'll always hold them close. What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a soprano. I started singing at age 3, and it was the only dream I ever had. My mum was an opera singer and trained me from a very young age. I even got into a top music school – Ewha Womans University in Seoul – as a voice major. Sadly, I lost my singing voice after a tonsil operation, but the love for music has never left me. When were you happiest? When I was singing, and also during the process of making art, especially when the work started to take shape just as I had imagined. There's joy in seeing creativity come to life. If you weren't an artist, what would you do instead? I'd be an actor or a chef. What trait in yourself do you least like? I tend to be a perfectionist, which can be both a strength and a challenge. Lately, I've been working on letting go of that mindset and learning to embrace imperfection with more grace. What trait in others do you least like? Being self-centred, arrogant, or flaky. I also find it hard to connect with people who are condescending, patronising, or lack empathy. These traits create distance and make genuine connection difficult. What characteristics do you most value in your friends? Kindness, empathy – and remembering my birthday. It's the little things that count. What's the best gift you've ever given, and received? My parents – they truly feel like a blessing from God. As for a memorable gift, my ex once gave me a Comme des Garçons dress for my birthday. It sparked my curiosity and led me to explore the designer's work, opening up a whole new world of fashion for me. Swan Lake 2025, 4K 3D animation with surround sound, Hye Rim Lee, Christchurch Art Gallery. Photo / John Collie What is your most treasured possession? My mum's wedding ring – a delicate pearl ring that carries her love story with my dad. It holds deep emotional meaning for me. Another is my dad's old family photos. They capture a powerful legacy: my grandmother was one of the first women to graduate from Ewha Womans College, my grandfather was a Korean independence activist and my father was a pioneer of Korean theatre. These photos don't just show family, they reflect the strength, resilience, and cultural impact of their lives during Korea's turbulent history, from World War II through to the Korean War. The title of your autobiography would be … Hye Rim. My name means 'graceful forest', and that meaning reflects the purpose I strive towards in life: to grow into a forest of grace. The story is still unfolding, so the full autobiography will have to wait. Which artwork could you look at endlessly? Chagall's frescoes painted on the ceiling of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, everything of Michelangelo, Yinka Shonibare MBE's Addio del Passato, and Alex Prager's Despair. What particular artistic talent would you like to have? 3D animation. Sounds like an irony, but dealing with animators can be difficult, as I need to convey what's in my head and have it portrayed in just the right way. Natalie Portman in a scene from the film Black Swan. Photo / Supplied What are your favourite films? The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson; In the Mood for Love, Wong Kar-wai; The Skin I Live In, Pedro Almodóvar; and Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky. This film holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of the dynamic between my mum and I around our shared dream of being sopranos. My mum was a well-known soprano, but her singing career was sadly cut short as a result of surgery. What has been your most enjoyable live theatre experience? My dad's final and most meaningful production was Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, performed at the Korean National Theatre in Seoul in 1983. My dad, director Lee Jin-soon, is considered one of the founding figures of Korean theatre. During his career, he directed more than 200 productions, including plays, musical dramas, Korean traditional opera (changgeuk), Western opera, and dance theatre. The Seagull – one of Chekhov's four major plays and one of my dad's most cherished productions – delicately captures the complexity of human desire, frustration and limitation. The play uses the psychological tensions between characters to explore the deeper questions of life and art, a recurring theme in Chekhov's work. What's been your most enjoyable live music experience? A solo recital by Dame Joan Sutherland when I was 17 and studying voice. When I, as a young soprano, heard her breathtaking singing live, it was unforgettable – pure magic. After the performance, I had the incredible opportunity to meet her backstage and shake her hand. That moment left a lasting impression and continues to inspire me to this day. What were your top songs in Spotify wrapped for 2024? Phil Wickham, Angels; and Maria Callas, Casta Diva, from Bellini's opera Norma. Abba's Dancing Queen is guaranteed to get Hye Rim Lee on the dance floor. Photo / Getty Images What song always gets you dancing? Abba's Dancing Queen, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and Swan Lake! Which streaming series/TV show would you recommend? K drama – Mr. Sunshine. This drama series deeply reminded me of my dad's family during WWII. The protagonist's house brought back memories of my grandmother's home, and the storyline echoed my grandfather's journey – from being born into one of the wealthiest noble families, living in a 99-kan house to becoming an independence activist. Watching it felt like witnessing my grandfather's family life unfold on screen. And it's not just the cinematography; the martial arts choreography and acting are on another level. The whole production is truly powerful. Which talent or skill do you wish you had? I wish I had stronger skills in managing a company, especially when it comes to interpersonal relationship management at the director level. Leading people effectively while navigating complex dynamics is a talent I truly admire and aspire to develop. Also accounting. I used to be a maths queen at school, but somehow that brain seems not to work any more. A good day starts with …. Waking up to sunlight after a deep sleep. Then I take a few quiet moments for meditation with Lectio. After that, I treat myself to a cosy bowl of oatmeal – usually with blueberries, banana and walnuts. It's a simple, peaceful way to ease into the day. Swan Lake, by Hye Rim Lee, is showing at the Christchurch Art Gallery until November 23.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- NZ Herald
Cassie Henderson's audition for The Voice Australia 2025 stuns all four judges
She made a great first impression on the show but Henderson is no stranger to Kiwi audiences, coming to local prominence in 2013 when she competed in X Factor New Zealand aged 14 and placing fifth. Asked about the role music plays in her life, Henderson told the panel: 'I love to entertain, I love to perform for people, but music is the thing that I do when I'm by myself and I feel safe and alone in my bedroom. 'I had a few setbacks and I kinda stopped singing for a long time and I kinda realised one day that there is nothing else that I want to do in this world and in my lifetime.' In the interaction, Henderson hinted it was her experience on X Factor that presented those setbacks. 'There was a point there where I had online commentary about my voice, and just about me, and I think I just took it to heart because I was quite young at the time. I was 14.' Henderson said getting to choose from all four of the show's mentors felt like a dream. 'I really can't believe I'm standing here making this decision.' Ultimately, Henderson elected to be the first contestant on this season coached by former Spice Girl Melanie C, who told Henderson: 'You are born to do this. You just own that stage and it is so natural to you.' Henderson took a hiatus from music after appearing on X Factor, but returned to pursue her passion full-time in 2023. She released a single, Seconds to Midnight, in August 2024 and it remained at number one on the RadioScope NZ Airplay Charts for 15 weeks. In June, she took home the award for Best Pop Artist at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards. Last year she told the Herald a move offshore was the next logical step. 'I think, as a musician, I'm too comfy here. I'm not getting pushed out of my comfort zone consistently enough,.' she said. 'It's a big, wide, crazy world, and I'm pretty keen to go explore it. And I can't wait to then come back to New Zealand, and be proud to come home.'
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Helping music venues stand test of time
Aaron Hawkins says grassroots venues need to survive year round. Photo: supplied A former Dunedin mayor is amplifying the importance of small stages. Independent Music Venues Aotearoa has appointed Aaron Hawkins as its co-chairman. The organisation grew from the grassroots Save Our Venues campaigns, which raised funds for live music venues threatened with permanent closure during Covid-19 restrictions. His goal as co-chairman of the organisation was to help independent venues become financially sustainable in difficult times. "The alternative, that they be allowed to fail, does not bear thinking about." He speculated whether British band The Beatles would even exist without Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club, a venue central to the band's early years. Comparing stadium tours with local gigs, he said big shows can create opportunities for grassroots music communities. "Especially if something like 'Michael's Rule' is enforced, which requires international headliners to book local support bands. "It is also a good chance for our local crews and technicians to upskill themselves on a bigger scale," he said. Funders and audiences needed to ensure their support did not further jeopardise independent music venues. "We need our grassroots venues to survive year-round and that is only getting harder between rising costs, people having less spare change and a gradual shift towards a healthier relationship with alcohol." Commenting on the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill, which seeks to narrow councils' focus to core services, he said local government was the country's largest contributor to the creative sector. Mr Hawkins said the government was trying to impose its priorities through financial and legislative pressure, a move he expected would draw strong pushback in Ōtepoti and around the motu. "Dunedin has a long and proud history of supporting both artists and audiences alike."
