PHOTO: Ganesh Raj is the co-host of Eat Well for Less. Photo / NZME
According to the NZHERALD State broadcaster TVNZ and celebrity chef Ganesh Raj won’t answer questions over the appropriateness of him hosting Eat Well for Less – a show aimed at helping people save money – while his business owes more than $1 million to the tax department.
Raj and his wife Jo Ganesh made the tough call to place the Tasting Shed into liquidators’ hands on June 13, blaming the Covid-19 pandemic for the decision.
Opened in 2012, The Tasting Shed had fast become one of Auckland’s most popular restaurants.
Set in Kumeu among wineries and rolling hills, yet just 20 minutes from central Auckland, the venue is perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic meal for two.
A report by liquidator Paul Vlasic at Rodgers Reidy shows Inland Revenue has a preferential creditor claim in for $591,759 for GST and PAYE tax.
The IRD was also listed as an unsecured creditor owed a further $633,340.
The Tasting Shed – Facebook
Vlasic said the unsecured creditor debt was separate and was likely to relate to penalties and interest.
Asked how the company was able to accumulate such a debt to the IRD, Vlasic said it was too early in his investigation to say.
The next update from the liquidator will be due around December 14.
The third season of Eat Well for Less launches June 28 with Raj and Michael Van De Elzen as co-hosts.
The local series advises households about how to trim their grocery bills and prepare healthy meals with the hosts scrutinising supermarket trollies and takeaway bills.
But asked if it was a good look to have someone who has such a large tax liability fronting a show aimed at saving people money, TVNZ spokeswoman Ginny Green said Raj’s business was not a feature of the show.
“Questions about it are best directed to him rather than TVNZ,” Green said.
“We’re confident that as a host of the show, Ganesh Raj will help us deliver another fantastic season of Eat Well for Less New Zealand.”
Asked if Raj would front the show again after this season, Green said it would not be sharing plans for any of its new and returning series, including EWFL NZ, until late 2022.
A spokeswoman for Raj said he had nothing further to add to the statement that was issued after the liquidation appointment.
She added: “Now more than ever people need tips on how to shop, cook and eat well. Ganesh continues to be a champion for food education and use his skills to help everyday New Zealanders to cook on a budget.”