New Zealand's best pie in the land has been announced - a venison, mushroom, bacon and cheese concoction.
Baked by Taupo-based Lee Ing from Fast & Fresh Bakery, his creation beat 5696 other entries to unanimously take out the 2017 NZ Bakels Supreme Award.
NZ Bakels managing director Brent Kersel says Mr Ing's entry caught the judges' eye, early.
"The winning pie first caught our attention when it won gold in the Gourmet Meat category before going onto the final judging stage," he says.
"It looked great out of the oven, pastry rich and golden with the filling venison, mushroom, bacon and cheese combining well together.
"The venison had great flavour and texture."
Mr Ing bought the bakery just over a year ago after working there for two years and learning all his skills from the previous owner.
"I can't believe I won an award, I didn't expect that," he says.
Entries this year were up by 10 percent with the two largest categories being Kiwi classics, Mince and Cheese, and Steak and Cheese.
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