The best vegan pie in the country has been crowned, thanks to a team of judges including newly converted vegan Duncan Garner.
The AM Show host is currently fulfilling his vow to follow a plant-based diet for a year, which he promised he would do in July if Labour polled high enough to govern alone.
On election night the Jacinda Ardern-led party did just that, gaining 64 seats in Parliament.
Since Garner "lost a bet with myself", the NZ vegan community has been throwing their support behind him, offering tips, advice and treats.
"It's actually quite a big responsibility," Garner observed. "I need to learn more, I don't know enough."
Well in a clear example of being thrown in the deep end, Garner was chosen to be one of a team of judges for the New Zealand Vegan Pie Awards in a tasting earlier this week at vegan restaurant The Butcher's Son.
"I'm getting a crash course," Garner joked, ahead of the judging, which had over 70 pies on offer.
Garner's judging remarks ranged from "that's awful", to "great", with points handed out for appearance and flavour.
But the sheer number of pies quickly began to take its toll, with the video showing Garner beginning to tire midway through.
"I've never had so many pies in my life, you might be surprised to know," he said.
Watch the video to see how the judging ensued.
NZ Vegan Pies Awards 2020 results:
Steak and Cheese Pie
- Runner-Up: Wild Grain Bakery
- Winner: Richoux Patisserie
Mince and Cheese Pie
- Runner-Up: Wild Grain Bakery
- Winner: Richoux Patisserie
Chicken Pie
- Runner-Up: Wild Grain Bakery
- Winner: Richoux Patisserie
Fruit Pie
- Runner-Up: Euro Patisserie - Spiced Apple and Mixed Berry Pie
- Winner: Wild Grain Bakery - Spiced Apple and Three Berries Pie
Vegetable Pie
- Runner-Up: Lemonwood Eatery - Smoky Vegetable Pie
- Winner: Richoux Patisserie - Green Curry Pie
Café Boutique
- Runner-Up: Richoux Patisserie - Cheeseburger Pie
- Winner: Roti Brothers - Satay Penang Pie
Gluten-Free
- Runner-Up: Rainbow Kitchen - Creamy Jackfruit Pie
- Winner: Rainbow Kitchen - Curry Lovers Pie
Commercial
- Runner-Up: The Goodtime Pie Co. - Hub Korma Vegetable Pie
- Winner: The Goodtime Pie Co. - Hub Pepper Mushroom Pie
2020 Supreme Vegan Pie Award
- Wild Grain Bakery - Spiced Apple and Three Berries Pie
