Recipe for ratings winner

The MasterChef mansion is owned by millionaire Seeby Woodhouse. Photo / Chris Skelton

Contestants vying to become New Zealand's first MasterChef face rigorous rules if they make it on to the TV show.

Hundreds of hopefuls attending auditions in Auckland this weekend had to sign a 14-page agreement laying out the dos and don'ts in the Kiwi version of the global phenomenon.

The 12 who reach the televised knockout phase will live at a mansion owned by millionaire Orcon founder Seeby Woodhouse on Auckland's North Shore.

The sprawling house features 13 TVs, eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, three gas fireplaces, a pool, gym and sauna.

Contestants must be available from November 4 to December 23 and agree to be filmed 24 hours a day.

House rules include a curfew on days when there is no filming or training and a ban on visitors.

Producers have also slapped bans on contestants talking to media and taking photos or videos at the property without written permission.

According to the document, the winner will receive a Toyota car, a package of Fisher & Paykel kitchen products and a cook book deal. Should the winner fail to write the book, they will forfeit the other prizes.

Auditions are being held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch before producers from Imagination Television select a final 50.

That group will be reduced to the final dozen at more auditions in Auckland.

Candidates called to the Auckland tryouts were asked to talk on Friday about their love of food and a dish they would prepare if they were asked back yesterday or today.

Organisers told contestants to avoid jandals, striped or checked clothing, polka dots, sequins, shiny fabrics and large logos or branding on their clothing.

In another document specifically about the auditions, contestants were told how to be great: "When we point our cameras at you, please show enthusiasm," it read.

MasterChef first appeared on UK screens in 1990. After a hiatus it returned as MasterChef Goes Large hosted by chef John Torode and foodie Greg Wallace.

An Australian version adopted a slicker US style and played on conflict between contestants and was the first to force them to live together during filming.

The New Zealand version, to be screened on TV One, is adopting the Aussie format, with contestants living together as they face a series of challenges "that will examine their ability in several styles of culinary excellence".

But Kiwi producers have played down the prospect of the show focusing on arguments.

"It's certainly not going to be Big Brother," producer Darryl McEwen said in September.

Judges are former winner of the British version and UK TV regular Ross Burden, food writer Ray McVinnie and top restaurateur Simon Gault.