Cakes, biscuits and cupcakes were lovingly created, iced and displayed for Monday’s inaugural Conservation Week bake-off. All in the name of taking care of the environment, the bake-off was a great chance for Unitec’s staff and student bakers to demonstrate their skill and creative flair, while raising funds for the two chosen charities: Kiwis for Kiwi and the Native Forest Deforestation Trust.
The nature-themed baking was displayed in Te Puna and a large crowd gathered to appreciate the amazing creations before they were judged and sold. Dan Blanchon introduced the event and thanked the participants and organisers before the judging kicked off.
The winning biscuits by Ceri Tamati
Judges Merran Davis, Hung Ngo and Dan Stamp spent time viewing and tasting the baking before declaring the winners.
First place: Bee biscuits by Ceri Tamati – EAS student, who won a framed print by former EAS student Bevan Smith.
Second place: Gecko on a log by Tina Burgess – Technician for EAS, who won a family pass to Auckland Zoo.
Third equal: Old Blue Black Robin cupcakes by Rebecca Connor – Applied Animal Behaviour Lecturer.
Third equal: Kakapo cupcakes by Carrie Weston – Student Wellbeing Counsellor. Carrie won a trip for two to Tiritiri Matangi, thanks to Fullers.
Once judging was over, the baked goods were sold to the waiting crowds.
The combination of entry fees to the competition and selling the goods raised $612 for the two Conservation Week charities.
Well done to the EAS team for organising a great event and raising much-needed funds for two conservation-focused charities.
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The judges deliberating (and doing a LOT of tasting!)
Merran taking her role as judge very seriously
Third equal: Kakapo cupcakes by Carrie Weston
Third equal: The amazing story (depicted by beautiful cupcakes) of ‘Old Blue’, who was the last remaining female Chatham Island Black Robin who could lay fertile eggs and saved her species – she now has 200 or more living descendants.
Lichen cupcakes
A gannet, worm meal afghans and a reflection on deforestation
Second place: Gecko on a log by Tina Burgess. Also displayed are a farm scene, Kakapo cupcakes and NZ bird mini cupcakes.
The items sold like hotcakes…or cupcakes
Profits were all donated to the excellent conservation charities
A weta, bottles on a beach and a beautiful waterfall
Overall winner, Ceri Tamati, with her prize – a framed artwork donated by Bevan Smith