The teams of My Kitchen Rules New Zealand received their first taste of stardom recently, when they, along with celebrities, foodies, media and the stars of MKR Australia saw a sneak peek of the show at the official launch event.
Held at Gusto in Auckland’s SkyCity, the 10 Kiwi teams laughed, joked and grimaced as they watched themselves on screen – with the Australian contingent, including one half of the winning duo, Bree May, looking on with amusement.
“It’s like watching ourselves,” she laughed. “You’ll never truly know what it’s like being on MKR unless you’ve done it!”
The South Australian mum, who partnered with friend Jess Liebich for the show and emerged victorious last week after a hard-fought grand final against Chloe and Kelly, was enjoying the night with her husband. “Jess couldn’t come, unfortunately, so I dragged him along!”
Bree also waxed lyrical about New Zealand, especially Auckland. “I used to be a travel agent, so I’ve been to New Zealand a few times on work trips,” she says. “Auckland is a beautiful city. It’s actually quite similar to Adelaide.”
Besties Thalia and Bianca, and twins Helena and Vikki made the trip across the Tasman for the star-studded launch.
Along with Bree, who was glowing and gorgeous (and much tinier in real life than on screen!), Tasmanian besties Thalia and Bianca, country mum and daughter duo Cathy and Anna, and vivacious twins Helena and Vikki also made the trip across the Tasman for the star-studded launch.
Thalia and Bianca were overwhelmed with the reception they received on the night, and couldn’t believe how many people wanted a photo with them.
“It’s a bit mental!” Thalia laughed. “We had no idea the show was so popular over here.”
Cathy and Anna weren’t shy about dishing a little dirt on their fellow competitors, spilling a few set secrets to fellow partygoers as they posed for dozens of pictures.
And the lovable Helena and Vikki were spotted comparing notes with the New Zealand teams, offering advice and sympathising with the gruelling filming schedules.
Judges Ben Bailey and Gareth Stewart.
But the true stars on the night were the Kiwi teams, battling to win the $100,000 prize and the title of My Kitchen Rules champions.
The contestants cooked their signature canapés for the crowd, including lamb cutlets, salmon crudités, and pea and mint bruschetta, as well as mingling with the guests, all of whom wanted a piece of New Zealand’s newest reality stars.
“It’s crazy!” laughed June, one half of the Bogan Besties. “We feel like royalty!”
