For avid MasterChef New Zealand viewers, it is no surprise a pair of Maketu sisters have used their culinary finesse to secure a spot in tomorrow night's grand final.
Kasey and Karena Bird told the Rotorua Daily Post a sense of relief and excitement washed over them when they foundout they had made it to the final hurdle. "It's been crazy. We were already big fans of the series so to make it to this point has been really exciting for us," Kasey said. "It's been a long road to the finals and hasn't always been easy but we have such a strong relationship and get along so well that we think we've got what it takes to win the competition."
Kasey said she stumbled across the MasterChef New Zealand application form on Facebook and decided to fill it out, not expecting to hear back.
"I had totally forgotten about applying until a very excited Karena called me saying we had been shortlisted for the show. It's been such a blur but a once in a lifetime experience and one that has taught us so much," Karena said.
The sisters will be vying for the title against Queenstown friends Jaimie Stodler and Bec Stanley.
"We don't know what the challenges will be but in the past they've done a big dessert dish in the grand finals which makes us quite nervous," Karena said.
"Jaimie has owned her own bakery so she would be good at doing desserts and presenting them attractively."
Kasey and Karena have been overwhelmed with the amount of support they have received and said it gave them the confidence to push through difficult parts and get to this point.
"We have received support and encouragement from all around the country which is really humbling and exciting to see. Our whole community has been backing us in this competition from day one and we are truly grateful for their unwavering support."
The grand final airs tomorrow at 7.30pm on TV One.