Belmont Baker Named Best in Batch

Wellington’s best baker was revealed last night at the second annual New World Wellington Bake Off competition.

Ange Puki, a school teacher at Belmont Primary School in Lower Hutt, stirred up success with her decorated biscuits that drew inspiration from a ‘Tree of Hearts’ greeting card.

As well as the New World Wellington Bake Off 2012 title, Mrs Puki walked away with over $4600 worth of prizes – including $1000 worth of grocery vouchers from New World, a KitchenAid mixer from Kirkcaldie & Stains valued at $995, and a Fisher & Paykel appliance to the value of $2500.

The summer citrus flavours of Mrs Puki’s shortbread biscuits saw her beat 43 other bakers to the supreme title as part of the Visa Wellington On a Plate competition.

Forty-four of the region’s 83 bake clubs took part in the final, after four weeks of battling over brownie, savoury scones, pie, and baked slice.

Bake Off judge Ruth Pretty said the attention to detail, texture and flavour of Mrs Puki’s decorated biscuit was exemplary.

“The winning biscuit was crisp and tasted freshly baked.”

Visa Wellington On a Plate Co-director and fellow Bake Off judge Sarah Meikle said this year’s competition was very difficult to judge.

“We were so impressed by the originality and creativity of the biscuits.

“From Visa Wellington On a Plate themes to farmyard scenes, and Olympic rowers to Wellington’s iconic Beehive, the bakers definitely brought their best to the Bake Off.”