Masterchef NZ is back after a seven year hiatus. Tonight 27 of the country's top amateur cooks arrive in Queenstown to make their signature dish for the judges as they try to secure one of only 16 aprons

The judges auditions continue for the remaining 10 aprons. Tonight the top 16 cooks will be confirmed and will be handed their aprons by the judges as they prepare to enter the MasterChef NZ Kitchen tomorrow.

The top 16 cooks arrive for the first time at the MasterChef NZ Kitchen. Tonight they compete in a mystery box challenge attempting to impress the judges and avoid being one of two cooks who will be eliminated.