New Zealand's best pie announced

A potato-top pie, from New World Greenmeadows bakery in Napier, beat 512 other competitors to win the top pie award at the 19th annual Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards .

Judges described the pie as a "perfect ratio between a flavoursome filling, a super creamy potato top, and a delicious pastry shell."

Top chef and judge Martin Bosley hadn't expected to be blown away by such a normal pie.

"I was immediately transported to my grandmother's kitchen as a young boy when she would cook up her famous shepherd's pie for the family," he said. "I was won over by how every aspect of the winning pie was executed to equal perfection."

Chief judge Tim Aspinall, who's been in the pie-judging business for 12 years, said selecting a winner was challenging. "Pie entries need to meet myriad criteria," said Aspinall. "From pastry to presentation to flavour."

The panel of 21 judges spent more than 10 hours on July 16 judging 5200 pies, which were blind coded in 12 categories, including the new Kiwi favourite Potato Top Pie category.

The baker of the Supreme Pie walked away with the coveted Supreme Pie Maker trophy and $7,500, while Gold award winners received $1000.

Gold Award Winners

Mince and Gravy: Khemara Yin, The Bakehouse Café, Thames

Steak and Gravy: Bunchoeun Keo, One Tree Bakery, Mt Maunganui

Chicken and Vegetable: Srieng Choeu, Fresh Bun Café, Tuakau

Gourmet Fruit (Blueberry and Spiced Apple): Sao Bunarith, Dairy Flat Bakery, Albany

Gourmet Meat (Butter Chicken): Srieng Choeu, Fresh Bun Café, Tuakau

Vegetarian (Bok Choy, Carrot, Parsnip and Kumara): Bunny Te, Angkor Wat Bakery and Café, Bay of Plenty

Bacon and Egg: Vong Hean, Mairangi Bay Bakery, Mairangi Bay

Mince and Cheese: Sopheap Chouk, Te Awamutu Bakehouse Café, Te Awamutu

Steak and Cheese: Roger Cathro, Pak n Save, Petone

Potato Top Pie: New World Greenmeadows, Napier

Commercial Wholesale: Phil Lyons, Couplands Bakeries, Christchurch

Café Boutique (Caramelised Walnuts, Pear and Blue Cheese Tart): Zaqeeyan Zakhiyan, Divine Cakes and Desserts, Christchurch