TVNZ Considers Removing 'Taste of Art' After Harassment Complaints Against Chef Vaughan Mabee

Key facts

• Vaughan Mabee resigned from Amisfield in February after an independent investigation into alleged misconduct.
• At least four complaints about Mabee's behaviour were escalated to Amisfield's management, with reports of up to seven complainants.
• A formal complaint was lodged in 2016, and another in 2021 alleged homophobic and anti-Jewish slurs, offensive comments, and drug use.
• Mabee was found guilty of drink-driving in 2017 and unsuccessfully appealed to the Court of Appeal.
• TVNZ spokesperson Rachel Howard said the show may be removed from TVNZ+ after assessment.
• Mabee's co-judge Melissa Leong, a sexual assault survivor, had previously praised him as 'a light and a delight to work with'.
• Mabee issued an apology for 'inappropriate behaviour' and 'inconsiderate comments', citing drunken behaviour at a nightclub.

Broadcaster Weighs Removal of Show Amid Misconduct Allegations

New Zealand's national broadcaster, TVNZ, is considering removing the reality cooking series 'Taste of Art' from its TVNZ+ on-demand catalogue after revelations that one of its judges, chef Vaughan Mabee, faced multiple harassment complaints from women he worked with. The show, which debuted on TVNZ 1 on February 19, features Mabee alongside MasterChef Australia's Melissa Leong as co-judges in a 'creative cooking competition'. TVNZ spokesperson Rachel Howard confirmed that the programme has not yet been removed but that 'based on reporting today that step may be taken after this has been assessed'.

Chef's Departure from Amisfield Followed Independent Investigation

Mabee, who spent 15 years as executive chef at the award-winning Arrowtown restaurant Amisfield, resigned in February after an independent investigation into his conduct. Amisfield owner John Darby stated on Sunday that at least four complaints about Mabee's behaviour were escalated to management. 'Following more recent complaints regarding Vaughan's conduct, he was immediately removed from the workplace while an independent investigation was conducted. Following the conclusion of that investigation, Amisfield accepted Vaughan's resignation in February, ending our professional relationship with him,' Darby said. The restaurant's chief executive, Simon Toneycliffe, confirmed the resignation but declined to comment further, citing staff privacy.

Multiple Complaints Span Years, Including Allegations of Bullying and Discrimination

Reports from Newsroom detail that three women spoke about Mabee's behaviour, describing sexist and degrading comments, as well as drinking and drug-taking on the job. A formal complaint was reportedly lodged with Amisfield in 2016, and another in 2021 alleged homophobic and anti-Jewish slurs, offensive comments to women in the kitchen, and drug use at an industry event in complaints came from at least seven staff members. In 2017, Mabee was found guilty of drink-driving after a two-day judge-alone trial in the Queenstown District Court, though he was acquitted of a careless driving charge; he unsuccessfully challenged the conviction to the Court of Appeal.

Mabee Apologises, Cites Personal Health Struggles

In a statement, Mabee apologised unreservedly to his former staff and colleagues for 'inappropriate behaviour' and 'inconsiderate comments'. 'I love and respect all my team at the restaurant and meant no malice or harm with my actions. I badly let my team down last year by inappropriate drunken behaviour at a nightclub, that made me fully realise how unfair and unacceptable some of my behaviour has been and now want only to strive to become that better person I know I once was and can be again,' he said. He added that he is stepping down to focus on addressing his personal health issues and being a present father to his family. The apology, reported by The Press, is the only direct admission of wrongdoing from Mabee.

Co-Judge Melissa Leong's Silence Amid Her Own Trauma

Mabee's co-host Melissa Leong has not responded to requests for comment. In late last year, Leong published her memoir 'Guts', detailing her experience of being raped while working in the hospitality industry in her 20s. She told RNZ: 'It was clearly time for me, mentally and emotionally, to A – acknowledge it and B – process it. This is not my shame to hold on to. It wasn't my fault, I didn't do it, and I had been holding on to this sense of shame and embarrassment for far too long.' Speaking of her upcoming show with Mabee, she had said: 'He is a light and a delight to work with, and I can't wait for people to see what we've done.'

Industry Reckoning as Prestigious Restaurant Faces Scrutiny

Mabee's exit marks the end of a long tenure at Amisfield, where he was ranked the 44th best chef in the world and helped catapult the restaurant onto global lists. The restaurant is regarded as a Michelin star contender and a top dining destination in New Zealand. The controversy highlights the tension between the prestige of celebrity chefs and accountability for workplace conduct. Amisfield has not released a detailed public statement on the specific nature of the complaints or the terms of Mabee's resignation beyond confirming his departure. The case adds to growing pressure on the hospitality industry to address workplace culture and treatment of staff.

Uncertain Future for 'Taste of Art' and Mabee's Career

TVNZ's decision on whether to remove 'Taste of Art' from its platforms remains pending. The seven-episode series, which aired over February and March, features Mabee in all instalments; the pilot episode described him as a 'superstar chef' who 'catapulted Amisfield into the world's best list'. Mabee's statement indicated he intends to address personal health issues and focus on family, but his professional future is unclear. The discrepancy between his stated reason for leaving—pursuing 'international opportunities'—and the allegations of misconduct has placed him under intense scrutiny. As of May 3, 2026, no further public statements have been made by Mabee or Amisfield.

The bottom line

• TVNZ may remove 'Taste of Art' from its streaming service after harassment complaints against co-judge Vaughan Mabee.
• Mabee resigned from Amisfield in February following an independent investigation into at least four complaints about his conduct toward women.
• Complaints against Mabee date back to 2016 and include allegations of sexist comments, homophobic and anti-Jewish slurs, and drug use.
• Mabee was convicted of drink-driving in 2017 and unsuccessfully appealed to the Court of Appeal.
• Mabee issued an apology for inappropriate behaviour, citing drunkenness at a nightclub and personal health issues.
• The case underscores ongoing tensions between celebrity chef prestige and accountability for workplace misconduct in the hospitality industry.