Dave Pearson is used to television cameras in his work space - filming sporting stars, guest speakers and speedway action - as ASB Arena's master chef.

But this week the cameras are turning on him and his culinary skills as he is filmed for the national regional television programme Taste From Our Land.

Taste From Our Land host Peter Blakeway and chef Dave Pearson pose with Dave's smoked venison, miso and pomegranate salad. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

The show's host, Tauranga's Peter Blakeway says Dave is one of 10 'food heroes” from throughout the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel areas featuring on the show.

The programme is due to begin screening in December, initially on Central Television before featuring in other regions.

Each of those selected to take part are the subject of two of the half-hour shows. This week it is Dave's turn to be filmed and he choose Mount Maunganui's waterfront as the setting.

Fine food and filming on the waterfront are compatible for Dave. He and wife, Helen, own Global Cuisine, a mobile catering business run from a super-sized truck complete with a self-sufficient, kitchen.

It is far from a small fry operation – Dave, and his accomplished team, can cater for up to 800 people from his truck.

Global Cuisine is so named in recognition of Dave's international experience as a chef.

'I went overseas at 20 and spent a bit of time cooking in the UK and then 12 years on super yachts. I cook everything,” says Dave.

'I spent time in cooking schools in different countries as I travelled around the world with the rich and famous for years and many of them were from different cultures,” says Dave.

Dave has been based solely in New Zealand for the last three years. Almost three years ago he took over the food and beverage contract at the ASB Arena, in a joint venture with ASB Baypark.

ASB Baypark business manager Kylea Grayling says having a chef of such high calibre on site further elevates ASB Baypark as an excellent venue.

His talents can be tasted on a day to day basis at the arena's café. He is also the master chef behind all event catering at local, national and international events, she says.

Peter Blakeway says Dave has gained a reputation for spear heading 'top notch” food at the ASB Arena.

'He is a very talented chef and high end contract caterer. There is no event centre in the county that can match the quality of catering that Dave and his team deliver. This is an asset to the Bay and one that, astonishingly, a great number of people don't yet know about,” says Peter.

Peter says Taste From Our Land is a celebration of local talent.

'These people live and breathe food. We will be showing them in action, showing their passion for quality, local food. It is an incredibly exciting project to work on.”

Other Western Bay of Plenty food enthusiasts appearing on Taste From Our Land are Attila Kovac from Mills Reef Winery; David Hunt from Comida and Daniel Green from marina restaurant Phil's Place.