MasterChef stars' anti-bullying message

BEST WINDOW: Winner Debbie Lagas (centre) flanked by the judges, MasterChef duo Karena and Kasey Bird, with Pink Shirt anti-bullying contest organiser Nicky Bird, at back.

MasterChef winners Karena and Kasey Bird have spoken about dealing with unpleasant statements made during their time on the show.

For the second time in two weeks, Te Puke's main street was festooned with pink flags yesterday as retailers dressed their windows in anti-bullying messages for Pink Shirt Day.

The contest was judged by the district's favourite sisters.

They started the day with an assembly at Fairhaven School, where they urged kids to "Stand up, speak up and stop bullying".

They shared some of their experiences during the MasterChef contest and said how that had changed how they saw bullying affecting people.

They said they had to take some difficult statements both online and in print and felt that people made comments because they were able to hide behind their computer screens or phones.

The sisters also visited Te Puke Intermediate school to deliver the same message.

After the school visits, they arrived in Jellicoe St to check out shop front windows.

The owner of Sew and Sews, Debbie Lagas, was a delighted winner. She said it had taken her about five hours to perfect .

The Bird women were impressed that it was "on message" and the anti-bullying slogans had been added to pink flags across the top of the space. APN News & Media