Two Birds & a baby! - KASEY & KÅRENA'S RECIPE FOR LOVE

The celebrity chefs have a sweet addition to their culinary empire

- Rebekah Hebenton

In the almost 10 years since Karena and Kasey Bird won MasterChef New Zealand, they have done things most of us could only dream about.

They've self-published two award-winning cookbooks, hosted their own TV show and travelled the world cooking for dignitaries and even a few members of the royal family.

But for the close-knit sisters, any professional accolades pale in comparison to the pride and joy of the arrival of Kasey's son Koaretaia at the end of 2021.

Speaking with the pair before a busy day in the kitchen in Tauranga, it's easy to tell that the bubbly baby boy, who Kasey, 32, shares with her husband Patuara Biel, is the centre of the universe for the Bird whānau.

"My life has changed in the best way possible," enthuses proud mum Kasey. "It has been such a happy time for our family. He's the only grandchild on my side of the family, so he's a very spoiled boy." Karena, 33, gets emotional as she adds, "The amount of joy that he brings to our parents he lights up their life and I feel like they're getting younger because of it. He brings so much happiness to me. I have never loved anybody more. And Kasey is just the most amazing mumit's beautiful."

Since winning MasterChef NZ in 2014, the sisters have only grown closer as they've built their culinary empire. Even now, with the new addition to the family, they agree that Koaretaia is at the centre of all their decisions.