MasterChef's Maketu stars back Rotorua fundraiser

Rotorua Intermediate pupils were keen to pick the brains of MasterChef New Zealand winners Karena and Kasey Bird. Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua's Career Network has hosted a breast cancer fundraiser that featured a special appearance by a top New Zealand cooking duo.

MasterChef New Zealand winners and Maketu sisters Karena and Kasey Bird were guests of honour at the morning tea event yesterday and said they were happy to attend.

"We have been invited to quite a few breast cancer awareness functions but we felt this one was the best fit for us because it involved youth and hospitality as well as the breast cancer cause.

"It's a worthy charity and we've had family affected by breast cancer so we were happy to get behind and support the cause," Kasey said.

Volunteer students dressed up in hot pink mesh and satin sashes, carrying donation boxes and pink ribbons. The event was well attended and organiser Jo McCormick said she was pleased.

. "The morning tea is about raising money but also raising awareness. It's a topic a lot of men and women are shy to talk about so we just want to tear the subject open and show people there is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about."

Rotorua Intermediate pupils at the morning tea were excited to meet Karena and Kasey.

Aspiring chef, Ariana Smith, 11, said she enjoyed meeting the sisters because she wanted to be like them when she grew up.

"I've always wanted to be a chef and I was a big fan of MasterChef so when I got to meet the winners, I was really happy. They are an inspiration and show that if I have a dream and I work hard enough, I can achieve it," Ariana said.