He and fellow judges Brad Gibbons from Canon NZ and the winner of the Sri Lankan leg of the global competition put together by Dilmah, Arthitha Murugananhtavel, all agreed Mr Wardle's picture had good technical aspects as well as a strong story.
"It has many important components and one of them is very close to our hearts as a family," Mr Fernando said.
The six hard-hatted workmen enjoying a mug of tea are standing on the partly-built renovations of a hospice building in Hamilton.
"And it is also very Kiwi - having their tea in mugs."
Mr Fernando said the standard of the 15 finalist photos was "outstanding" and displayed all the diverse and colourful aspects of tea, and taking tea.
He and his father had a busy weekend, catching up with the sights of their first taste of the big event and through putting on Dilmah High Tea sessions and a Tea Lovers Lecture.
They had been delighted with the reception they had received everywhere, and with the passion of all those who took part in all the events.
One of the highlights was being taken for a ride in a classic luxury Studebaker.
"It was superb."
It was Ms Murugananthavel's first trip to New Zealand and it was her prize for winning the Sri Lankan photo competition.
Photography was just a hobby, she said, and had been thrilled to get the chance to visit Napier for the Art Deco celebrations.
"It really is quite something - it is wonderful," she said.
Her parents travelled with her and they too were surprised and amazed at the scale of the event.
"And the weather is very good here," her father said.
