Michael Meredith

Mr. Morris & Metita - Auckland, New Zealand

Michael Meredith is a celebrated Samoan-born chef known for his innovative approach to New Zealand cuisine, seamlessly blending diverse cultural influences with refined technique. Raised in Samoa, Meredith’s culinary journey began alongside his mother, Metita Saleilua, who sold traditional panikeke at the Apia food market. Her influence sparked his lifelong passion for cooking and continues to shape his culinary philosophy.

After moving to New Zealand and attending Mt Albert Grammar School in Auckland, Meredith pursued a career in the culinary arts, eventually emerging as one of the country’s most respected chefs. He gained widespread acclaim with his fine-dining restaurant Merediths, where he became known for his creativity and refined flavors. After nearly a decade of success, Meredith closed the restaurant in 2017, feeling it was the right moment to end that chapter.

In November 2020, Meredith made a highly anticipated return to the restaurant scene with Mr Morris, located in Auckland’s Britomart district. The restaurant reflects his commitment to flavor, craftsmanship, and cultural diversity, with a menu that emphasizes cooking with fire and celebrates the fusion of global influences that define modern New Zealand cuisine.

In October 2023, Meredith opened Metita, a deeply personal project named in honor of his late mother. Located at SkyCity Auckland, Metita offers a refined interpretation of Pacific cuisine, highlighting flavors and ingredients rooted in Meredith’s heritage. Dishes like corned beef buns topped with caviar and beef rib-eye served with palusami illustrate his ability to elevate traditional fare with elegance and intention. The restaurant’s design, inspired by Samoa’s natural beauty, adds to the immersive dining experience.

Through his culinary ventures, Michael Meredith continues to redefine and elevate Pacific flavors on the world stage. His work not only showcases his innovative spirit and technical skill but also honors his roots and the cultural richness of the Pacific. With Mr Morris and Metita, Meredith has firmly established himself as a visionary voice in New Zealand’s dynamic culinary landscape.