My Kitchen Rules New Zealand contestant Michael Murray has died.
A family member confirmed his death on Monday afternoon.
“It’s a shock to everyone who knows him,” said the relative, who wished to remain anonymous.
Mr Murray completed the 2024 season of the popular amateur cooking show with his cousin Piki Knap.
According to their biography for the series, the couple grew up together in Te Kūiti, south of Auckland, and developed their love of cooking while entertaining family guests.
According to Mr Murray, his strengths were his agility, precision and humble personality, which together made him a ‘powerful ninja in the kitchen’.
This is a breaking story. More to come.
Michael Murray appeared with his cousin on the 2024 season of the reality cooking show